Brief Overview of Δακρύω (G1145: Dakryō)

Dakryō (pronounced DAHK-roo-oh, δακρύω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1145. The word Dakryō is derived from the root δάκρυον (dakryon), which means “tear.” The verb form Dakryō essentially means “to shed tears” or “to weep.” In both classical Greek and biblical contexts, this verb is used to express the act of crying, typically in response to sorrow, grief, or deep emotional experiences.

The primary meaning of Dakryō is “to weep” or “to shed tears.” It emphasizes the physical act of crying, which is often associated with profound emotions such as grief, mourning, or compassion. In the New Testament, Dakryō is used to describe the weeping of individuals during moments of great sorrow or spiritual intensity, underscoring the deep emotional and spiritual significance of this act.

Scripture References

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1. John 11:35: “Jesus wept (ἐδάκρυσεν, edakrysen).” This verse, the shortest in the Bible, reflects Jesus’ profound sorrow and empathy for those mourning the death of Lazarus.
2. Luke 19:41: “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept (ἔκλαυσεν, eklapsen) over it,” though a different verb is used here, Dakryō is associated with similar expressions of sorrow and lamentation, demonstrating the verb’s connection to emotional responses.
3. Mark 14:72: “And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept (ἔκλαιεν, eklaien).” Although Dakryō is not used here directly, the act of weeping conveys the same depth of sorrow.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Dakryō is defined as “to shed tears” or “to weep.” BDAG highlights that this verb is closely related to expressions of sorrow and grief, often found in contexts of mourning or intense emotional experiences. The lexicon emphasizes that Dakryō is used in the New Testament to describe moments when individuals or groups are overcome by emotion, whether in mourning for the dead, lamenting over sin, or expressing compassion.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Dakryō as “to weep” or “to shed tears,” focusing on its usage in contexts where the physical act of crying is a manifestation of deep inner emotion. Thayer’s notes that Dakryō is particularly significant in the New Testament, where it is used to depict the genuine emotional responses of individuals, especially in relation to events of great spiritual or personal importance.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon describes Dakryō as “to shed tears” or “to weep,” and highlights its usage in both classical and biblical texts. The LSJ points out that in classical Greek literature, Dakryō was frequently used to depict characters in moments of intense sorrow, emphasizing the cultural recognition of tears as a natural and powerful response to grief.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Dakryō as “to weep” or “to shed tears,” focusing on its literal meaning in the New Testament. The concordance notes that Dakryō appears in several key passages where weeping is associated with mourning, repentance, or compassion, underscoring the emotional weight carried by the verb.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Dakryō is commonly used to describe the act of weeping, often in response to sorrowful or tragic events.

1. Homer in the “Iliad” uses Dakryō to depict warriors weeping over the deaths of comrades, highlighting the emotional toll of war and the deep bonds between soldiers.
2. Sophocles in “Oedipus Rex” employs Dakryō to describe the tears shed by characters as they confront their tragic fates, emphasizing the role of tears in expressing despair and the inevitability of suffering.
3. Euripides in “Trojan Women” uses Dakryō to convey the collective grief of the women of Troy as they mourn the loss of their city and loved ones, showcasing the communal nature of mourning and the shared expression of sorrow through tears.

Summary

Dakryō (pronounced DAHK-roo-oh, δακρύω) is a Greek verb meaning “to shed tears” or “to weep,” derived from δάκρυον (dakryon). This verb is used in both classical Greek literature and the New Testament to describe the physical act of crying, often in response to intense emotions such as grief, sorrow, or compassion. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the significance of Dakryō in contexts of mourning, repentance, and emotional expression, emphasizing its role in conveying deep inner feelings through the act of weeping. In classical Greek literature, Dakryō is frequently employed to depict characters in moments of tragedy and loss, illustrating the universal human experience of sorrow and the power of tears as a natural response to suffering. In the New Testament, Dakryō is used to capture the emotional depth of key moments in Jesus’ ministry and the experiences of His followers, underscoring the profound spiritual and emotional significance of weeping in the Christian tradition.