Lamentations 1:13

Authorized King James Version

From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִמָּר֛וֹם
From above
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#2
שָֽׁלַח
hath he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#3
אֵ֥שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#4
בְּעַצְמֹתַ֖י
into my bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#5
וַיִּרְדֶּ֑נָּה
and it prevaileth
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
#6
פָּרַ֨שׂ
against them he hath spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#7
רֶ֤שֶׁת
a net
a net (as catching animals)
#8
לְרַגְלַי֙
for my feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#9
הֱשִׁיבַ֣נִי
he hath turned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
אָח֔וֹר
me back
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
#11
נְתָנַ֙נִי֙
he hath made
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
שֹֽׁמֵמָ֔ה
me desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#13
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
הַיּ֖וֹם
all the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
דָּוָֽה׃
and faint
sick (especially in menstruation)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection