Lamentations 5:21

Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽנָשׁ֔וּבָ

H7725

Turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְהוָ֤ה׀

H3068

thou us unto thee O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְֽנָשׁ֔וּבָ

H7725

Turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

חַדֵּ֥שׁ

H2318

renew

to be new; causatively, to rebuild

יָמֵ֖ינוּ

H3117

our days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כְּקֶֽדֶם׃

H6924

as of old

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Lamentations. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?