Lamentations 5:2
Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.
Original Language Analysis
נַחֲלָתֵ֙נוּ֙
Our inheritance
H5159
נַחֲלָתֵ֙נוּ֙
Our inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
נֶֽהֶפְכָ֣ה
is turned
H2015
נֶֽהֶפְכָ֣ה
is turned
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
2 of 5
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
לְזָרִ֔ים
to strangers
H2114
לְזָרִ֔ים
to strangers
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
3 of 5
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
Cross References
Zephaniah 1:13Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.Isaiah 1:7Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
Historical Context
Babylonians occupied land, settling foreigners. Israel birthright possessed by pagans.
Questions for Reflection
- What does loss of inheritance teach about taking gifts for granted?
- What does the loss of inheritance signify about broken covenant promises and displaced hope?
- How might believers today identify with the experience of having spiritual inheritance threatened?
Analysis & Commentary
Inheritance turned to strangers, houses to aliens. Loss of covenant land—ultimate curse. Leviticus 26:32-33.