Lamentations 2:12

Authorized King James Version

They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִמֹּתָֽם׃
H517
into their mothers
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#2
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ
H559
They say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אַיֵּ֖ה
H346
where?
#4
דָּגָ֣ן
H1715
Where is corn
properly, increase, i.e., grain
#5
וָיָ֑יִן
H3196
and wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#6
בְּהִֽתְעַטְּפָ֤ם
H5848
when they swooned
to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish
#7
כֶּֽחָלָל֙
H2491
as the wounded
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#8
בִּרְחֹב֣וֹת
H7339
in the streets
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#9
עִ֔יר
H5892
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
בְּהִשְׁתַּפֵּ֣ךְ
H8210
was poured out
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#11
נַפְשָׁ֔ם
H5315
when their soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#12
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
חֵ֖יק
H2436
bosom
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
#14
אִמֹּתָֽם׃
H517
into their mothers
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

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 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