Lamentations 2:14

Authorized King James Version

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נְבִיאַ֗יִךְ

H5030

Thy prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַיֶּ֣חֱזוּ

H2372

but have seen

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

לָךְ֙

שָׁ֖וְא

H7723

for thee false

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

וְתָפֵ֔ל

H8602

and foolish things

plaster (as gummy) or slime; (figuratively) frivolity

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

גִלּ֥וּ

H1540

for thee and they have not discovered

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

עַל

H5921

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

עֲוֹנֵ֖ךְ

H5771

thine iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#10

לְהָשִׁ֣יב

H7725

to turn away

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

#11

שְׁביּתֵ֑ךְ

H7622

thy captivity

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

#12

וַיֶּ֣חֱזוּ

H2372

but have seen

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

#13

לָ֔ךְ

#14

מַשְׂא֥וֹת

H4864

burdens

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

#15

שָׁ֖וְא

H7723

for thee false

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

#16

וּמַדּוּחִֽים׃

H4065

and causes of banishment

seduction

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?