The meaning of “אוּלַי”
Understanding ʼûwlay reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or (shortened) אֻלַי ʼulay (oo-lah'ee); from אוֹ if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. - if not - hence perhaps 1) per...
אוּלַי
or (shortened) אֻלַי ʼulay (oo-lah'ee); from אוֹ if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. - if not - hence perhaps 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 16:2 | “And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.” Word: אוּלַי (ʼûwlay) | |
| Exodus 32:30 | “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.” Word: אוּלַי (ʼûwlay) | |
| Numbers 22:33 | “And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.” Word: אוּלַי (ʼûwlay) | |
| Joshua 14:12 | “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.” Word: אוּלַי (ʼûwlay) | |
| 1 Kings 18:27 | “And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.” Word: אוּלַי (ʼûwlay) |