The Hebrew word הִנֵּה־ or hineni  (pronounced as hin-neh)  is used over 800 times in the Old Testament – making it a commonly used word.  It is often translated either as “Behold” or “Here I Am”.

In the book of Genesis alone, this word is used more than 100 times. 

We often read Genesis for information regarding how the world was made. But perhaps the many instances and repeated use of “ הִנֵּה־ hin-neh” is a hint that it is not just for informational purposes that God gives the Genesis account to us.

Rather, the book of Genesis is a call to us to behold God’s creation and to know where we created beings are situated in God’s overall purpose.

Our Creator and Provider

The first time the word “ הִנֵּה־ hin-neh” is used is in Genesis 1:29: “And God said, ‘הִנֵּה־ Hin-neh (Behold), I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'”

Traditionally, we fathers often see our role as the breadwinner. It is an important role.

God our Father enables us to put bread on our tables for our families.

Our natural human response before our Creator is awe and gratitude as we behold Him and reply in humility: “Here I am.”

Fathers and sons

We see a similar thread of provision in Genesis 27, but in a far more complex context of a father-son relationship.

In Genesis 27:1, we read that Isaac called out to his son Esau, who answered: “ הִנֵּה־ Hin-neh.” (“Here I am” in ESV.)  

Isaac continued: “Behold (הִנֵּה־ Hin-neh in ESV), I am old; I do not know the day of my death.”

What follows is the account of Jacob disguising himself as Esau, using animal skin to make his own arms hairy since Esau was hairy, in the process tricking Isaac into giving him the blessings rightly belonging Esau.

So Jacob went in to Isaac and said: “’My father.’ And he said, “Here I am ( הִנֵּה־ hin-neh). Who are you, my son?’ Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” (Genesis 27:18-19)

Jacob’s deception moves ahead quickly: “So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, who felt him and said, ‘The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau’ … Isaac said, ‘Are you really my son Esau?’ Jacob answered, ‘I am.’” (Genesis 27:22-24).

Perhaps there is a subtle but important change of words here – Jacob was telling a lie to his father when he was replying the question: “Are you really my son Esau?”

Jacob answered: “I am.” But he did not use the phrase הִנֵּה־ hin-neh. He used another Hebrew word which means “I am” but not “Here I am.”

In this passage, the ones telling the truth are Esau and Isaac, who used the word הִנֵּה־ hin-neh.  Jacob did not. 

Jacob’s answer of “I am” was merely perfunctory as it was deeply perfidious. He was there for himself; not for his father.

This family saga is a perversion of Genesis 1 when God calls us to behold His abundant provision, so freely given, and our child-like response of “Here I am” when our Father calls us by name.

How different the scenario when humans strive and compete for inheritance and favour.

Here I am

Thousands of years later, the response of Isaiah to God’s call tells us that it is not our inherent goodness or righteousness that qualifies us to serve God and call Him Father. 

The angels of the Lord brought the burning coals and cleansed Isaiah and that set the stage for Isaiah to say הִנֵּה־ hin-neh: “Here I am – send me.” (Isaiah 6:1-10)

As God’s children, fully known and fully loved by our Father, we are free to behold (הִנֵּה־ hin-neh) and receive His goodness and blessings without striving. 

May this free us to be fathers who bless our sons and daughters without constraint, so that they in turn can be a blessing to their families.

And as God’s sons and daughters ourselves, let us respond in sincere truth when our Heavenly Father calls – so we can tell Him with all our heart: “הִנֵּה־ Hin-neh – here I am.”

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