Understanding δάκρυ (dakru) Strong’s G1144: The Sacred Tears That Reveal Faith’s Struggle and God’s Compassion

Pronunciation Guide: DAHK-roo (δάκ-ρυ)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1144: The Greek noun δάκρυ (dakru) refers to a tear or tears that flow from the eyes, typically in response to strong emotion. In biblical contexts, tears represent genuine emotional expressions—whether of sorrow, repentance, joy, or desperate faith—and often appear in moments of profound spiritual significance. They symbolize the authentic human experience in relationship with God and others.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• From the root δακρύω (dakruō, “to weep”)
• Indo-European origin, related to Latin “lacrima” and Old English “tear”
• Predominantly appears in narrative passages and epistles
• Often used in contexts of prayer, worship, and spiritual transformation

δάκρυ Morphology:

• δάκρυ (nominative/accusative singular) – a tear
• δάκρυος (genitive singular) – of a tear
• δάκρυι (dative singular) – with/by a tear
• δάκρυα (nominative/accusative plural) – tears
• δακρύων (genitive plural) – of tears
• δάκρυσι(ν) (dative plural) – with/by tears

Origin & History

The word δάκρυ has ancient roots in Indo-European languages and appears frequently in classical Greek literature. Homer uses it extensively in both the Iliad and Odyssey to depict the emotional responses of heroes and gods alike. In the Iliad, Achilles sheds δάκρυα over the death of Patroclus, showing that even the mightiest warriors experience profound grief (Iliad 19.4-5).

In the Septuagint (LXX), δάκρυ appears numerous times, often translating the Hebrew דִּמְעָה (dimah). A notable example is in Psalm 56:8 (55:9 LXX), where the psalmist speaks of God keeping one’s tears in His bottle, suggesting the divine value placed on human suffering. The historian Josephus uses δάκρυ when describing emotional moments in Jewish history, particularly in “Antiquities of the Jews” when recounting family separations and reunions that mirror biblical narratives.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Tears as physical manifestation of profound emotion (grief, sorrow, distress)
• Tears as expression of spiritual contrition or repentance
• Tears as symbols of intense prayer or supplication
• Tears of joy or overwhelming gratitude
• Tears as evidence of genuine faith struggling with doubt

δάκρυ Translation Options:

• Tear(s) – The most direct translation, emphasizing the physical manifestation of emotion
• Weeping – When used in contexts emphasizing the action rather than the physical substance
• Lamentation – In contexts of formal grieving or expressions of deep sorrow
• Cry – When expressing urgent emotional pleas, especially in prayer contexts
• Teardrops – When emphasizing the individual tears rather than the collective experience

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δάκρυ appears in pivotal moments of spiritual significance. The first occurrence is in Mark 9:24, where a father cries out with tears, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This poignant scene illustrates how tears often accompany the tension between faith and doubt in our spiritual journey.

Tears in Scripture frequently accompany prayer, revealing the depth of emotional and spiritual engagement. Paul references his ministry “with tears” in Acts 20:19, demonstrating the apostle’s emotional investment in his work for the Kingdom. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 2:4, Paul writes of composing his earlier letter “with many tears,” showing how even apostolic authority was exercised with deep emotional connection rather than cold detachment.

• “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears [δάκρυσιν], ‘I believe; help my unbelief!'” Mark 9:24
• “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears [δακρύων], and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.” Acts 20:19
• “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears [δακρύων].” 2 Corinthians 2:4
• “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears [δακρύων]…” 2 Timothy 1:4
• “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears [δακρύων]…” Hebrews 5:7
• “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And God shall wipe away all tears [δάκρυον] from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17
• “And God shall wipe away all tears [δάκρυον] from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, tears were not considered a sign of weakness but rather a socially acceptable and even expected expression of deep emotion, particularly in times of grief. Public weeping was common at funerals and in religious contexts. This cultural backdrop illuminates why the New Testament writers frequently mentioned tears without apology or qualification—they were seen as natural expressions of authentic humanity.

Jewish tradition held tears in particularly high regard. The Talmud teaches that “the gates of tears are never locked” (Bava Metzia 59a), suggesting that sincere tears in prayer have special access to God’s attention. This tradition likely informed the New Testament writers’ understanding of tears as spiritually significant. When Jesus wept at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:35), He was not only expressing personal grief but participating in a culturally recognized ritual of mourning that demonstrated proper respect for the dead and solidarity with the bereaved.

Theological Significance

Tears in Scripture reveal the emotional nature of authentic faith. Rather than presenting spirituality as purely intellectual or stoic, the biblical writers consistently show that genuine relationship with God engages the whole person—including emotions. The presence of δάκρυ throughout the New Testament affirms God’s design of human emotions and their legitimate role in spiritual life.

Perhaps most profoundly, the Bible records that Yeshua Himself wept (John 11:35) and prayed with “loud cries and tears” (Hebrews 5:7). These passages reveal the Messiah’s full participation in human emotional experience. The incarnation meant that God in human flesh experienced the full range of human emotion, including those that produce tears. This has tremendous theological implications—our God understands human suffering not merely as an omniscient observer but as One who has personally experienced it. When we weep, we can know with certainty that our Savior knows precisely what tears feel like.

The culmination of this theology appears in Revelation 21:4, where God promises to “wipe away every tear from their eyes.” This tender image portrays יהוה (Yahweh) as the ultimate comforter who not only sees our tears but personally removes them—an intimate act of divine compassion that looks forward to the final resolution of all human suffering.

Personal Application

Our tears matter to God. The biblical emphasis on δάκρυ reminds us that we serve a God who collects our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8) and who will one day wipe them away forever (Revelation 21:4). This truth offers profound comfort when we face seasons of grief, struggle, or spiritual wrestling. We need not hide our tears or be ashamed of them—they are recognized and honored by our Creator.

The father’s tearful cry in Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief!” provides a powerful model for honest prayer. When we bring our doubts and struggles to God with tears, we’re not displaying a lack of faith but rather demonstrating the authenticity of our relationship with Him. The presence of tears in our spiritual journey doesn’t indicate failure but engagement—a willingness to bring our whole selves, emotions included, into God’s presence. Like the father in Mark’s gospel, we can come to the Messiah with both our faith and our doubts, trusting that He receives our tears as precious offerings.

Related Words

• κλαίω (klaiō, “to weep”) – Refers to the audible sounds of weeping or wailing, often but not always accompanied by tears. While δάκρυ focuses on the physical tears themselves, κλαίω emphasizes the action and sound of crying. See G2799
• θρηνέω (thrēneō, “to lament”) – Denotes formal mourning or lamentation, often in public contexts such as funerals. This is more ritualized than the spontaneous emotion typically associated with δάκρυ. See G2354
• πενθέω (pentheō, “to mourn”) – Describes the inner feeling of grief or sorrow, which may or may not be expressed outwardly through tears. While δάκρυ is the visible manifestation, πενθέω focuses on the internal emotional state. See G3996
• ὀδυρμός (odyrmos, “lamentation”) – Refers to intense mourning or grieving, often with vocal expressions of pain. This term denotes stronger, more anguished expressions compared to the simple tears of δάκρυ. See G3602
• στενάζω (stenazō, “to groan”) – Describes deep, often wordless expressions of pain, distress, or yearning. While different from tears, it often accompanies them in contexts of profound spiritual or emotional anguish. See G4727

Did you Know?

• Did you know that ancient Greek medical writers, including Hippocrates, distinguished between different types of tears? They recognized that tears produced by emotion (δάκρυα) had a different composition than those produced by irritants like smoke or dust. This scientific observation aligns with modern understanding that emotional tears contain stress hormones and natural pain killers not present in reflex tears, suggesting that emotional crying serves a biological purpose beyond just expressing feelings—it may actually help process and release distress.
• Did you know that in Byzantine Christian tradition, icons of saints with tears (known as “weeping icons”) became spiritually significant? These were not just artistic representations but were believed to manifest divine presence and compassion. The tradition drew directly from New Testament references to δάκρυ, particularly those associated with Yeshua, and reflected the belief that tears represented a profound connection between heaven and earth—a physical manifestation of spiritual reality.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish tradition, tears were considered so powerful that certain rabbis taught they could nullify negative divine decrees? The Talmud records that “since the destruction of the Temple, the gates of prayer have been closed, but the gates of tears remain open” (Berachot 32b). This tradition helps explain why the father’s tears in Mark 9:24 would have been understood by first-century readers as a particularly powerful form of prayer rather than merely an emotional outburst.

Remember This

Tears in Scripture—δάκρυ—are not signs of weakness but sacred expressions of authentic faith, revealing both our deepest human struggles and God’s compassionate promise to one day wipe every tear away.