Brief Overview of Δάκρυ (G1144: Dakry)

Dakry (pronounced DAHK-roo, δάκρυ) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1144. The word Dakry is derived from the Greek root δάκρυον (dakryon), which means “tear” as in the droplet that forms in the eye and falls as a sign of sorrow, pain, or emotion. Dakry refers specifically to a single tear or tears in general.

The primary meaning of Dakry is “tear,” emphasizing the physical manifestation of crying, often associated with strong emotions such as grief, sorrow, or even joy. In the context of the Bible and ancient literature, Dakry symbolizes human emotion, particularly in moments of intense sorrow or supplication.

Scripture References

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1. John 11:35: “Jesus wept (δακρύσας, dakrysas).” This is the shortest verse in the Bible, expressing the deep sorrow of Jesus upon hearing about Lazarus’s death.
2. Luke 7:38: “And standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears (dakrya) and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.”
3. Acts 20:19: “Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears (dakryon) and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews.”

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Dakry is defined as “tear,” with a focus on its literal meaning. BDAG notes that Dakry is used in contexts where crying is a visible and physical manifestation of emotion, especially sorrow or grief. The lexicon emphasizes the emotional depth conveyed by the term, particularly in biblical passages where tears are associated with mourning, repentance, or intense prayer.

Thayer’s Lexicon agrees with this interpretation, describing Dakry as “a tear.” Thayer’s highlights the word’s use in the New Testament to illustrate moments of deep emotional expression, often linked with compassion, sorrow, or profound spiritual experiences. The lexicon also underscores the symbolic use of tears in ancient culture as an outward sign of inner emotion.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon supports these definitions, defining Dakry as “tear,” and recognizing its consistent usage in both classical and biblical texts. LSJ notes that Dakry is frequently mentioned in literature and poetry to evoke feelings of empathy and pathos, drawing attention to the human experience of suffering and loss.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Dakry as “a tear,” focusing on its literal meaning as well as its emotional connotations in scripture. The concordance points out the various instances in the New Testament where Dakry is used to depict moments of vulnerability, emotion, and divine compassion.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Dakry is commonly used to depict scenes of sorrow, loss, or deep emotion.

1. Homer in the “Iliad” uses Dakry to describe the tears shed by warriors mourning their fallen comrades, emphasizing the deep grief and emotional pain of battle.
2. Sophocles in “Antigone” uses Dakry to portray the sorrow of characters as they confront tragic circumstances, highlighting the emotional intensity of their experiences.
3. Euripides in “Medea” uses Dakry to depict the protagonist’s intense grief and despair, showcasing how tears symbolize both personal pain and broader themes of human suffering.

Summary

Dakry (pronounced DAHK-roo, δάκρυ) is a Greek noun meaning “tear,” derived from δάκρυον (dakryon). The word is primarily used to describe the physical manifestation of crying, often associated with emotions such as sorrow, grief, or intense supplication. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the significance of Dakry in both literal and metaphorical contexts, highlighting its role in expressing deep emotional states. In classical Greek literature, Dakry is frequently used to evoke empathy and pathos, illustrating the universal human experience of suffering. The term’s usage in both biblical and classical texts underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of human emotion and vulnerability.