Original Word: אוֹ
Part of Speech: conjunction; noun masculine
Transliteration: ow
Pronunciation: oh
Phonetic Spelling: (o)
Definition: or
Meaning: desire, if

also, and, either, if, at the least, nor, or, otherwise,

Presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av {av}; short for 'avvah; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if -- also, and, either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.

see HEBREW 'avvah

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
or
NASB Translation
also (1), either (1), if (2), if* (1), nor (1), or (294), otherwise (1), say (1), whether (8).

אוֺ₃₂₀ , , ),

conjunction or (whether aut or vel).

1 Genesis 24:49; Genesis 31:43; Exodus 4:11; Songs 2:9; Leviticus 13:24; Numbers 5:30 + often (especially in laws); sometimes implying a preference, nearly = or rather Genesis 24:55 יָמִים אוֺ עָשׂוֺר a few days or ten Judges 18:19; 1 Samuel 29:3. Prefixed to the first as well as to the second alternative (rare) either (whether) ... or Leviticus 5:1; Leviticus 13:48,51; = or, if not Ezekiel 21:15 (si vera lectio) Ke Malachi 2:17; Job 16:3; Job 22:11.

2 introducing a sentence, especially a particular case under a General principle, or = or if Exodus 21:31 ׳אוֺבֵֿן יִגַּח וג or if he gore a son, etc. Exodus 21:36; Leviticus 4:23,28 (see Di) Leviticus 5:21; Leviticus 5:22; Leviticus 25:49b; Numbers 5:14; 2 Samuel 18:13 or if I had dealt falsely against his life, then, etc., Ezekiel 14:17,19 or if I send, etc.

3 if perchance, 1 Samuel 20:10 if perchance thy father answer thee with something hard, Leviticus 26:41.

4 once, with the jussive (as in Arabic with the subjunctive see Dr^{§ 175}) = except: Isaiah 27:5 I would burn them together, אוֺ יַחֲזֵק בְּמָעֻזִּי or else let him take hold (= except he take hold) of my strong-hold, etc.

אוּ Proverbs 31:4 Kt, see [אַי].

[אַו] noun masculine construct אוֺ, Kt Proverbs 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q. v.

Word Origin: A primitive particle

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 2228: ἤ (ē) • This Greek conjunction is equivalent to the Hebrew אוֹ, used to denote alternatives or choices, often translated as "or" in English. It appears frequently in the New Testament, serving a similar function in presenting options or contrasting statements.

Usage: The particle אוֹ is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible to denote options or alternatives. It is often translated as "or" in English, providing a choice between two or more possibilities.

Context: The Hebrew particle אוֹ is a versatile conjunction used extensively in biblical texts to indicate alternatives or choices. It functions similarly to the English word "or," offering options or presenting different possibilities within a narrative or legal stipulation. This particle is found in various contexts, from legal instructions to narrative descriptions, highlighting its importance in conveying the nuances of choice and decision-making in the Hebrew Scriptures.

In legal texts, אוֹ often appears in the formulation of laws, where it delineates different conditions or outcomes based on the choices made by individuals. For example, in Leviticus 5:1, the text outlines various scenarios where a person might become guilty, using אוֹ to separate the different conditions. In narrative contexts, אוֹ can be used to present alternative actions or outcomes, as seen in Genesis 24:49, where Abraham's servant uses אוֹ to ask for a clear decision regarding Rebekah's marriage.

The particle's role in Hebrew syntax is crucial, as it helps to structure complex sentences and clarify the relationships between different clauses. Its usage is not limited to binary choices; אוֹ can also introduce a series of options, as seen in lists or sequences of actions.

א֕וֹ א֖וֹ א֚וֹ א֛וֹ א֠וֹ א֡וֹ א֣וֹ א֣וֹ ׀ א֤וֹ א֥וֹ א֧וֹ א֨וֹ אֵ֣י אֽוֹ־ או אוֹ֩ אוֹ֮ אוֹ־ או־ אי ’ê ’ōw ’ōw- Ei o ovInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts