Lamentations 5:13

Authorized King James Version

They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּחוּרִים֙
the young men
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
#2
טְח֣וֹן
to grind
a hand mill; hence, a millstone
#3
נָשָׂ֔אוּ
They took
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#4
וּנְעָרִ֖ים
and the children
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#5
בָּעֵ֥ץ
under the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#6
כָּשָֽׁלוּ׃
fell
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Lamentations.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Lamentations Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection