The meaning of “מַעַן”
Understanding maʻan reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. - properly, heed, i.e. purpose - us...
מַעַן
because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. - properly, heed, i.e. purpose - used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 18:24 | “Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?” Word: מַעַן (maʻan) | |
| Exodus 8:22 | “And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth.” Word: מַעַן (maʻan) | |
| 1 Kings 8:41 | “Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name’s sake;” Word: מַעַן (maʻan) | |
| 2 Kings 13:23 | “And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.” Word: מַעַן (maʻan) | |
| Psalms 125:3 | “For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.” Word: מַעַן (maʻan) |