Lamentations 4:11

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּלָּ֤ה
hath accomplished
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#2
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
חֲמָת֔וֹ
his fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#5
שָׁפַ֖ךְ
he hath poured out
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#6
חֲר֣וֹן
his fierce
a burning of anger
#7
אַפּ֑וֹ
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#8
וַיַּצֶּת
and hath kindled
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
#9
אֵ֣שׁ
a fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#10
בְּצִיּ֔וֹן
in Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#11
וַתֹּ֖אכַל
and it hath devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
יְסוֹדֹתֶֽיהָ׃
the foundations
a foundation (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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