Lamentations 2:8

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חָשַׁ֨ב
H2803
hath purposed
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#2
יְהוָ֤ה׀
H3068
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
לְהַשְׁחִית֙
H7843
to destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#4
וְחוֹמָ֖ה
H2346
and the wall
a wall of protection
#5
בַּת
H1323
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
צִיּ֔וֹן
H6726
of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#7
נָ֣טָה
H5186
he hath stretched out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#8
קָ֔ו
H6957
a line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#9
לֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
הֵשִׁ֥יב
H7725
he hath not withdrawn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#11
יָד֖וֹ
H3027
his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
מִבַּלֵּ֑עַ
H1104
from destroying
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#13
וַיַּֽאֲבֶל
H56
to lament
to bewail
#14
חֵ֥ל
H2426
therefore he made the rampart
an army; also (by analogy,) an intrenchment
#15
וְחוֹמָ֖ה
H2346
and the wall
a wall of protection
#16
יַחְדָּ֥ו
H3162
together
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#17
אֻמְלָֽלוּ׃
H535
they languished
to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection