κραυγή (kraugē)
kraugē
shouting
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kraugē refers to a loud, often urgent shout or clamour. In the New Testament, it describes vocal expressions that break through silence with intensity. This can be a cry of joy, as when Elizabeth greets Mary in Luke 1:42, or a desperate plea for help, such as the call from the dead in Matthew 25:6.
Its usage varies by context but always retains a sense of volume and immediacy. In Ephesians 4:31, it appears alongside bitterness and wrath, suggesting that angry shouting is part of the toxic behavior believers are to discard. Conversely, Revelation 21:4 promises a time when God will wipe away tears, ending this kind of painful outcry forever.
The word carries theological weight by highlighting human vulnerability. It is not merely noise but a signal of deep emotion or need. Whether expressing the shock of death or the relief of divine comfort, kraugē captures moments where words fail and only sound remains.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kraugē describes a shout that breaks through silence with intensity. It is not polite conversation but a raw expression of what is happening inside. In Luke, Elizabeth’s shout celebrates new life. In Ephesians, it warns against angry outbursts that damage relationships. This duality shows us that our voices carry weight, reflecting either joy or pain.
When we feel overwhelmed, this word reminds us that God hears the cry even when words fail. Jesus Himself cried out in prayer during His most vulnerable moments. We do not need to hide our distress. Instead, we can bring our loud, urgent needs to Him, trusting that He listens with compassion and care.
One day, Revelation promises an end to this painful outcry. Until then, we are invited to share our burdens with others and with God. Your voice matters, and your cries are seen. May you find peace in knowing that no shout goes unheard by a loving Father who draws near to the brokenhearted.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crying2×
- in a shout1×
- clamor1×
- a cry1×
- a clamor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κραυγὴ3×
- κραυγῆς1×
- κραυγῇ1×
- κραυγή,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:42
She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
Elizabeth’s kraugē reveals how joy can burst forth uncontrollably when God’s promises are fulfilled.
-
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
Paul lists this outcry alongside bitterness, showing that angry shouting harms the community and must be set aside.
-
Hebrews 5:7
He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
Jesus’ strong crying demonstrates that even the Son of God expressed deep vulnerability in prayer to the Father.