← G3757 G3759 →

οὐά

ouá

G3758 exclamation

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to exclaim, to express surprise or distress

Definition

An exclamatory interjection expressing surprise, astonishment, or indignation. Used primarily as an emotional utterance, often conveying strong feelings in response to sudden events or actions. Carries a range of tones from shock to reproach, depending on context.

Semantic Range

ah (expressing surprise or distress), exclamatory utterance of shock or pain, vocative outcry, at times expressing indignation or emotion

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. This is likely an onomatopoetic or emotive utterance, not derived from a standard Greek verb or noun root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

οὐά is a rare interjection not widely attested in classical or Hellenistic literature; its primary occurrences are in the New Testament (notably Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, in transliteration from Aramaic 'ελωι, ελωι, λαμα σαβαχθάνι; see contextual note below) and is generally used to render vocal expressions of surprise or distress. Unlike other Greek interjections (such as ὦ or ἰδού), οὐά does not appear in formal discourse but occurs in emotive dialogue. In biblical tradition, this word sometimes gets translated as “ah!” or even “woe!” in various English versions; however, in the original context, it functions more as a spontaneous exclamation rather than a formal pronouncement of lament or curse. Its similarity to other Semitic exclamations (such as Aramaic אוּא) suggests possible influence or direct borrowing, particularly when rendering Semitic speech in Greek script.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary exclamation of surprise; "ah":--ah.

Root Family

οὐά (ouá) — exclamation, surprise, distress, indignation

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3758-01 οὐὰ oua EXCL Ah Ah! 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3758-01 Mark 15:29 οὐὰ oua EXCL Ah Ah!
← G3757 Greek Lexicon G3759 →