οὐαὶ [27 verses](exclam)"Woe" is ouai, which is an exclamation of pain or anger meaning "woe" or "alas" but it can be used sarcastically. -- "Woe" is an exclamation of grief, meaning "woe" or "alas." Jesus uses it humorously. Today, we would say "so sad [for you]" or "boo-hoo to you." The word is very similar to the Jewish, "oy vey" which can be used to express sorrow but is more commonly used humorously. More about this phrase in this article on Christ's humor using exaggeration.