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הָהּ

𐤄𐤄

hâhh

H1929 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to express grief, to cry out in sorrow, to lament

Definition

An exclamatory interjection expressing distress, grief, lamentation, or dismay. Used in direct speech or poetic context to convey emotional outcry, especially in response to disaster, misfortune, or impending calamity. The primary usage is that of a cry of pain or sorrow, but occasionally it may be linked with dire warning or dramatic lament.

Semantic Range

expression of grief, exclamation of distress, lamentation, exclamation of warning or woe

Root / Etymology

Root/etymology uncertain; generally considered to be a phonetic exclamation, possibly onomatopoeic in nature, related to expressions of pain or distress. Closely related to the slightly longer form אֲהָהּ (ʾăhāh), of similar meaning. No evidence for derivation from a triconsonantal root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

הָהּ is a rare exclamation appearing in poetic and prophetic texts, notably in contexts of lament, mourning, or divine judgment (e.g., Ezekiel 9:8; Ezekiel 21:15; Ezekiel 30:2). It typically marks a response to calamity, often on behalf of the speaker or their community rather than as neutral narration. In post-exilic and later Hebrew, other terms and forms became common for expressing similar emotional reactions. Standard English translations use 'Alas!' or 'Ah!' but these often underplay the emotional weight and the ritualized manner in which such an interjection would function in an ancient lament. In some periods, הָהּ and its variant אֲהָהּ may be virtually interchangeable; however, the shorter form can be seen as more abrupt or intense. It is not a substantive noun but a pure exclamation. English rendering as 'woe' risks confusion with the distinct Hebrew term אוֹי used for 'woe' as an interjection or pronouncement of doom. There is no evidence that הָהּ ever carried the later emotional, cultural, or religious nuances of Western laments or their terminology.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a shortened form of אֲהָהּ; ah! expressing grief; woe worth.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

הה (h-h) — grief, lament, distress cry

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1929-01 הָ֥הּ hah HTj Alas Alas! 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1929-01 Ezekiel 30:2 הָ֥הּ hah HTj Alas Alas!
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