κλαίω

I weep, weep for, mourn

Definition

The verb κλαίω primarily means 'to weep, cry, or lament,' expressing deep emotional sorrow, often with audible weeping. It can denote mourning for the dead (Mark 5:38-39), weeping in repentance (Luke 7:38), or lamenting over sin and judgment (Matthew 26:75; Luke 19:41). In some contexts, it carries the sense of wailing or loud lamentation, as seen in the mourning of Rachel in Matthew 2:18. The word also appears in eschatological teachings, contrasting present sorrow with future joy (Luke 6:21, 6:25).

Biblical Usage

Κλαίω is used 34 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. It frequently describes responses to death (e.g., Mark 5:38-39), personal failure (e.g., Peter's weeping in Matthew 26:75 and Mark 14:72), and prophetic lament (e.g., Jesus weeping over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41). In Revelation, it depicts the mourning of those who oppose God (Revelation 18:9, 18:11). The usage spans both literal weeping and symbolic expressions of grief.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kel- ('to cry out'), κλαίω is a primary Greek verb for weeping. It is cognate with Latin 'clamo' ('to shout') and shares a root with the Greek noun κλαυθμός (klauthmos, G2805), meaning 'wailing.' The word's meaning remained consistent in ancient Greek, emphasizing vocal expression of grief.

Semantic Range

Κλαίω is theologically significant as it portrays authentic human emotion within God's redemptive story. It highlights Jesus' compassion, as He weeps at Lazarus's tomb (John 11:35) and over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), revealing His empathy with human suffering. The word also underscores the reality of mourning in a fallen world, contrasted with the promise of future comfort (Matthew 5:4; Revelation 21:4). Understanding κλαίω enriches reading by emphasizing that biblical faith embraces lament as part of a relationship with God.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, weeping was often a public and vocal expression, sometimes involving professional mourners (as implied in Mark 5:38). Unlike some modern contexts where grief is private, κλαίω could signify loud wailing, a culturally expected response to death or disaster. This context amplifies the emotional weight of passages like Jesus' weeping, showing His deep participation in human sorrow.

θρηνέω (thrēneō, G2354) — emphasizes formal lamentation or singing a dirge, often for the dead. δακρύω (dakryō, G1145) — focuses on shedding tears, a quieter form of weeping (used only in John 11:35 in the NT). πενθέω (pentheō, G3996) — denotes mourning or grieving, often with a sense of inward sorrow or repentance.

Word Details

Scripture References