Lexical Summary dakruon: Tear Original Word: δάκρυον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear -- tear. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a teardrop NASB Translation tear (2), tears (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1144: δάκρυδάκρυ, δακρυος, τό, and τό δάκρυον, δακρυου (from Homer down), a tear: Mark 9:24 R G; Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:4; Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews 12:17. The (nominative) form τό δάκρυον in Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:4, (Isaiah 25:8). The dative plural δάκρυσι in Luke 7:38, 44 (Psalm 125:5 Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usage The noun translated “tear” or “tears” (Strong’s Greek 1144) appears ten times in the New Testament. Its occurrences cluster around six thematic settings: repentance and worship (Luke 7:38, 44), apostolic service (Acts 20:19, 31), pastoral correspondence (2 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:4), the praying Messiah (Hebrews 5:7), irreversible loss (Hebrews 12:17), and the removal of all sorrow in the new creation (Revelation 7:17; 21:4). Together these passages trace a biblical theology of tears that spans present brokenness and future restoration. Tears as Expression of Repentance and Devotion Luke’s record of the unnamed woman who anointed Jesus’ feet highlights tears as tangible evidence of contrition and love. “She began to wet His feet with her tears” (Luke 7:38). Her weeping is the visible sign of a heart cleansed and forgiven. Jesus commends her action, affirming that genuine repentance engages both heart and body. The narrative also illustrates that public displays of penitence may invite criticism, yet they are honored by the Lord who looks at the heart. Tears in Apostolic Ministry Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders underscores tears as part of spiritual leadership. He served “with all humility and with tears” (Acts 20:19) and warned the flock “night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). Apostolic tears arise from deep concern for the church, a model of empathy and perseverance. Suffering, opposition, and spiritual vigilance mark authentic ministry, and tears reveal the shepherd’s tender compassion toward God’s people. Tears in Pastoral Correspondence In 2 Corinthians 2:4 Paul confesses, “For through many tears I wrote you… to let you know the depth of my love for you.” Correction delivered with tears demonstrates that discipline must flow from affectionate concern, never cold severity. Similarly, Paul remembers Timothy’s tears and longs to be reunited (2 Timothy 1:4). True fellowship involves emotional transparency; shared tears knit hearts together and strengthen gospel partnerships. Tears in the Messianic Intercession Hebrews 5:7 reveals that during His earthly life Jesus offered prayers “with loud cries and tears.” The righteous Son, though without sin, fully entered human anguish. His tear-stained petitions authenticate His priestly sympathy (Hebrews 4:15) and encourage believers to approach the throne of grace, confident that their Great High Priest understands every sorrow. Tears of Irrevocable Loss Esau’s example in Hebrews 12:17—“he sought the blessing with tears” yet found no place for repentance—warns against despising spiritual privileges. Tears devoid of true repentance cannot reverse the consequences of persistent unbelief. This sober episode balances the earlier scenes of accepted contrition, reminding readers that timing and sincerity are critical in responding to God’s grace. Tears and Eschatological Hope Revelation twice announces the end of tears. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17; 21:4). The repetition assures believers that present sorrows are temporary. The final act of divine tenderness—personally wiping away tears—signals the complete removal of every cause of grief in the new heaven and new earth. Theology of Tears 1. Tears manifest genuine emotion before God and others, whether sorrow for sin, pastoral concern, or intercession. Historical and Ministry Significance Early Christian writers saw in apostolic tears a pastoral paradigm: leaders are to teach, warn, and intercede with heartfelt compassion. Throughout church history, revivals have often been accompanied by tears of conviction and joy, echoing Luke 7. Hymnody and liturgy reflect the eschatological promise of Revelation 21:4, sustaining believers in persecution and grief. The consistent testimony of Scripture and tradition affirms that tears are not signs of weakness but of earnest faith. Practical Application for Believers • Cultivate a soft heart: allow the Spirit to move you to tears over personal sin and the lostness of others. Forms and Transliterations δακρυά δάκρυα δάκρυά δακρυον δάκρυον δάκρυσι δάκρυσί δακρυσιν δάκρυσιν δακρυων δακρύων dakruon dakruōn dakrusin dakryon dakryōn dakrýon dakrýōn dákryon dakrysin dákrysinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 7:38 N-DNPGRK: κλαίουσα τοῖς δάκρυσιν ἤρξατο βρέχειν NAS: His feet with her tears, and kept wiping KJV: his feet with tears, and did wipe INT: weeping the tears she began to wet Luke 7:44 N-DNP Acts 20:19 N-GNP Acts 20:31 N-GNP 2 Corinthians 2:4 N-GNP 2 Timothy 1:4 N-GNP Hebrews 5:7 N-GNP Hebrews 12:17 N-GNP Revelation 7:17 N-ANS Revelation 21:4 N-ANS Strong's Greek 1144 |
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