Lamentations 1:19

Authorized King James Version

I called for my lovers, but they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קָרָ֤אתִי
H7121
I called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
לַֽמְאַהֲבַי֙
H157
for my lovers
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#3
הֵ֣מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
רִמּ֔וּנִי
H7411
but they deceived
to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)
#5
כֹּהֲנַ֥י
H3548
me my priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
וּזְקֵנַ֖י
H2205
and mine elders
old
#7
בָּעִ֣יר
H5892
in the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
גָּוָ֑עוּ
H1478
gave up the ghost
to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire
#9
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
בִקְשׁ֥וּ
H1245
while they sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#11
אֹ֙כֶל֙
H400
their meat
food
#12
לָ֔מוֹ
H0
#13
וְיָשִׁ֖יבוּ
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);
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
נַפְשָֽׁם׃
H5315
their souls
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection