The Hebrew word bâkâh, represented by H1058, is a primitive root that means to weep. It appears 114 times across 100 unique verses, indicating its significance in expressing a wide spectrum of human sorrow. Its definition encompasses acts to bemoan, bewail, complain, and make lamentation, moving beyond simple crying to denote deep emotional distress.
The verb H1058 often conveys a highly demonstrative and audible form of grief, frequently accompanied by a "lifting up of voice" (e.g., Judges 2:4, Ruth 1:9, 1 Samuel 11:4). This indicates a public or communal expression of sorrow, far from a silent shedding of tears, and can escalate into a collective outburst. The intensity can be so profound that individuals or groups weep "until they had no more power to weep" 1 Samuel 30:
In the biblical narrative, H1058 is used to express various forms of grief. It describes personal sorrow, such as when Jacob wept upon meeting Rachel Genesis 29:11, or when Joseph wept over his father and brothers (Genesis 50:1, Genesis 42:24). It also captures communal and national mourning, as when the children of Israel wept after receiving a divine message Judges 2:4 or mourned the death of Moses Deuteronomy 34:8. The act of weeping is often tied to repentance and supplication; the people wept upon hearing the words of the law Nehemiah 8:9, and the priests were commanded to weep between the porch and the altar, interceding for Israel Joel 2:17.
Several related words provide further nuance to the concept of weeping and mourning:
- H1065 Bᵉkîy (a weeping): This noun, derived from bâkâh, often describes the act or sound of weeping itself. For example, King Hezekiah "wept sore," with the text using both H1058 and H1065 to emphasize the intensity of his grief Isaiah 38:3. It is also used to describe the "weeping" that may endure for a night before joy comes in the morning Psalms 30:5.
- H1832 dimʻâh (weeping; tears): This word refers to the physical tears that result from weeping. God promises Hezekiah that He has seen his "tears" 2 Kings 20:5 and will ultimately "wipe away tears from off all faces" Isaiah 25:8.
- H56 ʼâbal (to bewail): This term is frequently used alongside bâkâh to describe a period of mourning. After hearing distressing news, Nehemiah "wept, and mourned certain days" Nehemiah 1:4.
- H5594 çâphad (to lament): This describes a more formal or ritualistic mourning. Abraham came "to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her" Genesis 23:2, pairing this act of lamentation with the emotional expression of bâkâh.
The theological weight of H1058 is profound, often connecting human emotion to the divine-human relationship.
- A Sign of a Tender Heart: Weeping is presented as an outward sign of a heart that is tender and humble before God. When King Josiah heard the words of the Law, his heart was tender, and he "wept before me," leading to God hearing his prayer 2 Kings 22:19.
- A Response to Sin and Judgment: Weeping is a common response to the consequences of sin. The people of Israel are found "weeping before the door of the tabernacle" in the face of judgment Numbers 25:6, and Jeremiah's soul weeps in secret for the people's pride and impending captivity Jeremiah 13:17.
- A Precursor to Divine Comfort and Restoration: Scripture frequently depicts weeping as a prelude to God's intervention and joy. The psalmist declares that one who "goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing" Psalms 126:6. God promises his people that a day will come when they will "weep no more" and he will answer their cry Isaiah 30:19.
In summary, H1058 is far more than a simple word for crying. It is a cornerstone of the biblical language of emotion, representing a deep and honest response to loss, sin, and the human condition. It functions as a powerful expression of personal grief, national lament, sincere repentance, and heartfelt intercession, often marking a turning point where human sorrow meets divine compassion.
TRV