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.
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.
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.
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.
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