Charles Ellicott Commentary Mark 5:38

"And they come to the house of the ruler of the synagogue; and he beholdeth a tumult, and [many] weeping and wailing greatly." — Mark 5:38 (ASV)

Wailed greatly.—The word used is the same as that in 1 Corinthians 13:1, in connection with the tinkling (or better, clanging) sound of a cymbal, and, formed as it is from an interjection, alala, is applied to the inarticulate cries either of despair or victory.