Lamentations 3:51

Authorized King James Version

Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֵינִי֙

H5869

Mine eye

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עֽוֹלְלָ֣ה

H5953

affecteth

to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)

לְנַפְשִׁ֔י

H5315

mine heart

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִכֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנ֥וֹת

H1323

because of all the daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עִירִֽי׃

H5892

of my city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?