Bible Dictionary
Mourning
Mourning is the public and personal expression of grief, especially after death or calamity. In biblical times it commonly included prescribed acts such as weeping, lamentation, torn clothing, fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Definition
Mourning is the personal and public expression of grief, especially over death or calamity. In biblical and Oriental practice it was often marked by visible ceremonies and prescribed outward actions.
Biblical Usage
Scripture portrays mourning in response to death and severe distress. It includes the grief expressed by Abraham, Job, and others, and is associated with acts such as torn clothing, sitting in silence, and other public signs.
Historical Background
Oriental mourning was notably public and followed recognized ceremonies. The supplied material specifically highlights its publicity and careful observance.
Scripture References
Genesis 23:2
Job 1:20
Job 2:12
Genesis 37:29
Genesis 37:34
Genesis 44:13
2 Samuel 3:31
2 Samuel 21:10
2 Samuel 13:19
2 Samuel 15:32
2 Samuel 14:2
Jeremiah 8:21
Leviticus 10:6
2 Samuel 19:24
Isaiah 20:2
Isaiah 47:2
2 Samuel 1:12
2 Samuel 3:35
2 Samuel 12:16
2 Samuel 12:22
Leviticus 7:20
Leviticus 26:14
Leviticus 13:45
2 Samuel 15:30
2 Samuel 19:4
Jeremiah 16:6
Jeremiah 16:7
Jeremiah 41:5
Ezekiel 21:12
Jeremiah 31:19
Ecclesiastes 12:5
Jeremiah 9:17
Amos 5:16
Matthew 9:23
Genesis 50:3
Judges 11:40
Job 2:11
Job 30:25
Genesis 23:3
Judges 20:26
Jeremiah 16:8
Numbers 20:29
Deuteronomy 34:8
Genesis 50:10
1 Samuel 31:13
Jeremiah 22:18
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
One marked feature of Oriental mourning is what may be called its studies publicity and the careful observance of the prescribed ceremonies. (Genesis 23:2; Job 1:20; 2:12)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>morn'-ing.</p><p>See BURIAL; GRIEF.</p>