Lamentations 5:10
Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.
Original Language Analysis
נִכְמָ֔רוּ
was black
H3648
נִכְמָ֔רוּ
was black
Strong's:
H3648
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to intertwine or contract, i.e., (by implication) to shrivel (as with heat); figuratively, to be deeply affected with passion (love or pity)
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Lamentations 4:8Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.Job 30:30My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.Psalms 119:83For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Historical Context
Famine causes darkening of skin from malnutrition and sun exposure while seeking food.
Questions for Reflection
- How does physical suffering reflect spiritual realities?
- How does the image of burned skin express the physical toll of famine?
- What does this graphic description teach about the embodied consequences of covenant breaking?
Analysis & Commentary
Skin black like oven from famine. Malnutrition visible effects. Bodies showing souls distress.