In biblical literature, the term "weepers" refers to individuals who express deep sorrow or lamentation, often through the act of weeping. This expression of grief is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the human experience of suffering, loss, and repentance. Weeping is portrayed as a natural and sometimes necessary response to the trials and tribulations faced by God's people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, weeping is frequently associated with mourning and lamentation. The Hebrew word for weeping, "bakah," appears in various contexts, often linked to personal or communal grief. One notable instance is found in the book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, which mourns the destruction of Jerusalem. Lamentations 1:16 states, "For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, for there is no one to comfort me, no one to restore my soul."

Weeping is also seen in the context of repentance and seeking God's mercy. In Joel 2:12-13 , the prophet calls the people to return to the Lord with weeping: "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments." This passage highlights the sincerity and depth of emotion involved in true repentance.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, weeping continues to be a significant expression of emotion. Jesus Himself is depicted as weeping in John 11:35 , the shortest verse in the Bible: "Jesus wept." This moment occurs at the tomb of Lazarus, demonstrating Jesus' compassion and empathy for human suffering.

Weeping is also associated with the end times and the final judgment. In Matthew 8:12 , Jesus warns of a place where "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth," referring to the sorrow and regret of those who are cast out from the kingdom of heaven.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Weeping in the Bible often symbolizes a profound spiritual truth. It can represent the brokenness of humanity and the need for divine intervention. In Psalm 126:5 , we read, "Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy." This verse encapsulates the hope that follows sorrow, suggesting that God can transform mourning into joy.

The act of weeping is also a reminder of the compassionate nature of God, who is attentive to the cries of His people. In Revelation 21:4 , the promise is given that God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes," signifying the ultimate comfort and restoration that awaits believers in the new creation.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, weeping was often a communal activity, especially during times of mourning. Professional mourners, or "weepers," were sometimes employed to express grief publicly. This cultural practice is reflected in biblical accounts, such as in Jeremiah 9:17 , where the Lord calls for the mourning women to come and weep.

Overall, the concept of weepers in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the human condition and the hope of redemption through God's grace.1066. Bokim -- "weepers," a place in Palestine
... 1065, 1066. Bokim. 1067 . "weepers," a place in Palestine. Transliteration:
Bokim Phonetic Spelling: (bo-keem') Short Definition: Bochim. ...
/hebrew/1066.htm - 6k

India's Ills and England's Sorrows
... as well. It would seem as if some men had been sent into this world for
the very purpose of being the world's weepers. God's great ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/indias ills and englands sorrows.htm

Excursus on the Public Discipline or Exomologesis of the Early ...
... Three of these are mentioned in the eleventh canon, the fourth, which is not here
referred to, was composed of those styled sunklaiontes, flentes or weepers. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the public discipline.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the occasion: "To the West, the dwelling of Osiris, to the West, thou who wast the
best of men, and who always hated guile." And the hired weepers answered in ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons.
... If they break their faith without compulsion, let them be weepers for two years,
hearers for three, pray as kneelers for five, during two be received into the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxvii to amphilochius the.htm

Further Reasons for Practising Patience. Its Connection with the ...
... abasement. "Blessed," saith He, "are the weepers and mourners." [9127]
Who, without patience, is tolerant of such unhappinesses? ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter xi further reasons for practising.htm

It was the Lord's Will to Confer Great Gifts on his Disciples. ...
... You cannot, forsooth, endure the tears of the weepers; your eyes cannot bear the
coarse clothing, the filth of the squalid; with proud eyes and puffed-up ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii it was the.htm

Use Noted Parts of First Tune, or Use Second Tune Throughout
... All for me? Gazing, afar from thee,. Silent and lone,. Stand those few weepers thou.
Callest thine own. I see thy title, Lord,. Inscribed above; ...
/.../use noted parts of first.htm

Canon Lxxxvii. She who Has Left Her Husband is an Adulteress if ...
... And it has been decreed by our Fathers that they who are such must be "weepers"
for a year, "hearers" for two years, "prostrators" for three years, and in the ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lxxxvii she who has.htm

'Concerning the Crown'
... a crown' or a garland 'for ashes'"instead of the symbol of mourning, strewed grey
and gritty upon the dishevelled hair of the weepers, flowers twined into a ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/concerning the crown.htm

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
... They will master us if we do not expel them. No wonder that the place was named
Bochim ('Weepers'), when such stern words were thundered forth. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a summary of israels faithlessness.htm

Weepers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Weepers (1 Occurrence). Job 30:31 My harp also is turned
to mourning, and my pipe into the voice of weepers. (DBY). ...
/w/weepers.htm - 6k

Bochim (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Weepers, a place where the angel of the Lord reproved
the Israelites for entering into a league with the people of the land. ...
/b/bochim.htm - 7k

Weepest (3 Occurrences)

/w/weepest.htm - 7k

Weep (97 Occurrences)

/w/weep.htm - 37k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... weeping." The plural bekha'im, "mulberry or balsam trees" (2 Samuel 5:23, 14), was
understood by Josephus to denote a grove known by the name Weepers (Ant., VII ...
/p/proper.htm - 57k

Names (133 Occurrences)
... weeping." The plural bekha'im, "mulberry or balsam trees" (2 Samuel 5:23, 14), was
understood by Josephus to denote a grove known by the name Weepers (Ant., VII ...
/n/names.htm - 101k

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