Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "alas" is an expression of sorrow, grief, or regret. It is often used in the Bible to convey a deep sense of lamentation or distress. The word is an interjection that appears in various contexts, typically signaling a moment of despair or mourning. Biblical Occurrences: In the Bible, "alas" is frequently used by prophets and other figures to express lament over impending judgment, personal loss, or the state of the people. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine justice. 1. Prophetic Lamentation: The prophets often used "alas" to announce or lament the coming judgment upon Israel and other nations. For example, in Jeremiah 4:13, the prophet declares, "Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots come like a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles. Alas for us, for we are ruined!" . Here, Jeremiah uses "alas" to express the inevitability and severity of the coming destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness. 2. Expressions of Personal Grief: The word is also used in personal contexts, reflecting individual sorrow. In Job 10:15, Job laments, "If I am guilty, woe to me! Even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and aware of my affliction" . Although the word "alas" is not directly used in this translation, the sentiment is akin to its expression of deep personal anguish. 3. Apocalyptic Visions: In the book of Revelation, "alas" is used to describe the lament of those witnessing the fall of Babylon. Revelation 18:10 states, "They will stand afar off in fear of her torment, and will say, ‘Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come’" . The repeated "woe" is synonymous with "alas," underscoring the sudden and complete nature of Babylon's downfall. Theological Significance: The use of "alas" in Scripture highlights the gravity of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment. It serves as a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to turn back to God. The expression also reflects the human condition, acknowledging the pain and suffering that result from living in a fallen world. Through these laments, the Bible communicates the need for divine intervention and the hope of redemption. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, expressions of lament were common in both personal and communal settings. The use of "alas" in the Bible aligns with this cultural practice, providing a verbal outlet for grief and a means of processing collective or individual trauma. The biblical authors employed such expressions to resonate with their audience's experiences and to convey the emotional weight of their messages. Conclusion: The word "alas" serves as a powerful literary and theological tool within the biblical narrative. It captures the depth of human sorrow and the urgency of divine warnings, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (interj.) An exclamation expressive of sorrow, pity, or apprehension of evil; -- in old writers, sometimes followed by day or white; alas the day, like alack a day, or alas the white.Greek 3759. ouai -- alas! woe! (an expression of grief or denunciation) ... 3758, 3759. ouai. 3760 . alas! woe! ... Definition: woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. Word Origin a prim. interj. Definition alas! woe! ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3759.htm - 6k 217. halas and hala -- salt Strong's Hebrew 162. ahah -- alas!... 161, 162. ahah. 163 . alas! Transliteration: ahah Phonetic Spelling: (a-haw') Short Definition: alas. ... Definition alas! NASB Word Usage Ah (5), alas (10). ... /hebrew/162.htm - 5k 253. ach -- ah!, alas! 1945. hoy -- ah! alas! ha! 5965. alas -- to rejoice 1929. hah -- alas! 480. alelay -- alas! woe! 337. i -- alas! 1930. ho -- ah! 188. oy -- woe! 994. biy -- I pray, excuse me Library "Alas for Us, if Thou Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth" Walamir and St. Telemachus Entrance into Rest. Communion Broken --Restoration The Seventh vision "In Heaven" The Knight of God "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ... The Rock and the Water "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ... Betrayed by a Kiss. Thesaurus Alas (62 Occurrences)... (interj.) An exclamation expressive of sorrow, pity, or apprehension of evil; -- in old writers, sometimes followed by day or white; alas the day, like alack a ... /a/alas.htm - 25k Ah (43 Occurrences) Sorrowing (33 Occurrences) Aloud (141 Occurrences) Inhabitants (254 Occurrences) Flew (10 Occurrences) Causes (89 Occurrences) Significance (2 Occurrences) Solitary (20 Occurrences) Remaining (87 Occurrences) Resources What is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a psalm? | GotQuestions.org What is Pauline Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Alas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Alas (62 Occurrences)Matthew 18:7 Matthew 23:16 Matthew 23:29 Matthew 24:19 Matthew 26:24 Matthew 26:40 Mark 13:17 Mark 14:21 Luke 6:24 Luke 6:25 Luke 10:13 Luke 11:42 Luke 11:43 Luke 11:44 Luke 11:46 Luke 11:47 Luke 11:52 Luke 17:1 Luke 21:23 Luke 22:22 1 Corinthians 9:16 Jude 1:11 Revelation 8:13 Revelation 12:12 Revelation 18:10 Revelation 18:16 Revelation 18:19 Exodus 32:31 Numbers 12:11 Numbers 24:23 Joshua 7:7 Judges 6:22 Judges 11:35 2 Samuel 14:5 1 Kings 13:30 2 Kings 3:10 2 Kings 6:5 2 Kings 6:15 Proverbs 23:29 Isaiah 1:4 Isaiah 10:5 Isaiah 17:12 Isaiah 18:1 Isaiah 24:16 Jeremiah 1:6 Jeremiah 4:10 Jeremiah 4:31 Jeremiah 6:4 Jeremiah 14:13 Jeremiah 22:18 Jeremiah 30:7 Jeremiah 32:17 Jeremiah 34:5 Jeremiah 47:6 Ezekiel 6:11 Ezekiel 9:8 Ezekiel 11:13 Ezekiel 30:2 Daniel 9:4 Joel 1:15 Amos 5:16 Amos 5:18 Subtopics Related Terms |