Lamentations 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רְאֵ֨ה

H7200

Behold

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

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

O LORD

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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

צַר

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

לִי֙

מֵעַ֣י

H4578

my bowels

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

חֳמַרְמָ֔רוּ

H2560

are troubled

properly, to boil up; hence, to glow (with redness)

נֶהְפַּ֤ךְ

H2015

is turned

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

לִבִּי֙

H3820

mine heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#10

בְּקִרְבִּ֔י

H7130

within

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#12

מָרִ֑יתִי

H4784

me for I have grievously

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

#13

מָרִ֑יתִי

H4784

me for I have grievously

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

#14

מִח֥וּץ

H2351

abroad

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#15

שִׁכְּלָה

H7921

bereaveth

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

#16

חֶ֖רֶב

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#17

בַּבַּ֥יִת

H1004

at home

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

כַּמָּֽוֶת׃

H4194

there is as death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Lamentations chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?