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H1059 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בֶּכִי
bekhi
Noun, masculine
weeping, lamentation, crying

Definition

Bekhi (בֶּכִי) is the noun form of weeping or lamentation, derived from the verb bakah (H1058, to weep, cry). It appears frequently in poetic and prophetic literature as the expression of grief — grief over sin, exile, death, and the wounds of life. From Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15) to the tears of the exiles by Babylon's rivers (Psalm 137), bekhi marks the deepest sorrows of the covenant people.

Usage & Theological Significance

Bekhi is not suppressed in Scripture — it is honored. The 'valley of Baca' (Psalm 84:6, from a similar root) represents the tears-drenched journey through life that God transforms into springs of blessing. Isaiah 65:19 promises that in the New Creation 'the sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more.' Jesus himself wept at Lazarus's tomb (John 11:35). The New Testament promise of Revelation 21:4 — 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes' — is the ultimate answer to bekhi.

Key Bible Verses

Jeremiah 31:15 A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping [bekhi], Rachel weeping for her children.
Psalm 30:5 Weeping [bekhi] may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Isaiah 65:19 The sound of weeping [bekhi] and of crying will be heard in it no more.
Psalm 84:6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.

Related Words

External Resources

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