Lamentations Chapter 3 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.

Original Language Analysis

הָיִ֤יתִי H1961
הָיִ֤יתִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שְּׂחֹק֙ I was a derision H7814
שְּׂחֹק֙ I was a derision
Strong's: H7814
Word #: 2 of 7
laughter (in merriment or defiance)
לְכָל H3605
לְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמִּ֔י to all my people H5971
עַמִּ֔י to all my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נְגִינָתָ֖ם and their song H5058
נְגִינָתָ֖ם and their song
Strong's: H5058
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיּֽוֹם׃ all the day H3117
הַיּֽוֹם׃ all the day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 7 of 7
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

Analysis & Commentary

Mockery from own people intensifies pain. Job experienced similar (Job 12:4, 30:1, 9). Being song of drunkards (Psalm 69:12).

Historical Context

Prophets like Jeremiah faced ridicule for unpopular messages. Mockers included those who should have listened.

Questions for Reflection