### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root dâmaʻ (`{{H1830}}`) is a primitive verb, signifying the act of "to weep." Its core meaning denotes the shedding of tears as an expression of deep emotion. While the base definition is straightforward, the accompanying idiomatic sense of "sore, weep" suggests a connection to the physical or emotional pain that often accompanies such an outpouring. Unlike other verbs for crying that might emphasize sound or wailing, dâmaʻ points specifically to the watery discharge of tears, often indicative of profound distress, grief, or suffering. As a primitive root, it conveys a fundamental and visceral human reaction to sorrow or anguish.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb dâmaʻ (`{{H1830}}`) is remarkably rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing only once. This singular occurrence is found in the Hiphil stem in [[Psalm 6:6]]:
> "I am weary with my groaning; all night long I flood (אַדְמֶה - *'adhmiyah*) my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears."
In this context, the Hiphil form *'adhmiyah* conveys a causative or intensive sense: "I cause to flow" or "I flood." The psalmist, engulfed in profound anguish and seeking deliverance from God's wrath and his enemies, describes an overwhelming and continuous weeping. The imagery of flooding one's bed and drenching the couch with tears powerfully conveys the depth of his sorrow and the sheer volume of his lament. The rarity of dâmaʻ makes this particular usage stand out, emphasizing the extreme nature of the psalmist's distress. It is not merely weeping, but an abundant, ceaseless outpouring of tears that consumes the night. This verse is a classic example of a lament, where the sufferer pours out their heart before God in raw honesty.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew words relate to the concept of weeping and sorrow, offering nuanced perspectives:
* `{{H1832}}` (*dim'ah*): This is the noun form directly derived from dâmaʻ, meaning "tear" or "weeping." Its usage often highlights the physical manifestation of tears, as seen in [[Psalm 56:8]] where God is said to collect the psalmist's tears in a bottle.
* `{{H1058}}` (*bâkâh*): This is the most common Hebrew verb for "to weep" or "to cry," often encompassing a broader range of expressions, from quiet sorrow to loud wailing. Examples include Jacob weeping over Joseph [[Genesis 37:35]] or the Israelites weeping at Bochim [[Judges 2:4]].
* `{{H5097}}` (*nâhâh*): To "wail" or "lament," often with a public or ritualistic connotation, as in professional mourners [[Jeremiah 9:17]].
* `{{H6119}}` (*ʻâtsab*): To "grieve," "vex," or "be pained," focusing more on the internal emotional state rather than the outward expression of tears.
* `{{H6031}}` (*'ânâh*): To "groan" or "sigh," often expressing deep distress or affliction, paralleling dâmaʻ in the context of lament.
These related terms collectively paint a rich picture of human suffering and its expression in the biblical narrative, with dâmaʻ contributing the specific emphasis on abundant, flooding tears.
### Theological Significance
The act of weeping, particularly as conveyed by dâmaʻ in its sole occurrence, holds significant theological weight.
1. **Honest Lament and Vulnerability:** The psalmist's "flooding" with tears in [[Psalm 6:6]] exemplifies an unvarnished outpouring of the soul before God. It underscores the biblical allowance and even encouragement for believers to express their deepest pain and distress honestly to the Almighty. This raw vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an act of profound trust in God's capacity to hear and respond to suffering.
2. **God's Awareness of Suffering:** While dâmaʻ itself does not explicitly state God's reaction, the broader biblical narrative consistently portrays God as attentive to the tears of His people ([[Psalm 56:8]], [[Isaiah 38:5]]). The intensity of the weeping in [[Psalm 6]] serves as a powerful plea, appealing to God's compassion and mercy.
3. **The Reality of Human Anguish:** The vivid imagery of dâmaʻ reminds us of the profound suffering experienced by humanity in a fallen world. It legitimizes grief and pain as part of the human experience under the sun, even for the righteous.
4. **A Precursor to Deliverance:** In the context of lament psalms, intense weeping often precedes a shift towards hope and trust in God's deliverance. The act of pouring out one's soul, even in tears, is a step towards seeking divine intervention and comfort. The psalmist's tears in [[Psalm 6]] are part of a fervent prayer for restoration and healing.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb dâmaʻ (`{{H1830}}`) is a rare yet potent word meaning "to weep," specifically emphasizing an abundant, flooding outpouring of tears. Its singular appearance in [[Psalm 6:6]] vividly portrays the psalmist's overwhelming anguish, where tears become a deluge, drenching his bed. This unique usage highlights the extreme nature of his distress and the intensity of his lament before God. Though infrequent, dâmaʻ contributes to the rich biblical vocabulary of human emotion, underscoring the legitimacy of profound sorrow and the honest expression of pain. Theologically, it serves as a powerful testament to human vulnerability, the depth of suffering, and the believer's earnest plea for divine intervention, reminding us that God is attentive to the cries and tears of His people.
TRV