### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) is a reduplicated primary verb, suggesting an onomatopoeic origin, mimicking the sound it describes. Its core meaning is to "howl" or "shriek," often in a loud, lamenting, or wailing manner. It denotes a vocalization that is intense and often expresses strong emotion, typically grief, distress, or fear, but can also convey triumph or ecstatic joy in some contexts (though less common in biblical usage). The reduplication emphasizes the continuous or repeated nature of the sound. While the base definition provides "howl" or "halloo," the nuance in biblical Greek leans heavily towards a cry of distress or lamentation rather than a celebratory shout.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek word ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[James 5:1]].
In this singular occurrence, James addresses the rich, warning them of impending miseries: "Come now, you rich, weep and ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) for the miseries that are coming upon you." Here, the verb is used in parallel with "weep" (κλαίω, klaíō, `{{G2821}}`), intensifying the call to lamentation. The context is one of divine judgment against those who have accumulated wealth unjustly, oppressed the poor, and lived in luxury. The "howling" or "shrieking" commanded here is not merely a quiet sorrow but a loud, public, and desperate expression of anguish in the face of impending calamity. It signifies a profound, gut-wrenching despair that will accompany the reversal of their fortunes and the consequences of their unrighteousness. This usage aligns with the prophetic tradition of calling for lamentation in anticipation of God's wrath, as seen in the Old Testament prophets (e.g., [[Isaiah 13:6]], [[Jeremiah 4:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) is semantically related to other Greek terms signifying various forms of vocal expression, particularly those associated with strong emotion.
* **κλαίω (klaíō, `{{G2821}}`)**: "to weep," often with audible sound, as seen in [[James 5:1]] itself, where it appears alongside ololýzō. While klaíō can be general weeping, ololýzō implies a louder, more unrestrained, and often desperate cry.
* **θρηνέω (threnéō, `{{G2354}}`)**: "to lament," specifically to sing a dirge or funeral song. This word often carries the connotation of a ritualized or structured lamentation.
* **κοπετός (kopetós, `{{G2870}}`)**: "lamentation," often implying beating the breast as a sign of grief.
* **πενθέω (pentheō, `{{G4000}}`)**: "to mourn," a more general term for expressing sorrow.
In the Septuagint (LXX), ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) frequently translates Hebrew verbs like יָלַל (yalal, `{{H3213}}`), which also means "to howl" or "wail," often in contexts of distress, judgment, or disaster ([[Isaiah 13:6]], [[Jeremiah 4:8]], [[Ezekiel 21:12]]). This strong Old Testament precedent informs James's use of the term, connecting the impending judgment on the rich to the prophetic warnings of old.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) in [[James 5:1]] lies in its stark portrayal of divine judgment and the appropriate response to it. The command to "howl" is not merely a description of future sorrow but a prophetic imperative, urging a recognition of sin and the severity of its consequences. It underscores the biblical principle that unrighteous wealth and oppression of the poor provoke God's wrath. The intensity of the commanded "howling" reflects the profound nature of the "miseries" (ταλαιπωρίαι, talaipōríai, `{{G5004}}`) that are coming, which are not just earthly setbacks but spiritual calamities. This passage serves as a powerful warning against materialism and social injustice, emphasizing that earthly prosperity gained through unrighteousness is fleeting and will ultimately lead to ultimate despair. It highlights the justice of God, who hears the cries of the oppressed ([[James 5:4]]) and will bring judgment upon their oppressors, prompting a wail of despair from those who once reveled in their ill-gotten gains.
### Summary
ὀλολύζω (ololýzō) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to howl" or "shriek," conveying a loud, unrestrained cry of intense emotion, primarily distress or lamentation. Its single New Testament occurrence in [[James 5:1]] is a direct, prophetic command to the rich to "weep and howl" in anticipation of divine judgment for their unrighteousness and oppression. This usage aligns with Old Testament prophetic calls for wailing in the face of impending disaster, underscoring the severity of God's justice. Semantically related to other terms for weeping and mourning, ὀλολύζω emphasizes a desperate, public expression of anguish. Theologically, it serves as a stark warning against the dangers of unrighteous wealth and social injustice, portraying the inevitable and profound despair that awaits those who defy God's righteous standards.
TRV