front:intro zxy7 0 # Introduction to Lamentations\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Lamentations\n\n1. First lament: Yahweh and his people have abandoned Jerusalem (1:1–22)\n1. Second lament: Yahweh was angry with Jerusalem and caused it to be destroyed (2:1–22)\n1. Third lament (3:1–66)\n * The people grieve (3:1–20)\n * Yahweh comforts those who turn back to him (3:21–39)\n * Judah is learning to return to Yahweh (3:40–54)\n * Judah cries out to be avenged of its enemies (3:55–66)\n1. Fourth lament: The terrors of the siege of Jerusalem (4:1–4:22)\n * The people’s sin caused Jerusalem to be punished (4:1–20)\n * Their being punished satisfied Yahweh’s wrath for their sin (4:21–22a)\n * Edom will be punished also (4:22b)\n1. Fifth lament: The broken nation cries out to Yahweh (5:1–22)\n\n### What is the Book of Lamentations about?\n\nThe Babylonians captured the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. In the Book of Lamentations, the writer grieves over Jerusalem being destroyed.\n\nThe Book of Lamentations is organized into five poems. The writer describes how God allowed Jerusalem to be destroyed because the people sinned against him. However, the writer also states that God is always loving and faithful to his people. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Lamentations?\n\nThe text of Lamentations does not give the name of the author. The traditional view is that Jeremiah wrote it. The writer seems to have personally seen Jerusalem destroyed. The serious and grieving words in the Book of Jeremiah are similar to those in the Book of Lamentations.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may use the traditional title of “Lamentations.” Or they may call the book “Poems of Sadness.” If translators want to take the view that the prophet Jeremiah wrote this book, they might decide on a title such as “The Sad Sayings of Jeremiah.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Did God abandon Israel?\n\nThe author of Lamentations often speaks of God abandoning Israel. But this did not mean that God had completely given up on Israel.\nHe rejected Israel for a period of time as the special place where he would be present. However, God remained faithful to what he promised Israel in his covenant.\n\nWhile it was common in the ancient Near East to think that a god might leave its city, it usually did so because it was too weak to defend the city. In Lamentations, Yahweh abandons Jerusalem because the people sinned against him, not because he was too weak to defend the city. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])\n\n### What is a funeral song?\n\nPeople groups commonly sing songs after someone dies or during a funeral. Depending on the culture, these songs can sound either happy or sad. The Book of Lamentations is like a sad song, called a “lament,” sung at a funeral. Some scholars think the rhythm of the laments in Hebrew makes them sound slow like a funeral procession.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What style of writing is Lamentations?\n\nLamentations is a collection of five poems. The Jewish exiles living in captivity in Babylon may have sung or chanted these laments. The Jews who remained in Jerusalem after the Babylonians conquered it may also have sung them. In Chapters 1, 2, and 4, each line of the poem begins with a different Hebrew letter, in the order of the Hebrew alphabet. The third chapter repeats three lines starting with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The next three lines begin with next letter in the Hebrew alphabet.\n\n### Who are the woman and the man in Lamentations?\n\nThe author uses the image of an abandoned woman and a persecuted man to represent Judah and Jerusalem. He uses this type of personification to help readers understand the pain and sorrow. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1:intro cpx3 0 # Lamentations 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Judah destroyed for her sin\n\nJudah used to be great, but is now a slave. The temple is stripped of all its valuables. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])
1:1 mx9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\nVarious poetic forms are used throughout this book. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:1 i4kk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor is now sitting all alone 0 This speaks of the city of Jerusalem being empty, as if it were a woman who was sitting alone. Alternate translation: “is now empty”
1:1 azd1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification She 0 The writer of Lamentations writes about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman.
1:1 p68i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a widow 0 This speaks of Jerusalem as being without protection, as if it were a vulnerable widow.
1:1 jn93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor She was a princess among the nations 0 This speaks of Jerusalem being honored as if it were a princess. Alternate translation: “She was like a princess among the nations”
1:1 k944 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive forced into slavery 0 “forced to become a slave.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but she is now a slave”
1:2 hy2k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification She weeps and wails … and her tears cover her cheeks 0 The author describes Jerusalem as having emotions like a human being. The city also stands for her inhabitants. Alternate translation: “Those who live in her weep and wail … and their tears cover their cheeks” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:2 vm69 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet weeps and wails 0 The word “wails” refers to the sounds that a person makes when they “weep” loudly. Alternate translation: “weeps loudly”
1:2 xf4h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor None of her lovers comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her 0 This speaks of the people groups that had been faithful to Jerusalem betraying Jerusalem, as if the people groups were Jerusalem’s lovers and friends.
1:3 wtj1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn these verses, Jerusalem and Judah are spoken of as if they were women.
1:3 d5d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Judah has gone into exile 0 Here Judah refers to its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah have gone into exile” or “the people of Judah have been taken into a foreign land”
1:3 yb38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification She lives … finds 0 Here the kingdom of Judah is described as a woman. “She” also stands for the citizens of Judah. Alternate translation: “Her people live … they find” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:3 w248 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification All her pursuers overtook her in her desperation 0 This speaks of the people of Judah being captured by their enemies as if they were a woman who was captured by those pursuing her.
1:3 can4 All her pursuers overtook her 0 Alternate translation: “Everyone who was chasing her managed to capture her” or “Everyone who was hunting for her found her”
1:3 fm5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns in her desperation 0 The word “desperation” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “when she was desperate” or “when she was distressed”
1:4 i8db rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nThe city of Zion is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
1:4 h3bm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The roads of Zion mourn 0 The author speaks of the roads that lead to Zion mourning as if they were human beings.
1:4 ih8f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification All her gates are desolate 0 The word “her” refers to Zion. Alternate translation: “All of Zion’s gates are empty”
1:4 bv2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Her virgins are sorrowful and she herself is in complete distress 0 Here the people of Zion being distressed are spoken of as if they were a woman in distress. Alternate translation: “Zion’s virgins are sorrowful, and its people despairing”
1:5 h8q8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Yahweh has afflicted her for her many sins 0 This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people of Zion for their sins as if they were a woman that Yahweh was punishing. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has afflicted her people because of the sins they have committed”
1:5 h9dx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Her little children go into captivity to her adversary 0 The word “captivity” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Her enemy captures her little children”
1:6 e22r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nThe city of Zion is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
1:6 vlv6 Beauty has left the daughter of Zion 0 This speaks of everything beautiful in Zion being destroyed as if “beauty” were a person that left Zion. Alternate translation: “Everything that was beautiful about the daughter of Zion is destroyed”
1:6 i7te rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification daughter of Zion 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
1:6 imv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Her princes have become like deer that cannot find pasture 0 This speaks of Zion’s princes having nothing to eat like deer that cannot find grass to eat. Alternate translation: “Her princes are starving, they are like deer that cannot find grass to eat”
1:7 g8bb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Jerusalem will call to mind 0 Here “Jerusalem” refers to the people who live there. The phrase “call to mind” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem will remember” or “Jerusalem will remember” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:7 kyv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in former days 0 “in the past.” This refers to the time before the people of Jerusalem were captured. Alternate translation: “before this disaster happened”
1:7 a6c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy When her people fell into the hand of the adversary 0 Here the word “hand” refers the control of the enemy army. Alternate translation: “When the adversary conquered and captured her people”
1:7 ck49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns at her destruction 0 This word “destruction” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “because she was destroyed” or “while they destroyed her”
1:8 z8dz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nThe city of Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
1:8 h4x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Jerusalem sinned greatly, therefore, she has become scorned as something that is filthy 0 This speaks of Jerusalem being scorned in the same way that a woman is scorned when she is unclean. According to the law of Moses, a woman was considered unclean during her monthly bleeding. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem’s sins have made her filthy and unclean, and therefore she was unacceptable before God”
1:8 ib81 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Jerusalem sinned greatly 0 This describes Jerusalem as a woman who sinned, while it also stands for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem sinned greatly” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:8 jpl7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive has become scorned 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has become an object of scorn”
1:8 lwa4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification her nakedness 0 “her naked.” Jerusalem is described as a woman whose private parts have been exposed to everyone to shame her.
1:9 tsa8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor She has become unclean beneath her skirts 0 According to the l of Moses, a woman was considered unclean during her monthly bleeding. This speaks of Jerusalem being unclean, as if it were a menstruating woman. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem has become unclean, as when a woman is unclean beneath her skirts”
1:9 z2lm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor unclean 0 A person who God considers to be spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
1:9 r5x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Her fall was terrible 0 The phrase “her fall” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Her downfall was astonishing” or “Those who saw her destruction were surprised”
1:9 h7er rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Look at my affliction, Yahweh 0 This could mean that: (1) the author of Lamentations now talks directly to Yahweh or (2) Jerusalem is described as talking to Yahweh like a person.
1:9 bx6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the enemy has become too great 0 This means that they enemy army has become too large and powerful and has defeated Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the enemy army has defeated me”
1:10 mu6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom has put his hand on 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “has taken possession of” or “has stolen”
1:10 ban1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification She has seen 0 The word “She” refers to Jerusalem.
1:10 qt1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the nations 0 This refers to people from various nations, not the entire population of those nations. Alternate translation: “people from the nations”
1:11 ybg4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification her people 0 The word “her” refers to Jerusalem which is described as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “her inhabitants” or “the people of the city”
1:11 sr71 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche bread 0 This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food”
1:11 q7bp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit They have given their precious treasures for food 0 This means they traded their wealth and their valuables in exchange for food. Alternate translation: “They have traded their precious treasures in exchange for food”
1:11 ae41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Look, Yahweh, and consider me 0 Here Jerusalem speaks directly to Yahweh.
1:12 lv2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? 0 This rhetorical question is an accusation aganist the people who walk past Jerusalem and do not care about its well-being. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “All you who pass by should care more for my affliction!”
1:12 hb8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Is it nothing to you 0 Here Jerusalem continues to speak, but now to people who pass by instead of to Yahweh.
1:12 mb6z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Look and see 0 These words share similar meanings. Together they invite the reader to understand by seeing that no one has suffered so much.
1:12 gua5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the sorrow that is being inflicted on me 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sorrow that Yahweh is inflicting upon me”
1:12 xgh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom on the day of his fierce anger 0 Here the word “day” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he was fiercely angry”
1:13 vg27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
1:13 x6ap rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom on high 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “heaven”
1:13 y8l7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification he has sent fire into my bones, and it has conquered them 0 This speaks of Yahweh punishing Jerusalem as if Jerusalem were a person that Yahweh were punishing with fire. Alternate translation: “he has sent a painful punishment into my inner being, and it has destroyed me” or “he has sent a destructive punishment into the middle of Jerusalem, and it has destroyed the city” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:13 d689 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy has sent fire into my bones 0 Here “fire” represents pain and “bones” represents one’s inner being. Alternate translation: “has sent pain into my bones” or “has sent pain into my inner being”
1:13 pt8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification He has spread a net for my feet 0 This speaks of Yahweh punishing Jerusalem as if Jerusalem were a person that Yahweh had set a trap for. This refers to a type of trap usually used to catch an animal. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:13 y57i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom turned me back 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “prevented my from walking any further”
1:14 f1g6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The yoke of my transgressions … They are knit together and placed upon my neck 0 This speaks of the people of Jerusalem’s sins as if they were a yoke bearing a heavy burden that Yahweh had placed on their necks. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My transgressions are like a yoke that he has bound together with his hands and placed upon my neck” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1:14 m9ta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy given me over into their hands 0 “given me over into the hands of my enemies.” Here their enemies’ control is represented by their “hands.” Alternate translation: “given my over to the control of my enemies” or “let my enemies defeat me”
1:14 rm8k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I am not able to stand 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I cannot resist them”
1:15 b3xh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
1:15 ct6z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an assembly 0 Here the enemy army attacking Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were a meeting of people who have come together in order to accuse and condemn someone. Alternate translation: “a great army”
1:15 zrt4 to crush my vigorous men 0 This speaks of the enemy army defeating the soldiers of Jerusalem as if they crushed them. Alternate translation: “to defeat my vigorous men”
1:15 yz3y vigorous men 0 This refers to men at the strongest time of their lives.
1:15 t625 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The Lord has trampled … in the winepress 0 Here the judgment of God is described as if Jerusalem were grapes on which he had trampled in order to squeeze out the juice. Alternate translation: “It is as though the Lord has trampled upon the virgin daughter of Judah in a winepress”
1:15 w82e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the virgin daughter of Judah 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. The word “virgin” suggests that this woman is pure.
1:16 ze56 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
1:16 p25m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for a comforter is far from me, one who restores my life 0 This speaks of Jerusalem having no one to comfort her as if she did have a comforter, but that he was far away. The word “comforter” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “for there is no one to comfort me and restore my life”
1:17 ua88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Zion has spread her hands wide 0 Here Jerusalem no longer speaks about herself; instead the author describes Jerusalem. He speaks of Zion as if it were a woman that lifts up her hands to ask for help. Alternate translation: “Zion has reached out for help” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1:17 f1em rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy around Jacob should be his adversaries 0 Here “Jacob” refers to his descendants, that is Israel. Alternate translation: “around Jacob’s descendants should be their adversaries”
1:17 t8w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor unclean 0 A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
1:18 cz8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
1:18 l7wg Yahweh is righteous 0 This implies that what Yahweh has done, he has done because he is righteous. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has acted out of his righteousness” or “What Yahweh has done is right”
1:18 f15f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns see my sorrow 0 The word “sorrow” can be expressed as a “sad.” Alternate translation: “see how extremely sad I am”
1:18 lnt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche My virgins and my vigorous men have gone into captivity 0 Here all of the people of Jerusalem who were taken into captivity are represented by the “virgins” and the “vigorous men” who were taken. Alternate translation: “Many of my people, including my virgins and vigorous men, have gone into captivity”
1:19 i88c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit they were treacherous toward me 0 This means that they betrayed him. Alternate translation: “they betrayed me”
1:20 tsg9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
1:20 le5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Look, Yahweh, for I am in distress 0 Jerusalem continues to talk about herself as if she were a woman, but now talks directly to Yahweh.
1:20 csk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my stomach churns 0 The word “churn” means to move around violently, normally in a circular rotation. This does not mean the stomach is literally churning, but describes how the woman, representing Jerusalem, feels. Alternate translation: “my insides ache” or “my stomach hurts”
1:20 wyf3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche my heart is disturbed within me 0 Here the woman, representing Jerusalem, refers to her “heart” to emphasize her feelings. Alternate translation: “my heart is broken” or “I am extremely sad”
1:20 xmz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the sword bereaves a mother 0 The “sword” represents the enemy. Alternate translation: “the enemy kills a mother’s children”
1:20 vx25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit inside the house there is only death 0 This could mean: (1) “inside the house, everyone is dying” or (2) “and inside the house the dead people are kept”
1:21 qm9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification 0 # General Information:\n\nIn this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
1:21 n3na rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification They have heard my groaning 0 “People have heard my groaning.” Jerusalem continues to speak as if she were a woman.
1:21 qe7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom You have brought the day you promised 0 The phrase “the day” is an idiom that refers to a specific event happening. Alternate translation: “You have done what you have promised”
1:21 cir1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit now let them become like me 0 This is a request for Jerusalem’s enemies to suffer as the people of Jerusalem have. Alternate translation: “now let them suffer like me”
1:22 qsw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Let all their wickedness come before you 0 This is a request for Yahweh to judge Jerusalem’s enemies for their wickedness. The phrase “come before you” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to all of the wickedness they have committed” or “Judge them for all of their wickedness”
1:22 j42r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit deal with them as you have dealt with me 0 This is a request for Yahweh to punish Jerusalem’s enemies as he punished the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “punish them as you have punished me”
1:22 e4g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche my heart is faint 0 Here the “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am faint”
2:1 r7dk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\nA new poem begins. The writer of Lamentations uses many different ways to express that the people of Israel have lost God’s favor. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:1 gee6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The Lord has covered the daughter of Zion under the cloud of his anger 0 This speaks of the Lord’s anger against Jerusalem (Zion) as if it were a dark cloud. This could mean: (1) God is threatening to harm the people of Jerusalem or (2) God has already harmed the people.
2:1 ddb5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the daughter of Zion 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Translate as you did in [Lamentations 1:6](../01/06.md).
2:1 qu7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He has thrown the splendor of Israel down from heaven to earth 0 The phrase “the splendor of Israel” refers to Jerusalem. This passage speaks of the people of Jerusalem losing favor with the Lord as if he threw them out of his presence. The phrase “from heaven to earth” is a great distance used to represent how much they lost favor with the Lord. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem, the splendor of Israel, has lost all favor with the Lord” or “Jerusalem has lost all favor with the Lord” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:1 xfe7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He has not remembered his footstool 0 This is a reference to the Lord having considered Jerusalem his “footstool” in the past, which symbolized that he had authority over them and that they were submissive to him. This speaks of the Lord disregarding Jerusalem as his footstool as if he did not remember them. Alternate translation: “He disregarded Jerusalem as his footstool”
2:1 l7v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor not remembered 0 This speaks of the Lord not paying attention to Jerusalem as if he did not remember them. Alternate translation: “disregarded” or “paid no attention to”
2:1 lqv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom on the day of his anger 0 Here “day” is used as an idiom that refers to a general period of time. Alternate translation: “at the time when he displays his anger” or “at the time he acts in his anger”
2:2 a52b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the daughter of Judah 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
2:2 a6zu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the days of his anger 0 Here “day” is used as an idiom that refers to a general period of time. Alternate translation: “the time of his anger” or “the time of his anger”
2:2 gz9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor swallowed up 0 This speaks of the Lord completely destroying the towns as if he were an animal who ate them. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed”
2:2 v8mh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy all the towns of Jacob 0 Here “the towns of Jacob” refers to the towns where his descendants lived. Alternate translation: “all the towns of Israel”
2:2 rv9k the fortified cities of the daughter of Judah 0 This could mean: (1) the fortified cities throughout Judah or (2) the fortified walls of Jerusalem.
2:3 ga1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he has cut off every horn of Israel 0 This speaks of the Lord taking away Israel’s strength as if he were cutting off its horns. The word “horn” refers to an animal horn, not a musical instrument. Alternate translation: “he has taken away all of Israel’s strength”
2:3 liy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy withdrawn his right hand from before the enemy 0 Here the Lord’s protection is represented by his “right hand.” Alternate translation: “stopped protecting us from our enemies”
2:3 cni2 He has burned up Jacob like a blazing fire that devours everything around it 0 This speaks of how the Lord has destroyed Jacob as if a fire has completely burned it. Alternate translation: “He has destroyed Jacob like a blazing fire destroys everything”
2:3 rkj3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Jacob 0 Here “Jacob” refers to the places where his descendants lived. Alternate translation: “Israel”
2:4 cd29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Like an enemy he has bent his bow toward us, with his right is ready to shoot 0 A soldier has to bend his bow in order to shoot an arrow from it. This speaks of the Lord preparing to attack Israel as if he were an enemy about to shoot them with a bow and arrow. Alternate translation: “He has prepared to kill us, like an enemy who has made his bow ready to shoot us”
2:4 x4pl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification in the tent of the daughter of Zion 0 The “daughter of Zion” is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. The phrase “tent of the daughter of Zion” speaks of Jerusalem as a “tent” emphasizing that it is the home of those who live there. Alternate translation: “who live in Jerusalem” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:4 p4pw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he has poured out his wrath like fire 0 This speaks of the Lord’s wrath as if it were a liquid that he were pouring out on the people. His wrath is also compared to a “fire” to emphasize how destructive it is. Alternate translation: “in his anger he has destroyed everything like a blazing fire”
2:5 zz9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor swallowed up 0 This speaks of the Lord completely destroying Israel as if he were animal who ate them. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “completely destroyed”
2:5 l83l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns He has increased mourning and lamentation within the daughter of Judah 0 The words “mourning” and “lamentation” can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “He has caused more and more people within the daughter of Judah to mourn and lament”
2:5 n1vh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification daughter of Judah 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “Judah”
2:6 erj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile He has attacked his tabernacle like a garden hut 0 This speaks of the tabernacle being easily destroyed, as if it were a garden hut. The Lord caused Israel’s enemies to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself. Alternate translation: “He has caused their enemies to attack his tabernacle as easily as if it were a garden hut” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:6 tg96 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He has destroyed the place of the solemn assembly 0 The Lord caused Israel’s enemies to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself. Alternate translation: “He has caused the place of the solemn assembly to be destroyed” or “He has caused their enemies to destroy the place of the solemn assembly”
2:6 zkt2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive caused both solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “caused the people in Zion to forget both solemn assembly and Sabbath”
2:7 ub33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He has given over the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy 0 Here the enemy’s “hand” refers to the enemy’s control. Alternate translation: “He has allowed the enemy to capture the walls of her palaces”
2:7 vn7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the walls of her palaces 0 Here, the word **her** may refer either to the temple or to Jersualem. Possible translations are: (1) “the walls of the temple” or (2) “the walls of Jerusalem’s palaces.” The word “walls” is a synecdoche for the whole building, and the building is a synecdoche for all of Jerusalem.
2:7 jx6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony They have raised a shout in the house of Yahweh, as on the day of an appointed feast 0 This is an ironic comparison between the happy, noisy festivals of Israel and the loud shouts of victory of the Babylonians. Alternate translation: “They have raised a shout in the house of Yahweh, as the Israelites would during an appointed feast”
2:7 t8c8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom have raised a shout 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “have shouted victoriously”
2:8 de6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Yahweh decided to destroy the city wall 0 Yahweh chose to have the wall destroyed and caused Jerusalem’s enemy to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself.
2:8 q6gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification daughter of Zion 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
2:8 ydw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He has stretched out the measuring line 0 This speaks of preparing to destroy the wall as if he measured it before he destroyed it, so that he knew how much to destroy. Alternate translation: “It is as though he has measured the wall”
2:8 pj1d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives has not withheld his hand from destroying 0 This can be stated without the double negatives. Also, here the Lord is referred to by his “hand.” Alternate translation: “with his hand he has destroyed the wall” or “he has destroyed the wall” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2:8 ac1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification He has made the ramparts and wall to lament; together they wasted away 0 The walls and ramparts are spoken of as if they were people who lamented and died. Alternate translation: “Because he has destroyed the ramparts and walls, they are like people who lament and have lost their strength”
2:10 ld1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification daughter of Zion 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
2:10 ja3b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction sit on the ground in silence 0 Often people would sit on the ground to show they were mourning. Alternate translation: “sit on the ground, mourning in silence”
2:10 shs1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth 0 These are actions of mourning. Alternate translation: “To show their mourning, they have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth”
2:10 e8dm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction have bowed their heads to the ground 0 This is an action of mourning. Alternate translation: “have sorrowfully bowed their heads to the ground”
2:11 ww8f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom My eyes have failed from their tears 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I have cried until I cannot cry anymore”
2:11 r9cy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my stomach churns 0 The word “churn” means to move around violently, normally in a circular rotation. This does not mean the stomach is literally churning, but describes how the author feels. Alternate translation: “my insides ache” or “my stomach hurts”
2:11 drr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my inner parts are poured out to the ground 0 The author speaks of feeling grief in his inner being as if his inner body parts had fallen out of his body onto the ground. Alternate translation: “my entire inner being is in grief”
2:11 ckr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the daughter of my people 0 This is a poetic name of Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “my people” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
2:12 xg9t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Where is grain and wine? 0 This rhetorical question is used as a request for something to eat. The children are telling their mother that they are hungry. The phrase “grain and wine” represents food and drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Give us something to eat and drink.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
2:12 e2aq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as they faint like a wounded man 0 This speaks of the children fainting from hunger and thirst in the same way that a wounded man faints.
2:12 m2n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor their lives are poured out on the bosom of their mothers 0 This speaks of the children dying as if their lives were a liquid that was being poured out. Alternate translation: “they slowly die in the arms of their mothers”
2:13 ez4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What can I say … Jerusalem? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know what to say to help Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that I can say … Jerusalem.”
2:13 r825 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification daughter of Jerusalem … virgin daughter of Zion 0 These are poetic names for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. “Zion” is another name for Jerusalem.
2:13 yt6j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion To what can I compare to you … Zion? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know how to give comfort to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing to which I can compare you … Zion.”
2:13 xm7j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your wound is as great as the sea 0 This speaks of Jerusalem’s great suffering as if it were as terrible as the sea is great. Alternate translation: “Your suffering is as terrible as the sea is large”
2:13 cfe5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who can heal you? 0 “Who can restore you?” The author uses this rhetorical question to express that there is no one who can restore Jerusalem to the way it was before. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can heal you.” or “No one can restore you.”
2:14 rg7i They have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes 0 “They did not tell you about your sins to restore your fortunes.” The word “fortune” refers to a person’s wealth and prosperity.
2:14 p4y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns for you they gave utterances 0 The word “utterances” can be expressed with the verb “spoke.” Alternate translation: “they spoke things to you”
2:15 na4v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction clap their hands … hiss and shake their heads 0 These actions are used to mock and insult others. Alternate translation: “mock you by clapping their hands … hiss and shake their heads”
2:15 s9nn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the daughter of Jerusalem 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
2:15 cxb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Is this the city that they called ‘The Perfection of Beauty,’‘The Joy for All of Earth’? 0 This rhetorical question is used to express sarcasm. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “This city that they called ‘The Perfection of Beauty,’‘The Joy for All of Earth,’ is not so beautiful or joyful anymore!”
2:16 t9p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction grind their teeth 0 This action shows a person’s anger and that they are mocking others.
2:16 v2ed rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor We have swallowed her up 0 Here the people speak of destroying Jerusalem as if they were an animal swallowing its food. Alternate translation: “We have completely destroyed Jerusalem”
2:16 p7nl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom We have lived to see it 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “We have greatly desired to see it happen”
2:17 b3zb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he has lifted up the horn of your enemies 0 Here **horn** (that is, an animal horn) represents strength. Alternate translation: “he has increased the power of your enemies”
2:18 v62e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Their heart cried out to the Lord 0 Here the word **heart** represents the whole person emphasizing one’s innermost being. Possible meanings of who cried out are: (1) the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem shouted to the Lord from their innermost being” or (2) the walls are being personified. Alternate translation: “You walls, cry out to the Lord from your innermost being” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
2:18 qsn1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe walls of the daughter of Zion! Make your tears flow … no relief 0 The writer speaks to the walls of Jerusalem. He wants the people of Jerusalem to do what he is telling the walls to do. Some translations take this whole section to be spoken to the “walls,” though this can be written with the first phrase “walls of the daughter of Zion!” spoken to the “walls,” and the rest of the section spoken directly to the people.
2:18 ew4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the daughter of Zion 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
2:18 mbx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Make your tears flow down like a river 0 This speaks of the people crying so much that their tears would flow like a river. Alternate translation: “Cry many, many tears”
2:18 kbz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism day and night 0 These two opposite times of day refer to all the time. Alternate translation: “all of the time”
2:19 t1js rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Arise, cry out … of every street 0 The writer continues speaking to the walls of Jerusalem. He wants the people of Jerusalem to do what he is telling the walls to do. Some translations take this whole section to be spoken to the “walls,” though this can be written with the first phrase “walls of the daughter of Zion!” spoken to the “walls,” and the rest of the section spoken directly to the people.
2:19 n8wa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord 0 The phrase “pour out your heart like water” is an idiom. Here the Lord is represented by his “face” to emphasize his presence. Alternate translation: “Tell the Lord how you feel in your inner being”
2:19 ihn4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Lift up your hands to him 0 This was an action often performed while praying. Alternate translation: “Lift up your hands to him in prayer”
2:19 xm86 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for the lives of your children 0 This means for them to request that the Lord save their children. Alternate translation: “to save the lives of your children”
2:19 mt5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole at the corner of every street 0 The word “every” here is an exaggeration for “many.” Alternate translation: “where the streets come together” or “by the roads”
2:20 tx1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Should women eat the fruit of their wombs … for? 0 This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that it is not right for women to eat their children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Woman should not eat their own children … for!”
2:20 si6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the fruit of their wombs 0 This speaks of children having come from their mother as if they were fruit that came from her womb. Alternate translation: “their children that they have given birth to” or “their own children”
2:20 iy1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Should priest and prophet be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord? 0 This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the prophets and priests should not be killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The prophets and priests should not be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord!”
2:20 e8bt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Should priest and prophet be slaughtered 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Should our enemies slaughter priests and prophets”
2:21 h93z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Both the young and the old lie on the dust 0 It is implied here that this refers to dead people. Alternate translation: “The corpses of both the young and the old lie on the dust”
2:21 bm92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj Both the young and the old 0 These phrases refer to people. These two opposites are used to refer to all ages of people. Alternate translation: “Both young people and old people” or “People of all ages” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2:21 hct5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism My young women and my young men have fallen by the sword 0 Here the “sword” refers to their enemies. This is a euphemism that means that they were murdered by their enemies. Alternate translation: “My young women and my young men have been murdered by their enemies” or “My enemies have murdered my young women and my young men”
2:21 qu9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy you have slaughtered them 0 This speaks of Yahweh allowing the poeple to be slaughtered as if he killed them himself. Alternate translation: “you allowed them to be slaughtered” or “you allowed this to happen”
2:22 re1y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as you would call the people to a feast day 0 “as if they were coming to a feast.” This speaks of how Yahweh summoned his enemies as if he were inviting them to a feast.
2:22 bq2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy my terrors 0 Here the people the author fears are referred to as his “terrors.” Alternate translation: “the attackers I was afraid of”
2:22 d9ky rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom on every side 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to attack from every direction”
2:22 vzm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom on the day of the anger of Yahweh 0 Here “day” is used as an idiom that refers to a general period of time. Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh acted in his anger” or “during the time that Yahweh displayed his anger”
3:intro c5kf 0 # Lamentations 3 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Troubles\n\nHere the author speaks of the suffering experienced by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege and after the city’s fall. He speaks of these sufferings as if they had been directed against him personally, as if God had personally attacked him. However, we should understand the writer’s feelings as having been shared by everyone in the city.\n\nIn verse 19, the writer begins to think about the lessons that he and his fellow citizens should learn about God and his anger and his mercy. He also thinks about what it means to repent and to trust in God.\n\nIn verse 43, the writer speaks again about the suffering that God has caused to Jerusalem, but here the writer speaks of “we” and “us,” not “I” and “me.” But in verse 48, he begins to speak about how he himself will continually mourn over what has happened.\n\nIn verse 52, the writer begins to think about his personal enemies in Jerusalem, those who persecuted him for bringing Yahweh’s messages to the city. He asks for God to show his enemies that he was doing right, and to take revenge on them for their crimes against him.
3:1 q73v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 A new poem begins. Here the author speaks of the sufferings that his people experienced. He speaks about them as if God had personally attacked only him. However, the writer intends to speak for everyone in the city. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3:1 z56p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor who has seen misery 0 Here “has seen” represents has experienced. Alternate translation: “who has experienced misery” or “who has suffered”
3:1 w5zk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy under the rod of Yahweh’s fury 0 Being “under the rod” represents being beaten with a rod. The author speaks of God’s punishment as if God had beaten him with a rod. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh was very angry and has beaten me with a rod” or “because Yahweh was very angry and has punished me severely” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:2 zm2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor caused me to walk in darkness rather than light 0 Here “darkness” represents suffering. Alternate translation: “caused me to suffer terribly with no hope, like a person walking in darkness rather than light”
3:3 s83d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he turned his hand against me 0 Here “turned his hand against me” represents attacking him. The author speaks of God causing bad things to happen to him as if God had attacked him. Alternate translation: “he has attacked me” or “he has caused many bad things to happen to me, like someone who attacks a person” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:4 s5zt He made my flesh and my skin waste away; he broke my bones 0 This could mean: (1) these things are a result of being beaten or (2) these are more ways that God punished the man.
3:5 qy5b He built up siege works against me 0 Siege works are ramps that an army builds around a city to enable them to climb over the city walls and invade the city.
3:5 jj4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He built up siege works against me 0 This could mean: (1) the author speaks of God causing bad things to happen to him as if he were a city and God was an enemy that built up siege works against him. Alternate translation: “God attacked me like an enemy army that sets up siege works around a city” or (2) the author speaks of God causing the enemy army to attack Jerusalem as if God were the enemy. Alternate translation: “God caused the enemy army to build up siege works against me”
3:5 gq5z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor surrounded me with bitterness and hardship 0 This represents God causing him to experience much bitterness and hardship. Alternate translation: “caused me to experience much bitterness and hardship” or “caused me to suffer and have many problems”
3:5 cn5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor bitterness 0 Here “bitterness” represents suffering.
3:6 vnk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He made me live in dark places, like those who died long ago 0 Here “dark places” is a metaphor for suffering. The author compares the intensity of his suffering to the intensity of the darkness that those who died long ago experience. Alternate translation: “The suffering that he causes me is intense like the darkness of the grave” or “He makes me suffer terribly, as if I were in the darkness of those who died long ago” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3:7 jwk4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He built a wall around me and I cannot escape. He made my chains heavy 0 This represents the continuing suffering. Like a person who cannot escape from prison, the author cannot make his suffering stop. Alternate translation: “My suffering continues. It is as though he has built a wall around me and put heavy chains on me, and I cannot escape”
3:8 ep5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he shut out my prayer 0 The author speaks about God refusing to listen to his prayers as though God was shutting his ears so that the author’s prayers could not go into them. Alternate translation: “he refuses to hear my prayer”
3:9 h2bx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He blocked my path 0 The author speaks of God causing him to continue to suffer as if God was preventing him from escaping the suffering by blocking his path. Alternate translation: “It is as though he blocked my path”
3:9 b31l a wall of hewn stone 0 “a wall of cut stones.” People would cut stones into regular shapes that could fit together well in order to build a strong wall.
3:9 ire6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he made my paths crooked 0 Crooked paths do not lead people to where they want to go. Here they represent unsuccessful ways of escaping suffering. Alternate translation: “it is as though he has made my paths crooked” or “I have tried to make the suffering stop, but God has prevented me, like one who prevents another from escaping by making his paths crooked”
3:10 v9qh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile He is like a bear waiting to ambush me, a lion in hiding 0 The author speaks of God being ready to cause him to suffer more, as if God were a wild animal waiting to attack him.
3:12 eb1t He bent his bow 0 A soldier has to bend his bow in order to shoot an arrow from it. The author speaks of God deciding to cause him trouble as if God were a warrior ready to shoot him with an arrow. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:4](../02/04.md). Alternate translation: “It was as if God made his bow ready to shoot”
3:13 yzp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver 0 The author speaks of the deep grief he feels as if God had shot his kidneys with an arrow. Alternate translation: “My grief is great. It is as if he pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver”
3:13 aa5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my kidneys 0 The kidneys are abdominal organs that move urine into the bladder. They are a metaphor for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “deep into my body” or “my heart”
3:14 et38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole a laughingstock to all my people 0 The word “all” is a generalization, meaning “most.” Alternate translation: “a laughingstock to most of my people” or “someone whom all my people mock”
3:15 za84 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He filled me with bitterness 0 Here “bitterness” represents suffering. It is referred to as if it were something that could fill the speaker. Alternate translation: “He has caused me to suffer very much”
3:15 ncz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor forced me to drink wormwood 0 Wormwood is the bitter juice from the leaves and flowers of a certain plant. Drinking that bitter juice represents suffering. Alternate translation: “it is as though he forced me to drink something very bitter”
3:16 b5hh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He has made my teeth grind with gravel 0 This could mean: (1) the author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had forced him to chew gravel. Alternate translation: “He has humiliated me, like someone who forces another to chew gravel” or (2) the author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed his face down into the gravel on the ground. Alternate translation: “He has humiliated me, like someone who pushes another man’s face down into the gravel”
3:16 l411 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he made me cower in the ashes 0 The author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed him down into the ashes of a fire on the ground.
3:16 tp2g cower 0 make oneself as small as possible because of fear of something one cannot fight against
3:17 ewh7 My soul is deprived of peace 0 This could mean: (1) the author’s experiences are not peaceful. Alternate translation: “I have no peace in my life” or (2) the author does not feel peace. Alternate translation: “I feel no peace in my soul”
3:18 ygy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification My endurance has perished and so has my hope in Yahweh 0 The author speaks as if his ability to endure more suffering and his hope that Yahweh will help him were living beings that have died. Alternate translation: “I cannot endure anymore suffering and I can no longer hope that Yahweh will help me”
3:19 zfr6 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 19 to 42, the writer thinks about the lessons that he and his fellow citizens should learn about God and his anger and mercy.
3:19 j2d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet wormwood and bitterness 0 Wormwood is a plant that gives a liquid which is very bitter to drink. Together “wormwood” and “bitterness” represent severe suffering. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:20 mz9u my soul is bowed down within me 0 Alternate translation: “I am depressed” or “I am discouraged”
3:21 t4a6 But I call this to mind 0 This means to intentionally think about something. The word “this” refers to something that the author will start to speak about in the next verse. Alternate translation: “But I choose to think about this” or “But I remember this”
3:21 a2fk I have hope 0 Alternate translation: “I hope”
3:22 hf5a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns The steadfast love of Yahweh never ceases 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **steadfast love**, you can express the same idea with the phrase “love faithfully.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh never stops loving his people faithfully”
3:22 rs8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns his compassions never end 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **compassions**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “care.” Alternate translation: “he never stops caring for those who suffer”
3:23 z4xg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they are new every morning 0 The word “they” refers to God’s steadfast love and compassions. Their being new represents God continuing to act according to them. Alternate translation: “every morning he treats us again with steadfast love and compassion”
3:24 v6sh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh is my inheritance 0 When God gave each tribe of Israel their land, he called it an inheritance. The author speaks of Yahweh being all he needs as if Yahweh were the inheritance that he had received. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh is with me, I have everything I need”
3:25 e8de Yahweh is good to those who wait for him 0 Here “good” refers to kindness. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is kind to those who wait for him” or “Yahweh does good things for those who wait for him”
3:25 ju1d those who wait for him 0 This could mean: (1) “all those who depend on him” or (2) “the one who waits patiently for him to act.”
3:25 a3kw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the one who seeks him 0 Here, **seeks him** could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) wanting to know God.
3:27 xea4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor that he bear the yoke in his youth 0 Here “bear the yoke” represents suffering. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **his youth**, you can express the same idea with another word such as “young.” Alternate translation: “that he suffer while he is young” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:28 deh5 Let him sit alone in silence 0 The phrase “in silence” refers to not speaking. Here it may refer specifically to not complaining. Alternate translation: “Let him sit alone without speaking” or “Let him sit alone and not complain”
3:28 wc7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor when it is laid upon him 0 “when the yoke is laid upon him.” Here the yoke represents suffering. Alternate translation: “when he suffers”
3:30 buv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes him 0 The word “him” refers to anyone who is suffering and who waits for Yahweh. Here “offer his cheek” represents allowing someone to strike his cheek. Alternate translation: “Let him allow people to hit him on the face”
3:30 haw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor let him be filled to the full with reproach 0 The author speaks of a person as if he were a container and reproach were a liquid. Being filled with reproach represents being reproached much. The implication is that he should be patient when this happens. Alternate translation: “let him be insulted much” or “let him be patient when people reproach him”
3:33 lh34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy For he does not afflict from his heart 0 Here the heart represents desire or pleasure, and afflicting from the heart represents afflicting with pleasure. Alternate translation: “For it does not make him happy to afflict people” or “He does not take pleasure in afflicting people”
3:33 n5xv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the children of mankind 0 This refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “human beings” or “people”
3:34 pgn7 0 # General Information:\n\nThe author wrote in general terms about what is true for all people, but it shows God’s concern for his people, the people of Israel, who were being mistreated by their enemies.
3:34 kq47 To crush 0 Alternate translation: “If people crush”
3:35 pi2h to deny a man justice 0 This refers to not allowing a person to have what he deserves. Alternate translation: “to deny a person his rights” or “to keep a person from having what he deserves”
3:35 w96n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in the presence of the Most High 0 Doing something “in the presence of the Most High” represents doing it while knowing that God sees it. Alternate translation: “knowing that the Most High sees it”
3:36 h9te to deny justice to a person 0 Here “deny justice” refers to not making a just decision for a person in a legal concern. Alternate translation: “to judge a person wrongly in court” or “to keep a person who goes to a judge from getting what is right”
3:36 kp3s to deny justice 0 Alternate translation: “if they deny justice”
3:37 vg2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to teach that when someone commands something to happen, it will happen only if God has already decreed that it should happen. Alternate translation: “No one has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it.” or “What someone has commanded to happen has never happened unless the Lord decreed it.”
3:37 b2te rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit has spoken 0 It can be expressed clearly that this refers to commanding something to happen. Alternate translation: “has commanded that something should happen”
3:38 hy3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and the good come? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to teach that both calamities and good things happen only because God has commanded them to happen. Alternate translation: “It is only from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and the good come.” or “It is only because the Most High has commanded it that both calamities and good things happen.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3:38 fk6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy from the mouth of the Most High 0 Here “mouth” represents what God says or commands. Alternate translation: “from the command of the Most High” or “because the Most High has commanded it”
3:38 wsx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor both calamities and the good come 0 Here “come” represents happening. Also, the nominal adjective “the good” can be stated as “good things.” Alternate translation: “both calamities and good things happen” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
3:39 ttp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How can any person alive complain? How can a person complain about the punishment for his sins? 0 The author uses these rhetorical questions to teach that people should not complain when God punishes them. Alternate translation: “A person should not complain when God punishes him for his sins.”
3:39 t4dw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit How can any person alive complain 0 This could mean: (1) it is implied that mere people cannot fully understand God’s actions. Alternate translation: “How can a mere person complain” or (2) it is implied that being alive is a gift from God. Alternate translation: “How can a person who is blessed to be alive complain”
3:40 ap27 0 # General Information:\n\nThe writer speaks again about the suffering that God has caused to Jerusalem, but here he speaks of “we” and “us,” not “I” and “me.” In verse 42 the author starts a prayer that he and the people of Israel should pray.
3:40 yx5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor let us return to Yahweh 0 Here “return to Yahweh” represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: “let us submit to Yahweh again”
3:41 xq7n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Let us lift up our hearts and our hands 0 Here “lift up our hearts” represents praying sincerely. It was customary for the Israelites to raise their hands when praying to God. Alternate translation: “Let us pray sincerely with lifted hands” or “Let us lift up our hands and pray sincerely” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:42 j5p1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet We have transgressed and rebelled 0 The words “transgressed” and “rebelled” share similar meanings. Together they indicate that transgression is the same as rebelling against Yahweh.
3:43 p547 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You have covered yourself with anger 0 Here anger is spoken of as if it were a garment that God has put on. Hebrew often spoke of emotions as if they were clothing. Alternate translation: “You have been angry”
3:43 is87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you have not spared 0 Here “spared” represents having pity. Alternate translation: “you have not had pity on us”
3:44 d6dp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through 0 This represents God refusing to listen to the people’s prayer. Alternate translation: “You refuse to listen to our prayers. It is as though you put a cloud between us and you so that our prayers cannot get to you”
3:45 nmh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile You have made us like filthy scum and refuse among the nations 0 The people of Israel are compared to filthy scum and refuse. This could mean: (1) God has caused the nations to think of his people as worthless. Alternate translation: “You have made the nations think of us as scum and garbage” or (2) God’s forcing his people to live among the nations is like throwing them away as garbage. Alternate translation: “You have thrown us away like filthy garbage among the nations”
3:47 jdl3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns panic and pitfall have come upon us, ruin and destruction 0 The abstract nouns “panic,” “pitfall,” “ruin” and “destruction” can be expressed with verbs. Alternate translation: “we are panicking. We are trapped, and we are being ruined and destroyed” or “we are terrified and trapped. We are being completely destroyed”
3:47 nh6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ruin and destruction 0 These two words share similar meanings and refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “total destruction”
3:48 fl1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My eyes flow with streams of tears 0 Here the author speaks of the great amount of his tears as if they were streams. He uses exaggeration to show that he is very sad and has cried much. Alternate translation: “Tears flow from my eyes like water flowing in a river” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
3:48 fg7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive because my people are destroyed 0 This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because enemies have destroyed my people”
3:49 ru79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet without ceasing, without relief 0 Both of these phrases means the same thing. The author speaks of his continuing to cry as if his eyes were a person and had no rest from crying. Alternate translation: “without stopping” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
3:50 p99u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit until Yahweh from heaven looks down and sees 0 What the author hopes Yahweh will see can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “until Yahweh looks down from heaven and sees what has happened to my people”
3:51 i8zw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy My eyes cause me grief 0 The phrase “My eyes” represents what he sees. Alternate translation: “What I see causes me to grieve”
3:51 bz52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit because of all the daughters of my city 0 It can be stated clearly that the “daughters of my city” are suffering. Alternate translation: “because the daughters of my city are suffering” or “because I see the daughters of my city suffering”
3:51 qr28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom all the daughters of my city 0 This could mean: (1) the women of Jerusalem or (2) all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
3:52 n4m1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have been hunted like a bird by those who were my enemies 0 The author speaks of people looking for him in order to kill him as if he were an animal that they were hunting. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My enemies have looked for me in order to kill me like people who hunt for a bird”
3:54 hda5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have been cut off 0 Being “cut off” often represents being killed. Here it represents dying very soon. Alternate translation: “I am about to die”
3:55 dit3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I called on your name 0 God’s name represents his character, and here, “called on your name” represents trusting God’s character and calling on him for help. Alternate translation: “I called to you for help”
3:55 r7m3 from the depths of the pit 0 This could mean: (1) this refers to the pit that author had been thrown into. Alternate translation: “from the bottom of the pit” or (2) the author was afraid that he would die soon, so he spoke as if he were in the place of the dead. Alternate translation: “from the pit of the dead”
3:56 s26c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You heard my voice 0 Here “voice” represents what he said. Alternate translation: “You heard my words”
3:56 ur2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Do not close your ear 0 Here “close your ear” represents refusing to listen. Alternate translation: “Do not refuse to listen”
3:57 egc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You came near 0 People often come near to a person they help. Here “came near” represents helping the man. Alternate translation: “you helped me”
3:58 rq8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you defended my case, you saved my life 0 The author speaks of God keeping him from being killed by his enemies as if God had defended him in court as a lawyer defends someone, and kept him from being killed. Alternate translation: “you saved my life from my enemies. It is as though you defended me in court”
3:58 x4xw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you defended my case 0 Here “defended my case” represents arguing for him. Alternate translation: “you argued my case for me”
3:59 z61e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor judge my case 0 Here God is no longer pictured as a lawyer, but as the judge. It can be stated clearly that he wanted God to judge in his favor. Alternate translation: “make a decision about me, and show my enemies that I am right” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:61 k1lw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns You have heard their scorn … and all their plans regarding me 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **scorn**, you can express the same idea with the verbs “taunt” or “mock.” It can be stated clearly that the plans were to harm him. Alternate translation: “You heard how they have taunted me … and all they plan to do to me” or “You have heard them mock me … and plan ways to harm me”
3:62 x6km rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The lips and the accusations … come against me all the day 0 The author speaks of his enemies accusing him all day as if their accusations were soldiers that come to attack him all day. Alternate translation: “My enemies speak against me and accuse me through the whole day”
3:62 u23i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The lips … of my enemies 0 Here the lips represent what his enemies say. Alternate translation: “The words … of my enemies”
3:63 ti38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism how they sit and then rise up 0 These two actions together represent everything the people do. Alternate translation: “everything they do”
3:64 h9mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Pay back to them, Yahweh, according to what they have done 0 Here “Pay back to them” represents punishing them. What they have done can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Punish them, Yahweh, according to what they have done” or “Yahweh, they have made me suffer, so please make them suffer” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:65 x92m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You will let their hearts be shameless 0 Here the “heart” is a metonym that represents their attitudes and emotions, and being “shameless” means not feeling ashamed of their sins even though they should. Their not being ashamed would give even more reason for God to punish them. Alternate translation: “You will let them feel no shame for their sins”
3:65 w3iz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns May your condemnation be upon them 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **condemnation**, you can express the same idea with the verbs “condemn” or “curse.” Alternate translation: “Condemn them” or “Curse them”
3:66 zs3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy from under the heavens 0 Here “from under the heavens” represents everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “wherever they are on earth”
4:intro v761 0 # Lamentations 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThe story of Judah being destroyed continues in this chapter. Famine destroyed the rulers and the priests. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]])
4:1 rhc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\nA new poem begins. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:1 su7t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The gold has become tarnished; how the purest gold has changed 0 The people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were gold that is no longer shiny, and therefore no longer valuable. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem are like gold that is no longer shiny. They are like pure gold that is no longer beautiful”
4:1 v4ij rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations how the purest gold has changed 0 This is an exclamation that shows the author’s sadness that this has happened.
4:1 d474 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The holy stones are scattered at the corner of every street 0 This may refer to the temple being destroyed and its stones scattered throughout the city. It may also be a metaphor for the people being scattered.
4:2 va3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor sons of Zion 0 Here people of a city are spoken of as if they were the sons of the city. This could mean: (1) this refers to only the young men of Jerusalem or (2) this refers to all the people of Jerusalem.
4:2 ld1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they are worth no more than clay jars, the work of the potter’s hands 0 The author speaks of the precious sons of Zion as if they were considered to be inexpensive clay jars. Alternate translation: “people consider them to be as worthless as the clay jars that potters make”
4:3 c37l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile the daughter of my people … like the ostriches in the desert 0 The people in Jerusalem are compared to ostriches because they are cruel to their children.
4:3 ty21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the daughter of my people has 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “my people have” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
4:3 g4l2 ostriches 0 large birds that abandon some of their eggs
4:4 zp13 The tongue of the nursing baby sticks to the roof of his mouth by thirst 0 Alternate translation: “Nursing babies are so thirsty that their tongues stick to the top of their mouths”
4:5 sft1 feast on 0 Alternate translation: “eat much”
4:5 p6wj now starve in the streets 0 These people no longer have homes, so they live outside along the streets.
4:5 sg4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Those who were brought up wearing scarlet clothing 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who grew up wearing scarlet clothing” or “those who wore scarlet clothing when they were growing up”
4:5 xp9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy scarlet clothing 0 Here this phrase is a metonym for luxurious, expensive, and comfortable clothing, at least some of which was probably scarlet. Alternate translation: “luxurious clothing”
4:5 l3s2 now lie on piles of ashes 0 This is because they no longer have homes and soft beds.
4:6 nw5s The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **punishment**, you can express the same idea with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “The daughter of my people has been punished more severely than Sodom was punished”
4:6 ef77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the daughter of my people 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “my people” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
4:6 l7zs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive which was overthrown in a moment 0 The word “which” refers to Sodom. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which God destroyed in a moment”
4:6 xk36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive no hands were wrung for her 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one wrung their hands for her”
4:6 wg9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy no hands were wrung for her 0 People sometimes rub and twist their hands when they are worried and cannot fix something, so wringing the hands here represents worrying. The word “her” refers to Jerusalem, which was called “the daughter of my people.” Alternate translation: “no one was worried about her”
4:7 gvp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Her leaders were purer than snow, whiter than milk 0 This could mean: (1) Jerusalem’s leaders were beautiful to look at because they were physically healthy or (2) the leaders were morally pure as new snow and milk are pure white.
4:7 cw2z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit their bodies were more ruddy than coral 0 “their bodies were redder than coral.” This implies that they were healthy. Alternate translation: “their bodies were healthy and red”
4:7 a385 coral 0 a rock-hard red substance that comes from the ocean and was used for making decorations
4:7 b9bt sapphire 0 a costly blue stone used in jewelry
4:8 i6jn Their appearance now is darker than soot 0 This may be because: (1) the sun has darkened the leaders’ skin or (2) the soot from the fires that burned Jerusalem has covered their faces.
4:8 es9a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive they are not recognized 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one can recognize them”
4:8 hhs8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Their skin has shriveled on their bones 0 This implies that there was not much muscle or fat under the skin.
4:8 asf7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile it has become as dry as wood 0 Their dry skin is compared to dry wood.
4:9 ke6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Those who have been killed by the sword 0 Here the “sword” represents an enemy’s attack. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Those whom enemy soldiers have killed” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:9 k4rk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy those killed by hunger 0 Here “hunger” represents starvation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who starved to death” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:9 s8er rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy pierced by the lack of any harvest from the field 0 Here “harvest from the field” is a metonym that represents food to eat. Lack of food is spoken of here as if it were a sword that pierces people. Alternate translation: “who died because there was not enough food to eat” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:10 sfz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The hands of compassionate women 0 Here the women are represented by their “hands.” Because they were so hungry, women who had been compassionate in the past were no longer compassionate toward their children; instead they boiled them for food. Alternate translation: “Compassionate women” or “Women who had been compassionate in the past”
4:10 bac1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the daughter of my people was 0 This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “my people were” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
4:11 i5ys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Yahweh showed all his wrath; he poured out his fierce anger 0 Yahweh was very angry, and he did everything he wanted to do to show that he was angry.
4:11 xr4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he poured out his fierce anger 0 God’s punishing his people is spoken of as if his anger were a burning hot liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “because of his fierce anger, he punished his people” or “in fierce anger he responded to his people”
4:11 tc8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He kindled a fire in Zion 0 This represents God causing Israel’s enemies to start a fire in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “He caused a fire to start in Zion”
4:11 ml4m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche that consumed her foundations 0 Here “her foundations” represents the whole city, even the part of the city that would be ruined last. Alternate translation: “that burned down the city, even its foundations”
4:12 qvf1 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the inhabitants of the world believe, 0 Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth and the rest of the inhabitants of the world did not believe”
4:12 iy64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet enemies or opponents 0 These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that these are people who desired to harm Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “any kind of enemy” or “any of Jerusalem’s enemies”
4:13 pz3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests 0 These two lines share similar meanings and emphasize that these spiritual leaders were largely responsible for the fall of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the terrible sins of her prophets and priests”
4:13 t6hn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy who have shed the blood of the righteous 0 Both the priests and the prophets were guilty of murder. Here “shed the blood” represents murder. Alternate translation: “who have murdered the righteous”
4:14 ah77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They wandered, blind, through the streets 0 The priests and prophets are spoken of as if they were blind because they wandered through the streets, not knowing where to go. Alternate translation: “They wandered through the streets like blind men”
4:14 b7ti rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They were so defiled by that blood 0 Here “defiled” represents being unacceptable to God. Because the priests and prophets murdered people, they were ritually unclean, unable to worship God or be with ordinary people.
4:14 dpi8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy defiled by that blood 0 “defiled by the blood that they shed.” This could mean: (1) the blood was on their clothes or (2) “blood” is a metonym for murder.
4:16 a7if rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy he does not watch over them anymore 0 Here “watch over them” represents being concerned about them and helping them. Alternate translation: “he does not care about them anymore”
4:17 j6ac rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Our eyes failed, looking in vain for help 0 Their eyes failing represents their seeking and not being able to find what they were looking for. These two phrases together emphasize that they were trying hard to find help. Alternate translation: “We continued looking, but we could not find anyone to help us”
4:17 gw6x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns for help 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **help**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “for people to help us”
4:17 j62q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor we watched for a nation that could not rescue us 0 Here “watched” represents hoping. It can be stated clearly that they were hoping that a nation would come and rescue them. Alternate translation: “we hoped for a nation to come and rescue us, but it could not rescue us” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
4:18 ah5m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy They followed our steps 0 Here “our steps” represents where they went. Alternate translation: “Our enemies followed us everywhere we went”
4:18 sgr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Our end was near 0 Here “near” is a metaphor for “soon.” Alternate translation: “Our end would be soon” or “Our enemies would soon destroy us”
4:18 g9cv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Our end 0 This could mean: (1) “Our end” refers to the end of living in their own city because their enemies would destroy the city and capture them. Alternate translation: “Our destruction” or “Our capture” or (2) “Our end” refers to the end of their lives. Alternate translation: “Our death” or “The time for us to die”
4:18 m59p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor our days were numbered 0 Being numbered represents being so few that they could be easily counted. Alternate translation: “we had very little time”
4:18 knb5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor our end had come 0 The phrase “had come” means that what they had expected was now happening. Alternate translation: “it was now the end for us” or “our enemies were attacking us”
4:19 a693 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles in the sky 0 The author compares the speed of their pursuers to the speed of eagles flying. Eagles fly very quickly to catch other animals. Alternate translation: “Those who were chasing us were faster than eagles”
4:20 k8w6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he was the one who was captured in their pits 0 Here “pits” refers to the enemies’ plans to capture him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he was the one whom our enemies captured by their plans” or “our enemies made plans to capture our king, and they did capture him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:20 l1a8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish of whom it was said 0 This phrase with the quote following it gives us more information about the king. The quote shows what the people had hoped the king would do for them before he was trapped. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “even though we had said about him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:20 d6rl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Under his shadow we will live among the nations 0 Here “his shadow” represents him protecting them. Alternate translation: “Under his protection we will live among the nations” or “Though we may have to live in other nations, he will protect us”
4:21 x8qp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Rejoice and be glad 0 “Rejoice” and “be glad” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of gladness. The writer uses these words to mock the people. He knew that the people of Edom would be glad that Jerusalem is being destroyed. Alternate translation: “Be very glad” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
4:21 k5q4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification daughter of Edom 0 The people of the land of Edom are spoken of as if they were a woman. They were Israel’s enemy.
4:21 d53p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor But to you also the cup will be passed 0 The cup is a metonym for the wine in it. The wine is a metaphor for punishment. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh will also punish you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4:22 i7ub rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Daughter of Zion 0 The people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were a woman.
4:22 y3mu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns your punishment will come to an end 0 “your punishment will end.” The abstract noun punishment can be expressed with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh will stop punishing you”
4:22 jt3i he will not extend your exile 0 Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not make your time in exile longer” or “Yahweh will not make you stay in exile longer”
4:22 c3zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he will uncover your sins 0 Here the sins not being known by others are spoken of as if they are under a cover. Removing the cover represents letting other people know about them. Alternate translation: “he will expose your sins” or “he will cause other people to know how you have sinned”
5:intro si98 0 # Lamentations 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nJudah was destroyed for her sin. As slaves, life was very hard. The author wondered if God would be angry forever. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])
5:1 hj48 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\nA new poem begins. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:1 a5gv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Remember, Yahweh, what has happened to us 0 “Remember” here is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, think about what has happened to us”
5:2 iwh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers; our houses to foreigners 0 The idea of things being turned over to others can be expressed with an active form. Since it is also understood in the second part of the sentence, those words can be repeated there. Alternate translation: “You have turned our inheritance over to strangers; you have turned our houses over to strangers” or “You have allowed strangers to take possession of our inheritance; you have allowed foreigners to take possession of our houses” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
5:3 ijy8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor We have become orphans … our mothers are like widows 0 The people of Jerusalem have no one to protect them because the men have either died in battle or have gone into exile. This speaks of the people not having their fathers and husbands present as if they had actually become orphans and widows. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
5:3 alg7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism orphans, the fatherless 0 These two phrases have the same meaning and emphasize that the people no longer have their fathers. Alternate translation: “orphans who have no fathers”
5:4 b28p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit We must pay silver for the water we drink … our own wood 0 This means that their enemies are making them pay money to have the water and wood that they once used for free. Alternate translation: “We have to pay silver to our enemies in order to drink our own water … our own wood”
5:4 it5l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive we must pay silver to get our own wood 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “our enemies sell us our own wood”
5:5 nf7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor we can find no rest 0 This speaks of being able to rest as if “rest” were an object that could be found. Alternate translation: “we are unable to rest”
5:6 ysv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom We have given ourselves to Egypt and to Assyria to get enough food 0 This phrase “given ourselves” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “We have made a treaty with Egypt and with Assyria so that we would have food to eat” or “We have surrendered to Egypt and to Assyria to have enough food to remain alive”
5:7 ecx8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism they are no more 0 This refers to them being dead. Alternate translation: “they have died”
5:7 zhr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy we bear their iniquities 0 Here “iniquities” represents the punishment received because of their ancestors’ sins. Alternate translation: “we bear the punishment for their sins”
5:8 em5u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Slaves rule over us 0 This could mean: (1) “Now the people who rule over us are themselves slaves to their own masters in Babylon” or (2) “People who used to be slaves in Babylon now rule over us.”
5:8 ku5l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy to deliver us from their hand 0 Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “to rescue us from their control”
5:9 nl6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy bread 0 Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food”
5:9 uiq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy because of the sword in the wilderness 0 Here robbers with swords are represented by their “swords.” Alternate translation: “because there are robbers in the wilderness who kill others with swords”
5:10 r3jf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Our skin has grown as hot as an oven because of the burning heat of hunger 0 This speaks of the peoples’ bodies being hot and feverish as if their skin was as hot as an oven. The people have fever because of their hunger. Alternate translation: “Our skin has become hot like an oven, and we have a very high fever because we are extremely hungry”
5:11 z35x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Women are raped in Zion, and virgins in the cities of Judah 0 These two phrases have similar meaning and emphasize that the women are being violated. The words “are raped” are understood in the second part of this sentence and can be repeated. Alternate translation: “Women are raped in Zion, and virgins are raped in the cities of Judah” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
5:11 y3me rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Women are raped … and virgins 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Our enemies have raped the women … and the virgins” or “Our enemies have violated the women … and the virgins”
5:12 zb12 Princes are hung up by their own hands 0 This could mean: (1) the word “their” refers to their enemies. Alternate translation: “With their own hands, they hung princes” or (2) they tied each prince’s hands together with one end of a rope and tied the other end so the prince’s feet could not touch the ground.
5:12 g7iq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive no honor is shown to the elders 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they have shown no honor to the elders”
5:13 f7ub rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Young men are forced 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They force young men”
5:13 fzz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit boys stagger under heavy loads of wood 0 The boys are forced to carry the loads of wood. Alternate translation: “boys stagger because they are forced to carry heavy loads of wood” or “they force the boys to carry heavy loads of wood which make them stagger”
5:14 j6xc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the young men have left their music 0 Playing music was part of the social life at the city gate. This speaks of the men no longer playing their music as if the act of playing music were a place that they left. Alternate translation: “the young men have stopped playing their music”
5:15 l248 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The joy of our heart 0 Here the word “heart” refers to the whole person and emphasizes their emotions. Alternate translation: “Our joy”
5:16 j13s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The crown has fallen from our head 0 This could mean: (1) “We no longer wear flowers on our heads for celebrations” or (2) The “crown” represents their king and their “head” represents a place of authority over the people. Alternate translation: “We no longer have a king”
5:17 gbn4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy For this our heart has become sick 0 The “heart” represents a person’s emotions. This speaks of a person being discouraged as if their emotions were sick. Alternate translation: “Because of this we are discouraged” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:17 tqx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for these things our eyes grow dim 0 This means that they have a hard time seeing because they are crying. Alternate translation: “and we can hardly see because our eyes are full of tears”
5:19 x9jh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy sit upon your throne 0 Here sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “rule as king”
5:19 bv71 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom from generation to generation 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “always”
5:20 kf3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why do you forget us forever? Why do you forsake us for the length of your days? 0 The author uses these rhetorical questions to express his feelings that Yahweh has forgotten them. These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is as though you will forget us forever or not come back to us for a very long time!”
5:20 yr7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom for the length of your days 0 Here this idiom refers to the duration of God’s life. Since God lives forever, it can also be translated as “forever.” Perhaps the writer was uing hyperbole and exaggerating the length of time he believed that God was forsaking them. Alternate translation: “for as long as you live” or “forever” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
5:21 igv8 Restore us to yourself 0 Alternate translation: “Bring us back to yourself”
5:22 bh9w unless you have utterly rejected us and you are angry with us beyond measure 0 This could mean: (1) that the writer is afraid that Yahweh might be too angry to restore them or (2) that he is saying that Yahweh is too angry to restore them.
5:22 x3ad rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo are angry with us beyond measure 0 This speaks of Yahweh being very angry as if his anger cannot be measured. This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “are extremely angry with us”
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