w^e - conjunction, and, then, so.

W^e is the most widely used conjunction in the Hebrew Bible; most sentences in the OT narratives begins with it. The KJV follows suite, and almost every sentence (with the exceptions of the poetic literature) begins with the word 'and.' This arose from the failure of the translators to appreciate (the study of biblical Hebrew has come a long way since the 17th Cent) the force and nuance of this conjunction when it is used in narrative literature. The conjunction takes on different shades of meaning and should be translated according depending on a number of different factors, such as whether it is used with a noun, verb, or other grammatical elements. As noted by BDB this conjunction

is used very freely and widely in Heb., but also with much delicacy, to express relations and shades of meaning which Western languages would usually indicate by distinct particles. But in Heb. particles such as אַךְ , אז , וֹ , לָכֵן , מַעַן , עֲבוּר , וּלָם , כֵן, etc., were reserved for cases in which special emph. or distinctness was desired: their frequent use was felt instinctively to be inconsistent with the lightness and grace of movement which the Hebrew ear loved; and thus in AV, RV, words like or, then, but, notwithstanding, howbeit, so, thus, therefore, that , constantly appear, where the Heb. has simply וְ."

This conjunction takes several forms depending on the initial consonant (and the vowel sounds that go with them) of the word to which it is prefixed; w^e is the default form, while u goes with the letters beth, mem and pe, and wa mostly with gutturals.

Further Reading:

☰ John A. Cook, "Reconsidering the so-called vav consecutive." pdf

Richard C. Steiner, "Does the Biblical Hebrew Conjunction -ו Have Many Meanings, One Meaning, or No Meaning at All?" Journal for Biblical Literature 119/2 (2000): 249-267. jstor

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