הוֹ
𐤄𐤅
hôw
H1930 particle
SILEX Entry
Definition
An exclamatory particle expressing surprise, lamentation, or strong emotional reaction, similar to English 'oh!' or 'alas!'. Primarily functions as an interjection in poetic or heightened prose contexts, conveying the speaker's intense feeling, especially of grief, dismay, or sudden realization.
Semantic Range
oh!, alas!, ah!, exclamation of surprise or dismay, lament, outcry
Root / Etymology
Root etymology uncertain. Likely a variant or by-form of the interjection הָהּ (hah), also used for exclamatory purposes. The form הוֹ is best understood as morphologically related to other Hebrew interjections, but its precise derivation from a triconsonantal root is unclear. In some traditions, considered a by-permutation (phonetic variation) of הָהּ.
Historical & Contextual Notes
הוֹ appears predominantly in exclamatory lines, often signaling lament or an urgent reaction to misfortune, as found primarily in poetic or prophetic literature. Its use is restricted and somewhat archaic, with occurrences clustering in lamentation contexts, such as expressions of mourning or the announcement of disaster. Unlike stronger interjections (e.g. אֵיכָה, 'how!'), הוֹ is concise and focuses on the emotional reaction rather than describing the nature of the lamented event. Comparison: The related particle אוֹי ('woe') more directly signals an impending doom or curse and is used more broadly across different registers. Standard English translations ('oh', 'alas') generally reflect the immediate emotional tone, but do not always capture the Hebrew nuance of sudden, often public lament. In some contexts, translation tradition later associated similar particles with the concept of 'woe' or 'mourning', but the nuance of הוֹ is more exclamatory and responsive than declarative. Its use in post-exilic or Second Temple Hebrew is minimal or archaizing, and the particle does not indicate any specific ethnic or religious identity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
by permutation from הָהּ; oh!; alas.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
הו/הה (uncertain) (h-w / h-h) — exclamation, lament, emotional outcry
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1930-01 |
הוֹ | ho | HTj |
alas | Alas! | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences