In the biblical context, "moans" often refer to expressions of deep sorrow, distress, or lamentation. These vocalizations are typically associated with times of intense emotional or physical suffering, and they are found throughout the Scriptures as a natural human response to the trials and tribulations of life.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew Scriptures frequently depict moaning as a response to suffering or divine judgment. In the book of Job, a man who endures profound personal loss and physical affliction, moaning is a part of his lament. Job expresses his anguish, saying, "My groans pour out like water" (Job 3:24). This imagery captures the depth of his despair and the intensity of his cries.

The Psalms, a collection of songs and prayers, also contain numerous references to moaning. The psalmists often cry out to God in their distress, seeking relief and deliverance. Psalm 38:8 states, "I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart" . Here, moaning is portrayed as an expression of both physical pain and emotional turmoil.

In the prophetic literature, moaning is sometimes used to describe the reaction of nations or peoples under divine judgment. For example, in Isaiah 24:7, the prophet declares, "The new wine dries up, the vine withers; all the merrymakers groan" . This passage illustrates the collective lament of a people facing the consequences of their actions.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, moaning is less frequently mentioned but still present as a response to suffering. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks of creation itself groaning as it awaits redemption. Romans 8:22-23 states, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" . Here, moaning is linked to the anticipation of future glory and the ultimate restoration of all things.

Spiritual Significance

Moaning in the Bible often signifies a deep yearning for divine intervention and relief from suffering. It reflects the human condition in a fallen world, where pain and sorrow are prevalent. Yet, it also points to the hope of redemption and the promise of God's presence in times of trouble. The Scriptures encourage believers to bring their moans and groans before the Lord, trusting in His compassion and faithfulness.

Practical Application

For believers, moaning can be a form of prayer, an honest expression of one's heart before God. It is a reminder that God is attentive to the cries of His people and that He invites them to cast their burdens upon Him. In times of distress, Christians are encouraged to seek comfort in the Lord, who hears their moans and offers peace that surpasses understanding.

The Scourging of Jesus.
... These groans resembled rather a touching cry of prayer and supplication,
than moans of anguish. The clamour of the Pharisees and ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxii the scourging of.htm

Jesus Before Herod.
... Jesus looked upon them with compassion; excess of pain drew from him occasional
moans and groans, but his enemies rejoiced in his sufferings, and mocked his ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xx jesus before herod.htm

The Shout of Faith
... The shout of a steadfast faith is an experience that is in direct contrast to the
moans of a wavering faith, and to the wails of discouraged hearts, both of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Three Facts of Sin
... What do we know about water?"that great mysterious sea, on which some of you spend
your lives, which moans all the long winter at your very doors. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the three facts of sin.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... These moans came from him when his skin was broken and had become loathsome and
he sat upon a dunghill and scraped himself with a potsherd. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

Justice Satisfied
... Let the sighs, and groans, and moans, and shrieks of spirits condemned of God, rise
in your ears, and bear witness that he is a God who will not spare the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/justice satisfied.htm

Description of the Personal Appearance of the Blessed virgin.
... felt so completely heartbroken that I thought I must die as I could not relieve
Jesus, and each blow which he received drew from me such sobs and moans that I ...
/.../chapter xxv description of the.htm

Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ...
... Thekla.8. The virgins standing without the chamber, [2809] with bitter tears and
deep moans, wail and mournfully lament that their lamps are gone out, having ...
/.../chapter ii thekla singing decorously a.htm

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Then Hezekiah Received the Letter ...
... Builds on the rock that nought can move. What can these anxious cares avail,. These
never-ceasing moans and sighs? What can it help us to bewail. ...
/.../lyra germanica the christian year/thirteenth sunday after trinity then.htm

The Great Distress the Jews were in Upon the Conflagration of the ...
... The people also that were left above were beaten back upon the enemy, and under
a great consternation, and made sad moans at the calamity they were under; the ...
/.../chapter 5 the great distress.htm

Moans (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Moans (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 16:11 Wherefore my heart
moaneth like a harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-heres. (See RSV). ...
/m/moans.htm - 6k

Moaning (9 Occurrences)

/m/moaning.htm - 8k

Moan (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To emit a sound like moan; -- said of things inanimate; as, the wind moans.
3. (vt) To bewail audibly; to lament. 4. (vt) To afflict; to distress. ...
/m/moan.htm - 10k

Moat (2 Occurrences)

/m/moat.htm - 7k

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