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אֲהָהּ

𐤀𐤄𐤄

ʼăhâhh

H162 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to exclaim in pain or distress, to sigh

Definition

An interjection expressing strong emotion, especially distress, pain, regret, or despair; used as a cry or exclamation by a speaker when confronted with calamity, disaster, or impending doom. Functions as a particle conveying overwhelming emotional response rather than propositional content.

Semantic Range

cry of distress, exclamation of pain, utterance of regret, expression of despair, emotional lament

Root / Etymology

Likely a primitive exclamatory form not derived from a standard verbal root; the form resembles similar interjective expressions in Northwest Semitic languages and is potentially onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of a drawn-out sigh or cry of distress. Thus, the etymology is uncertain beyond its function as an emotionally charged exclamation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, אֲהָהּ appears primarily in poetic and prophetic contexts, notably as the utterance of individuals confronted with dire prediction or personal calamity (e.g., Ezekiel 4:14; Jeremiah 1:6). The term is not exclusive to Israelite speech but finds analogues in Ugaritic and other Semitic languages. Its use declines in later biblical Hebrew. English translations often render it with "alas," "ah," or "oh," but these do not always convey the intensity or solemnity present in the original context. The word is non-specific to cultural or religious identity, and thus does not label the speaker by ethnicity or role. Other Hebrew expressions of lament, such as אוֹי (H188), convey pain, but אֲהָהּ is notable for its drawn-out form and association with prophetic oracles. Later in Jewish liturgical tradition, different interjections develop to express lament or distress, none directly replacing אֲהָהּ.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primitive word expressing pain exclamatorily; Oh!; ah, alas.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אהה (ʾ-h-h) — exclamation of distress, sighing cry, lamenting outcry

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H162-01 אֲהָ֣הּ ahah HTj Ah Ah! Alas! 15

Occurrences in Scripture

15 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H162-01 Joshua 7:7 אֲהָ֣הּ ahah HTj Alas Ah! Alas!
H162-01 Judges 6:22 אֲהָהּ֙ ahah HTj Alas Ah! Alas!
H162-01 Judges 11:35 אֲהָ֤הּ ahah HTj Alas Ah! Alas!
H162-01 2 Kings 3:10 אֲהָ֕הּ ahah HTj Alas! Ah! Alas!
H162-01 2 Kings 6:5 אֲהָ֥הּ ahah HTj Alas Ah! Alas!
H162-01 2 Kings 6:15 אֲהָ֥הּ ahah HTj Alas Ah! Alas!
H162-01 Jeremiah 1:6 אֲהָהּ֙ ahah HTj Ah Ah! Alas!
H162-01 Jeremiah 4:10 אֲהָ֣הּ ahah HTj Ah Ah! Alas!
H162-01 Jeremiah 14:13 אֲהָ֣הּ ahah HTj Ah Ah! Alas!
H162-01 Jeremiah 32:17 אֲהָהּ֮ ahah HTj Ah! Ah! Alas!
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