דָּמַע

דָּמַע

to weep

Definition

The Hebrew verb דָּמַע (dâmaʻ) means 'to weep' or 'to shed tears.' It specifically denotes the physical act of crying, often in response to grief, sorrow, or deep emotional distress. In its sole biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 13:17, it describes weeping that is so intense it causes the eyes to overflow with tears. This distinguishes it from more general terms for mourning, as it focuses on the visible, liquid expression of sorrow. The word conveys a sense of profound, heartfelt lament.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 13:17. In this context, the prophet Jeremiah weeps in secret over the pride of Judah and their impending exile. The usage is deeply emotional and prophetic, tied directly to the consequences of sin and national rebellion. The solitary instance highlights a moment of intense personal and intercessory grief from a prophet confronting hard truth.

Etymology

דָּמַע is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning it is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is directly related to the noun דִּמְעָה (dimʻâ, H1832), meaning 'a tear.' Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings related to weeping or dripping, suggesting a basic, ancient root tied to the flow of tears.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, דָּמַע carries theological weight as it captures the empathetic grief of God's prophet. Jeremiah's weeping (Jeremiah 13:17) mirrors God's own heartbreak over His people's sin and the coming judgment. Understanding this specific Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting that prophetic ministry involves deep emotional identification with both God's holiness and the people's plight, moving beyond mere proclamation to compassionate lament. In ancient Near Eastern culture, weeping, especially by leaders or prophets, was a powerful, public expression of grief, distress, or intercession. Jeremiah's act of weeping in secret, as indicated by this verb, might reflect a particularly intense, private anguish—a contrast to more ritualized, public mourning. Tears were seen as a genuine, bodily response to profound loss or divine warning. בָּכָה (bākâ, H1058) — A more common general term for weeping or crying, used in a wider variety of contexts. אָבַל (ʼāval, H56) — To mourn or lament, often involving formal practices like wearing sackcloth, focusing more on the state or process than the physical tears.

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