δάκρυον

a tear

Definition

δάκρυον (dakryon) refers to a tear, the physical drop of liquid from the eye, but in the New Testament, it almost always signifies deep emotional expression. It denotes tears of profound sorrow, grief, or repentance, as seen in the sinful woman weeping at Jesus' feet (Luke 7:38, 44) and Paul's tears of pastoral concern for the Ephesian church (Acts 20:19, 31). It also represents tears of desperate, heartfelt prayer, exemplified by Jesus' supplications with loud cries and tears (Hebrews 5:7) and the father's tearful plea for his son's healing (Mark 9:24). Furthermore, it expresses tears of affectionate longing, as when Paul recalls Timothy's tears (2 Timothy 1:4).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 11 times in the New Testament, primarily in narrative and epistolary contexts to convey intense emotion. In the Gospels (Luke, Mark), it describes personal encounters with Jesus marked by repentance or desperate faith. In Acts and the Pauline epistles (2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy), it depicts the deep, emotional investment of apostolic ministry—tears of warning, exhortation, and loving remembrance. The single use in Hebrews uniquely applies tears to Jesus himself in his humanity.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek noun δάκρυ (dakry), meaning 'tear.' It is a neuter noun form with cognates in other Indo-European languages (e.g., Latin 'lacrima'). Its fundamental meaning of a tear from the eye remained consistent from classical through Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it humanizes biblical figures and, most importantly, Jesus Christ. Jesus' own tears (Hebrews 5:7) affirm his full participation in human suffering and his priestly empathy. Tears associated with repentance (Luke 7) illustrate genuine contrition, while apostolic tears model passionate, sacrificial shepherding. Understanding δάκρυον enriches reading by highlighting the Bible's raw, emotional honesty and the value God places on vulnerable, heartfelt devotion.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, public weeping was not always seen as a sign of weakness as it sometimes is in modern Western cultures. Shedding tears could be a socially acceptable and powerful expression of grief, repentance, or earnest petition, especially in religious contexts. The biblical authors use tears without apology to convey the depth of a person's spiritual or emotional state.

κλαυθμός (klauthmos, G2805) — denotes the act of weeping or wailing, the audible expression, whereas δάκρυον is the physical tear itself. πένθος (penthos, G3997) — refers to mourning or grief as a state, a broader emotional condition that may involve tears.

Word Details

Scripture References