Lexical Summary ololuzó: To wail, to lament loudly Original Word: ὀλολύζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance howl. A reduplicated primary verb; to "howl" or "halloo", i.e. Shriek -- howl. HELPS Word-studies 3649 ololýzō – an onomatopoetic term, resembling the sound of an ecstatic (exuberant) cry or shriek; meaning howl, cry out audibly, expressing feelings too intense for words (used only in Js 5:1). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. word, onomatop. Definition to cry aloud NASB Translation howl (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3649: ὀλολύζωὀλολύζω; an onomatopoetic verb (cf. the similar ὀιμώζειν, αἰάζειν, ἀλαλάζειν, πιπίζειν, κοκκύζειν, τίζειν. Compare the German term.-zen, as ingrunzen, krächzen, ächzen), to howl, wail, lament: James 5:1. (In Greek writings from Homer down of a loud cry, whether of joy or of grief; the Sept. for הֵילִיל.) (Synonym: cf. κλαίω, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3649 conveys the piercing cry of grief, terror, or despair found most vividly in prophetic oracles of judgment. Although it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its roots in the Septuagint and wider Hellenistic usage give it a rich theological texture that informs James’s forceful admonition to the wealthy. Canonical Context: James 5:1 “Come now, you rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.” (James 5:1) James employs the present participle to picture a continuing, uncontrolled howl. The command is not merely a call for quiet tears but for a loud, public lament befitting imminent catastrophe. By placing the verb at the head of a new prophetic denunciation (James 5:1-6), James aligns himself with the Old Testament prophets who summoned oppressors to mourn even before judgment struck (Isaiah 13:6; Ezekiel 30:2). Old Testament and Septuagint Background 1. Prophetic Day-of-the-LORD imagery: “Wail, for the day of the LORD is near” (Isaiah 13:6). In each case the howl anticipates a divine visitation in wrath, highlighting human helplessness before God’s righteous judgment. James inherits this tradition wholesale, transferring it from nations and kings to affluent churchgoers whose hoarded wealth testifies against them (James 5:3). Historical and Cultural Resonance Outside Scripture, the verb appears in classical laments for the dead and in communal dirges at city-ruins. Greek ears would associate it with shrill ritual cries, amplifying the dishonor and shock that befits sudden reversal of fortune. James fuses that cultural resonance with biblical prophecy, intensifying the moral weight of ignoring the poor. Theological Themes • Imminence of Judgment – The howl is commanded before the sentence is executed, underscoring certainty. Ministry Implications Preaching: James 5:1 invites contemporary proclamation that confronts materialism and systemic injustice. The pastor may contrast fleeting indulgence with the awful sound of divine reckoning, urging hearers to generosity and humility. Corporate Worship: Including passages of lament prevents triumphalism and gives voice to communities suffering under oppression. Personal Devotion: Believers storing up treasure are urged to conduct a spiritual audit, trading silent complacency for a heartfelt, even audible, plea for mercy. Counseling: Permission to “wail” validates emotional honesty before God, especially for those crushed by the greed of others. Eschatological Perspective The howl anticipates the final day when wealth cannot shield anyone from God’s verdict (Revelation 6:15-17 echoes the same terror). For the faithful poor, James 5 assures that their cries have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts (James 5:4). For the unrepentant rich, it forewarns an unending lament. Summary Strong’s 3649 in James 5:1 encapsulates the prophetic tradition of a loud, public lament signaling inevitable judgment. It calls the affluent to face the terror of approaching doom unless they repent, while comforting the oppressed that God hears both their prayers and the forced howls of their oppressors. Forms and Transliterations ολολύζετε ολολυζοντες ολολύζοντες ὀλολύζοντες ολολύξατε ολολυξάτω ολολύξει ολολύξετε ολόλυξον ολολύξουσι ολοπόρφυρον ολόρριζοι ωλόλυζον ωλόλυξε ololuzontes ololyzontes ololýzontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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