The meaning of “אַי”
Understanding ʼay reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). - where? hence how? 1) where?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with o...
אַי
how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). - where? hence how? 1) where?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 4:9 | “And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” Word: אַי (ʼay) | |
| 2 Samuel 15:2 | “And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.” Word: אַי (ʼay) | |
| 2 Chronicles 18:23 | “Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?” Word: אַי (ʼay) | |
| Proverbs 31:4 | “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:” Word: אַי (ʼay) | |
| Isaiah 19:12 | “Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.” Word: אַי (ʼay) |