### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qûwn**, represented by `{{H6969}}`, is a primitive root that signifies an audible expression of grief. Its core definition is to strike a musical note, such as to chant or wail at a funeral. It is translated as to **lament** or can refer to a **mourning woman**. It appears **8 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its use in contexts of significant loss and mourning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6969}}` is consistently used to describe a formal and often public act of grieving. This action is performed by prominent figures, such as when David **lamented** over Saul and Jonathan [[2 Samuel 1:17]] and again over Abner [[2 Samuel 3:33]]. The prophet Jeremiah also **lamented** for King Josiah [[2 Chronicles 35:25]]. The term extends beyond personal grief to encompass prophetic judgment, as when the daughters of the nations are instructed to **lament** for Egypt [[Ezekiel 32:16]]. It can also identify a specific role, as seen in the call for the "mourning **women**" [[Jeremiah 9:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words build upon the concept of wailing and dirges:
* `{{H7015}}` **qîynâh** (lamentation): Derived directly from `{{H6969}}`, this word refers to the dirge or lament itself. Its connection is clear in verses like [[2 Samuel 1:17]], where David **lamented** `{{H6969}}` with a specific **lamentation** `{{H7015}}`.
* `{{H5204}}` **nîy** (wailing): This term for lamentation appears alongside `{{H6969}}` to emphasize the intensity of the mourning. In [[Ezekiel 27:32]], the people are described in their **wailing** `{{H5204}}` taking up a **lamentation** `{{H7015}}` and **lamenting** `{{H6969}}` over the fall of Tyrus.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6969}}` underscores several important themes related to grief and judgment in the Old Testament.
* **Mourning for Leaders:** The word is frequently associated with the deaths of major figures, including kings and military commanders like Saul, Jonathan, and Abner. This highlights lamentation as a response to national or communal loss ([[2 Samuel 1:17]], [[2 Samuel 3:33]]).
* **Prophetic Declaration:** Lament is not only a reaction to past tragedy but also a prophetic act foretelling judgment. In Ezekiel, the command for nations to **lament** over Egypt and Tyrus serves as a divine pronouncement of their destruction ([[Ezekiel 32:16]], [[Ezekiel 27:32]]).
* **Structured Ritual:** The practice of lamenting was a recognized and organized part of Israelite culture. This is evidenced by the call for professional "mourning women" [[Jeremiah 9:17]] and the establishment of Jeremiah's lament for Josiah as "an ordinance in Israel" [[2 Chronicles 35:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6969}}` defines more than simple sadness; it describes an active, vocal, and often ritualized expression of profound grief or divine judgment. Whether performed by a king, a prophet, or a professional mourner, the act of lamenting serves to commemorate the fall of leaders and nations. It stands as a powerful biblical term for giving voice to catastrophic loss and marking its significance in the memory of the community.
TRV