Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words is crucial in biblical studies to capture the depth and context of the original scriptures. The Greek noun κραυγή (kraugē) is particularly significant in the New Testament for describing a loud outcry or clamor. Appearing first in Matthew 25:6, where it depicts a loud cry at midnight announcing the arrival of the bridegroom, κραυγή provides insight into expressions of urgency, alarm, or proclamation. This word offers valuable context for understanding both human emotions and divine actions within the biblical narrative and the broader ancient Greek world.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κραυγή (kraugē) [krow-GAY]
Etymology: The word κραυγή comes from the verb κραυγάζω (kraugazō), meaning “to cry out” or “to shout.” The root emphasizes a strong, loud vocal expression, often associated with public outcries or declarations.
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Part of Speech: Noun. κραυγή is a feminine noun of the first declension. It is used in various grammatical cases in the New Testament, generally indicating a loud cry or clamor.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
A Loud Cry or Outcry: The primary meaning of κραυγή is “a loud cry” or “outcry.” This could refer to any intense vocal expression, often used in contexts of urgency, proclamation, or emotional distress.
Clamor or Shouting: The word can also mean “clamor” or “shouting,” implying a noisy or disorderly expression, such as that of a crowd or gathering. This usage often conveys confusion or alarm.
A Scream or Shriek: In certain contexts, κραυγή can take on a more intense sense of a “scream” or “shriek,” particularly in situations of panic, fear, or heightened emotional states.
Exploring Similar Words
φωνή (phonē) [fo-NAY]: This word also means “voice” or “sound,” but it generally refers to any voice or sound, whether loud or soft. Unlike κραυγή, it does not necessarily convey intensity or urgency.
βοή (boē) [bo-AY]: Meaning “a shout” or “a cry,” βοή emphasizes a call for help or an alarm. It is often used in more specific contexts of summoning aid rather than the general sense of outcry as in κραυγή.
κραυγάζω (kraugazō) [krow-GAH-zoh]: While κραυγή is a noun, κραυγάζω is its verbal form, meaning “to cry out” or “to shout.” The verb focuses on the action of making the loud cry, whereas the noun κραυγή refers to the cry itself.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κραυγή is a feminine noun of the first declension. It can appear in singular and plural forms and is found in various cases, including nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative.
Declension: The declension of κραυγή follows the pattern of first-declension feminine nouns.
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κραυγή | κραυγαί |
| Genitive | κραυγῆς | κραυγῶν |
| Dative | κραυγῇ | κραυγαῖς |
| Accusative | κραυγήν | κραυγάς |
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Studying Lexicon Insights
The noun κραυγή is consistently defined across Greek lexicons as a term for loud outcry or clamor. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both literal and figurative cries, such as the loud proclamation in Matthew 25:6 announcing the bridegroom’s arrival. This usage reflects the sense of urgency and importance attached to the term. In classical Greek literature, κραυγή appears in various settings, from battlefield cries to public outbursts in civic and social contexts, indicating a range of meanings tied to intense vocal expressions. Theologically, κραυγή can symbolize both the chaos of the world and the fervent call to divine attention, as seen in several Septuagint references where the people cry out to God in distress or worship.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Matthew 25:6: “And at midnight there was a cry (κραυγή) made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
Acts 23:9: “And there arose a great cry (κραυγή): and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man.”
Hebrews 5:7: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying (κραυγή) and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.”
Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying (κραυγή), neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The κραυγή (clamor) of the battle could be heard for miles.” |
| Sophocles | Antigone | “A κραυγή (cry) rose up as the city mourned its loss.” |
| Euripides | Medea | “With a loud κραυγή (scream), she called upon the gods.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus (LXX) | “The κραυγή (cry) of the Israelites reached God in heaven.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms (LXX) | “Out of the depths, I have cried to you; hear my κραυγή (cry).” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah (LXX) | “A κραυγή (cry) goes up from the mountains.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κραυγή (kraugē) is central to understanding expressions of loud cries, clamor, and emotional outbursts in both biblical and classical contexts. It is used in the New Testament to depict moments of urgency, distress, and proclamation, providing depth to the narrative and emotional landscape of Scripture. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, κραυγή similarly portrays intense public or private expressions, whether in lament, battle, or divine appeal. Its varied uses underline the rich emotional and social dynamics of ancient texts.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The word κραυγή was often used in Greek tragedies to convey the climactic emotional moments of a scene, enhancing the dramatic impact on the audience.
Did you know? In the Septuagint, κραυγή frequently appears in prayers and psalms, emphasizing the deep emotional cries of the people to God in moments of desperation or worship.
Did you know? The word κραυγή is also related to the word κραυγάζω, a verb that means “to cry out” or “to shout,” illustrating both the action and the resulting sound.
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