Lexical Summary od: Again, still, yet, more Original Word: עוֹד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance while (Aramaic) corresponding to owd -- while. see HEBREW owd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to od Definition still NASB Translation while (1). Topical Lexicon Continuity and Unbroken TimeThe term עוֹד (Strong’s Hebrew 5751) signals an action or condition that is in progress or not yet concluded. In both of its inspired occurrences the word functions like a silent metronome, marking the precise moment when expectation meets reality—whether that expectation is a futile gaze toward political deliverance or the presumptive security of an earthly monarch. Scripture thus employs the term to reinforce the Lord’s sovereign timing: nothing terminates, progresses, or climaxes outside His decree. Watching in Vain — Lamentations 4:17 “Still our eyes failed, watching in vain for our help; in our watchtower we watched for a nation that could not save us.” (Lamentations 4:17) Jerusalem’s survivors stand on the rubble of a once-invincible city. The prophet’s use of עוֹד highlights a prolonged, weary vigilance—eyes straining yet “still” empty. The narrative contrasts the continuity of Israel’s false hope with the abruptness of Babylon’s triumph. The verse rebukes dependence on foreign alliances (compare Isaiah 30:1–5) and mourns the spiritual blindness that kept Judah waiting for any savior but the Lord. The word draws attention to the tragic irony: continuous watching, continuous disappointment. Ministry significance: Admonition against substituting political or cultural strategies for wholehearted trust in God. When congregations today adopt worldly solutions as ultimate, they replay Judah’s endless gaze toward Egypt. Faithful preaching must call believers to rest, not in “a nation that could not save,” but in the One who “never slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121:4). A Voice Interrupts — Daniel 4:31 “While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven…” (Daniel 4:31) Nebuchadnezzar celebrates his architectural greatness when, “still” mid-sentence, divine judgment falls. The temporal force of עוֹד underscores the immediacy of God’s response; pride cannot finish its boast before it is humbled. This sudden intervention answers the king’s earlier dream and Daniel’s warning (Daniel 4:27). Unlike Judah’s drawn-out longing, here a single breath separates arrogance from humiliation, proving that the Most High “does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth” (Daniel 4:35). Ministry significance: God’s patience with sin is not permission; His timing in judgment may be unexpectedly swift. The shepherd of souls must remind hearers that repentance is urgent, for the Lord can interrupt any human agenda “still” in the mouth. Intertextual Resonance 1. Expectation versus fulfillment. In both passages human plans are exposed—one too slow, one too confident. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Waiting: Teach believers to wait actively—watching prayerfully rather than anxiously (Philippians 4:6). Christological Fulfillment At the cross the spectators “stood watching” (Luke 23:35). For three days hope seemed suspended. Yet the resurrection proved that even apparent delay bows to divine schedule: “It was impossible for Him to be held by death” (Acts 2:24). The same Lord now assures, “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). Until that hour, עוֹד calls believers to steadfast expectancy, trusting that God’s next decisive word may break in at any moment. Summary Whether portraying unrelieved yearning or an abrupt divine verdict, עוֹד focuses attention on God’s mastery over unfolding events. The believer’s calling is therefore twofold: wait without wavering and speak without presumption, for the Lord alone governs the “still” moments of history. Forms and Transliterations ע֗וֹד עֹודֵ֙ינוּ֙ עוד עודינו ‘ō·w·ḏê·nū ‘ō·wḏ ‘ōwḏ ‘ōwḏênū od oDeinuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Lamentations 4:17 HEB: [עֹודֵינָה כ] (עֹודֵ֙ינוּ֙ ק) תִּכְלֶ֣ינָה INT: while failed our eyes Daniel 4:31 2 Occurrences |
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