Topical Encyclopedia Weeping, as an expression of deep sorrow or intense emotion, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It is often associated with mourning, repentance, compassion, and even joy. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where weeping is depicted, offering insight into the human condition and the divine response to human suffering.Old Testament References 1. Genesis 21:16 · Hagar, in despair over her son Ishmael's fate in the wilderness, weeps. "Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, 'I cannot watch the boy die.' And as she sat there nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept." 2. Genesis 45:2 · Joseph, upon revealing his identity to his brothers, weeps loudly. "But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s household heard about it." 3. 1 Samuel 1:10 · Hannah, in her deep anguish over her barrenness, weeps bitterly. "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears." 4. 2 Samuel 1:12 · David and his men mourn the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. "They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." 5. Psalm 6:6 · David expresses his sorrow and weeping in prayer. "I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears." 6. Ecclesiastes 3:4 · The Preacher acknowledges a time for weeping. "A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." New Testament References 1. Matthew 2:18 · The weeping of Rachel is recalled in the context of Herod's massacre of the innocents. "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing consolation, because they are no more." 2. John 11:35 · Jesus weeps at the tomb of Lazarus, showing His compassion and empathy. "Jesus wept." 3. Luke 7:38 · A sinful woman weeps at Jesus' feet, demonstrating repentance and devotion. "As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume." 4. Acts 20:37 · The Ephesian elders weep as they bid farewell to Paul. "They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him." 5. Revelation 21:4 · A promise of the end of weeping in the new creation. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." Theological Implications Weeping in the Bible often signifies a profound emotional response to sin, loss, or divine revelation. It is a natural human reaction that God acknowledges and responds to with compassion and comfort. The Scriptures reveal that God is attentive to the cries of His people, offering solace and hope for a future where sorrow and weeping will be no more. Nave's Topical Index Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 7:30 Library Athanasius is Again Banished; Concerning Eleusius, Bishop of ... On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... Solitude, Silence, Submission Concerning Christian Liberty Concerning Christian Liberty From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... Joseph Testimonies. Agrippa, who was Also Called Herod, Having Persecuted the Apostles ... Resources Who was Rachel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWill there be tears in heaven? | GotQuestions.org What is the Massacre of the Innocents? | GotQuestions.org Weeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |