### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thrēnos**, represented by `{{G2355}}`, translates to **wailing** or **lamentation**. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular use points to a specific and powerful expression of audible grief and sorrow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G2355}}` is in [[Matthew 2:18]], which describes the aftermath of the slaughter of the children in Bethlehem. The verse states, "In Rama was there a voice heard, **lamentation**, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children." Here, **lamentation** captures the deep, vocal anguish and sorrow felt by the community, personified by Rachel weeping for her lost children.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used alongside or in similar contexts to express different facets of grief:
* `{{G2805}}` **klauthmós** (lamentation): This word for weeping or wailing is used directly with `{{G2355}}` in [[Matthew 2:18]]. It is also frequently used to describe the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" in passages about judgment [[Matthew 8:12]].
* `{{G3602}}` **odyrmós** (mourning): Defined as moaning or lamentation, this term also appears in the list of sorrows in [[Matthew 2:18]], emphasizing the depth of the grief through a collection of similar terms.
* `{{G2799}}` **klaíō** (to sob, i.e. wail aloud): This verb is the action associated with the nouns for grief. In [[Matthew 2:18]], it is Rachel who is **weeping** (klaíō) for her children. It is also used in commands such as "Weep not" [[Luke 7:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2355}}` is concentrated in its single, poignant use.
* **Expression of Ultimate Loss:** The word is reserved for an event of profound tragedy—the massacre of innocent children. Its use highlights a grief so deep it becomes an audible, public **wailing**.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The use of `{{G2355}}` in [[Matthew 2:18]] connects the event to a prophecy concerning Rachel, embodying the historical and ongoing sorrow of a nation for its people.
* **A Tapestry of Grief:** Scripture pairs `{{G2355}}` with `{{G2805}}` (weeping) and `{{G3602}}` (mourning) to create a multi-layered depiction of sorrow. This demonstrates how the Bible uses a rich vocabulary to convey the full spectrum of human emotion in response to suffering.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2355}}` is a highly specific term for **lamentation** or **wailing**. Though used only once, its placement in [[Matthew 2:18]] gives it immense significance, capturing the sound of unbearable sorrow in a moment of historic tragedy. It stands alongside related terms to paint a complete and powerful picture of grief as a response to profound loss.
TRV