κράζω (G2896) — Greek Lexicon

κράζω

krázō

G2896 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To cry out with a loud, often urgent voice; to shout, exclaim, or vocally call attention, typically in moments of intense emotion, necessity, or public address. In classical and Koine usage, it frequently denotes a strong or loud vocalization, whether in distress, proclamation, command, or public calling, as distinct from ordinary speech or dialogue.

Semantic Range

to cry out loudly, to shout, to scream, to exclaim, to call out in distress, to summon vocally, to proclaim with a loud voice

Root / Etymology

Root or onomatopoetic origin imitative of a loud, harsh call such as that of a raven (cf. Latin 'crocare'), likely representing a vocal utterance intended to draw attention. Not derived from other Greek words, but considered a primary or basic verb form with cognates in other Indo-European languages indicating loud vocalization.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κράζω is frequently used for the cries of animals (especially birds like the raven), extending metaphorically to human outcries, whether in pain, outrage, or urgent proclamation. In Septuagint and New Testament contexts, the verb often appears when individuals or crowds call out for help, express strong emotion, or address a public assembly—typically with a sense of urgency or need for immediate attention. Its usage can denote both literal shouting and figurative summoning. In the New Testament, κράζω is used in narratives where characters appeal to Yeshua (Jesus), crowds call out, or proclamations are made in public spaces. English translations often render it 'cry out' or 'shout,' but may not always capture its urgency or intensity. Useful contrast: φωνέω (to speak loudly, call) is less intense and more neutral, while βοάω emphasizes crying out strongly, often in distress—κράζω sits between, emphasizing loudness and attention-seeking. The word's animalistic origin sometimes shades the human usage with a note of uncontrolled emotion or desperation.

Translation Consistency

primary "cry out" 0 occurrences

κράζω typically denotes a loud, urgent vocalization (shouting or calling aloud). "Cry out" captures that sense clearly and naturally in English, matching the common P2 renderings (cried/crying/shouted) while avoiding the possible ambiguity of "cry" (which can mean weeping). It is the most natural, consistent base phrase to render all forms of this lemma.

Alternatives (5 occurrences):

"he/she cried out" (2x) "crying out" (2x) "crying out loudly" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary verb; properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat):--cry (out).

Root Family

κράζ- (krázō) — to cry out, to shout, to call aloud

Root κράζ- to cry out, to shout, to call aloud

Word Forms

17 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2896-03`	ἔκραξεν	ekraxen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	cried out	he/she cried out	he/she cried out	10
`G2896-05`	ἔκραζον	ekrazon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	cried out	they were crying out	they were crying out	8
`G2896-02`	ἔκραξαν	ekraxan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	cried out	they shouted	they cried out	7
`G2896-04`	ἔκραζεν	ekrazen	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	he cried out	he was crying out	he was crying out	5
`G2896-10`	κράζει	krazei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	cries out	he/she cries out	cries out	5
`G2896-08`	κράξας	kraxas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	cried out	having cried out loudly	having cried out loudly	4
`G2896-15`	κράζοντες	krazontes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	crying	crying out loudly	crying out loudly	4
`G2896-13`	κράζων	krazon	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	crying	crying out loudly	crying out loudly	3
`G2896-01`	ἐκέκραξα	ekekraxa	`V AOR ACT IND 1P SG`	I cried out	I cried out	I cried out	1
`G2896-06`	κέκραγεν	kekragen	`V PRF ACT IND 3P SG`	has cried out	has cried out	has cried out	1
`G2896-07`	κράξαντες	kraxantes	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	cried out	having cried out loudly	having cried out loudly	1
`G2896-09`	κράξουσιν	kraxousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	will cry out	they will cry out	they will cry out	1
`G2896-11`	κράζειν	krazein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to cry out	to cry out	to cry out	1
`G2896-12`	κράζομεν	krazomen	`V PRS ACT IND 1P PL`	we cry	we cry out	we cry out	1
`G2896-14`	κράζοντας	krazontas	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL`	crying out	crying out	crying out	1
`G2896-16`	κραζόντων	krazonton	`V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL`	shouting	of those crying out loudly	of those crying out loudly	1
`G2896-17`	κράζουσιν	krazousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	they cry out	they cry out	they cry out	1

Occurrences in Scripture

55 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2896-13`	Revelation 14:15	κράζων	krazon	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	crying	crying out loudly	crying out loudly
`G2896-03`	Revelation 18:2	ἔκραξεν	ekraxen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	he cried	he/she cried out	he/she cried out
`G2896-05`	Revelation 18:18	ἔκραζον	ekrazon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they cried out	they were crying out	they were crying out
`G2896-05`	Revelation 18:19	ἔκραζον	ekrazon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	cried out	they were crying out	they were crying out
`G2896-03`	Revelation 19:17	ἔκραξεν	ekraxen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	he cried	he/she cried out	he/she cried out

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