Lamentations 5:11
They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah.
Original Language Analysis
בְּצִיּ֣וֹן
in Zion
H6726
בְּצִיּ֣וֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
2 of 6
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
עִנּ֔וּ
They ravished
H6031
עִנּ֔וּ
They ravished
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
3 of 6
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
בְּתֻלֹ֖ת
and the maids
H1330
בְּתֻלֹ֖ת
and the maids
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
4 of 6
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
Cross References
Isaiah 13:16Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.Zechariah 14:2For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.Deuteronomy 28:30Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare included systematic sexual violence against conquered populations. Brutal reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God see and judge sexual violence, and how does Christ restore dignity?
- How does the specific mention of women and virgins highlight the violation of the most vulnerable?
- What does this atrocity reveal about the breakdown of moral order under judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
Women ravished in Zion, maids in Judah cities. Sexual violence in conquest—ultimate violation and humiliation.