### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **penthéō**, represented by `{{G3996}}`, means to grieve. Derived from the word for grief, **pénthos** `{{G3997}}`, it encompasses both the feeling and the act of grieving and is translated as to **mourn** or **wail**. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses, illustrating its specific and powerful applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3996}}` is used to describe several types of mourning. It can refer to the grief that follows a profound loss, such as when the disciples **mourned** and wept after Christ's death [[Mark 16:10]]. It is also used to describe the wailing over worldly and economic ruin, as when the merchants of the earth **mourn** the fall of Babylon [[Revelation 18:11]]. The term is also used to signify a necessary response to sin, with Paul stating he will **bewail** unrepentant sinners in the Corinthian church [[2 Corinthians 12:21]] and rebuking the church for not having **mourned** over a member's transgression [[1 Corinthians 5:2]]. Importantly, Jesus frames mourning as inappropriate in His immediate presence, noting the children of the bridechamber cannot **mourn** while the bridegroom is with them [[Matthew 9:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and nature of `{{G3996}}`:
* `{{G3997}}` **pénthos** (grief:--mourning, sorrow): This is the noun form from which `{{G3996}}` is derived. It represents the state of **mourning** that one's laughter should be turned into as an act of repentance [[James 4:9]].
* `{{G2799}}` **klaíō** (to sob, i.e. wail aloud): This word for audible weeping is frequently paired with `{{G3996}}` to emphasize an outward expression of grief, as seen when the disciples **mourned** and wept [[Mark 16:10]] and when a future woe promises that those who laugh will **mourn** and weep [[Luke 6:25]].
* `{{G1070}}` **geláō** (to laugh): Presented as a direct opposite to mourning. A woe is pronounced on those who **laugh** now, for they will later **mourn** [[Luke 6:25]].
* `{{G3759}}` **ouaí** (woe): This primary exclamation of grief often introduces a state of judgment that results in mourning. The merchants cry "**alas**, **alas**" while they are **wailing** over the desolate city [[Revelation 18:19]].
* `{{G3870}}` **parakaléō** (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)): This word for comfort is presented as the divine response to godly mourning. Those who **mourn** are blessed because they will be **comforted** [[Matthew 5:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3996}}` is significant, highlighting a key aspect of the Christian spiritual life.
* **A Blessed Spiritual State:** Rather than being a negative feeling to be avoided, mourning is presented as a blessed state. Jesus's declaration, "Blessed are they that **mourn**," establishes this as a posture that invites divine comfort [[Matthew 5:4]].
* **A Component of True Repentance:** Scripture commands believers to **mourn** as a mark of genuine repentance. It is part of turning from worldly joy to godly sorrow, as instructed in [[James 4:9]]. The failure to **mourn** in the face of sin is treated as a serious spiritual deficiency [[1 Corinthians 5:2]].
* **A Sign of Future Reversal:** The act of mourning is often set in contrast to a current or future reality. The joy of those who laugh now will be turned to mourning [[Luke 6:25]], while the mourning of the disciples during Christ's absence is temporary [[Matthew 9:15]]. This points to an ultimate, eschatological judgment where worldly joy ends in sorrow and godly sorrow ends in comfort.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3996}}` conveys a form of grieving that is theologically rich. It is more than a simple expression of sadness over loss; it is a spiritual discipline, a necessary element of repentance, and a condition that God Himself blesses with comfort. The use of this word distinguishes the worldly sorrow that leads to ruin, as with the merchants of Babylon, from the godly sorrow that leads to salvation and blessing.
TRV