432. illu

Lexicon

illu: If, though, unless

Original Word: אִלּוּ
Part of Speech: Conjunction
Transliteration: illuw
Pronunciation: eel-loo
Phonetic Spelling: (il-loo')
Definition: If, though, unless
Meaning: nay, if

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

but if, yea though

Probably from 'al; nay, i.e. (softened) if -- but if, yea though.

see HEBREW 'al

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
if, though
NASB Translation
if (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

אִלּוּ conjunction (often in Mishnah; Aramaic אִילּוּ, , from אִין, , and לוּ) if, though, only in late Hebrew, Ecclesiastes 6:6; Esther 7:4.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root אִם (im), which is commonly used as a conditional particle meaning "if."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of conditional statements in Hebrew, as expressed by אִלּוּ, can be related to several Greek particles used in the New Testament to convey similar meanings. While there is no direct one-to-one correspondence, the following Greek entries capture the essence of conditionality:

• Strong's Greek 1487 (εἰ, ei): A primary particle of conditionality, often translated as "if" in English. It is used to introduce conditional clauses in the Greek New Testament.
• Strong's Greek 1437 (ἐάν, ean): A conditional particle combining εἰ (if) and ἄν (an), used to express potential or hypothetical situations, often translated as "if" or "whenever."

These Greek particles serve a similar function in the New Testament as אִלּוּ does in the Hebrew Bible, providing a means to articulate conditions and hypothetical scenarios within the narrative.

Usage: The word אִלּוּ appears in the Hebrew Bible to express conditional statements or hypothetical scenarios. It is used to convey the idea of "if only" or "if it were so," often introducing a wish or a contrary-to-fact condition.

Context: אִלּוּ (illu) is a conditional particle found in the Hebrew Bible, primarily used to introduce hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions. It is a variant of the more common conditional particle אִם (im), but with a nuanced usage that often implies a wishful or regretful tone. The particle אִלּוּ is typically employed in contexts where the speaker is expressing a desire for a different reality or outcome, often reflecting on what might have been under different circumstances.

In the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), אִלּוּ is translated in contexts that highlight its conditional nature. For example, it may be used in narratives where a character reflects on past decisions or events, expressing a longing for an alternative scenario. The use of אִלּוּ can add depth to the narrative by providing insight into the speaker's thoughts and emotions, particularly in moments of introspection or regret.

The particle is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, which underscores its specific and nuanced application. Its presence in a text often signals a shift in tone, inviting the reader to consider the implications of the hypothetical condition being presented.

Forms and Transliterations

וְ֠אִלּוּ וְאִלּ֣וּ ואלו Veillu wə’illū wə·’il·lū

Englishman's Concordance

Esther 7:4
HEB: לַהֲר֣וֹג וּלְאַבֵּ֑ד וְ֠אִלּוּ לַעֲבָדִ֨ים וְלִשְׁפָח֤וֹת
NAS: and to be annihilated. Now if we had only been sold
KJV: and to perish. But if we had been sold
INT: to be killed and to be annihilated now if bondmen and women

Ecclesiastes 6:6
HEB: וְאִלּ֣וּ חָיָ֗ה אֶ֤לֶף
NAS: Even if the [other] man lives
KJV: Yea, though he live a thousand
INT: if lives A thousand

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 432
2 Occurrences

wə·’il·lū — 2 Occ.