by Dave Carpenter » November 15th, 2012, 12:00 am
Thank you all for your kindness in responding. My sense is that on one level the words are closely related in that they express an increased level of intensity over normal conversation. This is especially true since they are often combined with a "loud voice."
And, as several people pointed out, there is also a complexity to the words in that they are not exactly the same. And, so, the challenge is to see if it can be determined why different writers used the different words to the describe the same situation. I wonder, for instance, if one word places the focus on the speaker while another word emphasizes the message. In any case, I will continue my research and see if I can find a pattern by comparing the different usages in the Gospels.
Interestingly, and recognizing this is not a Hebrew forum... I found the same situation in the Old Testament. There are three Hebrew words translated "cried out." And, once again, it is difficult to distinguish the differences between the words.
tsaaq - Ge 27:34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!”
shava - Ps 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. (most often related to crying out for help)
zaaq - Jdg 10:10 Then the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for indeed, we have forsaken our God and served the Baals.”
Again, thank you all for sharing your insights and your expertise!