Topical Encyclopedia Tears are a profound expression of human emotion, often associated with sorrow, repentance, compassion, and even joy. Throughout the Bible, tears are depicted as a natural and significant part of the human experience, reflecting the depth of one's feelings and the sincerity of one's heart.Tears of Sorrow and Mourning The Bible frequently associates tears with sorrow and mourning. In the Old Testament, tears are often seen in the context of lamentation and grief. For instance, in the book of Job, Job expresses his deep anguish and suffering through tears: "My eyes have grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow" (Job 17:7). Similarly, the psalmist David writes, "I am weary from my groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears" (Psalm 6:6), illustrating the profound sorrow that can accompany life's trials. Tears of Repentance Tears are also a sign of genuine repentance and contrition. In the New Testament, the account of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet with her tears is a powerful example of repentance: "As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair" (Luke 7:38). Her tears signify a heartfelt acknowledgment of sin and a desire for forgiveness. Tears of Compassion The Bible also portrays tears as an expression of compassion and empathy. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus, demonstrating His deep compassion for those who mourn: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). This shortest verse in the Bible powerfully conveys the depth of Jesus' empathy and His shared sorrow with humanity. Tears in Prayer and Supplication Tears often accompany fervent prayer and supplication. The writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus' own prayers, saying, "During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence" (Hebrews 5:7). This passage highlights the intensity and sincerity of prayer that is often accompanied by tears. Tears of Joy and Fulfillment While tears are commonly associated with sorrow, they can also be an expression of joy and fulfillment. In the book of Genesis, when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, he weeps tears of joy and reconciliation: "Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, 'Have everyone leave my presence!' So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it" (Genesis 45:1-2). God's Response to Tears The Bible assures believers that God is attentive to their tears. In the Psalms, David expresses confidence that God sees and remembers his tears: "You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?" (Psalm 56:8). This imagery suggests that God values and remembers the tears of His people, offering comfort and hope. The Promise of No More Tears Ultimately, the Bible promises a future where tears will be no more. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John describes a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God will wipe away every tear: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). This promise offers believers hope for a future free from the sorrows and pains of this world. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 6:6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 39:12 Psalm 42:3 Library And Judas Iscariot The General Deliverance General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ... Concerning the Lord's Supper The General Resurrection Howe -- the Redeemer's Tears Over Lost Souls Solitude, Silence, Submission Spiritual Farming --No. 4 Sowing. On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... Resources Why is Jeremiah known as the weeping prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is godly sorrow? | GotQuestions.org The needs of the world overwhelm me. Am I too sensitive? | GotQuestions.org Tears: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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