Lamentations 1:21

Authorized King James Version

They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁמְע֤וּ
H8085
They have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
כִּ֧י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
נֶאֱנָחָ֣ה
H584
that I sigh
to sigh
#4
אָ֗נִי
H589
i
#5
אֵ֤ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
מְנַחֵם֙
H5162
there is 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
#7
לִ֔י
H0
#8
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
אֹ֨יְבַ֜י
H341
me all mine enemies
hating; an adversary
#10
שָׁמְע֤וּ
H8085
They have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#11
רָֽעָתִי֙
H7451
of my trouble
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
שָׂ֔שׂוּ
H7797
they are glad
to be bright, i.e., cheerful
#13
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
אַתָּ֖ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
עָשִׂ֑יתָ
H6213
that thou hast done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
H935
it thou wilt bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
יוֹם
H3117
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
#18
קָרָ֖אתָ
H7121
that thou hast called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#19
וְיִֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#20
כָמֽוֹנִי׃
H3644
and they shall be like
as, thus, so

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection