The term "sorroweth" is an archaic form of the verb "sorrow," which means to experience or express grief, sadness, or regret. In the context of the Bible, sorrow is a significant theme that appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the human condition and the spiritual journey of believers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sorrow is often associated with the consequences of sin, loss, and the trials of life. The Hebrew word most commonly translated as sorrow is "yagon," which conveys a deep sense of anguish or distress. For example, in Genesis 42:38, Jacob expresses his sorrow over the potential loss of his son Benjamin: "But Jacob replied, 'My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead and he alone is left. If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, you would bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.'"

The Psalms frequently articulate the sorrow of the psalmists, who cry out to God in their distress. Psalm 13:2 captures this sentiment: "How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?" Here, sorrow is depicted as an ongoing struggle, yet it is also an opportunity for the psalmist to seek God's intervention and comfort.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, sorrow continues to be a theme, particularly in the context of repentance and the anticipation of Christ's return. The Greek word "lupeo" is often used to describe sorrow, which can denote both physical pain and emotional grief. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 , Paul writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." This passage highlights the transformative power of sorrow when it leads to genuine repentance and a turning back to God.

The Gospels also recount moments of sorrow in the life of Jesus. In John 11:35 , the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept," we see the deep compassion and sorrow of Christ at the death of Lazarus, reflecting His empathy for human suffering.

Theological Significance

Sorrow in the Bible is not merely an emotional response but is often tied to spiritual realities. It serves as a reminder of the brokenness of the world due to sin and the need for redemption. In Isaiah 53:3 , the prophecy of the Suffering Servant describes the Messiah as "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." This points to the redemptive work of Christ, who bore the sorrows of humanity on the cross.

Believers are encouraged to bring their sorrows to God, trusting in His promise of comfort and restoration. Revelation 21:4 offers a future hope: "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." This eschatological promise assures Christians that sorrow is temporary and will ultimately be overcome by the joy of eternal life with God.

Practical Application

For Christians, understanding the role of sorrow in the biblical narrative encourages a response of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. Sorrow can lead to deeper reliance on God, fostering spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are called to support one another in times of sorrow, embodying the love and compassion of Christ. As Romans 12:15 instructs, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This communal aspect of bearing one another's burdens reflects the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.

2 Cor. vii. 8
... He that sorroweth for loss of wealth repaireth not that damage; he that sorroweth
for one deceased raiseth not the dead to life again; he that sorroweth for a ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xv 2 cor vii.htm

"He is the Head, and we be his Members. " "Therefore Our Father ...
... And then I saw that only Pain blameth and punisheth, and our courteous Lord comforteth
and sorroweth; and ever He is to the soul in glad Cheer, loving, and ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter li he is the.htm

Sorroweth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sorroweth (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 10:2 When
thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two ...
/s/sorroweth.htm - 6k

Sorrowful (29 Occurrences)

/s/sorrowful.htm - 15k

Wentest (16 Occurrences)
... Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found:
and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you ...
/w/wentest.htm - 11k

Sorrowed (3 Occurrences)

/s/sorrowed.htm - 7k

Sepulcher (48 Occurrences)
... at Zelzah; and they will say to thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found:
and lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you ...
/s/sepulcher.htm - 20k

Asses (68 Occurrences)
... Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found:
and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you ...
/a/asses.htm - 29k

Sepulchre (57 Occurrences)
... Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found:
and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you ...
/s/sepulchre.htm - 25k

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