### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼânnâʼ**, represented by `{{H577}}`, is an impassioned plea often translated as **"I beseech thee"** or **"Oh"**. It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses**, functioning as an urgent appeal or interjection in prayer. The word's base definition suggests a contraction, conveying a sense of immediacy and earnest supplication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H577}}` marks moments of profound desperation and intercession. Moses uses it when pleading with the LORD after the people have committed a **great** `{{H1419}}` **sin** `{{H2401}}` with the golden calf [[Exodus 32:31]]. King Hezekiah, facing death, cries out, "**I beseech** thee, O LORD, **remember** `{{H2142}}` now how I have walked before thee in **truth** `{{H571}}`" ([[2 Kings 20:3]]; [[Isaiah 38:3]]). The term is also used in pleas for deliverance, as when sailors on a ship with Jonah cry, "**We beseech thee**, O LORD, **we beseech thee**, let us not perish" [[Jonah 1:14]]. It is a word reserved for appeals of great weight, whether directed at God or a person in authority, such as when Joseph's brothers ask for forgiveness [[Genesis 50:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of these urgent pleas:
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (to... pray): This is the act that often accompanies the plea of `ʼânnâʼ`. Daniel, for example, **prayed** `{{H6419}}` to God and began his confession with "**O** `{{H577}}` Lord" [[Daniel 9:4]].
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin): Pleas using `ʼânnâʼ` are frequently a response to sin. Moses uses "**Oh**" `{{H577}}` immediately after stating that "this **people** `{{H5971}}` have **sinned** `{{H2398}}` a **great** `{{H1419}}` **sin** `{{H2401}}`" [[Exodus 32:31]].
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (forgive): The goal of a plea is often forgiveness. Joseph's **brethren** `{{H251}}` entreat him, "**Forgive** `{{H5375}}`, **I pray thee** `{{H577}}` now, the **trespass** `{{H6588}}`" [[Genesis 50:17]].
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to... save): A cry for help often seeks salvation or deliverance. The psalmist combines these words directly, "**Save** `{{H3467}}` now, **I beseech** `{{H577}}` thee, O LORD" [[Psalms 118:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H577}}` is centered on the nature of prayer and humanity's dependence on divine mercy.
* **Urgent Intercession:** The word highlights the gravity of intercessory prayer. Moses stands in the gap for Israel, his plea of "**Oh**" `{{H577}}` marking a turning point in his appeal to the LORD after a profound national sin [[Exodus 32:31]].
* **Confession and Acknowledgment:** The use of `ʼânnâʼ` is often paired with an acknowledgment of God's character. Nehemiah begins his prayer, "**I beseech** `{{H577}}` thee, O LORD God of **heaven** `{{H8064}}`, the **great** `{{H1419}}` and **terrible** `{{H3372}}` God, that **keepeth** `{{H8104}}` **covenant** `{{H1285}}` and **mercy** `{{H2617}}`" [[Nehemiah 1:5]].
* **Personal Supplication:** It gives voice to the deepest cries of the human **soul** `{{H5315}}`. The psalmist, in personal distress, cries out, "O LORD, **I beseech** `{{H577}}` thee, **deliver** `{{H4422}}` my **soul** `{{H5315}}`" [[Psalms 116:4]], demonstrating its use in the most personal and desperate moments of faith.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H577}}` is far more than a simple interjection. It is a marker of intense emotion and sincerity, reserved for moments of critical need. Whether used in confession of sin, desperate personal supplication, or life-or-death intercession, **ʼânnâʼ** encapsulates the urgency of a heart casting itself completely upon the mercy and power of the one being addressed.
TRV