Lamentations 4:14

Authorized King James Version

They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נָע֤וּ
They have wandered
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#2
עִוְרִים֙
as blind
blind (literally or figuratively)
#3
בַּֽחוּצ֔וֹת
men in the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#4
נְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ
they have polluted
to soil or (figuratively) desecrate
#5
בַּדָּ֑ם
themselves with blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#6
בְּלֹ֣א
not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יֽוּכְל֔וּ
so that men could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#8
יִגְּע֖וּ
touch
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#9
בִּלְבֻשֵׁיהֶֽם׃
their garments
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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