Lamentations 1:3

Authorized King James Version

Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גָּֽלְתָ֨ה
is gone into captivity
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#2
יְהוּדָ֤ה
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
מֵעֹ֙נִי֙
because of affliction
depression, i.e., misery
#4
וּמֵרֹ֣ב
and because of great
abundance (in any respect)
#5
עֲבֹדָ֔ה
servitude
work of any kind
#6
הִ֚יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
יָשְׁבָ֣ה
she dwelleth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בַגּוֹיִ֔ם
among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
מָצְאָ֖ה
she findeth
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#11
מָנ֑וֹחַ
no rest
quiet, i.e., (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
רֹדְפֶ֥יהָ
all her persecutors
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#14
הִשִּׂיג֖וּהָ
overtook
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#15
בֵּ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#16
הַמְּצָרִֽים׃
her between the straits
something tight, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

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

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

Questions for Reflection