Definition and Context
Bewailing refers to the act of expressing deep sorrow or lamentation, often accompanied by weeping or wailing. In the biblical context, bewailing is a profound expression of grief or regret, typically in response to death, calamity, sin, or divine judgment. It is a common theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the human response to suffering and loss.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, bewailing is frequently associated with mourning rituals. For instance, in Genesis 50:10, Joseph mourns for his father Jacob: "When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father." This passage illustrates the cultural practice of mourning, which often included loud lamentation and extended periods of grief.

The book of Job also provides insight into the concept of bewailing. Job, in his suffering, laments his condition and the day of his birth: "Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). Job's lament is a personal expression of anguish and a search for understanding amidst his trials.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, bewailing is seen in the context of repentance and the recognition of sin. In Matthew 11:17, Jesus refers to the unresponsive generation: "‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’" Here, Jesus highlights the people's lack of response to both joyful and sorrowful calls, indicating a spiritual insensitivity.

The act of bewailing is also evident in the account of Peter's denial of Christ. After realizing his betrayal, Peter "went outside and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:75). This moment of deep remorse and sorrow signifies Peter's recognition of his sin and his heartfelt repentance.

Theological Significance
Bewailing in the Bible often serves as a precursor to divine intervention or restoration. It is a recognition of human frailty and the need for God's mercy. In the prophetic literature, bewailing is sometimes a call to repentance, urging the people to turn back to God. Joel 2:12-13 states, "‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.’ Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion."

Cultural and Historical Practices
In ancient Israel, bewailing was often accompanied by specific mourning customs, such as wearing sackcloth, putting ashes on one's head, and fasting. These practices were outward expressions of inner grief and were intended to demonstrate the sincerity of one's sorrow. The communal aspect of mourning, where family and community members would join in the lament, underscores the collective nature of grief in biblical times.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not shy away from the reality of suffering and loss, it also points to the hope of redemption and restoration. Bewailing, as depicted in Scripture, is not merely an expression of despair but can be a step toward healing and reconciliation with God.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bewail.

2. (a.) Wailing over; lamenting.

Of a Private Fast.
... This penitency consists in three things"First, An inward insight of sin, and sense
of mercy; Secondly, A bewailing of thy vile state; Thirdly, An humble and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm

The Service Common to Two or More Monks.
... The undefiled youthful Maiden seeing the Youth voluntarily nailed on the tree,
piteously bewailing, called out unto Him: Woe unto me, O my most beloved Child! ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiii the service common.htm

The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs.
... The Stavro-theotokion: Beholding the Lamb voluntarily stretched on the tree of the
cross, the she-lamb, suffering motherly pangs and bewailing, vociferated: O ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xix the general service.htm

How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which ...
... prayer (Ecclus. vii.14). For to repeat a word in prayer is, after bewailing,
to commit what again requires bewailing. Hence it is ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxx how those are.htm

How the Senators Determined to Restore the Democracy; but the ...
... and destitute of all such things as the law allows to the dead, and all over herself
besmeared with the blood of her husband's wounds, and bewailing the great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the senators.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... As our witness, let us adduce the voice of prophecy accordant with truth, and bewailing
those who are crushed in ignorance and folly: "For God is able of these ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

Matt. xviii. 7
... Woe to such a man from his infirmity, which he has increased by his own remissness."
But in that case indeed there is no advantage from the bewailing, but here ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lix matt xviii 7.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Hierarchs.
... [The Stavro-Theotokion. Standing once before the tree, during the crucifixion, with
the chaste-disciple, the Virgin cried out, bewailing: O woe unto me! ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xi the service common.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... v. pl.7. vignette, which is also by Boudier, represents a man bewailing the dead,
in the attitude adopted at funerals by professional mourners of both sexes ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

First Greek Form.
... But the parents of the boy that had been dried up took him up, bewailing his youth,
and brought him to Joseph, and reproached him because, said they, thou hast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of thomas/first greek form .htm

Bewailing (2 Occurrences)
...Bewailing (2 Occurrences). ... Luke 8:52 And all were weeping, and bewailing her: but
he said, Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleepeth. (ASV RSV). ...
/b/bewailing.htm - 7k

Beware (51 Occurrences)

/b/beware.htm - 21k

Lamentation (45 Occurrences)
... 27:2, 32; 28:12; 32:2, 16). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The act of
bewailing; audible expression of sorrow; wailing; moaning. ...
/l/lamentation.htm - 21k

Wailing (44 Occurrences)
... Matthew 2:18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and bitter lamentation: It was
Rachel bewailing her children, and she refused to be comforted because there ...
/w/wailing.htm - 19k

Tomb (70 Occurrences)
... in relating the leading away of the people of Ramah, which was in Benjamin, into
captivity, introduces Rachel the mother of that tribe as bewailing the fate of ...
/t/tomb.htm - 31k

Rachel's (5 Occurrences)
... in relating the leading away of the people of Ramah, which was in Benjamin, into
captivity, introduces Rachel the mother of that tribe as bewailing the fate of ...
/r/rachel's.htm - 11k

Refused (89 Occurrences)
... Matthew 2:18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and bitter lamentation: It was
Rachel bewailing her children, and she refused to be comforted because there ...
/r/refused.htm - 33k

Refusing (21 Occurrences)
... Matthew 2:18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and bitter lamentation: It was
Rachel bewailing her children, and she refused to be comforted because there ...
/r/refusing.htm - 12k

Raddai (1 Occurrence)
... in relating the leading away of the people of Ramah, which was in Benjamin, into
captivity, introduces Rachel the mother of that tribe as bewailing the fate of ...
/r/raddai.htm - 10k

Bewaileth (2 Occurrences)

/b/bewaileth.htm - 7k

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Bewailing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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