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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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