a. From 176; ;if not hence; perhaps.
Ulay means "peradventure, perhaps, suppose, if, less".
1. This word meaning "peradventure or perhaps" usually expresses a hope; "Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go into my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her" (Genesis 16:2, first occurrence).
2. Elsewhere ulay expresses fear or doubt; "Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land; must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?" (Genesis 24:50).
3. If followed by another clause the word almost functions to introduce a protasis; "Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:wilt thou also destroy..." (Genesis 18:24).
4. In Numbers 22:33 the word has a different force; "And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive."
