Tracing the Truth About Tears

Over the centuries, people have proposed various reasons and sources for our tears. Many see crying as the result of an evolutionary process, for physical health as well as for discouraging human predators by making us seem harmless. However, Darwin was convinced that emotional tears serve no purpose. He considered tears to simply be caused by facial muscle contractions, “as purposeless as the secretion of tears from a blow outside the eye, or as a sneeze from the retina being affected by a bright light.”1 This renders tears an exception to Darwin’s rule that useless processes are eventually discarded by evolution.

But as Christians, we can trust that God had reasons for everything he created—even if we haven’t yet discovered them. Tears are an example of how God lovingly provides for his creation. And while crying often accompanies strong emotions, tears have other functions as well.

Why We Have Tears

God created human tears for at least three purposes: to cleanse and lubricate the eye, to protect and relieve it from irritants, and to help us release emotions.

Human eyes produce three types of tears. When we blink, basal (or continuous) tears moisten the eyes and wash out impurities. Reflex tears emerge spontaneously in response to dust, sand, or other irritants. Onions, spicy food, or injuries can also stimulate reflex tears. And when we can no longer contain our feelings, either negative or positive, emotional (or psychic) tears well up.

The Origin of Emotional Tears

Negative emotions did not exist in God’s perfect creation. Although many scientists credit evolution for the development of human emotional tears, Adam’s sin was the cause for human mourning. Through Adam’s rebellion against God, sin and death entered the world, along with grief, suffering, sadness, and fear.

As a result, even God in the flesh cried real tears (Hebrews 5:7). Jesus wept over Jerusalem, at the grave of Lazarus, in Gethsemane, and most likely at other times. Therefore, he understands our grief (Isaiah 53:4).

Where Do Tears Come From?

The tearing system both produces and drains tears. Lacrimal glands in our eyelids produce salty tears that mix with oils from the meibomian glands on the rims of our eyelids.

Openings in the corners of both upper and lower eyelids drain tears from the eyes and then channel them for collection in lacrimal sacs. Our tear ducts then carry the tears behind the nose and into the throat. This is why excessive crying can result in a runny nose.

Tears run down our faces only when their volume or a blockage overwhelms the internal drainage system.

Composition of Tears

Three layers comprise the tears that lubricate our eyes: the mucus (or mucin) layer, the aqueous layer, and the lipid layer. Tears contain mostly water and electrolytes with some oils, proteins, enzymes, and natural germ fighters (lysosomes) mixed in.

Researchers have found that, in comparison with basal and reflex tears, emotional tears have more proteins and hormones. Some hormones could be the byproducts of emotional stress, while others could serve to bring a calming effect, resulting in the proverbial “good cry.” One theory suggests that the extra protein in emotional tears thickens them so they can run down the face slowly, giving time for others to notice and offer sympathy.

Good Grief

Tears are God’s loving gift. In his astonishing grace, God designed even tears of grief to potentially bring about good.

Tears are God’s loving gift. In his astonishing grace, God designed even tears of grief to potentially bring about good. For instance, when we’re in anguish after the loss of a loved one, crying can lessen the intense emotional pain and stress.

Psychologists confirm that emotional crying is useful for human bonding. Whether tears help us feel better or worse seems to depend on the circumstances, such as if the mourner is alone or with others. When criers receive comfort from God or other people, their crying most often brings some relief from emotional pain.

Some scientists report that crying triggers the release of oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, and other substances in our bodies that could help comfort and calm us. Another speculative theory is that crying acts like a sort of detox, pushing stress hormones out of our bodies. A few have observed that crying can even help increase physical pain tolerance.

While some contend that crying offers no emotional or physical relief, most agree that our tears can bring about good, alerting others to our need. Crying is a strong signal that elicits support. We can respond to one another with help or empathy, weeping with those who weep as Scripture commands (Romans 12:15).

Crying when we feel the need also helps keep us healthy. People who stifle their emotions reportedly set themselves up for physical ailments like hypertension, ulcers, heart disease, hormone disruption, and even memory loss.

Happy Tears

Joyful or touching moments sometimes elicit tears. Since these tears seem good, we might wonder if they were part of God’s perfect creation. Did Adam tear up with delight when he first saw Eve?

Since the lacrimal system was in place at Adam’s creation, he had the ability to shed tears. God’s Word does not mention crying until after the fall, so we can’t be sure if Adam cried joyful tears before that. But Adam certainly didn’t cry sad tears in the perfect garden where he and Eve enjoyed fellowship with God.

Floods of Tears

Think of all the tears we cry in a lifetime. In his kindness, God keeps a record of every tear, collecting them in his bottle and in his book (Psalm 56:8). Because our Savior cried tears of agony, paid for our sins on the cross, and conquered sin and death when he rose again, all believers can look forward to heaven, where God will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 7:17).

In the meantime, tears show us the full scope of our humanity, help us understand our need for one another, and make heaven look sweeter. Who could have imagined that tiny, falling droplets could weave such a rich tapestry of our Creator’s beauty, compassion, and care?