Lamentations 3:12
He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
Original Language Analysis
דָּרַ֤ךְ
He hath bent
H1869
דָּרַ֤ךְ
He hath bent
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
1 of 5
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
קַשְׁתּוֹ֙
his bow
H7198
קַשְׁתּוֹ֙
his bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
2 of 5
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
וַיַּצִּיבֵ֔נִי
and set
H5324
וַיַּצִּיבֵ֔נִי
and set
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
3 of 5
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 38:2For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.Job 7:20I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?Job 6:4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.Lamentations 2:4He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.
Historical Context
Arrows were primary ancient weapons. Inescapable (Psalm 38:2, Deuteronomy 32:23, Ezekiel 5:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we respond when it feels like God Himself opposes us?
- How did Christ become the target of divine arrows meant for us (Isaiah 53:4-5)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God as archer with speaker as target. Job 6:4, 16:12-13 use similar imagery. Divine arrows represent judgments that pierce deeply.