Lamentations 4:9

Authorized King James Version

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They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.

Original Language Analysis

טוֹבִ֤ים are better H2896
טוֹבִ֤ים are better
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 1 of 11
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
הָיוּ֙ H1961
הָיוּ֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י They that be slain H2491
מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י They that be slain
Strong's: H2491
Word #: 3 of 11
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
חֶ֔רֶב with the sword H2719
חֶ֔רֶב with the sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 4 of 11
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י They that be slain H2491
מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י They that be slain
Strong's: H2491
Word #: 5 of 11
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
רָעָ֑ב with hunger H7458
רָעָ֑ב with hunger
Strong's: H7458
Word #: 6 of 11
hunger (more or less extensive)
שֶׁ֣הֵ֤ם for these H1992
שֶׁ֣הֵ֤ם for these
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 7 of 11
they (only used when emphatic)
יָז֙וּבוּ֙ pine away H2100
יָז֙וּבוּ֙ pine away
Strong's: H2100
Word #: 8 of 11
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים stricken H1856
מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים stricken
Strong's: H1856
Word #: 9 of 11
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
מִתְּנוּבֹ֖ת through for want of the fruits H8570
מִתְּנוּבֹ֖ת through for want of the fruits
Strong's: H8570
Word #: 10 of 11
produce
שָׂדָֽי׃ of the field H7704
שָׂדָֽי׃ of the field
Strong's: H7704
Word #: 11 of 11
a field (as flat)

Analysis & Commentary

Better die by sword than famine. Quick death more merciful than slow starvation. Ultimate suffering comparison.

Historical Context

Siege warfare horror—watching yourself and loved ones slowly starve. Battle death was preferable.

Questions for Reflection