Lamentations 2:13

Authorized King James Version

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מָ֤ה
H4100
for thee what thing
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
אֲעִידֵ֞ךְ
H5749
What thing shall I take to witness
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
#3
מָ֤ה
H4100
for thee what thing
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
אֲדַמֶּה
H1819
shall I liken
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
#5
לָּ֗ךְ
H0
#6
בַּת
H1323
daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
H3389
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#8
מָ֤ה
H4100
for thee what thing
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#9
אַשְׁוֶה
H7737
what shall I equal
properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
#10
לָּךְ֙
H0
#11
וַאֲנַֽחֲמֵ֔ךְ
H5162
to thee that I may 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
#12
בְּתוּלַ֖ת
H1330
thee O virgin
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#13
בַּת
H1323
daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#14
צִיּ֑וֹן
H6726
of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#15
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
גָד֥וֹל
H1419
is great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#17
כַּיָּ֛ם
H3220
like the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#18
שִׁבְרֵ֖ךְ
H7667
for thy breach
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#19
מִ֥י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#20
יִרְפָּא
H7495
who can heal
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
#21
לָֽךְ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Lamentations.

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