Lamentations 3:48

Authorized King James Version

Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פַּלְגֵי
with rivers
a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)
#2
מַ֙יִם֙
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#3
תֵּרַ֣ד
runneth down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#4
עֵינִ֔י
Mine eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
שֶׁ֖בֶר
for the destruction
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#7
בַּת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
עַמִּֽי׃
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection