Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "wail" refers to a prolonged, high-pitched cry of grief, pain, or despair. In the biblical context, wailing is often associated with mourning, lamentation, and expressions of deep sorrow. It is a physical manifestation of inner turmoil and is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a response to tragedy, loss, or divine judgment. Old Testament References: Wailing is a common theme in the Old Testament, often linked to the mourning practices of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet calls for wailing as a response to impending judgment: "Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful among them" (Jeremiah 9:17). This passage highlights the cultural practice of hiring professional mourners to express communal grief. In the book of Joel, wailing is associated with the devastation brought by locusts, symbolizing divine judgment: "Wail, O vine dressers, for the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished" (Joel 1:11). Here, wailing serves as a call to repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. New Testament References: In the New Testament, wailing is often connected to eschatological themes and the final judgment. Jesus Himself uses the imagery of wailing to describe the fate of the unrighteous: "And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:42). This expression underscores the eternal consequences of rejecting God's salvation. The book of Revelation also depicts wailing in the context of divine retribution. In Revelation 18:9, the kings of the earth mourn the fall of Babylon: "And the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning" . This wailing signifies the lament over the loss of worldly power and wealth. Cultural and Theological Significance: Wailing in the Bible is not merely an expression of personal grief but often serves as a communal act of lamentation. It reflects the collective sorrow of a people facing calamity or divine judgment. Theologically, wailing can be seen as a call to repentance, urging individuals and communities to turn back to God in times of distress. In the prophetic literature, wailing is frequently a precursor to hope and restoration. While it acknowledges the reality of suffering and sin, it also points to the possibility of redemption and divine intervention. The prophets often juxtapose wailing with promises of future joy and restoration, emphasizing God's mercy and faithfulness. Practical Application: For believers, the biblical concept of wailing serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It encourages a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing the need for God's grace and forgiveness. In times of personal or communal sorrow, wailing can be a legitimate expression of grief, leading to deeper reliance on God's promises and the hope of ultimate restoration through Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To choose; to select.2. (v. t.) To lament; to bewail; to grieve over; as, to wail one's death. 3. (v. i.) To express sorrow audibly; to make mournful outcry; to weep. 4. (n.) Loud weeping; violent lamentation; wailing. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia WAIL, WAILINGwal, wal'-ing. Greek 214. alalazo -- to raise a war cry ... wail. From alale (a shout, "halloo"); to vociferate, ie (by implication) to wail; figuratively, to clang -- tinkle, wail. (alalazon) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/214.htm - 6k 2354. threneo -- to lament 1114. goes -- a wailer, a sorcerer, a swindler 2875. kopto -- to cut (off), strike, by ext. to mourn 3996. pentheo -- to mourn, lament 2360. throeo -- to be troubled 2799. klaio -- to weep 2355. threnos -- a lamentation. Strong's Hebrew 5091. nahah -- to wail, lament... 5090b, 5091. nahah. 5092 . to wail, lament. Transliteration: nahah Phonetic Spelling: (naw-haw') Short Definition: lamented. Word Origin a prim. ... lament, wail ... /hebrew/5091.htm - 6k 5594. saphad -- to wail, lament 421. alah -- to wail 3215. yelalah -- a howling 3213. yalal -- to howl, make a howling 604. anaqah -- a ferret, shrewmouse 6969. qonen -- to chant an elegy or dirge 7443. renen -- (bird of) piercing cries (ie ostrich) 1826b. damam -- damam Library The Wail of a Broken Heart And the Churches, Too, Will Wail with a Mighty Lamentation... You See in what Manner of Fasting and Prayer the Saints Will ... Missed Ends Remembering How Far the Writer of Our Book Excels all who have ... Matt. Ix. 18 And ii. The Question of the Tall Gentleman as to Whether Diamond could ... The King in Exile The Time of the Evening. Thesaurus Wail (50 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To choose; to select. 2. (vt) To lament; to bewail; to grieve over; as, to wail one's death. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WAIL, WAILING. wal, wal'-ing. ... /w/wail.htm - 21k Moan (13 Occurrences) Wailed (11 Occurrences) Lament (44 Occurrences) Kir (11 Occurrences) Kir-hareseth (3 Occurrences) Keen (3 Occurrences) Kir-har'eseth (2 Occurrences) Oaks (14 Occurrences) Raisin (5 Occurrences) Resources What is godly sorrow? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Wailing Wall / Western Wall? | GotQuestions.org What is the day of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org Wail: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wail (50 Occurrences)James 4:9 James 5:1 Revelation 1:7 Revelation 18:9 Revelation 21:4 1 Samuel 7:2 2 Samuel 3:31 Psalms 137:3 Isaiah 13:6 Isaiah 14:31 Isaiah 15:3 Isaiah 15:8 Isaiah 16:7 Isaiah 22:12 Isaiah 23:1 Isaiah 23:6 Isaiah 23:14 Isaiah 52:5 Isaiah 65:14 Jeremiah 4:8 Jeremiah 9:10 Jeremiah 9:18 Jeremiah 9:20 Jeremiah 14:2 Jeremiah 25:34 Jeremiah 25:36 Jeremiah 31:15 Jeremiah 47:2 Jeremiah 48:20 Jeremiah 48:31 Jeremiah 48:39 Jeremiah 49:3 Jeremiah 51:8 Ezekiel 21:12 Ezekiel 27:30 Ezekiel 30:2 Ezekiel 32:18 Hosea 7:14 Joel 1:5 Joel 1:8 Joel 1:11 Joel 1:13 Amos 5:16 Micah 1:8 Micah 2:4 Zephaniah 1:10 Zephaniah 1:11 Zechariah 11:2 Zechariah 11:3 Malachi 2:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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