Lamentations 3:40

Authorized King James Version

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נַחְפְּשָׂ֤ה
Let us search
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
#2
דְרָכֵ֙ינוּ֙
our ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#3
וְֽנַחְקֹ֔רָה
and try
properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately
#4
וְנָשׁ֖וּבָה
and turn again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
יְהוָֽה׃
to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection