Lamentations 3:26
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
ט֤וֹב
It is good
H2896
ט֤וֹב
It is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 5
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְיָחִיל֙
H2342
וְיָחִיל֙
Strong's:
H2342
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
Cross References
Psalms 37:7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.Psalms 37:34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.Psalms 130:5I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.Hebrews 10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.Isaiah 30:15For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Psalms 119:166LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.Psalms 119:174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
Historical Context
Many exiles wanted immediate return, conspiracy against Babylon, or political solutions. Jeremiah had earlier written to exiles commanding them to 'build houses, plant gardens, multiply' in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4-7)—long-term settling, not escape plotting. Quiet waiting was counter-cultural counsel then as now.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your 'hope' manifest as quiet trust or anxious agitation? What does your speech under trial reveal about the reality of your faith?
- How does 'quietly waiting for salvation' differ from passive fatalism or from the constant activity our culture equates with faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait (טוֹב וְיָחִיל וְדוּמָם לִתְשׁוּעַת יְהוָה, tov veyachil vedunam litshuot YHWH)—Three key terms: 'good' (tov) affirms the value of the posture; 'hope' (yachil, from same root as verse 24) is expectant waiting; 'quietly' (dumam) means silently, without complaining or questioning. For the salvation of the LORD (litshuot YHWH)—'salvation' (yeshuah, from which 'Jesus' derives) is deliverance, victory, rescue. The verse counsels submission to divine timing without either despair or impatient demand. This 'quiet hope' contradicts the cultural narrative that activism and protest are the only acceptable responses to injustice.