אוֹ

𐤀𐤅

o-2

or

presumed to be the 'constructive' or genitival form of אַו ; short for אַוָּה; desire (and so probably in Proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if; also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.

H176

Exodus 21:31 · Word #4

Lexicon H176

Lemmaאוֹ
Lemma (Paleo)𐤀𐤅
Transliterationʼôw
Strong'sH176
In-contextor

Morphology HC All morphology codes

Part of Speech C — Conjunction — Connects words or clauses

SIBI-P1 H176-01

or (as an alternative option)

Rootאוה (ʾ-w-h)
Core Meaningsdesire, wish, inclination, longing
Semantic Rangeor, either, whether, otherwise, if, also (in certain contexts), marking contrast or alternative possibility.
Conceptual Significanceאו structures biblical thought through alternatives—blessing or curse, obedience or rebellion—framing covenantal choices and moral decisions. It often introduces decisive contrasts that call for discernment and commitment.
Morphological NotesHebrew coordinating conjunction (HC); invariable particle with no inflection for gender, number, or person; used to connect clauses, phrases, or words as alternatives.
Rendering RationaleThough functioning as a simple conjunction, או likely derives from a root related to desire or inclination, marking an alternative possibility set before the hearer. As a conjunction (HC), it carries no gender, number, or person marking, so the rendering reflects its coordinating function while preserving the sense of presenting an alternative option.

AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)

Words from Root אוה (desire, wish, inclination, longing)

SILEX Code Transliteration SIBI-P1
H185-01 avat longing-of
H339-01 baiyim in the habitable coastlands
H185-02 beavat in the longing of

Word Usage (321 occurrences of H176)

Location Form Transliteration Meaning
Genesis 24:49 א֥וֹ o or
Genesis 24:50 אוֹ o or
Genesis 24:55 א֣וֹ o or
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