Lexical Summary biy: "Oh!" or "Alas!" Original Word: בִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance alas, O, oh Perhaps from ba'ah (in the sense of asking); properly, a request; used only adverbially (always with "my Lord"); Oh that!; with leave, or if it please -- alas, O, oh. see HEBREW ba'ah Brown-Driver-Briggs בִּי particle of entreaty, craving permission to address a superior, always followed by אֲדֹנִי (or אֲדֹנָי), and always (except Joshua 7:8) at the beginning of a speech, I pray, excuse me — (not improbable from √ ביי; so that בִּי אֲדֹנִי will be literally a supplication of (i.e. to my lord! compare Wetzst l.c., who compares the Arabic  literally a prayer to my lord! a standing formula = Pray, excuse me, used exactly as בֹּי אֲדֹנִי. According to other contracted from בְּעִי, from בָּעָה to ask, and so literally a petition! compare Aramaic בְּבָעוּ,  (e.g. Genesis 19:18 ᵑ7, Numbers 12:13 ᵑ6); but ע is not often elided in Hebrew) — Genesis 44:18 בִּי אֲדֹנִי יְדַבֶּרנָֿא I pray, my lord, let thy servant speak, etc.; so Numbers 12:11; Judges 6:13; 1 Samuel 1:26; 1 Kings 3:17,26, and following by a plural subject Genesis 43:20 יָרֹד יָרַדְנוּ ׳בִּי א Oh, my lord, we came down, etc.; בִּי אֲדֹנָי (to God) Exodus 4:10,13; Joshua 7:8; Judges 6:15; Judges 13:8 (ᵐ5 in Pentateuch and Joshua δέομαι, δεόμεθα: in other books absurdly ἐν ἐμοί). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 994, בִּי, is a brief interjection voiced when a speaker approaches one in authority with respectful urgency. It occurs twelve times, always in direct address, and functions as the verbal doorway to humble petitions, confessions, or pleas for grace. Situational Patterns of Use 1. Appeal before perceived power (Genesis 43:20; 44:18; 1 Kings 3:17, 26). Across these settings בִּי consistently signals the speaker’s awareness of personal inadequacy and the hearer’s capacity to respond. Notable Texts Genesis 44:18 – “Then Judah approached him and said, ‘Please, my lord, allow your servant to speak a word…’ ”. Judah’s respectful “please” lays the groundwork for his sacrificial intercession for Benjamin, foreshadowing the greater intercession of Christ for His brethren. Exodus 4:13 – “Please, Lord, send someone else.” Moses’ reluctant cry highlights divine patience; God answers with Aaron, showing that honest weakness prefaced by בִּי still meets gracious provision. Numbers 12:11 – Aaron pleads, “Oh, my lord, please do not hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed.” Confession framed by בִּי reveals that sin is best acknowledged promptly and humbly. Judges 6:13 – Gideon protests, “Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” The word יֱבִי launches a candid lament, yet the Angel of the LORD responds with assurance, teaching that reverent candor is welcome in the divine presence. 1 Kings 3:26 – The true mother implores Solomon, “Please, my lord, give her the living child—do not kill him!” Her heartfelt plea, introduced by בִּי, moves the king to discern the truth, illustrating that humble, self-denying petitions often reveal genuine righteousness. Themes for Theology and Ministry Humble Access – בִּי embodies the posture commended in Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Ancient speakers knew that reverence opens doors; modern believers likewise begin intercession acknowledging the Lord’s sovereignty. Contrition and Restoration – Whether Aaron’s confession or Joshua’s despair, בִּי serves repentance. Confession framed in respect expects mercy, resonating with 1 John 1:9. Intercessory Spirit – Judah, Gideon, Manoah, and the unnamed mother employ בִּי not for themselves alone but for others. Effective intercession today still weds boldness to deference. Divine Accommodation – The Lord answers Moses despite reluctance, reassures Gideon despite doubt, and instructs Manoah despite ignorance. The word בִּי often precedes divine accommodation, reminding ministers that God meets people where honest weakness is voiced. Christological Echo – The respectful yet urgent tone of בִּי foreshadows the Son’s own petitions: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will…” (Luke 22:42). Though Hebrew bibles do not record בִּי there, the spirit of reverent surrender links the Testaments. Practical Application • Model prayer gatherings on this biblical pattern—beginning with humble acknowledgment before requests. Summary בִּי is a small word with large resonance. It frames respectful approach, honest confession, and fervent intercession, demonstrating that throughout Scripture humble, faith-filled speech finds a ready hearing with God and His appointed authorities. Forms and Transliterations בִּ֖י בִּ֣י בי bi bîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 43:20 HEB: וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִ֑י יָרֹ֥ד NAS: and said, Oh, my lord, we indeed KJV: And said, O sir, we came indeed INT: and said Oh my lord indeed Genesis 44:18 Exodus 4:10 Exodus 4:13 Numbers 12:11 Joshua 7:8 Judges 6:13 Judges 6:15 Judges 13:8 1 Samuel 1:26 1 Kings 3:17 1 Kings 3:26 |
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