Original Word: הֵיךְ
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: heyk
Pronunciation: hek
Phonetic Spelling: (hake)
KJV: how
NASB: how
Word Origin: [another form for H349 (אֵיכּ אֵיכָּה אֵיכָּכָה - how)]

1. how?

how

Another form for 'eyk; how? -- how.

see HEBREW 'eyk

Word Origin
a prim. adverb
Definition
how?
NASB Translation
how (2).

הֵיךְ adverb how? (היך, , id., in Palestinian Aramaic, as Job 21:34 ᵑ7, Genesis 3:9; Deuteronomy 1:12 ᵑ7^Pa J; Matthew 22:12 ᵑ6: Jerusalem (though usually these words have the force of as), and in הֵיכְדֵין how, then? Psalm 73:11 + ᵑ7; compare Bev^{Dan.p. 29}) — only twice, in late Hebrew, 1 Chronicles 13:12 ("" 2 Samuel 6:9 אֵיךְ), Daniel 10:17.

Meaning and Usage

The Hebrew interrogative הֵיךְ frames a searching question that asks about manner or possibility. In its two Spirit-inspired appearances the word rises from hearts that suddenly realize their own inadequacy before the overwhelming holiness of God. It is not the curiosity of doubt but the cry of reverent dependence.

Occurrences in Scripture

• 1 Chronicles 13:12: “That day David feared God and asked, ‘How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?’”. Confronted by divine judgment on Uzzah, David recognizes that the ark cannot be treated as common.
• Daniel 10:17: “How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, nor is any breath left in me.”. Daniel, collapsed before a glorious messenger, confesses that even conversation with heaven requires divine empowerment.

Historical Context

David’s question occurs at the threshold of establishing Jerusalem as the nation’s worship center, a step critical to the unfolding of the Davidic covenant. Daniel’s comes during exile as revelation about Israel’s future unfolds. In both moments God is advancing His redemptive plan, while reminding His servants that approach, dialogue, and progress must occur on His terms.

Theological Significance

1. Holiness and Access: הֵיךְ spotlights the gulf between God’s holiness and human frailty. The answers—Levitical procedure for David, angelic strengthening for Daniel—anticipate the perfect mediation later provided in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).
2. Humility and Dependence: The term models a posture opposed to presumption. “How?” becomes the gateway to obedient worship (James 1:5).
3. Revelation and Enablement: Divine instruction and empowerment immediately follow each usage, showing that God delights to reveal “how” to those who confess they cannot proceed without Him.

Ministry Applications

• Worship planning: Continually ask David’s question before shaping corporate gatherings, anchoring methods in Scripture.
• Preaching: Echo Daniel’s humility; rely on the Spirit’s strength rather than eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:3-5).
• Pastoral care: Encourage believers to voice honest “how” questions; God meets humble inquiry with guidance and power.

Canonical Echoes

Moses’ “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11), Isaiah’s “Woe to me!” (Isaiah 6:5), Peter’s “Depart from me” (Luke 5:8), and Paul’s “Who is sufficient?” (2 Corinthians 2:16) all resonate with הֵיךְ, underscoring Scripture’s consistent call to dependence on divine grace.

Summary

Though rare, הֵיךְ crystallizes the essence of reverent inquiry. It teaches that true servants pause before Holy God, admit their insufficiency, and wait for His ordained means and empowering word before moving forward.

הֵ֚יךְ היך וְהֵ֣יךְ והיך heich hêḵ veHeich wə·hêḵ wəhêḵInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts