Lamentations 4:18

Authorized King James Version

They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צָד֣וּ
They hunt
to victual (for a journey)
#2
צְעָדֵ֔ינוּ
our steps
a pace or regular step
#3
מִלֶּ֖כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
בִּרְחֹבֹתֵ֑ינוּ
in our streets
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#5
קָרַ֥ב
is near
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#6
קִצֵּֽנוּ׃
for our end
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
#7
מָלְא֥וּ
are fulfilled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#8
יָמֵ֖ינוּ
our days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
בָ֥א
is come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
קִצֵּֽנוּ׃
for our end
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

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