The Hebrew word hâhh, represented by H1929, is a rare interjection that expresses deep grief. A shortened form of another word for "ah!", it is defined as woe worth. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single occurrence highly significant.
The sole use of H1929 is found in a divine command given to the prophet Ezekiel. The Lord GOD instructs the "Son of man" to prophesy and declare, "Howl ye, Woe worth the day!" Ezekiel 30:2. In this context, it is not a spontaneous cry of personal sorrow but a formal, prophetic declaration of impending doom and a command for others to mourn. It serves as a stark warning of a coming day of judgment.
Several related words from its only context help clarify its meaning and function:
- H3213 yâlal (howl): This is the commanded action that accompanies the cry of "woe worth." Defined as "to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell," it establishes the tone of intense, audible lamentation required in response to the prophecy Ezekiel 30:2.
- H5012 nâbâʼ (prophesy): The utterance is an act of prophecy, meaning to "speak (or sing) by inspiration." This shows that H1929 is used here as part of a message with divine authority, not mere human emotion Ezekiel 30:2.
- H3117 yôwm (day): This word identifies the object of the grief. The "woe" is directed at "the day," a specific and figurative space of time defined by the coming judgment of the Lord GOD Ezekiel 30:2.
The theological weight of H1929 is concentrated in its singular, powerful usage.
- Prophetic Warning: The cry is initiated by the Lord GOD himself and delivered through his prophet, highlighting its role as a divine warning to humanity Ezekiel 30:2.
- Call to Grief: It functions as a summons to lament. The expression is paired with the command to "Howl ye," indicating that the proper response to God's coming judgment is deep and active sorrow Ezekiel 30:2.
- Declaration of Judgment: The phrase "Woe worth the day!" is an announcement of inescapable doom. It marks a specific time as being condemned and worthy of anguish.
In summary, H1929 is a concise but potent expression of grief. While extremely rare, its single use in Scripture firmly sets it within the context of prophetic judgment. It is not just a word for "ah!" or "woe," but a divinely mandated cry of lamentation over a day of reckoning, demonstrating how a simple interjection can carry immense theological force.
TRV