לוּ (lu)
lu
if
H:IntjQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Intj
Word Overview
The Hebrew conjunction lu expresses a conditional wish or a scenario that is unlikely to come true. It translates as "if" when setting up a hypothetical situation, but carries a stronger emotional weight when it means "oh that!" or "if only." This word appears in seventeen verses across the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Genesis, Numbers, and Judges.
Unlike simple conditional statements, lu often introduces regret or longing for an alternative reality. In Genesis 18:26, Abraham uses it to plead with God, asking if He would spare Sodom "if" fifty righteous people were found there, highlighting a desperate hope rather than a logical probability. Similarly, in Judges 5:31, the song of Deborah ends with a wish for enemies to perish "like the sun rising in its strength," using lu to express a fervent desire for justice.
The distinction between lu and other conditional words lies in this element of improbability or emotional intensity. It does not merely state a fact but invites the reader into a moment of deep yearning or hypothetical negotiation with fate. Translators often render it as "if only" to capture this nuance, ensuring the English conveys the speaker’s sense that the desired outcome is distant or uncertain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy or uncertain, we often find ourselves wishing things were different. The Hebrew word lu captures this deep human longing. It is not just a logical condition but an expression of heartfelt desire, sometimes tinged with regret or hope for a better reality. In moments of grief or frustration, it gives voice to the unspoken prayers that rise from our hearts.
This word reminds us that God hears our honest emotions. Abraham used it to plead for mercy, and Job used it to express his pain. We do not need to hide our longing or suppress our 'what ifs.' Bringing these raw feelings before God is an act of faith, acknowledging that He cares about our deepest desires and sorrows.
Ultimately, lu invites us to trust in God's wisdom even when our wishes seem distant. It teaches us to bring our hopes and fears into His presence, finding comfort in the knowledge that He listens to the cries of those who seek Him with sincerity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- if13×
- and/ if3×
- <if>2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לוּ\־3×
- ל֥וּ3×
- ל֖וּ2×
- לוּא֩1×
- לוּ֩1×
- ל֥וּא1×
- ל֤וּ\־1×
- ל֤וּ1×
- ל֚וּ1×
- ל֗וּ1×
- וְ/לוּ֙1×
- וְ/ל֨וּא1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 17:18
Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”
Abraham uses this conjunction to express a tender, paternal wish for Ishmael's blessing, showing that even patriarchs voice deep personal hopes before God.
-
Job 6:2
“Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
Job employs this word to plead for his suffering to be measured and understood, highlighting its use in expressing intense emotional anguish rather than logical debate.
-
Isaiah 48:18
Oh that you had listened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
God uses this term to express a divine longing for Israel's obedience, framing peace as a conditional gift that was missed due to their choice.
-
Numbers 14:2
All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “We wish that we had died in the land of Egypt, or that we had died in this wilderness!
The Israelites use this word to voice their regret and desire to have remained in Egypt, illustrating its power to express despair over current circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word lu mean?
How is lu different from other Hebrew words for 'if'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”
Genesis 23:13He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if you will, please hear me. I will give the…
Genesis 30:34Laban said, “Behold, let it be according to your word.”
Genesis 50:15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully…