δακρύω
dakrýō
G1145 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To weep, to shed tears, to cry, with primary emphasis on the physical act of tears as an expression of emotion. The term indicates the visible act of weeping, especially from emotional or mournful circumstances, and generally refers to the outward manifestation of grief or sorrow. Unlike terms that focus on vocalized lamentation, δακρύω highlights the shedding of tears as a physical response to emotion; in some contexts may imply silent or subdued weeping.
Semantic Range
to shed tears, to weep silently, to express sorrow through tears, to cry from emotion
Root / Etymology
From δάκρυ (tear). The verb δακρύω is formed directly from the noun for 'tear,' thus meaning 'to produce tears' or 'to shed tears.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, δακρύω is attested as the standard term for shedding tears, distinct from κλαίω, which may include crying aloud, lamenting, or wailing. In Koine and the New Testament, δακρύω is rare but is used for moments of solemn or deep emotion, as in John 11:35 ('Jesus wept'), emphasizing the physical tears without loud wailing. In the Septuagint and wider Greek literature, the contrast with κλαίω mirrors the difference between silent, tearful sorrow and public, audible mourning. English versions often translate both as 'to weep' or 'to cry,' but this may obscure the nuance: δακρύω refers to tears themselves, while κλαίω can refer to both tears and vocal lament. The verb has no specialized religious or ethnic connotation; its use is based on a general human response to emotion.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δάκρυ; to shed tears:--weep. Compare κλαίω.
Root Family
δακρ- (dakrýō) — to shed tears, to weep, to cry
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1145-01 |
ἐδάκρυσεν | edakrusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
Iēsous wept | shed tears | shed tears | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1145-01 |
John 11:35 | ἐδάκρυσεν | edakrusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
Iēsous wept | shed tears | shed tears |