Lamentations 2:20

Authorized King James Version

Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְאֵ֤ה
H7200
Behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
יְהוָה֙
H3068
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
וְֽהַבִּ֔יטָה
H5027
and consider
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#4
לְמִ֖י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#5
עוֹלַ֣לְתָּ
H5953
to whom thou hast done
to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)
#6
כֹּ֑ה
H3541
this
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#7
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
תֹּאכַ֨לְנָה
H398
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
נָשִׁ֤ים
H802
Shall the women
a woman
#10
פִּרְיָם֙
H6529
their fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#11
עֹלֲלֵ֣י
H5768
and children
a suckling
#12
טִפֻּחִ֔ים
H2949
of a span long
nursing
#13
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
יֵהָרֵ֛ג
H2026
be slain
to smite with deadly intent
#15
בְּמִקְדַּ֥שׁ
H4720
in the sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#16
אֲדֹנָ֖י
H136
of the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#17
כֹּהֵ֥ן
H3548
shall the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#18
וְנָבִֽיא׃
H5030
and the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection