### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hôwy**, represented by `{{H1945}}`, is a multifaceted interjection used to express strong emotion, including **oh!**, **ah, alas, ho, O, woe**. It appears 52 times across 48 unique verses in the Bible. While sometimes used as a simple call for attention, it most often serves as a solemn pronouncement of judgment or an expression of deep grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical scripture, `{{H1945}}` is used in several distinct ways. It can be an invitation, as in the call, "**Ho**, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters" [[Isaiah 55:1]]. It also functions as an expression of grief or lament, such as in "**Alas**, my brother!" [[1 Kings 13:30]] and the prophetic cry, "**Alas**! for that day is great" [[Jeremiah 30:7]]. Most prominently, it is used by the prophets to pronounce judgment against sin, such as the **woe** declared upon corrupt shepherds who scatter the flock [[Jeremiah 23:1]], those who are wise in their own eyes [[Isaiah 5:21]], and those who build a town with blood [[Habakkuk 2:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the sins that often provoke a declaration of `{{H1945}}`:
* `{{H205}}` **ʼâven** (iniquity): This term for wickedness is directly linked to pronouncements of judgment, as seen in the condemnation of those who "devise **iniquity**" upon their beds [[Micah 2:1]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): This word describes the moral evil and sin that provokes divine sorrow, as when Israel is called "a people laden with **iniquity**" [[Isaiah 1:4]]. Scripture shows this same perversity is what the Messiah would bear for transgressions [[Isaiah 53:5]].
* `{{H1214}}` **bâtsaʻ** (to be covetous): This root word for covetousness is the basis for a specific woe, condemning him that "coveteth an evil covetousness to his house" [[Habakkuk 2:9]]. This behavior is condemned as pervasive, where "every one is given to **covetousness**" [[Jeremiah 6:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1945}}` is primarily prophetic, serving as a divine pronouncement with several key implications:
* **Divine Judgment on Injustice:** The word is frequently used to declare God's coming judgment on those who create unjust laws, build societies on bloodshed, and act with greed. This is seen in the **woe** against those who "decree unrighteous decrees" [[Isaiah 10:1]] and him "that buildeth a town with blood" [[Habakkuk 2:12]].
* **Warning Against Pride:** A recurring theme is the condemnation of self-reliance and arrogance. **Woe** is pronounced on those who are "wise in their own eyes" [[Isaiah 5:21]] and on those who trust in military might like horses and chariots instead of "the Holy One of Israel" [[Isaiah 31:1]].
* **Expression of Divine Sorrow:** Beyond judgment, `{{H1945}}` conveys a sense of divine grief over rebellion and its consequences. It is used as an expression of lament, as in "**Ah** sinful nation" [[Isaiah 1:4]], and as a cry of anguish over coming trouble, "**Alas**! for that day is great" [[Jeremiah 30:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1945}}` is a powerful interjection that moves beyond a simple exclamation. It functions as a call to attention, a cry of lament, and most significantly, a prophetic formula for declaring **woe**. It is a cornerstone of prophetic speech, used to condemn injustice, warn against pride, and express the profound sorrow associated with sin and judgment. The use of **hôwy** encapsulates both divine indignation against evil and the grief that accompanies its consequences.
TRV