Strong's Lexicon oyah: Woe, Alas Original Word: אוֹיָה Word Origin: Derived from the root אוֹי (oy), which is an expression of lament or distress. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often used in the Septuagint and the New Testament is "οὐαί" (ouai), which also means "woe" or "alas." This is seen in passages like Matthew 23:13 (BSB), "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" Usage: The Hebrew word "oyah" is an interjection used to express deep sorrow, distress, or lamentation. It is often found in contexts of mourning or when pronouncing judgment. The term conveys a sense of impending doom or grief, often used by prophets to warn of divine judgment or to express the anguish of the people. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, expressions of lament were a significant part of both personal and communal life. The use of "oyah" reflects the deep emotional responses to situations of loss, disaster, or divine judgment. Prophets frequently used such expressions to communicate the seriousness of Israel's disobedience and the resulting consequences. Lamentation was a common practice, often accompanied by rituals such as tearing clothes, wearing sackcloth, and fasting. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oy Definition woe! NASB Translation woe (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אוֺיָה = אוֺי Psalm 120:5 א֣וֺיָה לִּ֖י. III. אוה (to cry אוֺי, howl compare Arabic , to cry to be assumed probably as source of two following words). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance woe Feminine of 'owy -- woe. see HEBREW 'owy Forms and Transliterations אֽוֹיָה־ אויה־ ’ō·w·yāh- ’ōwyāh- oyahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 120:5 HEB: אֽוֹיָה־ לִ֭י כִּי־ NAS: Woe is me, for I sojourn in Meshech, KJV: Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, INT: Woe for sojourn 1 Occurrence |