### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κλαυθμός (klauthmós), Strong's `{{G2805}}`, derives from the verb κλαίω (klaiō) `{{G2799}}`, meaning "to weep, to cry, to lament." As a noun, κλαυθμός denotes the act or sound of weeping, lamentation, or wailing. It signifies an audible and often intense expression of grief, sorrow, or distress, rather than mere silent sadness. The term carries a strong emotional charge, indicating profound anguish or suffering that manifests outwardly through tears and cries. Its semantic range primarily encompasses the deepest forms of human sorrow, whether born of loss, regret, or despair.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κλαυθμός appears numerous times in the New Testament, most notably in the Synoptic Gospels, where it is frequently paired with "gnashing of teeth" (βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων). This pairing consistently describes the fate of those excluded from the Kingdom of God.
In [[Matthew 2:18]], κλαυθμός is used to describe Rachel's weeping for her children, a direct quotation from [[Jeremiah 31:15]]. Here, it conveys profound maternal grief and sorrow over loss.
However, the most prominent use is in the context of divine judgment. This imagery is found in:
* [[Matthew 8:12]]: "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This refers to those who, despite their privileged position, are excluded due to lack of faith.
* [[Matthew 13:42]] and [[Matthew 13:50]]: In the parables of the Weeds and the Net, κλαυθμός describes the anguish of the wicked cast into the fiery furnace.
* [[Matthew 22:13]]: In the parable of the Wedding Feast, the man without a wedding garment is cast out "into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
* [[Matthew 24:51]]: The unfaithful servant is cut in pieces and assigned a place with the hypocrites, where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
* [[Matthew 25:30]]: The unprofitable servant, cast into "the outer darkness," experiences "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
* [[Luke 13:28]]: Similar to Matthew, this verse describes the weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophets in the Kingdom of God, while they themselves are cast out.
Beyond these judgment passages, κλαυθμός also appears in [[Acts 20:37]], describing the emotional farewell of the Ephesian elders to Paul. Here, it signifies deep affection and sorrow at separation, underscoring the human dimension of grief within the early Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its verbal root, κλαίω (klaiō) `{{G2799}}`, meaning "to weep, to cry." Other related terms that convey aspects of sorrow or lamentation include:
* θρῆνος (thrēnos) `{{G2355}}`: A lamentation, dirge, often implying a more formal or public expression of grief.
* πένθος (penthos) `{{G3997}}`: Mourning, grief, a broader term for sorrow that may or may not be audibly expressed.
* ὀδυρμός (odurmos) `{{G3602}}`: Lamentation, wailing, often used interchangeably with κλαυθμός but perhaps emphasizing the passionate nature of the outcry.
* λύπη (lypē) `{{G3077}}`: Sorrow, pain, grief, a general term for emotional distress.
Conversely, antonyms or contrasting concepts include:
* χαρά (chara) `{{G5479}}`: Joy, gladness.
* ἀγαλλίασις (agalliasis) `{{G21}}`: Exultation, great joy.
The concept of κλαυθμός is inextricably linked to themes of judgment, exclusion, and the consequences of sin, standing in stark contrast to the joy and peace of God's Kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κλαυθμός is profound and multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a stark eschatological warning. Its frequent pairing with "gnashing of teeth" in the Synoptic Gospels graphically portrays the ultimate anguish and despair of those who face divine judgment and are excluded from the fellowship of God's Kingdom. This is not merely physical pain, but a profound spiritual and emotional torment born of regret, separation, and the realization of lost opportunity. It underscores the severity of rejecting God's invitation and the eternal consequences of unrepentance.
Moreover, κλαυθμός highlights the absolute contrast between the blessedness of salvation and the misery of condemnation. The "outer darkness" is the antithesis of God's light and presence, and the weeping signifies the utter desolation of those who find themselves outside the divine embrace.
While predominantly a term of judgment, κλαυθμός also acknowledges the reality of human suffering and grief in a fallen world, as seen in Rachel's lament in [[Matthew 2:18]] and the sorrow of the Ephesian elders in [[Acts 20:37]]. This demonstrates that lamentation is a legitimate human response to loss and separation, even within a redemptive framework. However, the overwhelming theological weight of κλαυθμός in the New Testament points to the ultimate sorrow reserved for those who fail to enter God's rest.
### Summary
κλαυθμός (klauthmós) `{{G2805}}` denotes intense, audible weeping, lamentation, or wailing. While it can describe human grief and sorrow (e.g., [[Matthew 2:18]], [[Acts 20:37]]), its most prominent and theologically significant usage in the New Testament is in the Synoptic Gospels. There, it is consistently paired with "gnashing of teeth" to depict the profound anguish, despair, and regret of those cast out of the Kingdom of God due to divine judgment. This imagery serves as a powerful warning regarding the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ and underscores the stark contrast between the joy of salvation and the misery of condemnation. κλαυθμός thus functions as a solemn reminder of ultimate accountability and the urgency of responding to God's call.
TRV