מָהַהּ

mâhahh /maw-hah'/ Ask about this word
Rootapparently a denominative from מָה · properly, to question or hesitate, i.e. (by implication) to be reluctant
KJV usagedelay, linger, stay selves, tarry.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mâhahh, represented by H4102, conveys a sense of hesitation or delay. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Based on the idea of questioning or being reluctant, its primary meaning is to delay, linger, stay, or tarry.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H4102 often highlights a critical moment of inaction. When Lot lingered in Sodom, the angels had to lay hold of his hand to bring him out of the city, an act of mercy from the Lord Genesis 19:16. Jacob's sons reflect that if they had not lingered, they could have completed their journey to Egypt and returned much sooner Genesis 43:10. In a contrasting scene, the Israelites could not tarry when leaving Egypt because they were thrust out and had no time to prepare provisions Exodus 12:39. The word is also used prophetically, assuring that though a vision may seem to tarry, it will surely come and not be late Habakkuk 2:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the context and consequences of delaying:

  • H309 ʼâchar (delay, tarry longer): This word is a close synonym for procrastination or loitering. It is used in Habakkuk to affirm that God's vision will not tarry Habakkuk 2:3.
  • H2363 chûwsh (haste): As a direct antonym, this word means to hurry or be eager. The psalmist uses it to express righteous urgency, stating, "I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments" Psalms 119:60.
  • H2388 châzaq (seize, be strong): This word describes the forceful action taken in response to hesitation. Because Lot lingered, the angels laid hold upon his hand to rescue him Genesis 19:16.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4102 is significant, often contrasting human hesitation with divine purpose.

  • Reluctance versus Divine Intervention: Lot's lingering in Sodom demonstrates human reluctance in the face of divine command. His hesitation required a direct, physical intervention to ensure his deliverance, highlighting God's mercy Genesis 19:16.
  • Patience in Prophetic Fulfillment: The word is used to address the human perception of divine timing. A vision from God may seem to tarry, but believers are instructed to wait for it, trusting in its certain fulfillment Habakkuk 2:3.
  • The Virtue of Prompt Obedience: Delaying is set in opposition to righteous action. The psalmist presents not delaying as a key aspect of keeping God's commandments Psalms 119:60, while Isaiah uses the command to "stay yourselves" to describe a state of spiritual stupor and staggering Isaiah 29:9.

Summary

In summary, H4102 is more than a simple reference to being late; it captures the critical nature of delay and hesitation. The word illustrates moments of human reluctance that require divine intervention, the tension between human perception and God's sovereign timing, and the spiritual importance of acting with prompt obedience. It reveals how a moment of lingering can have significant consequences, whether it allows an enemy to escape Judges 3:26 or requires an act of God for salvation Genesis 19:16.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Hithpael Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Hithpael Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Hithpael Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Hithpael Perfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Hithpael Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Genesis (2 verses).

2
Genesis
1
Exodus
2
Judges
1
2 Samuel
1
Psalms
1
Isaiah
1
Habakkuk

Verse Explorer

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