Lamentations 3:24
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נַפְשִׁ֔י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֔י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Cross References
Psalms 73:26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.Psalms 16:5The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.Psalms 142:5I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.Lamentations 3:21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.Psalms 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.Psalms 33:18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;Jeremiah 51:19The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.Jeremiah 10:16The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.
Historical Context
The Levitical background is crucial: priests owned no land because God Himself was their inheritance. When Babylon stripped away all earthly possessions, Jeremiah discovered his priestly birthright meant he actually lost nothing ultimate. His true inheritance was untouchable by Nebuchadnezzar.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'portions' in your life—relationships, possessions, status, comfort—compete with God as your ultimate inheritance?
- How would your life change if you genuinely believed that God Himself is sufficient as your portion, independent of any other blessing?
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD is my portion (חֶלְקִי יְהוָה, chelqi YHWH)—'Portion' (cheleq) refers to the land inheritance each Israelite tribe received, except Levites who received 'the LORD as their portion' (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9). Jeremiah, a Levitical priest, claims this priestly inheritance. When temple, city, land, and freedom are lost, the covenant relationship remains. Saith my soul (אָמְרָה נַפְשִׁי, amrah nafshi)—an internal dialogue, soul instructing self. Therefore will I hope in him (עַל־כֵּן אוֹחִיל לוֹ, al-ken ochil lo)—'hope' (yachal) means to wait expectantly, not passive wishing but active confidence. This verse stands at the structural center of chapter 3, the book's theological heart.