The meaning of “οὐαί”
Understanding ouaí reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
a primary exclamation of grief alas, woe. - "woe"
οὐαί
a primary exclamation of grief alas, woe. - "woe"
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 23:23 | “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Word: οὐαί (ouaí) | |
| Mark 14:21 | “The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.” Word: οὐαί (ouaí) | |
| Luke 11:44 | “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.” Word: οὐαί (ouaí) | |
| 1 Corinthians 9:16 | “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Word: οὐαί (ouaí) | |
| Jude 1:11 | “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Word: οὐαί (ouaí) |