The term "bemoaneth" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version of the Bible, derived from the verb "bemoan," which means to express deep sorrow or lamentation. In the context of Scripture, it is often used to describe the act of mourning or expressing grief over a particular situation, sin, or loss. While the Berean Standard Bible may not use the exact term "bemoaneth," the concept is present throughout the biblical narrative.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Expression of Grief and Repentance:
The act of bemoaning is frequently associated with repentance and the acknowledgment of sin. In the prophetic literature, the prophets often call the people of Israel to bemoan their transgressions and return to the Lord. This expression of sorrow is not merely an emotional response but a spiritual act of turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness.

· Jeremiah 31:18 : "I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me, and I was disciplined like an untrained calf. Restore me, and I will return, for You are the LORD my God.’" Here, Ephraim's moaning is a sign of repentance and a desire for restoration.

2. Lamentation Over Destruction:
The Bible often uses the concept of bemoaning in the context of lamenting over the destruction of cities or nations due to their disobedience to God. The prophets, in particular, express deep sorrow over the impending or realized judgment upon Israel and Judah.

· Jeremiah 9:1 : "Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people." This verse captures the prophet Jeremiah's deep lamentation over the devastation of his people.

3. Personal Sorrow and Mourning:
Individuals in the Bible also bemoan personal losses or tragedies. This personal lament is a natural human response to suffering and is often directed towards God, seeking comfort and understanding.

· Job 30:25 : "Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?" Job reflects on his own sorrow and empathy for others, highlighting the shared human experience of grief.

4. Call to National Mourning:
In times of national crisis or calamity, leaders and prophets would call the people to bemoan collectively, recognizing their collective sin and seeking divine intervention.

· Joel 1:13-14 : "Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, for the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. Consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly, gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD."

Theological Significance:

The act of bemoaning in the Bible is deeply tied to the themes of repentance, humility, and the recognition of human frailty in the face of divine holiness. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for sincere contrition. Bemoaning is not merely an expression of despair but a step towards reconciliation with God, emphasizing the hope of redemption and restoration through genuine repentance.

In the broader biblical narrative, bemoaning reflects the tension between human sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, while also pointing to His mercy and willingness to forgive those who turn back to Him with a contrite heart.

Concordance

Bemoaneth (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 18:16
To make their land become a desolation, A hissing age-during, Every passer by it is astonished, And bemoaneth with his head.
(YLT)

Thesaurus

Bemoaneth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bemoaneth (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 18:16 To make
their land become a desolation, A hissing age-during, Every ...
/b/bemoaneth.htm - 6k

Passer (9 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land become a desolation, A hissing age-during, Every
passer by it is astonished, And bemoaneth with his head. (YLT). ...
/p/passer.htm - 9k

Bemoaning (2 Occurrences)

/b/bemoaning.htm - 7k

Bemoaner (1 Occurrence)

/b/bemoaner.htm - 6k

Hissed (6 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land become a desolation, A hissing age-during,
Every passer by it is astonished, And bemoaneth with his head. (See RSV). ...
/h/hissed.htm - 8k

Desolation (131 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land become a desolation, A hissing age-during, Every
passer by it is astonished, And bemoaneth with his head. (YLT NAS). ...
/d/desolation.htm - 46k

Resources

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