κράζω (krazō)
krazō
to cry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 55 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb krazō describes a loud, urgent cry that breaks through noise and distance. In classical Greek it originally imitated the harsh croak of a raven, a meaning that carries into the New Testament where it often depicts desperate or involuntary shouting. We see this raw intensity in the possessed man who cries out at Jesus’ presence (Mark 5:7) and in the demons shrieking as they are cast out (Mark 1:26). It is not polite speech; it is a vocalization of extreme emotion, whether pain, fear, or urgent need.
While often translated simply as "cry," krazō covers a wide range of loud utterances. It is used for the blind man begging for mercy (Mark 10:47), for Jesus’ final shout on the cross (Matthew 27:50), and even for John the Baptist’s public proclamation (John 1:15). In Revelation, it appears in apocalyptic scenes where voices cry out in judgment or worship. The word captures a sound that demands attention, whether from a victim seeking justice (James 5:4) or a believer calling on God (Romans 8:15).
Its etymological root in the raven’s croak reminds us that this crying is often instinctive and powerful. Translators sometimes render it as "shout" or "exclaim" to capture its volume, but the core idea remains a forceful vocal expression. This usage distinguishes it from quieter forms of speech, marking moments where words are pushed to their limit by circumstance or conviction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word krazō describes a cry that breaks through noise and distance. It is not polite speech; it is a vocalization of extreme emotion, whether pain, fear, or urgent need. In the New Testament, this raw intensity appears in desperate situations: the possessed man crying out at Jesus’ presence (Mark 5:7), demons shrieking as they are cast out (Mark 1:26), and the blind man begging for mercy despite being rebuked by crowds (Mark 10:48). It captures a sound that demands attention, often instinctive and powerful.
This word reminds us that faith does not always look like quiet reverence. Sometimes it looks like shouting for help when you are sinking, as Peter did in the stormy sea (Matthew 14:30). It also appears in Jesus’ final shout on the cross (Matthew 27:50), showing that even in death, His voice carried authority and purpose. Whether from a victim seeking justice or a believer calling on God, krazō marks moments where words are pushed to their limit by circumstance or conviction.
When you feel overwhelmed, remember that God hears the loudest cries as well as the quietest whispers. You do not need perfect words to reach Him; He responds to the honest, urgent call of your heart. This promise offers hope in every season of struggle.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 55 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were crying out6×
- he cried out4×
- crying out;4×
- having cried out3×
- crying out3×
- cried out3×
- were crying out2×
- was crying out2×
- they cried out2×
- she cries out2×
- he cried2×
- having cried2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκραξεν8×
- ἔκραζον7×
- κράξας5×
- κράζει5×
- ἔκραξαν4×
- ἔκραζεν3×
- ἔκραξαν·2×
- ἔκραζεν·2×
- κράζων2×
- κράζοντες·2×
- κράζοντες2×
- Ἔκραξεν1×
Key Verses
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Mark 5:7
and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don’t torment me.”
The possessed man uses krazō to show his desperate recognition of Jesus’ divine authority, revealing that even spiritual darkness cannot hide from Christ’s presence.
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Matthew 14:30
But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Peter cries out in krazō as he sinks, demonstrating that urgent prayer is the appropriate response when fear threatens to overwhelm faith.
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Mark 10:48
Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”
The blind man ignores the crowd’s rebuke and cries out more loudly, showing that persistent, loud faith can break through social pressure and doubt.
-
Matthew 27:50
Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.
Jesus’ final krazō on the cross signifies a powerful, voluntary surrender of His spirit, marking the completion of His mission with authority rather than defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does krazō mean in the Bible?
How is krazō different from other Greek words for crying?
Where does krazō appear in the New Testament?
Does krazō always mean a negative or fearful cry?
Every Occurrence (55 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 12 verses
Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us…
Matthew 9:27As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
Matthew 14:26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.
Matthew 14:30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 15:23But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 20:31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 21:9The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed…
Matthew 21:15But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children who were crying in…
Matthew 27:23But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”
Matthew 27:50Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.