οὗ (ohu)
ohu
whither
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word ou is a relative adverb indicating place, translating to "where" or "whither." It functions as the genitive case of the relative pronoun hos used adverbially to point to a specific location or direction. In the New Testament, it appears in twenty-five verses, with significant usage in Acts and Luke, often anchoring narratives in physical settings.
Its meaning shifts subtly based on context. When answering "where," it identifies a static position, as seen when Jesus is found in the temple courts (Luke 2:46) or when believers gather in one place (Acts 2:1). When answering "whither," it indicates movement toward a destination, such as Jesus instructing his disciples to go to Galilee (Matthew 28:16) or the Emmaus road (Luke 24:28). This distinction allows precise spatial reference without ambiguity.
Translators typically render ou as "where" or "whither," though modern English often omits it for flow. The word’s etymological root in the relative pronoun ties location directly to identity, suggesting that place is defined by who is there. This grammatical feature underscores the biblical theme of God meeting people in specific, tangible locations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word οὗ points us toward specific places in Scripture, reminding us that God meets people in tangible reality. It is not an abstract concept but a marker of location. Whether it indicates where Jesus was found in the temple or where the early church gathered for prayer, this term grounds our faith in real history and physical community.
For your life, this means you do not need to search for distant or hidden signs. God is present in the ordinary settings of daily life. When you gather with other believers, as seen in Acts 2:2, that specific room becomes a place of divine encounter. The Holy Spirit fills the space where His people are together.
This focus on place encourages us to value our local communities. It invites you to see your current surroundings not as random accidents but as potential sites for grace. God’s presence is accessible right where you are, whether in a quiet home or a busy city street.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- where22×
- wherever1×
- in which1×
- Where1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οὗ25×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:2
Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
This verse uses the word to locate the outpouring of the Spirit within a specific house where the disciples were sitting.
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Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
Here it defines the precise condition for Christ's presence among believers, linking His promise directly to their gathering place.
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Colossians 3:1
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
This usage directs believers' spiritual focus toward heaven, where Christ is currently seated at God's right hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word οὗ mean?
How is οὗ different from other words for 'place'?
Why is this word important in Acts?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 3 verses
They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until…
Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
Matthew 28:16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.