[a] The introduction of another possible case, excluding that which preceded, is effected by אוֹ or, e.g. Ex 21, equivalent to the Latin vel; but also equivalent to aut with an exclusive antithesis, 2 K 2; so Is 27 אוֹ= it would then happen that, for which elsewhere אוֹ כִי.
[b] In the sense of sive—sive we find אוֹ—אוֹ, or אִם—אִם, or וְאִם—אִם (see the examples in the Lexicon), also וְ—וְ Lv 5, Nu 9, Dt 24, Is 2 ff., Jer 32, ψ 76, Jb 34, perhaps also Ex 21 (but not Pr 29; cf. Delitzsch on the passage), and לְ—לְ (see § 143 e); cf. also גַּם—גַּם (in Gn 24 וְגַם—גַּם) both—and; but גַּם לֹא—גַּם לֹא (in Gn 21 וְגַם לֹא—וְגַם לֹא; Zp 1 גַּם ... לֹא—גַּם) neither—nor. On disjunctive questions, see § 150 g.
[a] 1. After negative sentences (especially after prohibitions) the antithesis (but) is introduced by כִּי אִם, e.g. 1 S 8 and they said, Nay, but we will have a king over us; ψ 1, &c.; frequently also by כִּי alone, e.g. Gn 18, 19, or even simply connected with וְ, Gn 17, וְהָיָה as perfect consecutive; 42:10; cf. Ex 5.
[b] Rem. Sometimes the negation is only virtually contained in the preceding sentence, e.g. in the form of a rhetorical question (Mi 6 f.) or of conditions which are to be regarded as not having been fulfilled (Jb 31); כִּי or כִּי אִם in such cases becomes equivalent to nay, rather.
[c] 2. Exceptive clauses, depending on another sentence, are introduced by אֶ֫פֶס כִּי except that, and (again after negative sentences, see a above) כִּי אִם[1] unless; especially כִּי אִם with the perfect (equivalent to unless previously) after imperfects which contain a declaration, e.g. Gn 32 I will not let thee go, except thou hast previously blessed me; Lv 22, Is 55, 65, Am 3, Ru 3. Finally, בִּלְתִּי אִם unless, Am 3 (with perfect after a rhetorical question), or simply בִּלְתִּי Gn 43 with a noun-clause, except your brother be with you; Is 10 after a rhetorical question, with a verbal-clause.
- ↑ Very probably this use of כִּי אִם arises from the original meaning for if, surely if (כִּי in an affirmative sense); so evidently in Ex 22 as a forcible resumption of the preceding אִם. Thus, e.g. Ju 15 is simply surely when I have been avenged of you, after that I will cease, equivalent to, I will not cease, until I have, &c. When the exception follows, an ellipse must be assumed, e.g. Ru 3 surely (or for) when he has finished it (then the man will rest). It is far less natural to assume such an ellipse with כִּי אִם but (before entire clauses as before single nouns); see a above.
