Lamentations 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זְכֹ֤ר

H2142

Remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

יְהוָה֙

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֶֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הָ֣יָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָ֔נוּ

הַבִּ֖יטָ

H5027

what is come upon us consider

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

וּרְאֵ֥ה

H7200

and behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֶרְפָּתֵֽנוּ׃

H2781

our reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?