Testing_ABC_en_tn/en_tn_25-LAM.tsv at dff668a5d33c52f8e3b518a5932055b0c41c2146

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1	Book	Chapter	Verse	ID	SupportReference	GLQuote	OccurrenceNote
2	LAM	front	intro	zxy7			# Introduction to Lamentations<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of Lamentations<br><br>1. First lament: Yahweh and his people have abandoned Jerusalem (1:1–22)<br>1. Second lament: Yahweh was angry with Jerusalem and caused it to be destroyed (2:1–22)<br>1. Third lament (3:1-66)<br>- The people grieve (3:1–20)<br>- Yahweh comforts those who turn back to him (3:21–39)<br>- Judah is learning to return to Yahweh (3:40–54)<br>- Judah cries out to be avenged of its enemies (3:55–66)<br>1. Fourth lament: The terrors of the siege of Jerusalem (4:1-4:22)<br>- The people’s sin caused Jerusalem to be punished (4:1–20)<br>- Their being punished satisfied Yahweh’s wrath for their sin (4:21–22a)<br>- Edom will be punished also (4:22b)<br>1. Fifth lament: The broken nation cries out to Yahweh (5:1–22)<br><br>### What is the Book of Lamentations about?<br><br>The Babylonians captured the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. In the Book of Lamentations, the writer grieves over Jerusalem being destroyed.<br><br>The 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://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of Lamentations?<br><br>The 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.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators 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://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### Did God abandon Israel?<br><br>The author of Lamentations often speaks of God abandoning Israel. But this did not mean that God had completely given up on Israel.<br>He 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.<br><br>While 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://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])<br><br>### What is a funeral song?<br><br>People 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.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What style of writing is Lamentations?<br><br>Lamentations 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.<br><br>### Who are the woman and the man in Lamentations?<br><br>The 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://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
3	LAM	1	intro	cpx3			# Lamentations 1 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>### Judah destroyed for her sin<br><br>Judah used to be great, but is now a slave. The temple is stripped of all its valuables. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])
4	LAM	1	1	mx9e	writing-poetry	General Information:	Various poetic forms are used throughout this book. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5	LAM	1	1	i4kk	figs-metaphor	is now sitting all alone	This speaks of the city of Jerusalem being empty, as if it were a woman who was sitting alone. Alternate translation: “is now empty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6	LAM	1	1	azd1	figs-personification	She	The writer of Lamentations writes about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
7	LAM	1	1	p68i	figs-simile	like a widow	This speaks of Jerusalem as being without protection, as if it were a vulnerable widow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
8	LAM	1	1	jn93	figs-metaphor	She was a princess among the nations	This speaks of Jerusalem being honored as if it were a princess. Alternate translation: “She was like a princess among the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
9	LAM	1	1	k944	figs-activepassive	forced into slavery	“forced to become a slave.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but she is now a slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
10	LAM	1	2	hy2k	figs-personification	She weeps and wails … and her tears cover her cheeks	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11	LAM	1	2	vm69	figs-doublet	weeps and wails	The word “wails” refers to the sounds that a person makes when they “weep” loudly. Alternate translation: “weeps loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
12	LAM	1	2	xf4h	figs-metaphor	None of her lovers comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
13	LAM	1	3	wtj1	figs-personification	General Information:	In these verses, Jerusalem and Judah are spoken of as if they were women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
14	LAM	1	3	jc3t		After poverty and affliction	“After suffering poverty and affliction”
15	LAM	1	3	d5d4	figs-metonymy	Judah has gone into exile	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16	LAM	1	3	yb38	figs-personification	She lives … finds	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
17	LAM	1	3	ti2f		finds no rest	“does not find rest” or “is always afraid”
18	LAM	1	3	w248	figs-personification	All her pursuers overtook her in her desperation	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
19	LAM	1	3	can4		All her pursuers overtook her	“Everyone who was chasing her managed to capture her” or “Everyone who was hunting for her found her”
20	LAM	1	3	fm5d	figs-abstractnouns	in her desperation	The word “desperation” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “when she was desperate” or “when she was distressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
21	LAM	1	4	i8db	figs-personification	General Information:	The 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
22	LAM	1	4	h3bm	figs-personification	The roads of Zion mourn	The author speaks of the roads that lead to Zion mourning as if they were human beings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
23	LAM	1	4	x725		the appointed feasts	“the feasts that God told them to celebrate”
24	LAM	1	4	ih8f	figs-personification	All her gates are desolate	The word “her” refers to Zion. Alternate translation: “All of Zion’s gates are empty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
25	LAM	1	4	bv2d	figs-personification	Her virgins are sorrowful and she herself is in complete distress	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
26	LAM	1	5	m4mr		Her adversaries have become her master; her enemies prosper	“Zion’s adversaries rule over it; its enemies prosper”
27	LAM	1	5	h8q8	figs-personification	Yahweh has afflicted her for her many sins	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
28	LAM	1	5	h9dx	figs-abstractnouns	Her little children go into captivity to her adversary	The word “captivity” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Her enemy captures her little children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
29	LAM	1	6	e22r	figs-personification	General Information:	The 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
30	LAM	1	6	vlv6		Beauty has left the daughter of Zion	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”
31	LAM	1	6	i7te	figs-personification	daughter of Zion	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
32	LAM	1	6	imv9	figs-simile	Her princes have become like deer that cannot find pasture	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
33	LAM	1	6	q9zi		deer	A deer is a medium-sized, grass-eating animal that is often hunted by humans for food. It is also a beautiful animal to look at.
34	LAM	1	6	gx4l		they go without strength before	“they are not strong enough to run away from” or “they are very weak before”
35	LAM	1	6	m8wr		their pursuer	“the person that is pursuing them”
36	LAM	1	7	yp42		In the days of her affliction and her homelessness	“During the time of her affliction and her homelessness”
37	LAM	1	7	g8bb	figs-metonymy	Jerusalem will call to mind	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
38	LAM	1	7	p1pa		precious treasures	This refers to their valuable possessions.
39	LAM	1	7	kyv3	figs-explicit	in former days	“in the past.” This refers to the time before the people of Jerusalem were captured. Alternate translation: “before this disaster happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
40	LAM	1	7	a6c2	figs-metonymy	When her people fell into the hand of the adversary	Here the word “hand” refers the control of the enemy army. Alternate translation: “When the adversary conquered and captured her people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
41	LAM	1	7	m6up		saw her and laughed at her destruction	This means that they were glad and mocked Jerusalem when it was destroyed.
42	LAM	1	7	ck49	figs-abstractnouns	at her destruction	This word “destruction” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “because she was destroyed” or “while they destroyed her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
43	LAM	1	8	z8dz	figs-personification	General Information:	The 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
44	LAM	1	8	h4x9	figs-simile	Jerusalem sinned greatly, therefore, she has become scorned as something that is filthy	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
45	LAM	1	8	ib81	figs-personification	Jerusalem sinned greatly	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
46	LAM	1	8	jpl7	figs-activepassive	has become scorned	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “has become an object of scorn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
47	LAM	1	8	lwa4	figs-personification	her nakedness	“her naked.” Jerusalem is described as a woman whose private parts have been exposed to everyone to shame her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
48	LAM	1	9	tsa8	figs-metaphor	She has become unclean beneath her skirts	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
49	LAM	1	9	z2lm	figs-metaphor	unclean	A person who God considers to be spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
50	LAM	1	9	r5x9	figs-idiom	Her fall was terrible	The phrase “her fall” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Her downfall was astonishing” or “Those who saw her destruction were surprised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
51	LAM	1	9	h7er	figs-personification	Look at my affliction, Yahweh	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
52	LAM	1	9	fv36		Look at	“Pay attention to”
53	LAM	1	9	bx6p	figs-explicit	the enemy has become too great	This means that they enemy army has become too large and powerful and has defeated Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the enemy army has defeated me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
54	LAM	1	10	mu6h	figs-idiom	has put his hand on	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “has taken possession of” or “has stolen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
55	LAM	1	10	mp1s		precious treasures	This refers to their valuable possessions.
56	LAM	1	10	ban1	figs-personification	She has seen	The word “She” refers to Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
57	LAM	1	10	qt1m	figs-synecdoche	the nations	This refers to people from various nations, not the entire population of those nations. Alternate translation: “people from the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
58	LAM	1	10	u91b		you had commanded	The word “you” refers to Yahweh.
59	LAM	1	11	ybg4	figs-personification	her people	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
60	LAM	1	11	sr71	figs-synecdoche	bread	This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
61	LAM	1	11	q7bp	figs-explicit	They have given their precious treasures for food	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
62	LAM	1	11	kx7c		precious treasures	This refers to their valuable possessions.
63	LAM	1	11	u733		to restore their lives	“to save their lives” or “to restore their strength”
64	LAM	1	11	ae41	figs-personification	Look, Yahweh, and consider me	Here Jerusalem speaks directly to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
65	LAM	1	12	lv2d	figs-rquestion	Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?	This rhetorical question is an accusation aganist the people who walk past Jerusalem and do not care about its well-being. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “All you who pass by should care more for my affliction!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
66	LAM	1	12	hb8j	figs-personification	Is it nothing to you	Here Jerusalem continues to speak, but now to people who pass by instead of to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
67	LAM	1	12	mb6z	figs-doublet	Look and see	These words share similar meanings. Together they invite the reader to understand by seeing that no one has suffered so much. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
68	LAM	1	12	gua5	figs-activepassive	the sorrow that is being inflicted on me	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the sorrow that Yahweh is inflicting upon me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
69	LAM	1	12	xgh8	figs-idiom	on the day of his fierce anger	Here the word “day” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he was fiercely angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
70	LAM	1	13	vg27	figs-personification	General Information:	In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
71	LAM	1	13	x6ap	figs-idiom	on high	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
72	LAM	1	13	y8l7	figs-personification	he has sent fire into my bones, and it has conquered them	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
73	LAM	1	13	d689	figs-metonymy	has sent fire into my bones	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
74	LAM	1	13	pt8b	figs-personification	He has spread a net for my feet	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
75	LAM	1	13	y57i	figs-idiom	turned me back	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “prevented my from walking any further” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
76	LAM	1	14	f1g6	figs-metaphor	The yoke of my transgressions … They are knit together and placed upon my neck	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, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My transgressions are like a yoke that he has bound together with his hands and placed upon my neck” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
77	LAM	1	14	m9ta	figs-metonymy	given me over into their hands	“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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
78	LAM	1	14	rm8k	figs-idiom	I am not able to stand	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I cannot resist them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
79	LAM	1	15	b3xh	figs-personification	General Information:	In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
80	LAM	1	15	ruu7		mighty men	“strongest soldiers”
81	LAM	1	15	ct6z	figs-metaphor	an assembly	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
82	LAM	1	15	zrt4		to crush my vigorous men	This speaks of the enemy army defeating the soldiers of Jerusalem as if they crushed them. Alternate translation: “to defeat my vigorous men”
83	LAM	1	15	yz3y		vigorous men	This refers to men at the strongest time of their lives.
84	LAM	1	15	t625	figs-metaphor	The Lord has trampled … in the winepress	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
85	LAM	1	15	w82e	figs-metaphor	the virgin daughter of Judah	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
86	LAM	1	16	ze56	figs-personification	General Information:	In 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
87	LAM	1	16	p25m	figs-metaphor	for a comforter is far from me, one who restores my life	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
88	LAM	1	16	h5c9		restores my life	“revives me”
89	LAM	1	17	ua88	figs-personification	Zion has spread her hands wide	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
90	LAM	1	17	jc3i		those around Jacob	“the people around Jacob” or “the nations surrounding Jacob”
91	LAM	1	17	f1em	figs-metonymy	around Jacob should be his adversaries	Here “Jacob” refers to his descendants, that is Israel. Alternate translation: “around Jacob’s descendants should be their adversaries” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
92	LAM	1	17	t8w2	figs-metaphor	unclean	A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
93	LAM	1	18	cz8z	figs-personification	General Information:	In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
94	LAM	1	18	l7wg		Yahweh is righteous	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”
95	LAM	1	18	f15f	figs-abstractnouns	see my sorrow	The word “sorrow” can be expressed as a “sad.” Alternate translation: “see how extremely sad I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
96	LAM	1	18	lnt9	figs-synecdoche	My virgins and my vigorous men have gone into captivity	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
97	LAM	1	18	ay2g		vigorous men	This refers to men at the strongest time of their lives. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 1:15](../01/15.md).
98	LAM	1	19	ffv5		I called for my friends	“I called for my friends to help me” or “I called for my allies to help me”
99	LAM	1	19	i88c	figs-explicit	they were treacherous toward me	This means that they betrayed him. Alternate translation: “they betrayed me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
100	LAM	1	19	i9bk		to restore their lives	“to save their lives” or “to restore their strength”
101	LAM	1	20	tsg9	figs-personification	General Information:	In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
102	LAM	1	20	le5p	figs-personification	Look, Yahweh, for I am in distress	Jerusalem continues to talk about herself as if she were a woman, but now talks directly to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
103	LAM	1	20	csk1	figs-metaphor	my stomach churns	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
104	LAM	1	20	wyf3	figs-synecdoche	my heart is disturbed within me	Here the woman, representing Jerusalem, refers to her “heart” to emphasize her feelings. Alternate translation: “my heart is broken” or “I am extremely sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
105	LAM	1	20	xmz9	figs-metonymy	the sword bereaves a mother	The “sword” represents the enemy. Alternate translation: “the enemy kills a mother’s children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
106	LAM	1	20	vx25	figs-explicit	inside the house there is only death	This could mean: (1) “inside the house, everyone is dying” or (2) “and inside the house the dead people are kept” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
107	LAM	1	21	qm9m	figs-personification	General Information:	In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
108	LAM	1	21	n3na	figs-personification	They have heard my groaning	“People have heard my groaning.” Jerusalem continues to speak as if she were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
109	LAM	1	21	r2sj		you have done it	Here the word “you” refers to Yahweh.
110	LAM	1	21	qe7h	figs-idiom	You have brought the day you promised	The phrase “the day” is an idiom that refers to a specific event happening. Alternate translation: “You have done what you have promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
111	LAM	1	21	cir1	figs-explicit	now let them become like me	This is a request for Jerusalem’s enemies to suffer as the people of Jerusalem have. Alternate translation: “now let them suffer like me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
112	LAM	1	22	qsw5	figs-idiom	Let all their wickedness come before you	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
113	LAM	1	22	j42r	figs-explicit	deal with them as you have dealt with me	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
114	LAM	1	22	e4g5	figs-synecdoche	my heart is faint	Here the “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am faint” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
115	LAM	2	intro	w57v			# Lamentations 2 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>God has become Judah’s enemy. He is determined to destroy them.
116	LAM	2	1	r7dk	writing-poetry	General Information:	A new poem begins. The writer of Lamentations uses many different ways to express that the people of Israel have lost God’s favor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
117	LAM	2	1	gee6	figs-metaphor	The Lord has covered the daughter of Zion under the cloud of his anger	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
118	LAM	2	1	ddb5	figs-personification	the daughter of Zion	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).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
119	LAM	2	1	qu7x	figs-metaphor	He has thrown the splendor of Israel down from heaven to earth	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
120	LAM	2	1	xfe7	figs-metaphor	He has not remembered his footstool	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
121	LAM	2	1	l7v9	figs-metaphor	not remembered	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
122	LAM	2	1	lqv1	figs-idiom	on the day of his anger	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
123	LAM	2	2	a52b	figs-personification	the daughter of Judah	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
124	LAM	2	2	a6zu	figs-idiom	the days of his anger	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
125	LAM	2	2	gz9b	figs-metaphor	swallowed up	This speaks of the Lord completely destroying the towns as if he were an animal who ate them. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
126	LAM	2	2	v8mh	figs-metonymy	all the towns of Jacob	Here “the towns of Jacob” refers to the towns where his descendants lived. Alternate translation: “all the towns of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
127	LAM	2	2	rv9k		the fortified cities of the daughter of Judah	This could mean: (1) the fortified cities throughout Judah or (2) the fortified walls of Jerusalem.
128	LAM	2	3	mg13		General Information:	The author continues the use of metaphors to express how the Lord opposed Judah.
129	LAM	2	3	ga1g	figs-metaphor	he has cut off every horn of Israel	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
130	LAM	2	3	liy3	figs-metonymy	withdrawn his right hand from before the enemy	Here the Lord’s protection is represented by his “right hand.” Alternate translation: “stopped protecting us from our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
131	LAM	2	3	cni2		He has burned up Jacob like a blazing fire that devours everything around it	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”
132	LAM	2	3	rkj3	figs-metonymy	Jacob	Here “Jacob” refers to the places where his descendants lived. Alternate translation: “Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
133	LAM	2	4	cd29	figs-simile	Like an enemy he has bent his bow toward us, with his right is ready to shoot	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
134	LAM	2	4	x4pl	figs-personification	in the tent of the daughter of Zion	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
135	LAM	2	4	p4pw	figs-metaphor	he has poured out his wrath like fire	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
136	LAM	2	5	zz9u	figs-metaphor	swallowed up	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
137	LAM	2	5	m29z		her palaces … her strongholds	Israel is spoken of as if it were female.
138	LAM	2	5	l83l	figs-abstractnouns	He has increased mourning and lamentation within the daughter of Judah	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
139	LAM	2	5	n1vh	figs-personification	daughter of Judah	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
140	LAM	2	6	erj2	figs-simile	He has attacked his tabernacle like a garden hut	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
141	LAM	2	6	w3hh		a garden hut	a very small building for holding farming tools or for sheltering someone who is guarding a garden
142	LAM	2	6	tg96	figs-metonymy	He has destroyed the place of the solemn assembly	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
143	LAM	2	6	zkt2	figs-activepassive	caused both solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “caused the people in Zion to forget both solemn assembly and Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
144	LAM	2	6	y8if		in the indignation of his anger	“because he was extremely angry with them”
145	LAM	2	7	ub33	figs-metonymy	He has given over the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
146	LAM	2	7	vn7k	figs-synecdoche	the walls of her palaces	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
147	LAM	2	7	jx6y	figs-irony	They have raised a shout in the house of Yahweh, as on the day of an appointed feast	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
148	LAM	2	7	t8c8	figs-idiom	have raised a shout	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “have shouted victoriously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
149	LAM	2	8	de6p	figs-metonymy	Yahweh decided to destroy the city wall	Yahweh chose to have the wall destroyed and caused Jerusalem’s enemy to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
150	LAM	2	8	q6gn	figs-personification	daughter of Zion	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
151	LAM	2	8	ydw2	figs-metaphor	He has stretched out the measuring line	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
152	LAM	2	8	pj1d	figs-doublenegatives	has not withheld his hand from destroying	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
153	LAM	2	8	ac1h	figs-personification	He has made the ramparts and wall to lament; together they wasted away	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
154	LAM	2	8	k5k2		ramparts	Ancient cities had a main “wall” to keep attackers out, and an outer line of “ramparts” to keep attackers from the wall.
155	LAM	2	10	ld1b	figs-personification	daughter of Zion	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
156	LAM	2	10	ja3b	translate-symaction	sit on the ground in silence	Often people would sit on the ground to show they were mourning. Alternate translation: “sit on the ground, mourning in silence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
157	LAM	2	10	shs1	translate-symaction	They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth	These are actions of mourning. Alternate translation: “To show their mourning, they have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
158	LAM	2	10	e8dm	translate-symaction	have bowed their heads to the ground	This is an action of mourning. Alternate translation: “have sorrowfully bowed their heads to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
159	LAM	2	11	ur1i		General Information:	The author shifts from describing Jerusalem to describing his own experience.
160	LAM	2	11	ww8f	figs-idiom	My eyes have failed from their tears	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I have cried until I cannot cry anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
161	LAM	2	11	r9cy	figs-metaphor	my stomach churns	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
162	LAM	2	11	drr4	figs-metaphor	my inner parts are poured out to the ground	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
163	LAM	2	11	ckr1	figs-metonymy	the daughter of my people	This is a poetic name of Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
164	LAM	2	12	xg9t	figs-metonymy	Where is grain and wine?	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. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Give us something to eat and drink.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
165	LAM	2	12	e2aq	figs-simile	as they faint like a wounded man	This speaks of the children fainting from hunger and thirst in the same way that a wounded man faints. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
166	LAM	2	12	m2n2	figs-metaphor	their lives are poured out on the bosom of their mothers	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
167	LAM	2	13	rk8s		General Information:	The author begins to address Jerusalem.
168	LAM	2	13	ez4e	figs-rquestion	What can I say … Jerusalem?	The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know what to say to help Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that I can say … Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
169	LAM	2	13	r825	figs-personification	daughter of Jerusalem … virgin daughter of Zion	These are poetic names for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. “Zion” is another name for Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
170	LAM	2	13	yt6j	figs-rquestion	To what can I compare to you … Zion?	The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know how to give comfort to Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing to which I can compare you … Zion.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
171	LAM	2	13	xm7j	figs-simile	Your wound is as great as the sea	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
172	LAM	2	13	cfe5	figs-rquestion	Who can heal you?	“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. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can heal you.” or “No one can restore you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
173	LAM	2	14	rg7i		They have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes	“They did not tell you about your sins to restore your fortunes.” The word “fortune” refers to a person’s wealth and prosperity.
174	LAM	2	14	p4y7	figs-abstractnouns	for you they gave utterances	The word “utterances” can be expressed with the verb “spoke.” Alternate translation: “they spoke things to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
175	LAM	2	15	na4v	translate-symaction	clap their hands … hiss and shake their heads	These actions are used to mock and insult others. Alternate translation: “mock you by clapping their hands … hiss and shake their heads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
176	LAM	2	15	s9nn	figs-personification	the daughter of Jerusalem	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
177	LAM	2	15	cxb8	figs-rquestion	Is this the city that they called ‘The Perfection of Beauty,’ ‘The Joy for All of Earth’?	This rhetorical question is used to express sarcasm. This question can be written 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!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
178	LAM	2	15	rkz8		The Perfection of Beauty	“Perfectly Beautiful”
179	LAM	2	16	t9p2	translate-symaction	grind their teeth	This action shows a person’s anger and that they are mocking others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
180	LAM	2	16	v2ed	figs-metaphor	We have swallowed her up	Here the people speak of destroying Jerusalem as if they were an animal swallowing its food. Alternate translation: “We have completely destroyed Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
181	LAM	2	16	p7nl	figs-idiom	We have lived to see it	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “We have greatly desired to see it happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
182	LAM	2	17	sv6l		He has overthrown	“He has destroyed”
183	LAM	2	17	l2hu		to rejoice over you	This means that the enemy rejoiced because they defeated them. Alternate translation: “to rejoice over defeating you”
184	LAM	2	17	b3zb	figs-metonymy	he has lifted up the horn of your enemies	Here horn (that is, an animal horn) represents strength. Alternate translation: “he has increased the power of your enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
185	LAM	2	18	v62e	figs-synecdoche	Their heart cried out to the Lord	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
186	LAM	2	18	qsn1	figs-apostrophe	walls of the daughter of Zion! Make your tears flow … no relief	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
187	LAM	2	18	ew4w	figs-personification	the daughter of Zion	This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
188	LAM	2	18	mbx5	figs-metaphor	Make your tears flow down like a river	This speaks of the people crying so much that their tears would flow like a river. Alternate translation: “Cry many, many tears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
189	LAM	2	18	kbz7	figs-merism	day and night	These two opposite times of day refer to all the time. Alternate translation: “all of the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
190	LAM	2	18	s698		Give yourself no relief, your eyes no relief	“Do not allow yourself and your eyes to rest from crying”
191	LAM	2	19	t1js	figs-apostrophe	Arise, cry out … of every street	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
192	LAM	2	19	bb9r		at the beginning of the night watches	“many times during the night.” This refers to every time a watchman came on duty.
193	LAM	2	19	n8wa	figs-idiom	Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
194	LAM	2	19	ihn4	translate-symaction	Lift up your hands to him	This was an action often performed while praying. Alternate translation: “Lift up your hands to him in prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
195	LAM	2	19	xm86	figs-explicit	for the lives of your children	This means for them to request that the Lord save their children. Alternate translation: “to save the lives of your children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
196	LAM	2	19	mt5t	figs-hyperbole	at the corner of every street	The word “every” here is an exaggeration for “many.” Alternate translation: “where the streets come together” or “by the roads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
197	LAM	2	20	tx1s	figs-rquestion	Should women eat the fruit of their wombs … for?	This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that it is not right for women to eat their children. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Woman should not eat their own children … for!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
198	LAM	2	20	si6q	figs-metaphor	the fruit of their wombs	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
199	LAM	2	20	iy1m	figs-rquestion	Should priest and prophet be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord?	This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the prophets and priests should not be killed. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “The prophets and priests should not be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
200	LAM	2	20	e8bt	figs-activepassive	Should priest and prophet be slaughtered	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Should our enemies slaughter priests and prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
201	LAM	2	21	h93z	figs-explicit	Both the young and the old lie on the dust	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
202	LAM	2	21	bm92	figs-nominaladj	Both the young and the old	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
203	LAM	2	21	hct5	figs-euphemism	My young women and my young men have fallen by the sword	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
204	LAM	2	21	qu9v	figs-metonymy	you have slaughtered them	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
205	LAM	2	22	re1y	figs-simile	as you would call the people to a feast day	“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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
206	LAM	2	22	bq2q	figs-metonymy	my terrors	Here the people the author fears are referred to as his “terrors.” Alternate translation: “the attackers I was afraid of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
207	LAM	2	22	d9ky	figs-idiom	on every side	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to attack from every direction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
208	LAM	2	22	vzm7	figs-idiom	on the day of the anger of Yahweh	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
209	LAM	3	intro	c5kf			# Lamentations 3 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Troubles<br><br>Here 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.<br><br>In 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.<br><br>In 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.<br><br>In 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.
210	LAM	3	1	q73v	writing-poetry		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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
211	LAM	3	1	z56p	figs-metaphor	who has seen misery	Here “has seen” represents has experienced. Alternate translation: “who has experienced misery” or “who has suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
212	LAM	3	1	w5zk	figs-metonymy	under the rod of Yahweh’s fury	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
213	LAM	3	2	w3mw		He drove me away	“He forced me to go away”
214	LAM	3	2	zm2h	figs-metaphor	caused me to walk in darkness rather than light	Here “darkness” represents suffering. Alternate translation: “caused me to suffer terribly with no hope, like a person walking in darkness rather than light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
215	LAM	3	3	s83d	figs-metonymy	he turned his hand against me	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
216	LAM	3	4	s5zt		He made my flesh and my skin waste away; he broke my bones	This could mean: (1) these things are a result of being beaten or (2) these are more ways that God punished the man.
217	LAM	3	5	qy5b		He built up siege works against me	Siege works are ramps that an army builds around a city to enable them to climb over the city walls and invade the city.
218	LAM	3	5	jj4e	figs-metaphor	He built up siege works against me	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
219	LAM	3	5	gq5z	figs-metaphor	surrounded me with bitterness and hardship	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
220	LAM	3	5	cn5t	figs-metaphor	bitterness	Here “bitterness” represents suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
221	LAM	3	6	vnk1	figs-metaphor	He made me live in dark places, like those who died long ago	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
222	LAM	3	7	jwk4	figs-metaphor	He built a wall around me and I cannot escape. He made my chains heavy	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
223	LAM	3	8	ep5p	figs-idiom	he shut out my prayer	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
224	LAM	3	9	h2bx	figs-metaphor	He blocked my path	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
225	LAM	3	9	b31l		a wall of hewn stone	“a wall of cut stones.” People would cut stones into regular shapes that could fit together well in order to build a strong wall.
226	LAM	3	9	ire6	figs-metaphor	he made my paths crooked	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
227	LAM	3	10	v9qh	figs-simile	He is like a bear waiting to ambush me, a lion in hiding	The author speaks of God being ready to cause him to suffer more, as if God were a wild animal waiting to attack him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
228	LAM	3	11	m6yw		he turned aside my paths	This could mean: (1) “he dragged me off the path” or (2) “he caused my path to turn in the wrong direction”
229	LAM	3	11	whn1		he has made me desolate	“he has made me hopeless” or “he has not allowed me to have any help”
230	LAM	3	12	pxe7		General Information:	God is often spoken of as if he were a warrior.
231	LAM	3	12	eb1t		He bent his bow	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”
232	LAM	3	13	yzp2	figs-metaphor	He pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
233	LAM	3	13	aa5f	figs-metaphor	my kidneys	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
234	LAM	3	13	i1us		quiver	a bag worn on the back in which to store arrows
235	LAM	3	14	et38	figs-hyperbole	a laughingstock to all my people	The word “all” is a generalization, meaning “most.” Alternate translation: “a laughingstock to most of my people” or “someone whom all my people mock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
236	LAM	3	14	gq72		laughingstock	someone whom many people mock
237	LAM	3	15	za84	figs-metaphor	He filled me with bitterness	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
238	LAM	3	15	ncz3	figs-metaphor	forced me to drink wormwood	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
239	LAM	3	16	b5hh	figs-metaphor	He has made my teeth grind with gravel	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
240	LAM	3	16	l411	figs-metaphor	he made me cower in the ashes	The author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed him down into the ashes of a fire on the ground. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
241	LAM	3	16	tp2g		cower	make oneself as small as possible because of fear of something one cannot fight against
242	LAM	3	17	ewh7		My soul is deprived of peace	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”
243	LAM	3	18	ygy3	figs-personification	My endurance has perished and so has my hope in Yahweh	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
244	LAM	3	18	b3vb		endurance	Some versions translate this as “glory” or “splendor.”
245	LAM	3	19	zfr6		General Information:	In 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.
246	LAM	3	19	j2d4	figs-doublet	wormwood and bitterness	Wormwood is a plant that gives a liquid which is very bitter to drink. Together “wormwood” and “bitterness” represent severe suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
247	LAM	3	20	mz9u		my soul is bowed down within me	“I am depressed” or “I am discouraged”
248	LAM	3	21	t4a6		But I call this to mind	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”
249	LAM	3	21	a2fk		I have hope	“I hope”
250	LAM	3	22	hf5a	figs-abstractnouns	The steadfast love of Yahweh never ceases	The abstract noun “steadfast love” can be expressed with the phrase “love faithfully.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh never stops loving his people faithfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
251	LAM	3	22	rs8g	figs-abstractnouns	his compassions never end	The abstract noun “compassions” can be translated with the verb “care.” Alternate translation: “he never stops caring for those who suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
252	LAM	3	23	z4xg	figs-metaphor	they are new every morning	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
253	LAM	3	23	dp91		your faithfulness	The word “your” refers to Yahweh.
254	LAM	3	24	v6sh	figs-metaphor	Yahweh is my inheritance	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
255	LAM	3	25	e8de		Yahweh is good to those who wait for him	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”
256	LAM	3	25	ju1d		those who wait for him	This could mean: (1) “all those who depend on him” or (2) “the one who waits patiently for him to act.”
257	LAM	3	25	a3kw	figs-metaphor	the one who seeks him	Here, seeks him could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) wanting to know God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
258	LAM	3	27	xea4	figs-metaphor	that he bear the yoke in his youth	Here “bear the yoke” represents suffering. The abstract noun “his youth” can be expressed with the word “young.” Alternate translation: “that he suffer while he is young” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
259	LAM	3	28	deh5		Let him sit alone in silence	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”
260	LAM	3	28	wc7p	figs-metaphor	when it is laid upon him	“when the yoke is laid upon him.” Here the yoke represents suffering. Alternate translation: “when he suffers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
261	LAM	3	30	t75y		General Information:	The writer speaks of the one who waits for Yahweh ([Lamentations 3:25](../03/25.md)).
262	LAM	3	30	buv3	figs-metaphor	Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes him	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
263	LAM	3	30	haw3	figs-metaphor	let him be filled to the full with reproach	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
264	LAM	3	32	ytw1		though he causes grief	“though the Lord causes people to suffer” or “though he afflicts people”
265	LAM	3	32	fsq4		he will have compassion	“he will be compassionate to them”
266	LAM	3	33	lh34	figs-metonymy	For he does not afflict from his heart	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
267	LAM	3	33	n5xv	figs-idiom	the children of mankind	This refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “human beings” or “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
268	LAM	3	34	pgn7		General Information:	The 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.
269	LAM	3	34	m7kv	figs-metaphor	To crush underfoot	Here “crush underfoot” represents abusing and mistreating people. Alternate translation: “To abuse” or “To mistreat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])-
270	LAM	3	34	kq47		To crush	“If people crush”
271	LAM	3	35	pi2h		to deny a man justice	“if they deny a man justice.” 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”
272	LAM	3	35	w96n	figs-metonymy	in the presence of the Most High	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
273	LAM	3	36	h9te		to deny justice to a person	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”
274	LAM	3	36	kp3s		to deny justice	“if they deny justice”
275	LAM	3	37	vg2n	figs-rquestion	Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it?	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.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
276	LAM	3	37	b2te	figs-explicit	has spoken	It can be expressed clearly that this refers to commanding something to happen. Alternate translation: “has commanded that something should happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
277	LAM	3	37	q8z2		it came to pass	“what he said happened”
278	LAM	3	38	hy3k	figs-metonymy	Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and the good come?	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
279	LAM	3	38	fk6t	figs-metonymy	from the mouth of the Most High	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
280	LAM	3	38	wsx5	figs-metaphor	both calamities and the good come	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
281	LAM	3	39	ttp2	figs-rquestion	How can any person alive complain? How can a person complain about the punishment for his sins?	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.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
282	LAM	3	39	t4dw	figs-explicit	How can any person alive complain	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
283	LAM	3	40	ap27		General Information:	The 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.
284	LAM	3	40	yx5k	figs-metaphor	let us return to Yahweh	Here “return to Yahweh” represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: “let us submit to Yahweh again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
285	LAM	3	41	xq7n	figs-metaphor	Let us lift up our hearts and our hands	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
286	LAM	3	42	j5p1	figs-doublet	We have transgressed and rebelled	The words “transgressed” and “rebelled” share similar meanings. Together they indicate that transgression is the same as rebelling against Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
287	LAM	3	43	p547	figs-metaphor	You have covered yourself with anger	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
288	LAM	3	43	e5cg		you have killed	“you have killed many of us”
289	LAM	3	43	is87	figs-metaphor	you have not spared	Here “spared” represents having pity. Alternate translation: “you have not had pity on us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
290	LAM	3	44	c25d		Connecting Statement:	The prayer that began in [Lamentations 3:42](../03/42.md) continues.
291	LAM	3	44	d6dp	figs-metaphor	You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
292	LAM	3	45	nmh8	figs-simile	You have made us like filthy scum and refuse among the nations	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
293	LAM	3	47	jdl3	figs-abstractnouns	panic and pitfall have come upon us, ruin and destruction	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
294	LAM	3	47	bm4w		pitfall	This refers to falling into a pit. Here it represents being trapped in any way.
295	LAM	3	47	i597		have come upon us	“have happened to us”
296	LAM	3	47	nh6u	figs-doublet	ruin and destruction	These two words share similar meanings and refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “total destruction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
297	LAM	3	48	kd2x		General Information:	The author speaks about himself again.
298	LAM	3	48	fl1x	figs-metaphor	My eyes flow with streams of tears	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
299	LAM	3	48	fg7v	figs-activepassive	because my people are destroyed	This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because enemies have destroyed my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
300	LAM	3	49	ru79	figs-doublet	without ceasing, without relief	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
301	LAM	3	50	p99u	figs-explicit	until Yahweh from heaven looks down and sees	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
302	LAM	3	51	i8zw	figs-metonymy	My eyes cause me grief	The phrase “My eyes” represents what he sees. Alternate translation: “What I see causes me to grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
303	LAM	3	51	bz52	figs-explicit	because of all the daughters of my city	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
304	LAM	3	51	qr28	figs-idiom	all the daughters of my city	This could mean: (1) the women of Jerusalem or (2) all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
305	LAM	3	52	n4m1	figs-metaphor	I have been hunted like a bird by those who were my enemies	The author speaks of people looking for him in order to kill him as if he were an animal that they were hunting. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My enemies have looked for me in order to kill me like people who hunt for a bird” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
306	LAM	3	53	fen2		They cast me into a pit	“They threw me into a pit” or “They dropped me into a well”
307	LAM	3	53	t9e4		threw a stone on me	This could mean: (1) “threw stones down on me” or (2) “covered the pit with a stone”
308	LAM	3	54	ztv4		they caused waters to overflow, covering my head	“the level of the water in the pit rose up over my head”
309	LAM	3	54	hda5	figs-metaphor	I have been cut off	Being “cut off” often represents being killed. Here it represents dying very soon. Alternate translation: “I am about to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
310	LAM	3	55	dit3	figs-metonymy	I called on your name	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
311	LAM	3	55	r7m3		from the depths of the pit	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”
312	LAM	3	56	s26c	figs-metonymy	You heard my voice	Here “voice” represents what he said. Alternate translation: “You heard my words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
313	LAM	3	56	ur2e	figs-metonymy	Do not close your ear	Here “close your ear” represents refusing to listen. Alternate translation: “Do not refuse to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
314	LAM	3	57	egc5	figs-metonymy	You came near	People often come near to a person they help. Here “came near” represents helping the man. Alternate translation: “you helped me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
315	LAM	3	58	rq8w	figs-metaphor	you defended my case, you saved my life	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
316	LAM	3	58	x4xw	figs-metaphor	you defended my case	Here “defended my case” represents arguing for him. Alternate translation: “you argued my case for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
317	LAM	3	59	z61e	figs-metaphor	judge my case	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
318	LAM	3	61	k1lw	figs-abstractnouns	You have heard their scorn … and all their plans regarding me	The abstract noun “scorn” can be expressed 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
319	LAM	3	62	x6km	figs-metaphor	The lips and the accusations … come against me all the day	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
320	LAM	3	62	u23i	figs-metonymy	The lips … of my enemies	Here the lips represent what his enemies say. Alternate translation: “The words … of my enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
321	LAM	3	63	ti38	figs-merism	how they sit and then rise up	These two actions together represent everything the people do. Alternate translation: “everything they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
322	LAM	3	64	h9mv	figs-metaphor	Pay back to them, Yahweh, according to what they have done	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
323	LAM	3	65	x92m	figs-metonymy	You will let their hearts be shameless	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
324	LAM	3	65	w3iz	figs-abstractnouns	May your condemnation be upon them	The abstract noun “condemnation” can be expressed with the verbs “condemn” or “curse.” Alternate translation: “Condemn them” or “Curse them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
325	LAM	3	66	zs3c	figs-metonymy	from under the heavens	Here “from under the heavens” represents everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “wherever they are on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
326	LAM	4	intro	v761			# Lamentations 4 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The story of Judah being destroyed continues in this chapter. Famine destroyed the rulers and the priests. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]])
327	LAM	4	1	rhc4	writing-poetry	General Information:	A new poem begins. See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]].
328	LAM	4	1	su7t	figs-metaphor	The gold has become tarnished; how the purest gold has changed	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
329	LAM	4	1	v4ij	figs-exclamations	how the purest gold has changed	This is an exclamation that shows the author’s sadness that this has happened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
330	LAM	4	1	d474	figs-metaphor	The holy stones are scattered at the corner of every street	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
331	LAM	4	1	ild2		at the corner of every street	“wherever the streets come together” or “by all the roads”
332	LAM	4	2	va3j	figs-metaphor	sons of Zion	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
333	LAM	4	2	ld1a	figs-metaphor	they are worth no more than clay jars, the work of the potter’s hands	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
334	LAM	4	3	a5ip		General Information:	Because of the lack of food in the city, the people of Jerusalem do not give their children all they need.
335	LAM	4	3	m7cj		the jackals offer the breast to nurse their cubs	This means that mother jackals feed their baby jackals.
336	LAM	4	3	k8ik		jackals	fierce wild dogs
337	LAM	4	3	c37l	figs-simile	the daughter of my people … like the ostriches in the desert	The people in Jerusalem are compared to ostriches because they are cruel to their children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
338	LAM	4	3	ty21	figs-metonymy	the daughter of my people has	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
339	LAM	4	3	g4l2		ostriches	large birds that abandon some of their eggs
340	LAM	4	4	zp13		The tongue of the nursing baby sticks to the roof of his mouth by thirst	“Nursing babies are so thirsty that their tongues stick to the top of their mouths”
341	LAM	4	5	sft1		feast on	“eat much”
342	LAM	4	5	p6wj		now starve in the streets	These people no longer have homes, so they live outside along the streets.
343	LAM	4	5	sg4z	figs-activepassive	Those who were brought up wearing scarlet clothing	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those who grew up wearing scarlet clothing” or “those who wore scarlet clothing when they were growing up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
344	LAM	4	5	xp9m	figs-metonymy	scarlet clothing	Here this phrase is a metonym for luxurious, expensive, and comfortable clothing, at least some of which was probably scarlet. Alternate translation: “luxurious clothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
345	LAM	4	5	l3s2		now lie on piles of ashes	This is because they no longer have homes and soft beds.
346	LAM	4	6	nw5s		The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom	The abstract noun “punishment” can be expressed with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “The daughter of my people has been punished more severely than Sodom was punished”
347	LAM	4	6	ef77	figs-metonymy	the daughter of my people	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
348	LAM	4	6	l7zs	figs-activepassive	which was overthrown in a moment	The word “which” refers to Sodom. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which God destroyed in a moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
349	LAM	4	6	xk36	figs-activepassive	no hands were wrung for her	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one wrung their hands for her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
350	LAM	4	6	wg9e	figs-metonymy	no hands were wrung for her	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
351	LAM	4	7	gvp4	figs-metaphor	Her leaders were purer than snow, whiter than milk	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
352	LAM	4	7	wu6d		Her leaders	“Jerusalem’s leaders”
353	LAM	4	7	cw2z	figs-explicit	their bodies were more ruddy than coral	“their bodies were redder than coral.” This implies that they were healthy. Alternate translation: “their bodies were healthy and red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
354	LAM	4	7	a385		coral	a rock-hard red substance that comes from the ocean and was used for making decorations
355	LAM	4	7	b9bt		sapphire	a costly blue stone used in jewelry
356	LAM	4	8	i6jn		Their appearance now is darker than soot	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.
357	LAM	4	8	es9a	figs-activepassive	they are not recognized	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can recognize them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
358	LAM	4	8	hhs8	figs-explicit	Their skin has shriveled on their bones	This implies that there was not much muscle or fat under the skin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
359	LAM	4	8	asf7	figs-simile	it has become as dry as wood	Their dry skin is compared to dry wood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
360	LAM	4	9	ke6f	figs-metonymy	Those who have been killed by the sword	Here the “sword” represents an enemy’s attack. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Those whom enemy soldiers have killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
361	LAM	4	9	k4rk	figs-metonymy	those killed by hunger	Here “hunger” represents starvation. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those who starved to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
362	LAM	4	9	zt2w		who wasted away	“who became extremely thin and weak”
363	LAM	4	9	s8er	figs-metonymy	pierced by the lack of any harvest from the field	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
364	LAM	4	10	sfz2	figs-synecdoche	The hands of compassionate women	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
365	LAM	4	10	e7bm		they became their food	“their children became the women’s food”
366	LAM	4	10	bac1	figs-metonymy	the daughter of my people was	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
367	LAM	4	11	i5ys	figs-parallelism	Yahweh showed all his wrath; he poured out his fierce anger	Yahweh was very angry, and he did everything he wanted to do to show that he was angry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
368	LAM	4	11	xr4z	figs-metaphor	he poured out his fierce anger	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
369	LAM	4	11	tc8v	figs-metonymy	He kindled a fire in Zion	This represents God causing Israel’s enemies to start a fire in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “He caused a fire to start in Zion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
370	LAM	4	11	ml4m	figs-synecdoche	that consumed her foundations	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
371	LAM	4	12	qvf1		The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the inhabitants of the world believe,	“The kings of the earth and the rest of the inhabitants of the world did not believe”
372	LAM	4	12	iy64	figs-doublet	enemies or opponents	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
373	LAM	4	13	pz3y	figs-parallelism	the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
374	LAM	4	13	t6hn	figs-metonymy	who have shed the blood of the righteous	Both the priests and the prophets were guilty of murder. Here “shed the blood” represents murder. Alternate translation: “who have murdered the righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
375	LAM	4	14	ah77	figs-metaphor	They wandered, blind, through the streets	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
376	LAM	4	14	b7ti	figs-metaphor	They were so defiled by that blood	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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
377	LAM	4	14	dpi8	figs-metonymy	defiled by that blood	“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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
378	LAM	4	15	qtp2		Away! Unclean	“Go away! You are unclean”
379	LAM	4	15	uf2c		Away! Away! Do not touch	“Go away! Go away! Do not touch us”
380	LAM	4	16	s74r		scattered them	“scattered the prophets and priests”
381	LAM	4	16	a7if	figs-metonymy	he does not watch over them anymore	Here “watch over them” represents being concerned about them and helping them. Alternate translation: “he does not care about them anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
382	LAM	4	17	j6ac	figs-metonymy	Our eyes failed, looking in vain for help	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
383	LAM	4	17	gw6x	figs-abstractnouns	for help	The abstract noun “help” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “for people to help us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
384	LAM	4	17	ep11		in vain	without succeeding
385	LAM	4	17	j62q	figs-metaphor	we watched for a nation that could not rescue us	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
386	LAM	4	18	ah5m	figs-metonymy	They followed our steps	Here “our steps” represents where they went. Alternate translation: “Our enemies followed us everywhere we went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
387	LAM	4	18	sgr6	figs-metaphor	Our end was near	Here “near” is a metaphor for “soon.” Alternate translation: “Our end would be soon” or “Our enemies would soon destroy us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
388	LAM	4	18	g9cv	figs-explicit	Our end	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
389	LAM	4	18	m59p	figs-metaphor	our days were numbered	Being numbered represents being so few that they could be easily counted. Alternate translation: “we had very little time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
390	LAM	4	18	knb5	figs-metaphor	our end had come	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
391	LAM	4	19	a693	figs-simile	Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles in the sky	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
392	LAM	4	19	q2y4		lay in wait for us	“waited to attack us”
393	LAM	4	20	k8w6	figs-metaphor	he was the one who was captured in their pits	Here “pits” refers to the enemies’ plans to capture him. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
394	LAM	4	20	l1a8	figs-distinguish	of whom it was said	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
395	LAM	4	20	d6rl	figs-metaphor	Under his shadow we will live among the nations	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
396	LAM	4	21	x8qp	figs-doublet	Rejoice and be glad	“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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
397	LAM	4	21	k5q4	figs-personification	daughter of Edom	The people of the land of Edom are spoken of as if they were a woman. They were Israel’s enemy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
398	LAM	4	21	d53p	figs-metaphor	But to you also the cup will be passed	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
399	LAM	4	22	i7ub	figs-personification	Daughter of Zion	The people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])\
400	LAM	4	22	y3mu	figs-abstractnouns	your punishment will come to an end	“your punishment will end.” The abstract noun punishment can be expressed with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh will stop punishing you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
401	LAM	4	22	jt3i		he will not extend your exile	“Yahweh will not make your time in exile longer” or “Yahweh will not make you stay in exile longer”
402	LAM	4	22	c3zn	figs-metaphor	he will uncover your sins	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
403	LAM	5	intro	si98			# Lamentations 5 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Judah was destroyed for her sin. As slaves, life was very hard. The author wondered if God would be angry forever. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])
404	LAM	5	1	hj48	writing-poetry	General Information:	A new poem begins. See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]].
405	LAM	5	1	a5gv	figs-idiom	Remember, Yahweh, what has happened to us	“Remember” here is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, think about what has happened to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
406	LAM	5	1	q2dv		look and see our disgrace	“look at the shameful state we are in”
407	LAM	5	2	iwh9	figs-activepassive	Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers; our houses to foreigners	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
408	LAM	5	3	ijy8	figs-metaphor	We have become orphans … our mothers are like widows	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
409	LAM	5	3	alg7	figs-parallelism	orphans, the fatherless	These two phrases have the same meaning and emphasize that the people no longer have their fathers. Alternate translation: “orphans who have no fathers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
410	LAM	5	4	b28p	figs-explicit	We must pay silver for the water we drink … our own wood	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
411	LAM	5	4	it5l	figs-activepassive	we must pay silver to get our own wood	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “our enemies sell us our own wood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
412	LAM	5	5	a9sx		Those who are coming after us	“Our enemies who are chasing after us.” This refers to the Babylonian army.
413	LAM	5	5	nf7c	figs-metaphor	we can find no rest	This speaks of being able to rest as if “rest” were an object that could be found. Alternate translation: “we are unable to rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
414	LAM	5	6	ysv9	figs-idiom	We have given ourselves to Egypt and to Assyria to get enough food	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
415	LAM	5	7	ecx8	figs-euphemism	they are no more	This refers to them being dead. Alternate translation: “they have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
416	LAM	5	7	zhr6	figs-metonymy	we bear their iniquities	Here “iniquities” represents the punishment received because of their ancestors’ sins. Alternate translation: “we bear the punishment for their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
417	LAM	5	8	em5u	figs-explicit	Slaves rule over us	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.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
418	LAM	5	8	ku5l	figs-metonymy	to deliver us from their hand	Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “to rescue us from their control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
419	LAM	5	9	nl6v	figs-metonymy	bread	Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
420	LAM	5	9	uiq1	figs-metonymy	because of the sword in the wilderness	Here robbers with swords are represented by their “swords.” Alternate translation: “because there are robbers in the wilderness who kill others with swords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
421	LAM	5	10	r3jf	figs-simile	Our skin has grown as hot as an oven because of the burning heat of hunger	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
422	LAM	5	11	z35x	figs-parallelism	Women are raped in Zion, and virgins in the cities of Judah	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
423	LAM	5	11	y3me	figs-activepassive	Women are raped … and virgins	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Our enemies have raped the women … and the virgins” or “Our enemies have violated the women … and the virgins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
424	LAM	5	12	zb12		Princes are hung up by their own hands	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.
425	LAM	5	12	g7iq	figs-activepassive	no honor is shown to the elders	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they have shown no honor to the elders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
426	LAM	5	13	f7ub	figs-activepassive	Young men are forced	This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They force young men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
427	LAM	5	13	fzz3	figs-explicit	boys stagger under heavy loads of wood	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
428	LAM	5	14	ji4x		the city gate	This is where the elders would give legal advice, but also where people would meet socially.
429	LAM	5	14	j6xc	figs-metaphor	the young men have left their music	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
430	LAM	5	15	l248	figs-synecdoche	The joy of our heart	Here the word “heart” refers to the whole person and emphasizes their emotions. Alternate translation: “Our joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
431	LAM	5	16	j13s	figs-metonymy	The crown has fallen from our head	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
432	LAM	5	17	gbn4	figs-metonymy	For this our heart has become sick	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
433	LAM	5	17	tqx4	figs-explicit	for these things our eyes grow dim	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
434	LAM	5	18	p4v1		for Mount Zion lies desolate	Here “Mount Zion” refers to Jerusalem. The phrase “lies desolate” means that no one lives there.
435	LAM	5	18	i8us		jackals	These are fierce wild dogs. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 4:3](../04/03.md).
436	LAM	5	19	x9jh	figs-metonymy	sit upon your throne	Here sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “rule as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
437	LAM	5	19	bv71	figs-idiom	from generation to generation	This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “always” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
438	LAM	5	20	kf3s	figs-rquestion	Why do you forget us forever? Why do you forsake us for the length of your days?	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!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
439	LAM	5	20	yr7c	figs-idiom	for the length of your days	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
440	LAM	5	21	igv8		Restore us to yourself	“Bring us back to yourself”
441	LAM	5	22	bh9w		unless you have utterly rejected us and you are angry with us beyond measure	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.
442	LAM	5	22	x3ad	figs-hypo	are angry with us beyond measure	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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

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