ὦ (ō)
ō
oh!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek interjection ō functions as a direct address, equivalent to "O" in English. It appears seventeen times in the New Testament, primarily in Acts and Romans, serving to call attention to the person or thing being spoken to. Unlike modern exclamations of shock, it is a standard marker of vocative case, often preceding a noun or pronoun to establish immediate focus.
Its usage varies by context. In Acts 1:14 and 27:21, it introduces a serious warning or instruction. In Romans 2:1 and 9:20, Paul uses it to confront the reader with a pointed question or reproof. The sources note it can also express surprise, as when Jesus addresses his faithless generation in Matthew 17:17, or when Peter calls Simon Sorcerer in Acts 13:10.
This word highlights the personal nature of biblical dialogue. It is not merely grammatical but relational, signaling that the speaker is engaging directly with an audience. Whether used for gentle correction or strong rebuke, ō ensures the listener knows they are being addressed personally by the author or character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ō (oh) acts as a direct call to attention in the New Testament. It signals that the speaker is engaging personally with the listener, whether for gentle correction or strong rebuke. This interjection transforms abstract teaching into immediate dialogue, ensuring the audience knows they are being addressed directly.
In Romans 2:1, Paul uses this address to confront the reader about judgment, reminding us that faith requires honest self-reflection. In Acts 27:21, Paul calls out his listeners with a warning, showing how this simple word can carry serious weight in moments of crisis. It highlights the relational nature of biblical communication.
When you read these passages, notice how the speaker pauses to connect before speaking truth. This invites us to listen more closely to God’s Word and to approach others with the same personal care. May your heart remain open to this direct address, finding hope in the clarity it brings to your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- O17×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὦ14×
- Ὦ3×
Key Verses
-
Romans 2:1
Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
Paul uses this direct address to confront the reader about hypocrisy, emphasizing that judgment of others condemns oneself.
-
Acts 27:21
When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete and have gotten this injury and loss.
Paul calls out his listeners with a warning during a storm, showing how this word carries serious weight in moments of crisis.
-
Romans 9:20
But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”
The interjection introduces a profound question about human humility before God's sovereign creation.