Lamentations 3:18

Authorized King James Version

And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֹמַר֙

H559

And I said

to say (used with great latitude)

אָבַ֣ד

is perished

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

נִצְחִ֔י

H5331

My strength

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

וְתוֹחַלְתִּ֖י

H8431

and my hope

expectation

מֵיְהוָֽה׃

H3068

from the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of hope connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about hope, 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 hope in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on hope address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?