κραυγή

a shout, clamor, outcry

Definition

Κραυγή refers to a loud, often emotional vocal expression, ranging from a shout of joy to a clamor of protest. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes an outcry, whether the joyful shout at the arrival of the bridegroom in Matthew 25:6 or the fierce clamoring of a crowd in Acts 23:9. It can also describe an intense, personal cry, as in Hebrews 5:7, which depicts Jesus' loud cries and tears to God. The word carries a sense of urgency and volume, distinguishing it from quieter forms of speech.

Biblical Usage

Κραυγή appears in diverse contexts across the New Testament. It describes a celebratory midnight shout (Matthew 25:6), a tumultuous uproar in a legal setting (Acts 23:9), and is listed among vices to be put away, like clamor and slander (Ephesians 4:31). It is used for Jesus' anguished prayers (Hebrews 5:7) and an angel's loud call (Revelation 14:18). Its final use promises the abolition of all crying and pain in the new creation (Revelation 21:4), showing its range from human emotion to eschatological hope.

Etymology

Derived from the verb κράζω (krazō, G2896), meaning 'to cry out, scream, or shout.' Κραυγή is the noun form, concretizing the act of crying aloud. It shares a root with words implying a raw, vocal expression, often involuntary or driven by strong feeling, contrasting with measured speech.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the intensity of human and divine communication. In Hebrews 5:7, it underscores the humanity of Jesus in his passionate supplication. In Revelation 21:4, its promised cessation highlights the comprehensive peace and wholeness of God's future kingdom. Understanding κραυγή enriches reading by revealing the emotional depth in narratives and the stark contrast between present strife and future restoration.

In the Greco-Roman world, a κραυγή often signified a public, collective noise—whether of a mob, a marketplace, or a festive procession. Such outcries were a recognized form of popular expression and could influence legal or political proceedings, as seen in Acts 23:9. Its use for both joy and protest reflects a cultural understanding of loud vocalization as a legitimate vehicle for strong communal or personal sentiment.

βοή (boē, G995) — a cry for help, often in distress or war; φωνή (phōnē, G5456) — a more general term for voice, sound, or utterance, not necessarily loud or emotional; κραυγάζω (kraugazō, G2905) — the verb form, meaning to cry out or shout.

Word Details

Scripture References