The meaning of “כֵּן”
Understanding kên reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phra...
כֵּן
[phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. - properly, set upright - hence (figuratively as adjective) just - but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation - often with other particles) adv 1) so, therefore, thus 1a) thus, so 1b) just so 1c) therefore 1d) so...as (paired with adv) 1e) then 1f) forasmuch as (in phrase) 1g) (with prep) 1g1) therefore, this being so (specific) 1g2) hitherto 1g3) therefore, on this ground (general) 1g4) afterwards 1g5) in such case adj 2) right, just, honest, true, veritable 2a) right, just, honest 2b) correct 2c) true, veritable 2d) true!, right!, correct! (in assent)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 42:11 | “We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.” Word: כֵּן (kên) | |
| Deuteronomy 22:3 | “In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother’s, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.” Word: כֵּן (kên) | |
| 2 Samuel 13:12 | “And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.” Word: כֵּן (kên) | |
| Nehemiah 6:6 | “Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.” Word: כֵּן (kên) | |
| Ecclesiastes 8:10 | “And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.” Word: כֵּן (kên) |