Lamentations 4:20

Authorized King James Version

The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ר֤וּחַ
The breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#2
אַפֵּ֙ינוּ֙
of our nostrils
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#3
מְשִׁ֣יחַ
the anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
נִלְכַּ֖ד
was taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#6
בִּשְׁחִיתוֹתָ֑ם
in their pits
a pit-fall (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
אָמַ֔רְנוּ
of whom we said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
בְּצִלּ֖וֹ
Under his shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#10
נִֽחְיֶ֥ה
we shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#11
בַגּוֹיִֽם׃
among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Lamentations.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection