### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ouaí**, represented by `{{G3759}}`, is a primary exclamation of grief. It appears **47 times** across **36 unique verses** in the Bible and is translated as **woe** or **alas**. This term is used to express profound sorrow, to denounce wrongdoing, and to warn of impending judgment and calamitous events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3759}}` is most frequently used by Jesus to pronounce judgment. He directs a series of **woes** at the scribes and Pharisees, calling them **hypocrites** `{{G5273}}` for their legalistic pretense while neglecting weightier matters like judgment and mercy [[Matthew 23:23]]. This exclamation is also used to lament the unbelief of cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida, which did not **repent** `{{G3340}}` despite witnessing mighty works [[Matthew 11:21]]. The term further serves as a prophecy of sorrow for future events, such as the fall of Babylon [[Revelation 18:10]] and a warning to the man by whom the Son of man is **betrayed** `{{G3860}}` [[Matthew 26:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G3759}}` is used:
* `{{G4625}}` **skándalon** (offence): This word for a trap or stumblingblock is the reason a **woe** is declared, highlighting the severe consequences for causing others to sin [[Matthew 18:7]].
* `{{G5273}}` **hypokritḗs** (hypocrite): Meaning a dissembler, this term is repeatedly paired with **woe** in Jesus' condemnations of religious leaders who outwardly appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt [[Matthew 23:13]].
* `{{G2917}}` **kríma** (condemnation, damnation): This term describes the judgment or negative decision that often follows a pronouncement of **woe**, such as the "greater **damnation**" awaiting those who exploit others for pretense [[Matthew 23:14]].
* `{{G3996}}` **penthéō** (mourn, wail): This word expresses the deep grief associated with **woe**. Those who laugh now are warned they will **mourn** and **weep** `{{G2799}}` [[Luke 6:25]], and great **wailing** accompanies the desolation of Babylon [[Revelation 18:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3759}}` is significant, conveying solemn truths about God's character and human accountability.
* **Divine Judgment:** **Woe** is not simply an expression of human sadness but a divine pronouncement of coming judgment against unrepentant sin, hypocrisy, and rebellion against God [[Luke 11:42]].
* **Consequences of Unbelief:** The term is used to mark the sorrowful fate of those who witness God's power but fail to **repent** `{{G3340}}`, as seen in the declarations against the Galilean cities [[Luke 10:13]].
* **Prophetic Warning:** In Revelation, the repeated cry of **woe** serves as a formal, apocalyptic announcement of calamitous judgments poured out upon the earth [[Revelation 8:13]].
* **Accountability for Actions:** Scripture uses **woe** to emphasize the gravity of causing an **offence** `{{G4625}}` or betraying the innocent, indicating that such actions bring about severe, inescapable consequences [[Luke 17:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3759}}` is a powerful and multifaceted expression in Scripture. It functions as both an exclamation of profound grief, or **alas**, and a stern declaration of divine judgment, or **woe**. Whether used by Jesus to confront religious hypocrisy, by angels to announce apocalyptic events, or by prophets to lament rebellion, it stands as a solemn marker of the spiritual and physical peril that results from turning away from God.
TRV