BIBLE HEBREW WORD STUDY
Mi (מִי) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Hebrew מִי (mî) is an interrogative pronoun meaning “who?” and can also appear in expressions referring to whoever.
Meaning of the word
The primary meaning of מִי is “who?” It introduces a question about a person or, in a special use, about a thing. In Genesis 3:11, it asks, “Who told thee that thou wast naked?”
The word can also function indefinitely as “whoever.” Its form may vary when used with a prefix or suffix, as noted in the lexicon entry. The supplied examples all show its straightforward interrogative use, “who.”
Usage in Scripture
In Ecclesiastes 3:21, מִי introduces uncertainty about the spirit of man and the spirit of the beast: “Who knoweth...?” Ecclesiastes 3:22 uses the same question to ask who can return a person to what comes after him.
Isaiah 53:1 asks who has believed the message and to whom the arm of Jehovah has been revealed. Isaiah 53:8 asks who among the generation considered the servant’s suffering and removal. These passages use מִי to frame a question about belief, revelation, judgment, and understanding.
The word in detail
- H4310 מִי (mî) means “who?” It may occasionally refer to things and can also mean “whoever,” especially in indefinite expressions. It is often used with a prefix or suffix.
Example verses
- Genesis 3:11 The question “Who told thee...?” identifies the source of Adam’s knowledge and introduces a direct inquiry about his action.
- Ecclesiastes 3:21 “Who knoweth...?” expresses the uncertainty surrounding the destiny of the spirit of man and the spirit of the beast.
- Ecclesiastes 3:22 “Who shall bring him back...?” asks who can enable a person to return and see what comes after him.
- Isaiah 53:1 The two “who” questions emphasize the surprising response to the message and the revelation of Jehovah’s arm.
Common questions
What does מִי mean?
Its primary meaning is “who?” It can occasionally refer to a thing or be used indefinitely to mean “whoever.”
Where is מִי used in Ecclesiastes?
In Ecclesiastes 3:21 and 3:22, it introduces questions about knowledge, the spirit, and whether anyone can return to see what comes afterward.
How is מִי used in Isaiah 53?
Isaiah 53:1 asks who believed the message and to whom Jehovah’s arm was revealed; Isaiah 53:8 asks who considered the servant’s suffering and removal.