### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼayêh**, represented by `{{H346}}`, is an interrogative term meaning **where?**. It is prolonged from אַי and appears just **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its rarity highlights its use in pointed and significant questions about physical location or prophetic credibility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H346}}` is used to pose critical questions. In Genesis, it is a straightforward inquiry about a person's location when messengers ask Abraham, "**Where** is Sarah thy wife?" [[Genesis 18:9]]. The answer immediately establishes her presence within the **tent** `{{H168}}`. In contrast, Jeremiah employs the word in a sharp, rhetorical challenge to the people concerning their false **prophets** `{{H5030}}`, asking, "**Where** are now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you...?" [[Jeremiah 37:19]]. This question highlights the failure of their prophecies.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H346}}` is clarified by several related words from its occurrences:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or (generally) inspired man): This term is central to the question in [[Jeremiah 37:19]], which challenges the authority and whereabouts of those who claimed to be inspired men.
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (wife): This word specifies the person being sought in [[Genesis 18:9]], identifying **Sarah** `{{H8283}}` not just as a woman, but specifically as Abraham's **wife**.
* `{{H168}}` **ʼôhel** (a tent): This word provides the direct answer to the question in [[Genesis 18:9]], grounding the inquiry in a specific physical space and serving as a setting for a divine promise.
### Theological Significance
Despite its infrequent use, `{{H346}}` carries significant contextual weight:
* **A Question of Presence:** In [[Genesis 18:9]], the question is literal, seeking to confirm the physical location of **Sarah** `{{H8283}}`. Its purpose is to draw her into a pivotal moment of divine promise.
* **A Question of Accountability:** In [[Jeremiah 37:19]], the question is rhetorical and accusatory. It is not seeking a location but demanding accountability from the false **prophets** `{{H5030}}` whose words proved empty when the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Babylon** `{{H894}}` became an imminent threat.
* **Seeking and Accountability:** The word prompts a search. In one case, it is for a person of promise. In the other, it is for accountability from those who **prophesied** `{{H5012}}` falsely.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H346}}` is a precise and rare term for **where?**. Its two occurrences demonstrate how a simple question can range from a practical inquiry about a person's location to a potent rhetorical device. It effectively challenges false authority in [[Jeremiah 37:19]] and establishes a key figure's presence for a divine encounter in [[Genesis 18:9]], showing that the question of "where" can be as important as the answer.
TRV