Crier
The Concept of the Crier in Scripture
While the exact word "crier" does not appear in most English Bible translations, the concept of a public herald or proclaimer runs throughout the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word qara, meaning "to call out" or "to proclaim," and the Greek boao, meaning "to cry aloud," both capture the essential function of a crier: someone who delivers authoritative messages to a public audience.
Wisdom as a Crier
One of the most vivid portrayals of a crier in the Old Testament is personified Wisdom in the book of Proverbs. "Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks" (Proverbs 1:20-21). Here Wisdom takes on the role of a public herald, standing at the busiest intersections and most prominent gathering places to deliver her urgent message. This imagery recurs in Proverbs 8:1-4, where Wisdom again stations herself at the crossroads, calling to all who will listen. The image conveys that God's truth is not hidden away but proclaimed openly for all to hear.
John the Baptist: The Voice Crying in the Wilderness
The most famous "crier" in the New Testament is John the Baptist, who identified himself with the words of Isaiah: "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord" (John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3). Like an ancient herald who would go ahead of a king to prepare the road and announce his arrival, John went before Jesus to prepare the hearts of the people. All four Gospels apply this prophetic imagery to John (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23).
Prophets as God's Heralds
The prophets of Israel functioned as divine criers, publicly proclaiming God's messages to the people. Isaiah was told to "cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet" (Isaiah 58:1). Jeremiah was commanded to stand in the court of the Lord's house and speak to all the cities of Judah (Jeremiah 26:2). The prophetic office was fundamentally that of a public proclaimer, delivering messages that came directly from God to the people who needed to hear them.
The Apostolic Proclamation
In the New Testament, the concept of the crier continues through the ministry of preaching. The Greek word kerux, meaning "herald" or "proclaimer," is closely related to kerusso, "to preach" or "to herald." Paul described himself as "a preacher and an apostle" (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11), using the word for herald. The task of the Christian preacher is essentially that of the ancient crier: to publicly proclaim an authoritative message from the King.
Biblical Context
The concept of the crier appears in Proverbs 1:20-21 and 8:1-4, where personified Wisdom calls out in public places. Isaiah 40:3 prophesies a voice crying in the wilderness, fulfilled by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23). The prophets served as God's criers (Isaiah 58:1; Jeremiah 26:2), and apostles continued this role as heralds (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11).
Theological Significance
The crier concept demonstrates that God actively communicates with humanity. He does not hide His truth but sends messengers to proclaim it publicly. From Wisdom crying in the streets to prophets declaring His word to apostles preaching the gospel, God ensures His message reaches people where they are. This pattern underscores the importance of proclamation in God's redemptive plan.
Historical Background
Public criers and heralds were essential figures in the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world. In the absence of mass media, official announcements were delivered by designated criers stationed at city gates, marketplaces, and crossroads. Eastern villages had public criers selected for their loud voices to announce government decrees. The Greek herald (kerux) held a sacred and protected office, often going before armies or kings to deliver messages.