ὀδυρμός (odurmos)
odurmos
mourning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun odurmos describes a loud, vocal expression of grief, specifically wailing or lamentation. It is not a quiet sadness but an audible outcry, often associated with deep sorrow or mourning. The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times carrying this heavy emotional weight.
In Matthew 2:18, it translates the Hebrew term for bitter weeping in Jeremiah’s prophecy about Rachel mourning her children. Here, the word captures the raw, public nature of bereavement. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 7:7, Paul notes that the Corinthians’ odurmos—their grief over their sin—was evidence of their genuine repentance. In this context, the loud expression of sorrow is linked to a heartfelt change of heart.
The term derives from a root meaning to lament or cry out in pain. Its usage highlights how biblical language often connects external expressions of grief with internal spiritual states. Whether depicting national tragedy or personal repentance, odurmos underscores the intensity of human response to loss and moral failure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word odurmos describes a loud, vocal outcry of grief rather than quiet sadness. It captures the raw, public nature of bereavement and deep sorrow. When you feel overwhelmed by loss or guilt, this term reminds you that your pain has space in Scripture.
In Matthew 2:18, it reflects Rachel’s bitter weeping for her children, showing God sees even the loudest cries of despair. In 2 Corinthians 7:7, Paul notes that the Corinthians’ mourning over their sin was evidence of genuine repentance. This suggests that honest grief can lead to healing and change.
You do not need to hide your sorrow from God or others. Whether facing personal failure or external tragedy, your tears are seen. Let this truth bring you comfort as you navigate difficult seasons with hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mourning,1×
- mourning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀδυρμόν,1×
- ὀδυρμὸς1×
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 the word to describe Rachel's public wailing, linking intense personal grief to national tragedy and prophecy.
-
II Corinthians 7:7
and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
Here the term highlights how audible sorrow over sin served as proof of the Corinthians' genuine repentance and zeal for Paul.