οὐά (oua)
oua
aha!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The interjection oua is a sharp, single-syllable exclamation meaning "aha!" or "ha!" It appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Mark 15:29. In this context, it accompanies those who pass by the cross, mocking Jesus as He hangs there.
This word captures a tone of derisive wonder. The sources describe it as an expression of surprise mixed with irony or contempt. It is not a cry of awe or reverence, but rather a sneering acknowledgment of what the onlookers perceive as a failed messiah. Translators typically render it as "ha!" to preserve its mocking quality.
Its rarity in Scripture highlights the specific cruelty of the scene. By using a common exclamation of surprise for mockery, the text emphasizes how ordinary people can twist wonder into contempt. The word serves as a stark reminder that even simple sounds can carry heavy theological weight when directed at the crucified Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oua is a sharp interjection meaning "aha!" or "ha!" It appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 15:29. Here, it accompanies those mocking Jesus on the cross. This single sound captures derisive wonder, turning surprise into contempt.
When we encounter such harsh words in Scripture, it reminds us that even simple exclamations can carry heavy weight. The text shows how easily wonder can twist into cruelty when directed at the crucified Christ. Yet, this moment does not define Jesus' identity; it reveals the hardness of human hearts.
In your own life, you may face similar mockery or misunderstanding. This passage invites you to look beyond the noise of those who pass by. It points to a faith that remains steady even when others sneer. The silence of God in the face of such "aha!" moments is profound, offering hope to those who stand firm in love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Aha!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Οὐά,1×
Key Verses
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Mark 15:29
Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads and saying, “Ha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days,
The word 'Ha!' here serves as a sneering acknowledgment of what the onlookers perceive as a failed messiah, highlighting the cruelty of the scene.