בְּכִי

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

Definition

The Hebrew noun בְּכִי (Bᵉkîy) primarily denotes the act or state of weeping, often expressing profound grief, sorrow, or lamentation, as seen in Joseph's emotional weeping when he reveals himself to his brothers (Genesis 45:2). By analogy, it can also describe a dripping or overflowing of liquid, such as the 'weeping' of tears or, metaphorically, the 'overflowing' of water (e.g., in some contexts of lament). This dual sense connects intense emotional expression with a physical outpouring. The word consistently carries a connotation of deep, often communal or ritualized, distress.

Biblical Usage

בְּכִי is used in various contexts of mourning, repentance, and national lament across narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. It appears in scenes of personal grief, like David's household weeping over Absalom's actions (2 Samuel 13:36), and in communal settings, such as the Israelites weeping at the renewal of the covenant (Ezra 3:13) or during a national crisis (Judges 21:2). It is also associated with prayerful repentance, as in King Hezekiah's prayer (2 Kings 20:3). The word is most frequent in historical and poetic books, underscoring its role in expressing raw human emotion before God.

Etymology

Derived from the root בָּכָה (bākâ, H1058), meaning 'to weep, to lament.' This root is common in Semitic languages, with cognates in Aramaic and Arabic also relating to weeping. The noun form בְּכִי concretizes the action into a state or event of weeping. Its development to include 'dripping' is a natural metaphorical extension, linking the flow of tears to the flow of other liquids.

Semantic Range

בְּכִי is theologically significant as it portrays a human response to sin, loss, and divine judgment that often precedes repentance and restoration. It is a proper, Godward expression of contrition, as seen in prayers (2 Kings 20:3, Psalm 6:8) and communal lament (Ezra 3:13). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting how genuine grief and weeping in the biblical context are not signs of weak faith but are integral to the process of seeking God's mercy and covenant faithfulness, forming a bridge between human brokenness and divine compassion.

In ancient Israelite culture, weeping was often a vocal, demonstrative, and sometimes public act, not merely private crying. It was a recognized part of mourning rituals (Deuteronomy 34:8) and expressions of national repentance. The 'weeping' could last for days (Esther 4:3) and involve ashes and sackcloth, signifying total identification with grief or penitence. This contrasts with some modern, more subdued expressions of sorrow.

אֲבֵל (ʾăḇēl, H60) — mourning, often the state or period of grief following death. יְלָלָה (yᵉlālâ, H3215) — a wailing or howling, often more intense and loud lamentation. מִסְפֵּד (mispēḏ, H4553) — a lamentation or mourning ceremony, emphasizing the ritual act.

Word Details

Scripture References