Meaning
Mourning is the expression of grief or sorrow, especially following the death of someone.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses mourning for grief following death, loss, calamity, and other distressing events. Its outward expressions may include weeping, fasting, tearing garments, and wearing sackcloth.
In 2 Samuel 1:11-12, David and his men mourn after hearing that Saul, Jonathan, and others of Israel have fallen by the sword. In 2 Samuel 3:31-34, David commands mourning for Abner following his death.
Key References
- Genesis 37:34-35 — Records Jacob’s mourning for Joseph.
- 2 Samuel 1:11-12 — David and his men mourn for Saul, Jonathan, and Israel.
- 2 Samuel 3:31-34 — David orders mourning for Abner.
- 2 Samuel 13:31-37 — Records mourning following the events involving Amnon and Absalom.
- Job 1:20 — Job expresses grief after receiving news of his losses.
- Ecclesiastes 3:4 — Identifies a time to weep and a time to mourn.
- Matthew 5:4 — Records the Lord’s words concerning those that mourn.
Related Terms
- Grief — Deep sorrow, especially following a loss.
- Lamentation — An expression or composition of sorrow.
- Weeping — The shedding of tears as an expression of emotion.
- Sackcloth — Coarse cloth worn in Scripture as an expression of grief or distress.