Lexical Summary ulam: However, but, yet, indeed Original Word: אוּלָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore Apparently a variation of 'uwlay; however or on the contrary -- as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. see HEBREW 'uwlay NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition but, but indeed NASB Translation however (5), indeed (2), nevertheless (1), other hand (1), rather (1), truly (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs III. אוּלָם and (Job 17:10, perhaps for sake of assonance with following כֻּלָּם) אֻלָּם adverb but, but indeed, a strong adversative Job 2:5; Job 5:8; Job 13:3 (where ᵐ5 excellently οὐ μὴν ἀλλά). More usually with וְ, וְאוּלָם Genesis 28:19 (compare Judges 18:29) Genesis 48:19 howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, Exodus 9:16 but in very deed, Numbers 14:21 (compare 1 Samuel 20:3; 1 Samuel 25:34) 1 Kings 20:23; Micah 3:8; Job 1:11; Job 11:5; Job 12:7; Job 13:4; Job 14:18; Job 17:10; Job 33:1. I. און (compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Rhetorical Role אוּלָם introduces a decisive turn in thought—either a strong contrast (“however,” “nevertheless”) or a solemn affirmation (“indeed,” “surely”). It most often launches an emphatic clause that carries the logical or theological weight of the sentence to follow. In narrative it separates past from present; in dialogue it distinguishes surface perception from deeper reality; in divine speech it underlines irrevocable purpose. Patriarchal and Tribal Narratives • Genesis 28:19 places אוּלָם between Jacob’s new name for Bethel and its earlier name: “He called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.” The pivot preserves the city’s history while highlighting its rededication. Covenant and Exodus Settings • Exodus 9:16—“But for this very reason I have raised you up, to show you My power…”—frames Pharaoh’s stubbornness within divine sovereignty. Royal Court Exchanges • 1 Samuel 20:3 and 1 Samuel 25:34 show David swearing by the living Lord. The particle brackets the oath, reinforcing its gravity: “But truly, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives…” Wisdom Dialogues in Job Job contains ten occurrences of אוּלָם, each sharpening the difference between appearances and ultimate truth. – Job 5:8; 11:5; 12:7 shift the debate from human counsel to divine insight. – Job 13:3–4 opposes Job’s desire to “argue my case with the Almighty” to the friends’ “worthless physicians.” – Job 14:18; 17:10 underscore his realism about mortality and the friends’ futility. – Job 33:1 signals Elihu’s urgent appeal: “But now, Job, listen to my words.” The particle repeatedly resets the discussion and steers it toward revelation. Prophetic Declaration Micah 3:8 stands as a climactic use: “But truly I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.” The word separates the prophet’s Spirit-empowered ministry from the corrupt leaders he indicts. Theological Significance 1. Divine Certainty: When God speaks, אוּלָם introduces irrevocable decrees, underscoring His sovereignty and faithfulness. Implications for Preaching and Teaching • Highlight turning points: trace how אוּלָם signals pivotal moments when God’s perspective overrides human reasoning. Christological Trajectory אוּלָם anticipates the New Testament’s climactic reversal: “For once we were enemies, but now we have been reconciled through the death of His Son.” The recurring Old Testament pattern of “nevertheless” prepares the reader to recognize the ultimate divine intervention in Jesus Christ—history’s greatest pivot from sin to salvation. Forms and Transliterations אוּלָ֗ם אוּלָם֙ אולם וְ֭אוּלָם וְֽאוּלָ֗ם וְאוּלָ֖ם וְאוּלָ֗ם וְאוּלָ֛ם וְאוּלָם֙ ואולם uLam veuLam Veulom wə’ūlām wə·’ū·lāmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 28:19 HEB: בֵּֽית־ אֵ֑ל וְאוּלָ֛ם ל֥וּז שֵׁם־ NAS: Bethel; however, previously KJV: Bethel: but the name INT: he Bethel however had been Luz the name Genesis 48:19 Exodus 9:16 Numbers 14:21 Judges 18:29 1 Samuel 20:3 1 Samuel 25:34 1 Kings 20:23 Job 1:11 Job 2:5 Job 5:8 Job 11:5 Job 12:7 Job 13:3 Job 13:4 Job 14:18 Job 17:10 Job 33:1 Micah 3:8 19 Occurrences |
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(medial 
) be fatigued, tired, 
weariness, sorrow, trouble). **On etymology, compare also BevJphil. xxvi. 300-2.