Lamentations 4:16

Authorized King James Version

The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּנֵ֤י
H6440
The anger
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#2
יְהוָה֙
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
חִלְּקָ֔ם
H2505
hath divided
to be smooth (figuratively)
#4
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יוֹסִ֖יף
H3254
them he will no more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#6
לְהַבִּיטָ֑ם
H5027
regard
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#7
פְּנֵ֤י
H6440
The anger
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
כֹהֲנִים֙
H3548
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
נָשָׂ֔אוּ
H5375
them they respected
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#11
זְקֵנִ֖ים
H2205
not the elders
old
#12
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
חָנָֽנוּ׃
H2603
they favoured
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

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 divine sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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