Strong's Lexicon ulay: Perhaps, maybe, possibly, if only Original Word: אוּלַי Word Origin: Derived from a root that implies uncertainty or possibility. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent for "ulay," the concept of possibility or hopefulness can be found in Greek words like "ἴσως" (isos, Strong's G2481) meaning "perhaps" or "possibly." Usage: The Hebrew word "ulay" is used to express uncertainty or hopefulness about a situation. It often conveys a sense of possibility or wishful thinking, indicating that an outcome is not guaranteed but is hoped for or considered possible. It is frequently used in contexts where the speaker is expressing a desire for a favorable outcome or is contemplating a potential scenario. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, expressions of uncertainty or hope were common in both everyday life and religious contexts. The use of "ulay" reflects a worldview that acknowledges human limitations in predicting or controlling the future, while also expressing a reliance on divine providence. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of trusting in God's will and timing, even when outcomes are uncertain. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition perhaps NASB Translation if (1), perhaps (35), should (1), suppose (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. אוּלַי44 and (Genesis 24:39) אֻלַי adverb (perhaps from אוֺ & לַי = לֵי, לֵא, as in לוּלֵא, = or not ?). 1 peradventure, perhaps; usually expressing a hope, as Genesis 16:2; Numbers 22:6,11; Numbers 23:3; 1 Samuel 6:5; Jeremiah 20:10; but also a fear or doubt, as Genesis 27:12; Job 1:5, followed by לֹא Genesis 24:5,39; in mockery Isaiah 47:12; Jeremiah 51:8. 2 followed by another clause ἀσυνδέτως, it, it expresses vir-tually the protasis = if peradventure Genesis 18:24,28 (compare Genesis 18:29-32) Hosea 8:7 the blade shall yield no meal; אוּלַי יַעֲשֶׂה זָרִים יִבְלָעֻהוּ if perchance it yield, strangers shall swallow it up. 3 in Numbers 22:33 לוּלֵי (q.v) must be read; unless she had turned aside from me, surely, etc. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance if so be, may be, peradventure, unless Or (shortened) rulay {oo-lah'ee}; from 'ow; if not; hence perhaps -- if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. see HEBREW 'ow Forms and Transliterations א֠וּלַי אֻלַ֛י אוּלַ֖י אוּלַ֗י אוּלַ֛י אוּלַ֞י אוּלַ֡י אוּלַ֣י אוּלַ֣י ׀ אוּלַ֤י אוּלַ֥י אוּלַ֨י אוּלַי֙ אוּלַי֩ אולי אלי ’u·lay ’ū·lay ’ulay ’ūlay uLaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 16:2 HEB: אֶל־ שִׁפְחָתִ֔י אוּלַ֥י אִבָּנֶ֖ה מִמֶּ֑נָּה NAS: in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children KJV: unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children INT: to my maid perhaps will obtain through Genesis 18:24 Genesis 18:28 Genesis 18:29 Genesis 18:30 Genesis 18:31 Genesis 18:32 Genesis 24:5 Genesis 24:39 Genesis 27:12 Genesis 32:20 Genesis 43:12 Exodus 32:30 Numbers 22:6 Numbers 22:11 Numbers 22:33 Numbers 23:3 Numbers 23:27 Joshua 9:7 Joshua 14:12 1 Samuel 6:5 1 Samuel 9:6 1 Samuel 14:6 2 Samuel 14:15 2 Samuel 16:12 45 Occurrences |
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