The Aramaic word mâh, represented by H4101, is a versatile interrogative term, primarily meaning what? but also extending to how?, why?, that which, and whatsoever. It appears 13 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is concentrated in contexts of seeking knowledge, questioning authority, and expressing wonder.
In the biblical narrative, H4101 is frequently used to inquire about divine plans and secrets. In the book of Daniel, it is repeatedly employed to ask what the future holds, as when God makes known to Nebuchadnezzar "what shall be in the latter days" Daniel 2:28. The word also functions as a rhetorical question challenging God's absolute sovereignty: "and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Daniel 4:35. In an exclamatory sense, it expresses awe at God's power: "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders!" Daniel 4:3. In a more administrative context, it is used indefinitely to mean "whatsoever" is needed or seems good Ezra 7:18.
Several related Aramaic words clarify the contexts in which mâh appears:
- H7328 râz (secret): This word for a mystery is directly linked to the questions mâh poses. God is the one who reveals secrets H7328, answering the question of what H4101 will happen in the future Daniel 2:28.
- H3046 yᵉdaʻ (to know): This verb is often paired with mâh. God is the one who knoweth H3046 what H4101 is in the darkness Daniel 2:22, and he maketh known H3046 the answer to the king's inquiries.
- H1882 dâth (decree, law): mâh is used to question a royal decree H1882. Daniel asks Arioch, "Why is the decree so hasty from the king?" Daniel 2:15, using the interrogative to challenge the command.
The theological weight of H4101 is significant, framing key interactions between humanity and God.
- Divine Revelation: The word consistently appears in passages about God revealing hidden knowledge. The question of "what shall come to pass" is a central theme in Daniel, and it is God alone who can answer, establishing His omniscience (Daniel 2:29, Daniel 2:45).
- Sovereign Power: In Daniel 4:35, the rhetorical question "What doest thou?" is posed to God, immediately followed by the affirmation that no one can stay H4223 His hand. This use of mâh underscores God's unchallengeable authority and will.
- Human Accountability: The word is used to demand justification. Daniel asks why the king's decree is so hasty Daniel 2:15, and officials ask why damage should be allowed to grow against the kings Ezra 4:22. It functions as a tool for questioning actions and their consequences.
In summary, H4101 mâh functions as more than a simple interrogative. It is a critical word used to explore the relationship between the known and the unknown, the human and the divine. From seeking the interpretation of a dream Daniel 2:28 to exclaiming at the greatness of God's works Daniel 4:3, and questioning the decrees of earthly kings Daniel 2:15, mâh drives the narrative forward by posing the essential questions of "what," "how," and "why," ultimately pointing to God as the source of all answers, power, and authority.
TRV