CategoryArchaic Word / Judgment and Lament Term
Modern Equivalentgrief; sorrow; warning of judgment.
KJV Word TypeInterjection / noun
DefinitionA cry of sorrow, lament, warning, or judgment. In Scripture, “woe” often introduces prophetic warning or solemn rebuke.
Key Verses"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" (Matthew 23:13); "Woe is me! for I am undone." (Isaiah 6:5)
KJV Usage NoteCan express grief or introduce a warning of judgment, depending on context.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not merely an emotional exclamation; it often carries prophetic warning or judgment.
EtymologyFrom Old English wā, meaning grief or sorrow.