Lamentations 5:12

Authorized King James Version

Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׂרִים֙
Princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#2
בְּיָדָ֣ם
by their hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#3
נִתְל֔וּ
are hanged up
to suspend (especially to gibbet)
#4
פְּנֵ֥י
the faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
זְקֵנִ֖ים
of elders
old
#6
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
נֶהְדָּֽרוּ׃
were not honoured
to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honor, be high or proud

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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