Lexical Summary oua: Woe Original Word: οὐά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ah!A primary exclamation of surprise; "ah" -- ah. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. interj. Definition ah! ha! (an expression of wonder or surprise) NASB Translation Ha (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3758: οὐάοὐά, Tdf. οὐά (see Proleg., p. 101; cf. Chandler § 892), "Ah! Ha!" an interjection of wonder and amazement: Epictetus diss. 3, 22, 34; 3, 23, 24; Dio Cassius, 63, 20; called out by the overthrow of a boastful adversary, Mark 15:29. Topical Lexicon Form and NuanceThe word represents a sharp cry of scorn or contempt. It is not the solemn “woe” (Strong’s 3759) but an onomatopoeic taunt, the verbal sneer of a hard heart that delights in the humiliation of another. Scriptural Context: Mark 15:29 “Those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘Aha! You who are going to demolish the temple and rebuild it in three days,’” (Mark 15:29). Used only here, the exclamation captures the cruelty of the crowds who mocked the crucified Christ. The single occurrence is enough to paint the atmosphere at Golgotha: casual passersby join the religious leaders (Mark 15:31), soldiers (Mark 15:16–20), and a criminal (Luke 23:39) in a chorus of ridicule. This lone interjection becomes a window into the collective hostility toward the Son of God. Old Testament Foreshadowing 1. Psalm 22:7–8: “All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads…” The mockers at Calvary unknowingly echo these prophetic scenes, confirming that even their insults fit within God’s foretold plan (Acts 2:23). Historical and Cultural Background Public executions in Roman Palestine were deliberately staged to degrade. Victims were crucified along well-traveled roads so onlookers could add verbal blows to physical ones. The Greek interjection mimics the guttural sound of contempt heard in Greek and Semitic speech alike. Such mockery signaled victory of the mob’s values over the condemned—but in Christ’s case, the cross reversed the verdict (Colossians 2:15). Theological Significance 1. Fulfillment of prophecy: The taunt underlines the Messianic accuracy of Psalm 22. Ministry and Pastoral Implications • Suffering under ridicule is not foreign to genuine discipleship (2 Timothy 3:12). Preaching and Teaching Suggestions • Contrast “Aha!” with Christ’s final cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Related New Testament Themes Mockery toward truth appears in Acts 17:32; 2 Peter 3:3–4; Jude 18. Christ’s people should expect it yet remain steadfast (Hebrews 12:2–3). Conclusion Though voiced only once, Strong’s Greek 3758 exposes the heart of fallen humanity and highlights the perfect patience of the crucified Savior. The derision that intended to shame Him became a stage upon which divine love triumphed, turning an “Aha!” of ridicule into the “Amen” of redemption. Forms and Transliterations Ουα ουά Οὐὰ Oua OuàLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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