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Lamentations 4

BSB·22 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Howאֵיכָה֙’ê·ḵāh — How? In what way? Where?H349 — Full Word Study → the goldזָהָ֔בzā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study → has become tarnishedיוּעַ֣םyū·‘am — To become dark, dim, or obscured; to hide or concealH6004 — Full Word Study →, the pureהַטּ֑וֹבhaṭ·ṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → goldהַכֶּ֣תֶםhak·ke·ṯem — pure gold or refined goldH3800 — Full Word Study → has become dullיִשְׁנֶ֖אyiš·ne — to change, alter, transformH8132 — Full Word Study →! The gemsאַבְנֵי־’aḇ·nê- — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → of the templeקֹ֔דֶשׁqō·ḏeš — Holiness, sacred, consecrated, set apartH6944 — Full Word Study → lie scatteredתִּשְׁתַּפֵּ֙כְנָה֙tiš·tap·pê·ḵə·nāh — to pour out, shed, spillH8210 — Full Word Study → on everyכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → streetחוּצֽוֹת׃סḥū·ṣō·wṯ — Outside, exterior, or open space beyond a boundaryH2351 — Full Word Study → cornerבְּרֹ֖אשׁbə·rōš — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study →. 2Howאֵיכָ֤ה’ê·ḵāh — How? In what way? Where?H349 — Full Word Study → the preciousהַיְקָרִ֔יםhay·qā·rîm — precious, valuable, honoredH3368 — Full Word Study → sonsבְּנֵ֤יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zionצִיּוֹן֙ṣî·yō·wn — The Lord's MountainH6726 — Full Word Study →, once worth their weightהַמְסֻלָּאִ֖יםham·sul·lā·’îm — to weigh, consider, ponderH5537 — Full Word Study → in pure goldבַּפָּ֑זbap·pāz — Pure gold; refined gold of highest qualityH6337 — Full Word Study →, are now esteemedנֶחְשְׁבוּ֙neḥ·šə·ḇū — to think, devise, plan, or reckonH2803 — Full Word Study → as jarsלְנִבְלֵי־lə·niḇ·lê- — Skin bag or stringed instrumentH5035 — Full Word Study → of clayחֶ֔רֶשׂḥe·reś — Earthenware vessel or pottery shardH2789 — Full Word Study →, the workמַעֲשֵׂ֖הma·‘ă·śêh — Work, deed, or actionH4639 — Full Word Study → of a potter’sיוֹצֵֽר׃סyō·w·ṣêr — to form, shape, fashion, or createH3335 — Full Word Study → handsיְדֵ֥יyə·ḏê — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →! 3Evenגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → jackalsתַּנִּיןtan·nīn — Sea monster, dragon, or serpentH8577 — Full Word Study → offerחָ֣לְצוּḥā·lə·ṣū — to strip off; to arm; to deliverH2502 — Full Word Study → their breastsשַׁ֔דšaḏ — Breast; teat; nursing sourceH7699 — Full Word Study → to nurseהֵינִ֖יקוּhê·nî·qū — to suckle, nurse, give suckH3243 — Full Word Study → their youngגּוּרֵיהֶ֑ןgū·rê·hen — young lion, whelp, cubH1482 — Full Word Study →, but the daughter of my peopleעַמִּ֣י‘am·mî — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → has become cruelלְאַכְזָ֔רlə·’aḵ·zār — cruel, fierce, mercilessH393 — Full Word Study →, likeכִּיkī — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → an ostrichעֵנִיםʿē·nīm — ostrich, a large flightless birdH3283 — Full Word Study → in the wildernessבַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃סbam·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →. 4The nursing infant’sיוֹנֵ֛קyō·w·nêq — to suckle, nurse, give suckH3243 — Full Word Study → tongueלְשׁ֥וֹןlə·šō·wn — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study → clingsדָּבַ֨קdā·ḇaq — to cling to, cleave fast, adhere closelyH1692 — Full Word Study → in thirstבַּצָּמָ֑אbaṣ·ṣā·mā — Thirst; a craving for waterH6772 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the roof of his mouthחכּ֖וֹḥ·kō — palate; taste; speechH2441 — Full Word Study →. Little childrenעֽוֹלָלִים֙‘ō·w·lā·lîm — Infant, young child, babeH5768 — Full Word Study → beg forשָׁ֣אֲלוּšā·’ă·lū — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → breadלֶ֔חֶםle·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study →, but noאֵ֥ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → one gives them anyפֹּרֵ֖שׂpō·rêś — to spread, stretch out, or extendH6566 — Full Word Study →. 5Those who once ateהָאֹֽכְלִים֙hā·’ō·ḵə·lîm — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → delicaciesלְמַ֣עֲדַנִּ֔יםlə·ma·‘ă·ḏan·nîm — Delicacy; something delightful or precious to eatH4574 — Full Word Study → are destituteנָשַׁ֖מּוּnā·šam·mū — to be desolate; to be appalled; to lie wasteH8074 — Full Word Study → in the streetsבַּחוּצ֑וֹתba·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ — Outside, exterior, or open space beyond a boundaryH2351 — Full Word Study →; those brought upהָאֱמֻנִים֙hā·’ĕ·mu·nîm — to trust, believe, be faithfulH539 — Full Word Study → inעֲלֵ֣י‘ă·lê — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → crimsonתוֹלָ֔עṯō·w·lā‘ — Crimson or scarlet dye/cloth; the worm producing itH8438 — Full Word Study → huddleחִבְּק֖וּḥib·bə·qū — to embrace, clasp, or hold closelyH2263 — Full Word Study → in ash heapsאַשְׁפַּתּֽוֹת׃ס’aš·pat·tō·wṯ — Dung; refuse heap; dunghillH830 — Full Word Study →. 6The punishmentעֲוֺ֣ן‘ă·wōn — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study → of the daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of my peopleעַמִּ֔י‘am·mî — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → is greaterוַיִּגְדַּל֙way·yiḡ·dal — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study → than that of Sodomסְדֹ֑םsə·ḏōm — Burnt or scorchedH5467 — Full Word Study →, which was overthrownהַֽהֲפוּכָ֣הha·hă·p̄ū·ḵāh — to overturn, turn over, transformH2015 — Full Word Study → inכְמוֹ־ḵə·mōw- — Like; according to; asH3644 — Full Word Study → an instantרָ֔גַעrā·ḡa‘ — A brief moment; an instantH7281 — Full Word Study → withoutוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → a handיָדָֽיִם׃סyā·ḏā·yim — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → turned to helpחָ֥לוּḥā·lū — To twist, whirl, dance, writhe; to be in pain or travailH2342 — Full Word Study → her. 7Her dignitariesנְזִירֶ֙יהָ֙nə·zî·re·hā — One separated/consecratedH5139 — Full Word Study → were brighterזַכּ֤וּzak·kū — To be clean, to be pure, to make cleanH2141 — Full Word Study → than snowמִשֶּׁ֔לֶגmiš·še·leḡ — snow; whiteness; purityH7950 — Full Word Study →, whiterצַח֖וּṣa·ḥū — to be white, become bright, or shineH6705 — Full Word Study → than milkמֵחָלָ֑בmê·ḥā·lāḇ — milk; richness, abundanceH2461 — Full Word Study →; their bodiesעֶ֙צֶם֙‘e·ṣem — bone; body; substance; strengthH6106 — Full Word Study → were more ruddyאָ֤דְמוּ’ā·ḏə·mū — to be red; to redden; ruddy complexionH119 — Full Word Study → than rubiesמִפְּנִינִ֔יםmip·pə·nî·nîm — precious jewel, ruby, or precious stoneH6443 — Full Word Study →, their appearanceגִּזְרָתָֽם׃סgiz·rā·ṯām — A decree, edict, or authoritative rulingH1508 — Full Word Study → like sapphiresסַפִּ֖ירsap·pîr — sapphire; a precious blue gemstoneH5601 — Full Word Study →. 8But now their appearanceתָּֽאֳרָ֔םtā·’o·rām — outward appearance, form, or countenanceH8389 — Full Word Study → is blackerחָשַׁ֤ךְḥā·šaḵ — To darken, obscure, or hideH2821 — Full Word Study → than sootמִשְּׁחוֹר֙miš·šə·ḥō·wr — blackness, coal, or dark objectH7815 — Full Word Study →; they are notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → recognizedנִכְּר֖וּnik·kə·rū — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study → in the streetsבַּחוּצ֑וֹתba·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ — Outside, exterior, or open space beyond a boundaryH2351 — Full Word Study →. Their skinעוֹרָם֙‘ō·w·rām — Skin, hide, leather coveringH5785 — Full Word Study → has shriveledצָפַ֤דṣā·p̄aḏ — to cleave or split; to adhere closelyH6821 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → their bonesעַצְמָ֔ם‘aṣ·mām — bone; body; substance; strengthH6106 — Full Word Study →; it has becomeהָיָ֥הhā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → as dryיָבֵ֖שׁyā·ḇêš — to wither, dry up, or be ashamedH3001 — Full Word Study → as a stickכָעֵֽץ׃סḵā·‘êṣ — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study →. 9Those slainחַלְלֵי־ḥal·lê- — to pierce through; to kill or slayH2491 — Full Word Study → by the swordחֶ֔רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → areהָיוּ֙hā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → better offטוֹבִ֤יםṭō·w·ḇîm — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → than those who dieמֵֽחַלְלֵ֖יmê·ḥal·lê — to pierce through; to kill or slayH2491 — Full Word Study → of hungerרָעָ֑בrā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study →, whoשֶׁ֣הֵ֤םše·hêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → waste awayיָז֙וּבוּ֙yā·zū·ḇū — to flow, gush out, or dischargeH2100 — Full Word Study →, pierced with painמְדֻקָּרִ֔יםmə·ḏuq·qā·rîm — to pierce, stab, or woundH1856 — Full Word Study → because the fieldsשָׂדָֽי׃סśā·ḏāy — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → lack produceמִתְּנוּבֹ֖תmit·tə·nū·ḇōṯ — Fruit, produce, or increase; agricultural yieldH8570 — Full Word Study →. 10The handsיְדֵ֗יyə·ḏê — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of compassionateרַחֲמָ֣נִיּ֔וֹתra·ḥă·mā·nî·yō·wṯ — compassionate, merciful, full of pityH7362 — Full Word Study → womenנָשִׁים֙nā·šîm — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → have cookedבִּשְּׁל֖וּbiš·šə·lū — To cook by heat; boil, roast, or bakeH1310 — Full Word Study → their own childrenיַלְדֵיהֶ֑ןyal·ḏê·hen — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study →, who becameהָי֤וּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → their foodלְבָרוֹת֙lə·ḇā·rō·wṯ — to eat; to consume foodH1262 — Full Word Study → in the destructionבְּשֶׁ֖בֶרbə·še·ḇer — Breaking, fracture, or shattering; destruction or ruinH7667 — Full Word Study → of the daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of my peopleעַמִּֽי׃ס‘am·mî — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 11The LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has exhaustedכִּלָּ֤הkil·lāh — to finish, complete, or bring to an endH3615 — Full Word Study → His wrathחֲמָת֔וֹḥă·mā·ṯōw — Intense rage, burning wrath, divine angerH2534 — Full Word Study →; He has poured outשָׁפַ֖ךְšā·p̄aḵ — to pour out, shed, spillH8210 — Full Word Study → His fierceחֲר֣וֹןḥă·rō·wn — Burning anger, fierce wrathH2740 — Full Word Study → angerאַפּ֑וֹ’ap·pōw — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study →; He has kindledוַיַּצֶּת־way·yaṣ·ṣeṯ- — to kindle, ignite, or set ablazeH3341 — Full Word Study → a fireאֵ֣שׁ’êš — Fire; flame; burningH784 — Full Word Study → in Zionבְּצִיּ֔וֹןbə·ṣî·yō·wn — The Lord's MountainH6726 — Full Word Study →, and it has consumedוַתֹּ֖אכַלwat·tō·ḵal — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → her foundationsיְסוֹדֹתֶֽיהָ׃סyə·sō·w·ḏō·ṯe·hā — Foundation, base, ground levelH3247 — Full Word Study →. 12The kingsמַלְכֵי־mal·ḵê- — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of the earthאֶ֔רֶץ’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → did notלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → believeהֶאֱמִ֙ינוּ֙he·’ĕ·mî·nū — to trust, believe, be faithfulH539 — Full Word Study →, nor anyוְכֹלwə·ḵå̄l — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → peopleיֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of the worldתֵבֵ֑לṯê·ḇêl — The inhabited earth; the worldH8398 — Full Word Study →, thatכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → an enemyצַ֣רṣar — Narrow, tight, or distress; an adversary or enemyH6862 — Full Word Study → or a foeוְאוֹיֵ֔בwə·’ō·w·yêḇ — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study → could enterיָבֹא֙yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → the gatesבְּשַׁעֲרֵ֖יbə·ša·‘ă·rê — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → of Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃סyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →. 13But this was for the sins of her prophetsנְבִיאֶ֔יהָnə·ḇî·’e·hā — Prophet; one who speaks God's wordH5030 — Full Word Study → and the guiltעֲוֺנ֖וֹת‘ă·wō·nō·wṯ — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study → of her priestsכֹּהֲנֶ֑יהָkō·hă·ne·hā — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →, who shedהַשֹּׁפְכִ֥יםhaš·šō·p̄ə·ḵîm — to pour out, shed, spillH8210 — Full Word Study → the bloodדַּ֥םdam — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → of the righteousצַדִּיקִֽים׃סṣad·dî·qîm — Righteous, just person; one who is right with GodH6662 — Full Word Study → in her midstבְּקִרְבָּ֖הּbə·qir·bāh — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study →. 14They wanderedנָע֤וּnā·‘ū — to shake, move back and forth, wanderH5128 — Full Word Study → blindעִוְרִים֙‘iw·rîm — blind; unable to see physically or spirituallyH5787 — Full Word Study → in the streetsבַּֽחוּצ֔וֹתba·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ — Outside, exterior, or open space beyond a boundaryH2351 — Full Word Study →, defiledנְגֹֽאֲל֖וּnə·ḡō·’ă·lū — to defile, pollute, or profaneH1351 — Full Word Study → by this bloodבַּדָּ֑םbad·dām — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study →, so that noבְּלֹ֣אbə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → one daredיֽוּכְל֔וּyū·ḵə·lū — to be able, have power, endureH3201 — Full Word Study → to touchיִגְּע֖וּyig·gə·‘ū — to touch, reach, strike, or come into contactH5060 — Full Word Study → their garmentsבִּלְבֻשֵׁיהֶֽם׃סbil·ḇu·šê·hem — Clothing, garment, or apparel worn on the bodyH3830 — Full Word Study →. 15Go awayס֣וּרוּsū·rū — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study →! Uncleanטָמֵ֞אṭā·mê — Unclean, defiled, impureH2931 — Full Word Study →!” men shoutedקָ֣רְאוּqā·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → at them. “Awayס֤וּרוּsū·rū — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study →, awayס֙וּרוּ֙sū·rū — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study →! Do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → touch usתִּגָּ֔עוּtig·gā·‘ū — to touch, reach, strike, or come into contactH5060 — Full Word Study →!” Soכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they fledנָצ֖וּnā·ṣū — to blossom; to flee or fly away swiftlyH5132 — Full Word Study → andגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → wanderedנָ֑עוּnā·‘ū — to shake, move back and forth, wanderH5128 — Full Word Study →. Among the nationsבַּגּוֹיִ֔םbag·gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study → it was saidאָֽמְרוּ֙’ā·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “They can stayלָגֽוּר׃סlā·ḡūr — to sojourn, dwell as a stranger, fearH1481 — Full Word Study → here noלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → longerיוֹסִ֖יפוּyō·w·sî·p̄ū — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study →.” 16The presenceפְּנֵ֤יpə·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has scattered themחִלְּקָ֔םḥil·lə·qām — to divide, distribute, or apportion; to be smooth or flatterH2505 — Full Word Study →; He regards themלְהַבִּיטָ֑םlə·hab·bî·ṭām — To look upon, regard, or behold with attentionH5027 — Full Word Study → noלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → moreיוֹסִ֖יףyō·w·sîp̄ — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study →. The priestsכֹהֲנִים֙ḵō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → are shown no honorנָשָׂ֔אוּnā·śā·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study →; the eldersזְקֵנִיםzə·qē·nīm — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → find noלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → favorחָנָֽנוּ׃סḥā·nā·nū — To show favor, mercy, or compassion; to be graciousH2603 — Full Word Study →. 17All the whileעוֹדֵינָהʿō·ḏē·nå̄h — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → our eyesעֵינֵ֔ינוּ‘ê·nê·nū — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → were failingתִּכְלֶ֣ינָהtiḵ·le·nāh — to finish, complete, or bring to an endH3615 — Full Word Study → as we looked in vainהָ֑בֶלhā·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study → forאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → helpעֶזְרָתֵ֖נוּ‘ez·rā·ṯê·nū — help, assistance, aidH5833 — Full Word Study →. We watchedבְּצִפִּיָּתֵ֣נוּbə·ṣip·pî·yā·ṯê·nū — watchpost, observation point, watch dutyH6836 — Full Word Study → from our towersצִפִּ֔ינוּṣip·pî·nū — to watch, keep watch, observe carefullyH6822 — Full Word Study → forאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → a nationגּ֖וֹיgō·w — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study → that could not save usיוֹשִֽׁעַ׃סyō·wō·ši·a‘ — To deliver, rescue, or save from dangerH3467 — Full Word Study →. 18They stalkedצָד֣וּṣā·ḏū — to hunt, chase, or lie in waitH6679 — Full Word Study → our every stepצְעָדֵ֔ינוּṣə·‘ā·ḏê·nū — a step, pace, or measured strideH6806 — Full Word Study →, so that we could not walkמִלֶּ֖כֶתmil·le·ḵeṯ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → in our streetsבִּרְחֹבֹתֵ֑ינוּbir·ḥō·ḇō·ṯê·nū — public square, street, plazaH7339 — Full Word Study →. Our endקִצֵּ֛ינוּqiṣ·ṣê·nū — end, boundary, limit, terminusH7093 — Full Word Study → drew nearקָרַ֥בqā·raḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study →, our timeיָמֵ֖ינוּyā·mê·nū — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → ran outמָלְא֥וּmā·lə·’ū — to fill, fulfill, completeH4390 — Full Word Study →, for our endקִצֵּֽינוּ׃סqiṣ·ṣê·nū — end, boundary, limit, terminusH7093 — Full Word Study → had comeבָ֥אḇā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →! 19Those who chased usרֹדְפֵ֔ינוּrō·ḏə·p̄ê·nū — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → wereהָיוּ֙hā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → swifterקַלִּ֤יםqal·lîm — Swift, quick, light in weight or movementH7031 — Full Word Study → than the eaglesמִנִּשְׁרֵ֖יmin·niš·rê — Eagle; large bird of preyH5404 — Full Word Study → in the skyשָׁמָ֑יִםšā·mā·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study →; they pursued usדְּלָקֻ֔נוּdə·lā·qu·nū — To burn, kindle, or pursue intenselyH1814 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the mountainsהֶהָרִ֣יםhe·hā·rîm — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → and ambushedאָ֥רְבוּ’ā·rə·ḇū — To lie in ambush; to set a trap or attack by stealthH693 — Full Word Study → us in the wildernessבַּמִּדְבָּ֖רbam·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →. 20The LORD’sיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → anointedמְשִׁ֣יחַmə·šî·aḥ — Anointed one; chosen for divine serviceH4899 — Full Word Study →, the breathר֤וּחַrū·aḥ — Spirit, breath, wind, or inner dispositionH7307 — Full Word Study → of our lifeאַפֵּ֙ינוּ֙’ap·pê·nū — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study →, was capturedנִלְכַּ֖דnil·kaḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → in their pitsבִּשְׁחִיתוֹתָ֑םbiš·ḥî·ṯō·w·ṯām — Pit, destruction, corruptionH7825 — Full Word Study →. We had saidאָמַ֔רְנוּ’ā·mar·nū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → of himאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study →, “Under his shadowבְּצִלּ֖וֹbə·ṣil·lōw — shadow; protection; shelterH6738 — Full Word Study → we will liveנִֽחְיֶ֥הniḥ·yeh — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study → among the nationsבַגּוֹיִֽם׃סḇag·gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →.” 21So rejoiceשִׂ֤ישִׂיśî·śî — To rejoice, be glad, make mirthH7797 — Full Word Study → and be gladוְשִׂמְחִי֙wə·śim·ḥî — To rejoice, be glad, make merryH8055 — Full Word Study →, O Daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Edomאֱד֔וֹם’ĕ·ḏō·wm — Red, EdomH123 — Full Word Study →, you who dwell in the landבְּאֶ֣רֶץbə·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Uzע֑וּץ‘ūṣ — Land of UzH5780 — Full Word Study →. Yet the cupכּ֔וֹסkō·ws — Cup; a drinking vessel; one's lot or destinyH3563 — Full Word Study → will passתַּעֲבָר־ta·‘ă·ḇār- — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → toעָלַ֙יִךְ֙‘ā·la·yiḵ — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → you as wellגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study →; you will get drunkתִּשְׁכְּרִ֖יtiš·kə·rî — to become drunk; to be intoxicatedH7937 — Full Word Study → and expose yourselfוְתִתְעָרִֽי׃סwə·ṯiṯ·‘ā·rî — to uncover, expose, or lay bareH6168 — Full Word Study →. 22O Daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Zionצִיּ֔וֹןṣî·yō·wn — The Lord's MountainH6726 — Full Word Study →, your punishmentעֲוֺנֵךְ֙‘ă·wō·nêḵ — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study → is completeתַּם־tam- — to finish, complete, bring to an endH8552 — Full Word Study →; He will notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → prolongיוֹסִ֖יףyō·w·sîp̄ — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study → your exileלְהַגְלוֹתֵ֑ךְlə·haḡ·lō·w·ṯêḵ — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study →. But He will punishפָּקַ֤דpā·qaḏ — to visit, oversee, appoint, care forH6485 — Full Word Study → your iniquityעֲוֺנֵךְ֙‘ă·wō·nêḵ — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study →, O Daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Edomאֱד֔וֹם’ĕ·ḏō·wm — Red, EdomH123 — Full Word Study →; He will exposeגִּלָּ֖הgil·lāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → your sinsחַטֹּאתָֽיִךְ׃פḥaṭ·ṭō·ṯā·yiḵ — sin; sin offering; sinfulnessH2403 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Lamentations 4
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Lamentations 4 presents a devastating portrait of Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC, viewing the catastrophe through the lens of radical reversal and loss. The chapter moves from mourning the degradation of the city's most precious people (verses 1–10), through an explanation of God's righteous judgment upon leadership's spiritual corruption (verses 11–15), to the people's desperation and false hopes (verses 16–20), concluding with a promise of ultimate vindication (verses 21–22). Throughout, the prophet illustrates how God's judgment, though severe, is just—and ultimately redemptive.

Verses 1–5: The Reversal of Glory

The chapter opens with a powerful metaphor: the gold of Jerusalem has become dim, and the sanctuary stones are scattered in the streets. The "precious sons of Zion" (verse 2)—once valued like fine gold—are now treated as common earthen pitchers, worthless and disposable. This imagery captures the tragic inversion of value: what was honored is now despised. The horror deepens in verses 3–5 with scenes of starvation so severe that even mothers lose maternal compassion, children's tongues cling to the roof of their mouths from thirst, and the once-pampered nobility now embrace dunghills. These are not merely physical descriptions but spiritual indictments—the people have lost their human dignity because they have lost their covenant relationship with God.

Application: This passage reminds us that spiritual rebellion carries concrete consequences. When we drift from God, we lose not only divine blessing but also our sense of sacred worth and purpose. Our identity in Christ is our true gold; everything else is ultimately expendable.

Verses 6–10: The Severity of Judgment

Verse 6 contains a shocking statement: Jerusalem's punishment exceeds even Sodom's, which was overthrown "in a moment." The contrast is crucial—Sodom fell swiftly; Jerusalem endures prolonged suffering. Verses 7–8 contrast the former purity of the Nazarites (those consecrated to God) with their present unrecognizable state: their skin clings to bone, blackened like charred coal. The crescendo of horror reaches verse 10, where the unspeakable occurs—mothers consume their own children during the siege. This is not hyperbole but historical testimony to the extremity of famine. Yet even this horror serves a purpose: it demonstrates that God's judgment is absolutely thorough and that rebellion against Him brings consequences that transcend normal human experience.

Application: We live under grace, not law, yet this passage teaches that sin's wages are real. God's judgment is never arbitrary; it is proportional to rebellion and designed to awaken repentance.

Verses 11–15: Why Judgment Came

The poet now explicitly names the source of judgment: the LORD himself "accomplished his fury" and "kindled a fire in Zion" (verse 11). Verses 13–14 reveal the root cause—the sins of prophets and priests who shed innocent blood. These spiritual leaders, who should have interceded, became murderers. Their corruption so defiled them that even their garments became unclean; they wandered as blind men, unable to find their way. The irony is stark: those who should have guided the nation into righteousness led it into ruin.

Application: Spiritual leadership carries grave responsibility. We are called to guard our hearts and motives carefully, remembering that leaders' faithfulness or unfaithfulness shapes entire communities.

Verses 16–22: False Hope and Final Promise

Verses 16–20 depict the people's helplessness: their eyes fail waiting for human aid that never comes; they are hunted like prey. Even King Zedekiah, "the anointed of the LORD," cannot save them. Yet the chapter ends not in despair but in sovereign promise. Verses 21–22 reverse the judgment: Edom, who rejoiced at Zion's fall, will herself drink the cup of God's wrath. But for Zion, the final word is restoration: "The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished... he will no more carry thee away into captivity." Judgment has a limit; redemption awaits.

Application: God's discipline of His people always serves redemptive purposes. When we endure His correction, we can trust that it leads to restoration, not abandonment.

Application for Today

Lamentations 4 teaches that God takes sin seriously but never abandons His covenant people. In Christ, we are sheltered from God's wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), yet we remain called to holy living. When we face consequences for sin, we can repent and trust God's mercy. When we witness injustice or spiritual corruption around us, we must speak truth and intercede faithfully, knowing that God ultimately vindicates the righteous and restores the repentant.

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