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H176 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אוֹ
O
Conjunction
Or; either

Definition

The Hebrew conjunction o (אוֹ) expresses alternatives or options. It is one of the most common logical connectors in the Old Testament legal and wisdom literature, functioning like the English 'or' and indicating choice or alternative conditions.

Usage & Theological Significance

While o is a grammatical connector, its theological weight emerges in contexts where God presents alternatives — life or death, blessing or curse. The great either/or structures of the Torah are built on this small word. Deuteronomy 30 is perhaps the most powerful: Moses sets before Israel the choice of life and blessing or death and cursing. God's covenant always presents humanity with real choices with real consequences.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.
Exodus 21:15
Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.
Leviticus 5:1
If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify, or when they have seen or learned about it.
1 Kings 18:21
Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.'
Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.

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