### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maddûwaʻ**, represented by `{{H4069}}`, is an interrogative adverb used to ask **why?**, **how?**, or **wherefore?**. Derived from the concept of "what (is) known?", it appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. This word typically introduces a question that arises from a surprising, unexpected, or troubling situation, seeking to understand the reason behind an event or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4069}}` is used to express a range of emotions and intentions. It can convey simple surprise, as when Reuel asks his daughters **how** they returned so soon [[Exodus 2:18]]. It is also used in moments of divine wonder, such as when Moses asks **why** the bush is not burnt, prompting him to investigate a miracle [[Exodus 3:3]]. The word can carry the weight of confrontation, as when Isaac questions those who hated him, asking **wherefore** they have come to him [[Genesis 26:27]]. In a prophetic context, it is used by God to express disappointment and judgment, asking **wherefore** His vineyard yielded wild grapes [[Isaiah 5:4]] and **why** Israel has become spoiled [[Jeremiah 2:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of the questions posed by `{{H4069}}`:
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): This word is central to questions of accountability. The king of Egypt asks the midwives **why** they have `done {{H6213}}` a certain thing [[Exodus 1:18]], and God asks what more He could have `done {{H6213}}` for His vineyard [[Isaiah 5:4]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, consume, burn): The question of **why** something is not happening is highlighted in Moses' encounter at the burning bush, where he asks why the bush is not `burnt {{H1197}}` [[Exodus 3:3]].
* `{{H2421}}` **châyâh** (to live, revive): The midwives' act of defiance is questioned by the king of Egypt, who asks why they have `saved {{H2421}}` the male children `alive {{H2421}}` [[Exodus 1:18]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This word marks the arrival that prompts a question, as when Isaac asks **wherefore** his enemies have `come {{H935}}` to him [[Genesis 26:27]].
* `{{H957}}` **baz** (plunder, prey, spoil): God uses this concept when questioning the tragic state of His people, asking **why** Israel has been given over to be `spoiled {{H957}}` [[Jeremiah 2:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4069}}` lies in its function as a catalyst for revelation and confrontation.
* **Prompting Divine Encounter:** The question "why" can be the first step toward understanding God's power. Moses' use of `{{H4069}}` regarding the bush leads directly to him turning aside to `see {{H7200}}` the sight and receive his commission from God [[Exodus 3:3]].
* **Divine Accountability:** God employs `{{H4069}}` to hold His people accountable. In [[Isaiah 5:4]], the question "wherefore" is not one of genuine ignorance but a rhetorical device to highlight Israel's failure to produce righteousness after God had `done {{H6213}}` everything for them.
* **Challenging Injustice:** The word is used by individuals to challenge perplexing circumstances. Isaac's question to his adversaries is a direct confrontation of their past actions [[Genesis 26:27]], demanding they explain the change in their posture toward him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4069}}` is a powerful interrogative that probes the reasons behind actions and circumstances that deviate from the expected. Whether expressing human wonder, divine disappointment, or confrontational challenge, it serves to uncover underlying motives and truths. From the mystery of a bush that does not `burn {{H1197}}` to the tragedy of a nation that is `spoiled {{H957}}`, **maddûwaʻ** consistently forces a deeper examination of the gap between what is and what ought to be.
TRV