Lamentations 2:16

Authorized King James Version

All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פָּצ֨וּ

H6475

have opened

to rend, i.e., open (especially the mouth)

עָלַ֤יִךְ

H5921

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

פִּיהֶם֙

H6310

their mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

כָּל

H3605

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

אֹ֣יְבַ֔יִךְ

H341

All thine enemies

hating; an adversary

שָֽׁרְקוּ֙

H8319

against thee they hiss

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

וַיַּֽחַרְקוּ

H2786

and gnash

to grate the teeth

שֵׁ֔ן

H8127

the teeth

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

אָמְר֖וּ

H559

they say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

בִּלָּ֑עְנוּ

H1104

We have swallowed her up

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

#11

אַ֣ךְ

H389

certainly

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

#12

זֶ֥ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#13

הַיּ֛וֹם

H3117

this is the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#14

שֶׁקִּוִּינֻ֖הוּ

H6960

that we looked for

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

#15

מָצָ֥אנוּ

H4672

we have found

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

#16

רָאִֽינוּ׃

H7200

we have seen

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

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 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 this verse's literary context within Lamentations chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?