Lexical Summary ó: O, Oh Original Word: ὦ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance O. A primary interjection; as a sign of the vocative case, O; as a note of exclamation, oh -- O. HELPS Word-studies 5599 (an exclamatory particle) – Oh! 5599 /ō ("oh!") always expresses intense emotion. Depending on the context, 5599 (ō) can convey: spirited approval, urgency, exasperation, importance, joy, etc. (see B-D 146, 16). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. interj. Definition O, oh! NASB Translation O (7), Oh (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5599: ὦὦ, an interjection, prefixed to vocatives (on its use in the N. T. cf. Buttmann, 140 (122); (Winers Grammar, § 29, 3)), O; it is used a. in address: ὦ Θεόφιλε, Acts 1:1; add, Acts 18:14; Acts 27:21 (here Tdf. ὦ (ex errore); on the passages which follow cf. Buttmann, as above); Romans 2:1, 3; Romans 9:20; 1 Timothy 6:20; and, at the same time, reproof, James 2:20. b. in exclamation: and that of admiration, Matthew 15:28; Romans 11:33 (here Rec.st Lachmann ὦ; cf. Chandler §§ 902 and especially 904); of reproof, Luke 24:25; Acts 13:10; Galatians 3:1; with the nominative (Winer's Grammar, § 29, 2), Matthew 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41. ((From Homer down.)) Ὦ (Strong’s Greek 5599) is the Greek interjection “O,” a particle of direct address that conveys heightened emotion—wonder, grief, urgency, delight, reprimand, or awe. It draws the hearer into the speaker’s burden, signaling that what follows is deeply felt and demands attention. Occurrences in the New Testament Seventeen occurrences span the Gospels, Acts, Pauline letters, Galatians, the Pastoral Epistles, and James. The usage divides naturally: 1. Expressing compassionate lament over spiritual dullness (Matthew 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41). Rhetorical Power in Apostolic Preaching The apostles inherited from classical rhetoric and the Septuagint the vocative force of Ὦ. By beginning a sentence with “O,” they electrify the audience: • “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” (Galatians 3:1) – a jolt that exposes deception. Such openings are more than stylistic; they ignite conscience and stir worship, moving hearers from indifference to decision. Connection with the Old Testament Tradition In the Septuagint, prophets regularly cry “Ὦ” to summon Israel (e.g., “O house of Israel,” Ezekiel 37:11). The New Testament writers stand in that prophetic succession, addressing Israel, the church, or humanity at large with the same prophetic urgency. This continuity underscores Scripture’s unity: one redemptive voice calling people to repentance and faith. Pastoral Implications 1. Urgency in Teaching: Matthew 15:28, “O woman, great is your faith,” shows encouragement can be as fervent as rebuke. Balanced ministry employs Ὦ for both correction and commendation. Historical Significance in Christian Worship Early liturgies adopted the vocative “O” in prayers and hymns (“O Lord,” “O Christ”), echoing apostolic usage. This heritage persists in modern hymnody, testifying to the lasting devotional resonance of a single Greek particle. Summary Ὦ is a small word with great weight. Whether lamenting unbelief, extolling God’s wisdom, challenging sinners, or urging saints, it embodies the earnest heartbeat of Scripture’s authors. Its seventeen appearances invite preachers, teachers, and believers today to speak with the same fervor—truth clothed in compassion, praise alive with awe, and exhortation sharpened by love. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:28 InjGRK: εἶπεν αὐτῇ Ὦ γύναι μεγάλη NAS: said to her, O woman, KJV: and said unto her, O woman, great INT: said to her O woman great [is] Matthew 17:17 Inj Mark 9:19 Inj Luke 9:41 Inj Luke 24:25 Inj Acts 1:1 Inj Acts 13:10 Inj Acts 18:14 Inj Acts 27:21 Inj Romans 2:1 Inj Romans 2:3 Inj Romans 9:20 Inj Romans 11:33 Inj Galatians 3:1 Inj 1 Timothy 6:11 Inj 1 Timothy 6:20 Inj James 2:20 Inj |
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