Lexical Summary odurmos: Mourning, lamentation, wailing Original Word: ὀδυρμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mourning. From a derivative of the base of duno; moaning, i.e. Lamentation -- mourning. see GREEK duno HELPS Word-studies 3602 odyrmós – loud, grievous lamentation, typically accompanied by physical manifestations (shedding tears, shaking the head, etc.). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oduromai (to lament) Definition lamentation NASB Translation mourning (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3602: ὀδυρμόςὀδυρμός, ὀδυρμοῦ, ὁ (ὀδύρομαι to wail, lament (see κλαίω, at the end)), a wailing, lamentation, mourning: Matthew 2:18 (from Jeremiah 38:15 Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and New Testament Occurrences The noun appears twice in the Greek New Testament—Matthew 2:18 and 2 Corinthians 7:7—denoting an intense, audible lament born of profound loss or remorse. These passages reveal two distinct yet complementary dimensions of grief: national bereavement and personal repentance. Matthew 2:18 — National Lament Matthew cites Jeremiah 31:15 to explain the agony that follows Herod’s massacre: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more”. By choosing this term, the Evangelist links Israel’s exile sorrow with Bethlehem’s tragedy. Yet Jeremiah’s context anticipates restoration (Jeremiah 31:16–17), so Matthew simultaneously prepares the reader for the redemption realized in the very Child Herod sought to destroy. 2 Corinthians 7:7 — Personal Repentance Paul rejoices that the Corinthians displayed “deep sorrow” after receiving his severe letter. Their ὀδυρμός evidences genuine repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9–10), demonstrating Spirit-wrought conviction that restores fellowship rather than producing despair. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background In the Septuagint the cognate vocabulary frequently translates Hebrew terms for public wailing at funerals (Genesis 50:10), national catastrophe (Lamentations 5:15), and prophetic lament (Ezekiel 27:31). Second Temple literature describes professional mourners who articulated communal grief with unmistakable cries. Thus, the New Testament usage evokes audible, communal expression rather than silent sorrow. Cultural and Historical Context First-century Jewish and Greco-Roman societies maintained formal lament rituals—tearing garments, loud cries, and communal mourning (Mark 5:38–39; Luke 7:32). By employing this term, the New Testament writers invoke scenes their audiences readily pictured, intensifying the narrative’s emotional resonance. Theological Themes 1. Human Brokenness: The vocabulary validates honest expressions of pain within a creation groaning under sin’s curse (Romans 8:22). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Funerals and Public Tragedy: Scripture endorses audible lament while anchoring hope in resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Christological Focus The infancy narrative frames Jesus’ entrance into a world marked by agonized cries. He bears its griefs (Isaiah 53:4) and transforms mourning into joy (John 16:20), promising a day when “He will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4). Eschatological Hope The present reality of ὀδυρμός heightens anticipation for the new creation where lamentation ceases (Revelation 21:4). Until then, believers grieve, yet not as those without hope. Homiletical Insights A sermon may contrast the mothers’ sorrow in Matthew with the Corinthians’ repentant grief, showing the gospel’s power to redeem both undeserved suffering and personal sin. In each case, Christ’s cross and resurrection provide the ultimate answer to human lament. Select Bibliography Louw & Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, 2.38 Wright, N. T., Jesus and the Victory of God, ch. 10 Glenny, W. Edward, 2 Corinthians (Evangelical Exegetical Commentary) Silva, Moisés, ed., New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis, vol. 3 Forms and Transliterations οδυρμον οδυρμόν ὀδυρμόν οδυρμος οδυρμός ὀδυρμὸς οδυρομένου odurmon odurmos odyrmon odyrmón odyrmos odyrmòsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:18 N-NMSGRK: κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς Ῥαχὴλ NAS: AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL KJV: and great mourning, Rachel weeping INT: weeping and mourning great Rachel 2 Corinthians 7:7 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3602 |
    |