Lamentations 1:8

Authorized King James Version

Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חֵ֤טְא

H2399

hath grievously

a crime or its penalty

חָֽטְאָה֙

H2398

sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לְנִידָ֣ה

H5206

therefore she is removed

removal, i.e., exile

הָיָ֑תָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְכַבְּדֶ֤יהָ

H3513

all that honoured

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#10

הִזִּיל֙וּהָ֙

H2107

her despise

probably to shake out, i.e., (by implication) to scatter profusely; figuratively, to treat lightly

#11

כִּי

H3588

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

#12

רָא֣וּ

H7200

her because they have seen

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

#13

עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ

H6172

her nakedness

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

#14

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#15

הִ֥יא

H1931

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

#16

נֶאֶנְחָ֖ה

H584

yea she sigheth

to sigh

#17

וַתָּ֥שָׁב

H7725

and turneth

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#18

אָחֽוֹר׃

H268

backward

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Lamentations Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Lamentations chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?