θρῆνος (thrēnos)
thrēnos
lamentation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thrēnos refers to a formal lament or dirge, specifically the vocal expression of deep grief. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 2:18, where it translates the Hebrew word qinah found in Jeremiah 31:15. This single occurrence anchors the term in the context of profound sorrow, describing the weeping of Rachel for her children.
Its usage highlights a public, ritualized form of mourning rather than private sadness. By quoting Jeremiah, Matthew connects Jesus’ birth narrative to the historical trauma of Israel, suggesting that even amidst hope, grief has its place. The word captures the intensity of communal mourning, where lament is an acknowledged and necessary response to loss.
Translators typically render thrēnos as "lamentation" or "weeping," preserving its connection to ancient funerary practices. This choice emphasizes the cultural weight of the term, reminding readers that grief in Scripture is often expressed through structured, communal acts of mourning. The word serves as a reminder that sorrow is not hidden but voiced.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thrēnos describes a formal, public cry of grief rather than quiet sadness. In Matthew 2:18, it captures Rachel’s deep sorrow for her lost children. This image reminds us that Scripture does not hide pain but gives it space to be voiced.
When you face loss or uncertainty, this passage validates your tears. You do not need to suppress your grief to appear strong. God hears the loudest cries as well as the silent prayers.
Even in the midst of hope, mourning has its place. This word invites you to bring your heaviest burdens to God without shame. Your sorrow is seen, and it matters deeply to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lamentation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θρῆνος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 2:18
“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she wouldn’t be comforted, because they are no more.”
This verse uses thrēnos to describe the public, ritualized mourning of Rachel, linking Jesus' birth narrative to Israel's historical trauma and showing that grief is a valid response to loss.