עוּן (un)
un
to dwell; to answer; to sing
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 284 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb un carries two distinct meanings in the Old Testament: to dwell and to sing. In its primary sense, it describes settling or remaining in a place, conveying a sense of stability and permanence. This usage appears frequently in historical books like 1 Samuel and 1 Kings, where it tracks the movement and establishment of people and leaders.
A second, closely related meaning is to sing or utter tunefully. The sources indicate that this musical sense is not merely about making noise but involves a specific quality of sound, often associated with joy or response. This connects the physical act of dwelling with the expressive act of singing, suggesting that both involve a settled presence in a moment.
The connection between these meanings lies in the idea of response. To dwell is to remain in place; to sing is to respond with voice. In Job, for example, the word captures moments where characters settle into their circumstances or respond with song. This dual nature highlights how Hebrew thought often links physical presence with vocal expression, seeing both as ways of engaging with one’s environment.
Translators handle this duality by choosing contextually appropriate English words. When the focus is on location, they use dwell or stay; when the focus is on sound, they use sing or chant. This careful distinction preserves the richness of the original text, allowing readers to see how ancient Israelites understood both place and voice as integral parts of their experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word un carries a quiet depth that bridges our physical presence with our vocal response. In many passages, it describes settling into a place, offering a sense of stability and rest. This reminds us that God often meets us in the stillness of our daily lives, anchoring us when circumstances feel uncertain.
Yet un also means to sing or answer with voice. In Exodus 15:21, Miriam uses this word to lead others in song after deliverance. This shows that our response to God is not just about where we stand, but how we express gratitude. Whether you are finding rest in a difficult season or lifting your voice in praise, this word invites you to engage fully with your environment and with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 284 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he answered102×
- and/ they answered17×
- I will answer7×
- he will answer6×
- answer/ me6×
- [was one who] answered6×
- they answered5×
- and/ she answered5×
- and/ I answered5×
- he answers4×
- he answered/ him4×
- and/ he answered/ him4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יַּ֨עַן23×
- וַ/יַּ֥עַן16×
- וַ/יַּ֣עַן11×
- וַ/יַּ֤עַן10×
- וַ/יַּ֧עַן9×
- וַ֭/יַּעַן8×
- וַ/יַּעַן֩7×
- יַעֲנֶ֥ה5×
- וַ/יַּ֜עַן5×
- וַ/יַּ֖עַן4×
- עָנָ֥ה3×
- עָנ֥וּ3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:21
Miriam answered them, “Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. He has thrown the horse and his rider into the sea.”
Miriam uses the word to lead a song of victory, linking the act of singing directly to responding to God's deliverance.
-
Genesis 35:3
Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
Jacob recalls how God answered him in distress, using the term to describe a personal and historical response from the Lord.
-
Exodus 19:8
All the people answered together, and said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh.
The people answer with one voice to obey God, showing the word's use in communal commitment and agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word un mean?
How is un different from other words for singing?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (284 verses across 31 books)
Genesis 18 verses
Abraham answered, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes.
Genesis 23:5The children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
Genesis 23:10Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the…
Genesis 23:14Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,
Genesis 24:50Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good.
Genesis 27:37Isaac answered Esau, “Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants. I have…
Genesis 27:39Isaac his father answered him, “Behold, your dwelling will be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of the sky…
Genesis 30:33So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that…
Genesis 31:14Rachel and Leah answered him, “Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house?
Genesis 31:31Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’
Genesis 31:36Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly…
Genesis 31:43Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all…
Genesis 34:13The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit when they spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their…
Genesis 35:3Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was…
Genesis 40:18Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days.
Genesis 41:16Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Genesis 42:22Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen?…
Genesis 45:3Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Does my father still live?” His brothers couldn’t answer him; for they were…