Lamentations 4:10

Authorized King James Version

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְדֵ֗י

H3027

The hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נָשִׁים֙

H802

women

a woman

רַחֲמָ֣נִיּ֔וֹת

H7362

of the pitiful

compassionate

בִּשְּׁל֖וּ

H1310

have sodden

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

יַלְדֵיהֶ֑ן

H3206

their own children

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

הָי֤וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְבָרוֹת֙

H1262

they were their meat

to select; to feed; to render clear

לָ֔מוֹ

בְּשֶׁ֖בֶר

H7667

in the destruction

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

#10

בַּת

H1323

of the daughter

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

#11

עַמִּֽי׃

H5971

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

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?