Weeping
Summary
Weeping in Scripture was an open expression of sorrow, grief, or repentance, with the ancient Hebrews freely displaying their emotions in times of mourning and affliction.
☩Cultural Expression
The ancient Hebrews did not consider it weakness to weep openly in times of sorrow. They displayed their troubles publicly in mourning and affliction, not believing that courage consisted in appearing insensible to adversity. It was even considered a great disrespect for someone not to be bewailed at their funeral. Job remarks of the wicked man, 'His widow shall not weep.' When God forbade Ezekiel to mourn for his wife, it signified that calamities would be so great that the people would not have liberty even to grieve.
☩Notable Examples
Scripture records many instances of weeping: Abraham for Sarah, Joseph for his brothers, David for Saul and Jonathan and for his son Absalom, Hezekiah in his sickness, and the Jews in Babylonian exile. Jesus Himself wept at the grave of Lazarus and over Jerusalem. Paul spoke with tears warning the Ephesian elders and wrote to the Philippians of those who walk as enemies of the cross. Peter wept bitterly after denying Christ.
☩Eschatological Significance
Jesus warned that those excluded from the kingdom would experience 'weeping and gnashing of teeth'—a phrase describing the anguish of those cast into outer darkness. Yet for believers, there is the glorious promise that God will wipe away all tears from their eyes in the eternal state, where there shall be no more sorrow or crying. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Related Verses122 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Weeping," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Weeping," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).