Bible Dictionary
TEARS
Tears in Scripture commonly express sorrow, distress, oppression, defeat, repentance, or grief before death. God is also described as delivering His people from tears and ultimately wiping away every tear.
Biblical Usage
Scripture records tears at approaching death, under oppression, after defeat, and in remorse. The Psalmist speaks of tears as food and drink, while tears may also express anxiety and penitence. God is asked to remember them, and deliverance is portrayed as his wiping away tears.