Hebrew word · Strong's H3651

כֵּן

kên · kane · adverb · “so, thus, right”

In a sentence

Ken means «so, thus, right.» It is the Hebrew amen of consent — «yes, that is so» — woven through Old Testament narrative as the verdict of approval.

Ken is short and ordinary — «so,» «thus,» «right» — but it carries weight. The exodus narrative refrains: «and they did ken, as the LORD commanded.»

Esther's «if I perish, I perish» uses ken: «and ken I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law.» It is the sound of decided action.

Strong's reference

Definition: properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles)

KJV usage: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you.

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Exodus 39:32 “So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” Esther 4:16 ““Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!””

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.