Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek "οὐά" corresponds to several Hebrew terms used in the Old Testament to express woe or lamentation. These include:
• Strong's Hebrew 1945 (הוֹי, hoy): An exclamation of woe, often used by the prophets to pronounce judgment or express lament.
• Strong's Hebrew 188 (אָבָל, abal): A term expressing mourning or lamentation.
• Strong's Hebrew 337 (אִי, 'iy): An expression of woe or lament, used in poetic and prophetic contexts.

These Hebrew terms, like "οὐά," are used to convey deep sorrow, lamentation, and the seriousness of divine judgment, reflecting a consistent theme throughout the biblical narrative of calling God's people to repentance and faithfulness.

Usage: The term "οὐά" is used in the New Testament as an exclamation of woe, typically in contexts where Jesus is pronouncing judgment or lamenting over the spiritual state of individuals or groups. It is a term that conveys a strong emotional response, often associated with divine judgment or prophetic lament.

Context: The Greek term "οὐά" appears in the New Testament as an expression of woe, primarily used by Jesus in the Gospels. This term is a poignant exclamation that underscores the gravity of the situation being addressed. In the Berean Standard Bible, "οὐά" is translated as "woe," capturing the essence of lamentation and impending judgment.

In the context of the New Testament, "οὐά" is often directed towards the Pharisees and scribes, as seen in passages like Matthew 23, where Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon them for their hypocrisy and failure to uphold the true spirit of the Law. For example, Matthew 23:13 (BSB) states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces; you yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter."

The use of "οὐά" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the seriousness of the moral and spiritual failings being addressed. It is a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of continued disobedience and hypocrisy. The term reflects the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, where similar expressions of woe were used by prophets to call the people of Israel back to faithfulness and to warn them of impending judgment.