The term "weepest" is an archaic form of the verb "weep," which means to shed tears or express sorrow. In the context of the Bible, weeping is a profound expression of emotion, often associated with mourning, repentance, compassion, or divine judgment. The act of weeping is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the deep emotional experiences of biblical characters and the people of God.

Biblical Instances of Weeping:

1. Weeping in Mourning:
· In the Old Testament, weeping is frequently associated with mourning the loss of loved ones. For example, Abraham wept for Sarah upon her death (Genesis 23:2). Similarly, David wept for his son Absalom, expressing profound grief (2 Samuel 18:33).

2. Weeping in Repentance:
· Weeping is also a sign of repentance and contrition. In the book of Joel, the prophet calls the people to repentance with fasting, weeping, and mourning (Joel 2:12). This act of weeping signifies a heartfelt return to God and acknowledgment of sin.

3. Weeping in Compassion:
· Jesus Himself wept, demonstrating His compassion and empathy. In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept," He expresses His sorrow over the death of Lazarus and the pain of those mourning. This moment reveals the depth of Christ's humanity and His love for His friends.

4. Weeping in Divine Judgment:
· The prophets often describe weeping as a response to divine judgment. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," laments the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people (Jeremiah 9:1). His tears reflect the sorrow over the people's unfaithfulness and the impending consequences.

5. Weeping in Hope and Restoration:
· The Bible also speaks of a future where weeping will be no more. In Revelation 21:4, it is promised that God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes," signifying the end of sorrow and the beginning of eternal joy in the presence of God.

Theological Significance:

Weeping in the Bible is not merely an emotional response but often carries deep theological significance. It is an expression of the human condition in a fallen world, marked by sin, suffering, and death. Yet, it also points to the hope of redemption and restoration through God's intervention. The tears of the faithful are seen by God, who is compassionate and merciful, and who promises ultimate comfort and healing.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, weeping was a common expression of grief and was often accompanied by other mourning practices such as wearing sackcloth, fasting, and lamentation. The biblical narrative reflects these cultural practices, emphasizing the communal and personal aspects of sorrow and repentance.

Conclusion:

The act of weeping in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of human emotion and the reality of suffering in the world. It also underscores the hope and assurance found in God's promises, where tears will ultimately be transformed into joy.

"Why Weepest Thou?"
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 82 "Why Weepest Thou?". [This chapter is ... had
lain. "Woman, why weepest thou?" they asked her. "Because ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 82 why weepest thou.htm

John Chapter xx. 10-29.
... end? "They say to her, Woman, why weepest thou? ... joy? For they put the question,
"Why weepest thou?" as if they had said, Weep not. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxi john chapter xx.htm

Sunday --The Day of Resurrection.
... lain. And they say unto her, "Woman, why weepest thou?". ... Jesus. Jesus saith
unto her, "Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/sundaythe day of resurrection.htm

The Resurrection.
... be? "Woman, why weepest thou?" said the angels. "Because ... thought. "Woman, why weepest
thou?" repeats the gardener. "Whom seekest thou?". Hopelessness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/miracles of our lord/xi the resurrection.htm

The Resurrection
... The angels called to her, "Woman, why weepest thou?" "They have taken away my
Lord," said she; "and I know not where they have laid him.". ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xvii the resurrection.htm

The Resurrection.
... lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She ... Jesus. Jesus saith
unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxii the resurrection.htm

The Resurrection Morning
... lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She ... Jesus. Jesus saith
unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She ...
/.../the resurrection morning.htm

And While they Marvelled at That, Behold, Two Men Standing Above ...
... [3726] And they said unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? ... [3728] Jesus said
unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section liii and while they.htm

How the Appointment was Kept.
... They gently say "Why weepest thou?" Still sobbing, she says, "They have taken away
my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." And turning aside as she ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/how the appointment was kept.htm

John xx. 10, 11
... For what saith (the Angel)? Ver.13. "Woman, why weepest thou?". ... He therefore in turn
asketh her,. Ver.15. "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxvi john xx 10.htm

Weepest (3 Occurrences)
...Weepest (3 Occurrences). John 20:13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? ...
(KJV ASV WBS). John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? ...
/w/weepest.htm - 7k

Weepeth (29 Occurrences)

/w/weepeth.htm - 15k

Weepers (1 Occurrence)

/w/weepers.htm - 6k

Elka'nah (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 1:8 And Elkanah her husband said unto her: 'Hannah, why weepest
thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? ...
/e/elka'nah.htm - 11k

Eatest (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). 1 Samuel 1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah,
why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? ...
/e/eatest.htm - 7k

Borne (172 Occurrences)
... ye also may believe. (ASV RSV). John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman,
why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to ...
/b/borne.htm - 38k

Seekest (12 Occurrences)
... or, Why talkest thou with her? (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). John 20:15 Jesus saith
unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? ...
/s/seekest.htm - 10k

Afflicted (171 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 1:8 And Elkanah her husband saith to her, 'Hannah, why weepest thou?
and why dost thou not eat? and why is thy heart afflicted? ...
/a/afflicted.htm - 34k

Seek (368 Occurrences)
... If therefore you seek me, let these go their way," (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS
RSV). John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? ...
/s/seek.htm - 35k

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