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H165 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֱהִי
Ehi
Interjection / Exclamation
Where? / I desire (exclamation of longing)

Definition

The Hebrew word ehi (אֱהִי) is a rare exclamation expressing longing or distress — 'Where is it?' or 'Oh that!' It appears in Hosea 13:14 as a divine rhetorical challenge where God declares His power over Sheol and death.

Usage & Theological Significance

Though rare, ehi in Hosea 13:14 carries extraordinary theological weight. God declares: 'Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?' This defiant challenge to death's power is quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55 — 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' — as the triumphant cry of resurrection morning. The word that expresses longing in lament becomes the word of victory over the grave through Christ.

Key Bible Verses

Hosea 13:14 I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?
1 Corinthians 15:55 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' (quoting Hosea 13:14)
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces.
Revelation 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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