Lamentations 1:14

Authorized King James Version

The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נִשְׂקַד֩
H8244
is bound
to fasten
#2
עֹ֨ל
H5923
The yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#3
פְּשָׁעַ֜י
H6588
of my transgressions
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#4
בִּידֵ֖י
H3027
by his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
יִשְׂתָּ֥רְג֛וּ
H8276
they are wreathed
to intwine
#6
עָל֥וּ
H5927
and come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
צַוָּארִ֖י
H6677
upon my neck
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
#9
הִכְשִׁ֣יל
H3782
to fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#10
כֹּחִ֑י
H3581
he hath made my strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#11
נְתָנַ֣נִי
H5414
hath delivered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
אֲדֹנָ֔י
H136
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#13
בִּידֵ֖י
H3027
by his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#14
לֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
אוּכַ֥ל
H3201
from whom I am not able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#16
קֽוּם׃
H6965
to rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Lamentations's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Lamentations Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection