Lamentations 3:7

Authorized King James Version

He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גָּדַ֧ר
He hath hedged
to wall in or around
#2
בַּעֲדִ֛י
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#3
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
אֵצֵ֖א
me about that I cannot get out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#5
הִכְבִּ֥יד
heavy
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#6
נְחָשְׁתִּֽי׃
he hath made my chain
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Lamentations.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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