Lamentations 3:62
The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah faced daily verbal assault. His contemporaries constantly criticized, mocked, and plotted. Jeremiah 20:10 specifically mentions being surrounded by talk: "I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it." The conspiracy to discredit him was ongoing. People watched for any misstep to use against him: "All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed."
Ancient Israel's honor/shame culture made verbal attacks particularly powerful. Public mockery damaged reputation and social standing. Proverbs frequently warns against slander, gossip, and false testimony (Proverbs 6:16-19, 10:18, 11:13, 16:28, 26:20-22). The constant verbal assault Jeremiah endured would have been psychologically exhausting even apart from physical persecution.
In exile, Israel experienced this collectively. Psalm 137:3 records captors demanding songs: "they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion." This was taunting mockery, not genuine interest. The all-day nature of reproach in foreign lands tested faith. Yet some like Daniel maintained integrity despite ongoing pressure (Daniel 6:4-5, 10), demonstrating that faithfulness is possible even under constant verbal assault.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'all the day' verbal assault test faith differently than occasional persecution?
- What strategies does Scripture provide for enduring constant criticism and plotting (Psalm 37:1-8, Philippians 4:6-8)?
- In what ways did Jesus endure the ultimate 'lips of those who rose up against Him' and how does His example guide us (1 Peter 2:23)?
- How can believers today support one another when facing ongoing verbal attacks for faithfulness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Enemies' continual harassment: "The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day." The Hebrew siftei kameiai vehegyonam ali kol-hayyom (שִׂפְתֵי קָמַי וְהֶגְיוֹנָם עָלַי כָּל־הַיּוֹם) describes relentless verbal assault. Siftei (שִׂפְתֵי, "lips") represents speech. Kameiai (קָמַי, "those who rise up against me") identifies opponents as active enemies, not passive critics.
"Their device" uses hegyonam (הֶגְיוֹנָם), meaning meditation, musing, plotting, or muttering. It describes ongoing mental occupation with schemes against the speaker. "All the day" (kol-hayyom, כָּל־הַיּוֹם) indicates constant, unceasing nature of the attacks. From morning to night, enemies speak against and plot against the righteous.
Theologically, this verse captures the experience of ongoing persecution. David expressed similar complaints: "How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?" (Psalm 94:4). Jesus warned disciples they would face such treatment: "ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22). Yet He also promised: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Persistent opposition tests but also purifies faith (1 Peter 1:6-7).