Brief Overview of κράζω (Strong’s G2896: krazō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies, as the original language often conveys meanings and nuances lost in translation. The Greek verb κράζω (krazō) is particularly significant because it appears frequently in the New Testament and has deep roots in ancient Greek culture. The word is often associated with strong emotional expressions, which can range from a heartfelt plea to an exclamation of despair or outrage. This makes κράζω essential for interpreting certain New Testament passages, as it helps convey the intensity of the speaker’s emotions.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κράζω (krazō) [KRAH-zoh]

Etymology: The root of κράζω is uncertain, but it is related to similar verbs in both classical and later Greek that imply crying out or making a loud noise. Its etymology is often linked to onomatopoeia, mimicking the sound of a loud cry or call.

Part of Speech: Verb. κράζω is a regular verb primarily appearing in the active voice. It is used in both the present and aorist tenses, highlighting its dynamic action of crying or calling out, often in a loud or urgent manner.

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Defining Meanings

Cry Out Loudly: The primary meaning of κράζω is to “cry out” or “shout” with great intensity. It often conveys a strong emotional response, whether joy, pain, or desperation.

Invoke or Call Out: In some contexts, it can mean to call upon or invoke, often directed toward a deity or person in a position of authority. This usage emphasizes the earnestness or urgency of the appeal.

Utter a Harsh Cry: κράζω can also mean to make a harsh or grating sound, as of a raven or another bird. This meaning emphasizes the unrefined and raw quality of the cry.

Exploring Similar Words

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βοάω (boaō) [boh-AH-oh]: While similar to κράζω in meaning “to cry out,” βοάω is often associated with a more controlled or articulate cry, such as one made in prayer or proclamation.

ἀνακράζω (anakrazō) [ah-nah-KRAH-zoh]: This compound form combines ἀνα (up) with κράζω, indicating a sudden or forceful cry that “rises up” in intensity. It is often used to describe a spontaneous or reflexive shout.

κραυγάζω (kraugazō) [krow-GAH-zoh]: A closely related verb, κραυγάζω, also means “to cry out,” but it often carries the connotation of making a loud, tumultuous noise, like that of a crowd or mob.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: κράζω is typically found in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, indicating an ongoing or immediate action. The present tense suggests a continuous or repeated action, while the indicative mood represents a statement of fact or reality.

Person and Number: κράζω can be conjugated in different persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural). For example, “I cry out” would be κράζω (krazō), “you cry out” is κράζεις (krazeis), and “they cry out” is κράζουσιν (krazousin).

Aspect: In Greek, the aspect refers to how the action is viewed with respect to time. κράζω in the present tense emphasizes an imperfective aspect, focusing on the action’s ongoing nature.

Conjugation Table: Below is the conjugation table for κράζω in the Present Indicative Active:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In examining κράζω across several lexicons, it is clear that the word has a rich range of uses in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In the New Testament, κράζω often signifies a powerful, emotion-driven exclamation, whether from humans, like the two demon-possessed men in Matthew 8:29, or from non-human voices. In classical Greek, it could represent the cry of a distressed person or the raucous call of a bird. Theologically, the word emphasizes the human condition’s earnestness when faced with divine power or intervention.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 8:29: “And behold, they cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?’ (κράζω)”

Mark 10:47: “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out (κράζω), and say, ‘Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.'”

John 12:13: “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out (κράζω), ‘Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κράζω (krazō) plays a pivotal role in both biblical studies and understanding ancient Greek culture. It conveys intense emotional expressions, from cries for help to exclamations of joy or fear. Examining κράζω helps us grasp the depth of emotion in various New Testament narratives and offers insights into the cultural and theological contexts of ancient Greek literature and the Septuagint.

Did You Know?

Did you know? κράζω is often used to depict demons crying out in the presence of Jesus, emphasizing their recognition of His divine authority.

Did you know? The word κράζω is used in Homer’s Iliad to express the anguish of warriors, illustrating its long-standing association with emotional intensity in Greek literature.

Did you know? In the Septuagint, κράζω frequently translates the Hebrew word צָעַק (tsa’aq), showing its function in rendering Hebrew emotional cries in Greek.