Lamentations 4:12

Authorized King James Version

The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶאֱמִ֙ינוּ֙

H539

would not have believed

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

מַלְכֵי

H4428

The kings

a king

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וכֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

and all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

תֵבֵ֑ל

H8398

of the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָבֹא֙

H935

should have entered

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

צַ֣ר

H6862

that the adversary

a pebble (as in h6864)

#11

וְאוֹיֵ֔ב

H341

and the enemy

hating; an adversary

#12

בְּשַׁעֲרֵ֖י

H8179

into the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#13

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Lamentations chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?