Lamentations 1:11

Authorized King James Version

All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמָּ֤הּ

H5971

All her people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נֶאֱנָחִים֙

H584

sigh

to sigh

מְבַקְּשִׁ֣ים

H1245

they seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לֶ֔חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

נָתְנ֧וּ

H5414

they have given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מַחֲמַודֵּיהֶ֛ם

H4262

desired; hence, a valuable

בְּאֹ֖כֶל

H400

for meat

food

לְהָשִׁ֣יב

H7725

to relieve

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#10

נָ֑פֶשׁ

H5315

the soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#11

רְאֵ֤ה

H7200

see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

יְהוָה֙

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

וְֽהַבִּ֔יטָה

H5027

and consider

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#14

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

הָיִ֖יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

זוֹלֵלָֽה׃

H2151

for I am become vile

figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Lamentations chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?