### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêyk**, represented by `{{H349}}`, is an interrogative term that primarily means **how?** or **how!**. Appearing **11 times** across **9 unique verses**, it also functions to ask **where** or **what**. Beyond simple inquiry, `{{H349}}` is frequently used to express a deep emotional state, such as anguish, doubt, or shock, posing questions that carry significant rhetorical weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H349}}` is used to frame questions born from overwhelming circumstances. Moses expresses the immense weight of leadership by asking, "**How** `{{H349}}` can I myself alone bear `{{H5375}}` your cumbrance `{{H2960}}`, and your burden `{{H4853}}`, and your strife `{{H7379}}`?" [[Deuteronomy 1:12]]. In a moment of profound distress, Queen Esther voices her anguish, "For **how** `{{H349}}` can I endure `{{H3201}}` to see `{{H7200}}` the evil `{{H7451}}` that shall come `{{H4672}}` unto my people `{{H5971}}`?" [[Esther 8:6]]. The word also appears as an exclamation of ruin in Obadiah's prophecy, "**how** `{{H349}}` art thou cut off `{{H1820}}`!" [[Obadiah 1:5]]. In each case, the question conveys more than a request for information; it reveals the speaker's internal state.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are contextually linked to `{{H349}}`, clarifying the nature of the questions being asked:
* `{{H4100}}` **mâh** (what?): A more general interrogative particle, `mâh` can also mean "how?" or "why?". It appears alongside `{{H349}}` in Song of Solomon, where the speaker asks **where** `{{H349}}` her beloved feeds his flock, followed by the question of **why** (`mâh`) she should be like one who turns aside [[Song of Solomon 1:7]].
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (to be able, can, endure): This word often appears with `{{H349}}` to underscore a sense of inability or doubt. The Israelites, fearing their enemies, ask, "**how** `{{H349}}` **can** `{{H3201}}` I dispossess `{{H3423}}` them?" [[Deuteronomy 7:17]].
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (burden): This noun is used directly with `{{H349}}` when Moses expresses his struggle to lead the people of Israel, questioning how he can bear their **burden** [[Deuteronomy 1:12]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H349}}` carries significant emotional and theological weight, often highlighting moments of human crisis and dependence.
* **Expression of Human Limitation:** The word is frequently a cry of inadequacy. In Genesis, Judah asks **how** `{{H349}}` he can face his father without his brother Benjamin, demonstrating his inability to bear the resulting evil [[Genesis 44:34]]. Similarly, Moses' question highlights the limits of one person's strength [[Deuteronomy 1:12]].
* **A Vehicle for Emotional Outcry:** `{{H349}}` gives voice to deep distress. Delilah uses it accusatorily against Samson, saying "**How** `{{H349}}` canst thou say `{{H559}}`, I love `{{H157}}` thee...?" [[Judges 16:15]]. Esther's double use of the word underscores her desperation to save her people [[Esther 8:6]].
* **Posing a Rhetorical Dilemma:** In Song of Solomon, the word is used to express a personal predicament, "I have put off `{{H6584}}` my coat `{{H3801}}`; **how** `{{H349}}` shall I put it on `{{H3847}}`?" [[Song of Solomon 5:3]]. This rhetorical use illustrates an internal conflict or a search for a path forward.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H349}}` is far more than a simple interrogative. It is a powerful particle used to articulate the deepest human emotions and limitations. Whether voicing the anguish of a queen, the burden of a leader, or the shock of impending doom, **ʼêyk** transforms a simple question into a profound statement about the human condition when confronted with overwhelming challenges, doubts, and sorrows.
TRV