Lamentations 1:2

Authorized King James Version

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִבְכֶּ֜ה
She weepeth
to weep; generally to bemoan
#2
תִבְכֶּ֜ה
She weepeth
to weep; generally to bemoan
#3
בַּלַּ֗יְלָה
in the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#4
וְדִמְעָתָהּ֙
and her tears
weeping
#5
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
לֶֽחֱיָ֔הּ
are on her cheeks
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
#7
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
לָ֥הּ
H0
#9
מְנַחֵ֖ם
she hath none to comfort
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#10
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אֹהֲבֶ֑יהָ
among all her lovers
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
רֵעֶ֙יהָ֙
her all her friends
an associate (more or less close)
#14
בָּ֣גְדוּ
have dealt treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#15
בָ֔הּ
H0
#16
הָ֥יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
לָ֖הּ
H0
#18
לְאֹיְבִֽים׃
with her they are become her enemies
hating; an adversary

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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