אוֹ

From the study of Isaiah 27:5

Range of meaning

'Or', joining alternatives. Sometimes it has the force 'or else, unless' (compare Leviticus 26:41 in some readings, Ezekiel 21:15 debated).

Against the English

KJV, WEB and BSB keep 'or'. Some modern versions use 'or else' or 'unless', which makes the link to verse 4 clearer.

Used elsewhere in the period

Standard Hebrew conjunction, common in law texts that set out alternative cases.

From the study of 1 Samuel 20:10

Range of meaning

Usually 'or,' joining alternatives. In a few passages it seems to mean 'or else, or perhaps, if perchance' (often cited: Lev 26:41).

Against the English

KJV and YLT keep 'or' and add an italic 'if,' so the line becomes two questions. BSB, WEB and most modern versions turn the whole line into one question, 'Who will tell me if…'

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint seems to translate it with 'if' (ean). The commentary tradition (e.g., S. R. Driver, Keil–Delitzsch) treats it as a rare 'or perhaps' or as a possible early copying error.

From the study of Job 22:11

Range of meaning

'Or', joining alternatives. It can also mean 'or else' or introduce a further case.

Against the English

KJV, WEB, YLT keep 'or'. BSB and NIV leave it out, and NIV recasts the line as 'why it is so dark…'. Versions that follow the Greek read 'your light is darkened'.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint has 'the light has turned to darkness for you'. This matches a Hebrew reading 'orekha ('your light') with chashakh ('is dark'), which differs from the Masoretic text by only a letter or two and their vowels. Compare 18:6, 'the light is dark in his tent.'