### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉkîy**, represented by `{{H1065}}`, signifies **a weeping** or **overflowing**. It appears **30 times** across **29 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the verb `bâkâh` (to weep), this term captures the tangible expression of sorrow, grief, and sometimes repentance, but can also refer to a literal dripping or overflowing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1065}}` is used to convey profound emotional states. It is often a component of genuine repentance, as when the LORD calls His people to turn to Him with fasting and **weeping** [[Joel 2:12]]. It also expresses deep personal and national grief, such as when Hezekiah **wept** sore in his distress [[Isaiah 38:3]] or when Moab is prophesied to experience great **weeping** [[Isaiah 15:5]]. The term can also signify a transition from sorrow to deliverance, as when the people of Israel return to God with **weeping** and supplications [[Jeremiah 31:9]]. In a unique literal sense, it is used to describe God binding the floods from **overflowing** [[Job 28:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of grief and lamentation:
* `{{H1058}}` **bâkâh** (to weep; generally to bemoan): This primitive root is the direct source of `Bᵉkîy`, representing the action of weeping. In the account of Hezekiah's prayer, he **wept**{H1058} sore{H1065}, showing the verb and noun used together for emphasis [[2 Kings 20:3]].
* `{{H1832}}` **dimʻâh** (weeping; tears): This word refers to the physical tears that result from weeping. God promises to end sorrow by commanding his people to refrain their voice from **weeping**{H1065} and their eyes from **tears** [[Jeremiah 31:16]].
* `{{H5092}}` **nᵉhîy** (an elegy; lamentation, wailing): This term describes an audible lament, often paired with weeping to show a full expression of grief. In Ramah, a voice was heard of **lamentation** and bitter **weeping** [[Jeremiah 31:15]].
* `{{H4553}}` **miçpêd** (a lamentation; mourning): This word denotes the act of mourning, which often includes weeping as a central element. The Lord calls for a day of **weeping** and **mourning** in response to judgment [[Isaiah 22:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1065}}` is significant, highlighting God's response to human suffering.
* **An Element of True Repentance:** The act of **weeping** is presented as an outward sign of an inward turning of the heart toward God. It is coupled with fasting and turning to the Lord with all one's heart [[Joel 2:12]].
* **Sorrow as a Precursor to Joy:** Scripture frames **weeping** as a temporary state that will ultimately be replaced by God's comfort and joy. This is famously stated in the promise that **weeping** may endure for a night, but joy{H7440} comes in the morning [[Psalms 30:5]].
* **A Voice Heard by God:** The expression of sorrow through **weeping** is not ignored by God. The psalmist declares with confidence that "the LORD hath heard the voice of my **weeping**," signifying that God is attentive to the cries of His people [[Psalms 6:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1065}}` is more than just the act of crying. It is a powerful biblical term representing the depths of human emotion, from the grief of loss to the contrition of repentance. While it can literally mean an overflowing of water, its primary use conveys a profound sorrow that God acknowledges and promises to one day turn into joy. The word illustrates that in the biblical worldview, expressing grief is a significant act that God hears and responds to.
TRV