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H2008 · Hebrew · Old Testament
הֵנָּה
hennah
Adverb
hither, here, thither

Definition

Hennah is a directional particle used 49 times in the Hebrew Bible to indicate location or movement toward a place — 'here,' 'hither,' or sometimes 'there.' It often appears in narratives of divine summons or arrival, as when God calls Moses to draw hennah (near) at the burning bush. The word captures intentional approach — movement into God's presence.

Usage & Theological Significance

Though a small grammatical word, hennah carries theological weight in its narrative contexts. The burning bush account (Exodus 3:5) uses it for Moses' approach to holy ground. Joshua 3:9 uses it to call Israel near before the Jordan crossing. It frames moments of divine encounter — the call to 'come here' is often a call into covenant relationship. Hennah reminds us that God is not distant; He calls His people near.

Key Bible Verses

Exodus 3:5 God said, 'Do not come any closer [hennah]. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.'
Joshua 3:9 Joshua said to the Israelites, 'Come here [hennah] and listen to the words of the LORD your God.'
Ruth 2:14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, 'Come over here [hennah]. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.'
1 Samuel 14:1 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let's go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side [hennah].'
Isaiah 21:12 The watchman replies: 'Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back [hennah] yet again.'

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