Lamentations 1:20
Lamentations 1:20 in Multiple Translations
See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is death.
Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.
Behold, O Jehovah; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled; My heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: Abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.
See, O Lord, for I am in trouble; the inmost parts of my body are deeply moved; my heart is turned in me; for I have been uncontrolled: outside the children are put to the sword, and in the house there is death.
Can't you see, Lord, how upset I am? Inside I am in turmoil; my heart is breaking because I've been so rebellious. Outside, the sword kills those I love; inside, it's like I'm living in the house of death.
Behold, O Lord, howe I am troubled: my bowels swell: mine heart is turned within me, for I am ful of heauinesse: the sword spoyleth abroad, as death doeth at home.
See, O Jehovah, for distress [is] to me, My bowels have been troubled, Turned hath been my heart in my midst, For I have greatly provoked, From without bereaved hath the sword, In the house [it is] as death.
“Look, LORD; for I am in distress. My heart is troubled. My heart turns over within me, for I have grievously rebelled. Abroad, the sword bereaves. At home, it is like death.
Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; my heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.
Res. Behold, O Lord, for I am in distress, my bowels are troubled: my heart is turned within me, for I am full of bitterness: abroad the sword destroyeth, and at home there is death alike.
Yahweh, see that we are suffering very much. It is as though our inner beings are tormented. We are sad [SYN] because we have rebelled against you. Our enemies kill people in the streets with their swords; people are dying because they have no food to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 1:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Lamentations 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רְאֵ֨ה
יְהוָ֤ה
כִּֽי
צַר
לִ/י֙
מֵעַ֣/י
חֳמַרְמָ֔רוּ
נֶהְפַּ֤ךְ
לִבִּ/י֙
בְּ/קִרְבִּ֔/י
כִּ֥י
מָר֖וֹ
מָרִ֑יתִי
מִ/ח֥וּץ
שִׁכְּלָה
חֶ֖רֶב
בַּ/בַּ֥יִת
כַּ/מָּֽוֶת
רְאֵ֨ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
צַר
tsârar
H6887
to confine
Adj
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
מֵעַ֣/י
mêʻeh
H4578
belly
N-mp | Suff
חֳמַרְמָ֔רוּ
châmar
H2560
to aggitate
V-j-Perf-3cp
נֶהְפַּ֤ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/קִרְבִּ֔/י
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מָר֖וֹ
mârâh
H4784
to rebel
V-Qal-Ptc
מָרִ֑יתִי
mârâh
H4784
to rebel
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מִ/ח֥וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
שִׁכְּלָה
shâkôl
H7921
be bereaved
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
בַּ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
כַּ/מָּֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 1:20
רְאֵ֨ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
צַר
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
Adj
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
מֵעַ֣/י
mêʻeh
H4578
"belly"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to the internal organs, like the intestines or stomach, and can also mean sympathy or emotions. The KJV translates it as belly, bowels, or womb, depending on the context.
Definition: 1) internal organs, inward parts, bowels, intestines, belly 1a) inward parts 1b) digestive organs 1c) organs of procreation, womb 1d) place of emotions or distress or love (fig.) 1e) external belly Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְעָא "belly" H4577)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: belly, bowels, [idiom] heart, womb. See also: Genesis 15:4; Psalms 71:6; Psalms 22:15.
חֳמַרְמָ֔רוּ
châmar
H2560
"to aggitate"
V-j-Perf-3cp
To be red means to have a reddish color. In the Bible, this word can also mean to be troubled or upset. The Hebrew word châmar is used to describe something that is red or fermented.
Definition: 1) to boil, foam, foam up, ferment 1a) (Qal) to boil, foam up 1b) (Poalal) to be troubled, be in turmoil
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: daub, befoul, be red, trouble. See also: Exodus 2:3; Psalms 75:9; Psalms 46:4.
נֶהְפַּ֤ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
בְּ/קִרְבִּ֔/י
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מָר֖וֹ
mârâh
H4784
"to rebel"
V-Qal-Ptc
To rebel means to resist or disobey authority, often in a stubborn or defiant way. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's disobedience towards God or their parents.
Definition: 1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against 1a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious 1a1) towards father 1a2) towards God 1b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious). See also: Numbers 20:10; Psalms 78:17; Psalms 5:11.
מָרִ֑יתִי
mârâh
H4784
"to rebel"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To rebel means to resist or disobey authority, often in a stubborn or defiant way. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's disobedience towards God or their parents.
Definition: 1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against 1a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious 1a1) towards father 1a2) towards God 1b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious). See also: Numbers 20:10; Psalms 78:17; Psalms 5:11.
מִ/ח֥וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
שִׁכְּלָה
shâkôl
H7921
"be bereaved"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
Barrenness refers to the inability to have children. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who has lost a child or is unable to conceive, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:5-6.
Definition: 1) to be bereaved, make childless, miscarry 1a) (Qal) to be bereaved 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make childless 1b2) to cause barrenness, show barrenness or abortion 1b3) to miscarry 1c) (Hiphil) miscarrying (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: bereave (of children), barren, cast calf (fruit, young), be (make) childless, deprive, destroy, [idiom] expect, lose children, miscarry, rob of children, spoil. See also: Genesis 27:45; Isaiah 49:21; Jeremiah 15:7.
חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
בַּ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
כַּ/מָּֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Lamentations 1:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 1:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 1:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 1:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 1:20
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 1:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
- Sermons on Lamentations 1:20
Context — How Lonely Lies the City!
18The LORD is righteous, yet I rebelled against His command. Listen, all you people; look upon my suffering. My young men and maidens have gone into captivity.
19I called out to my lovers, but they have betrayed me. My priests and elders perished in the city while they searched for food to keep themselves alive.
20See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is death.
21People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that You have caused it. May You bring the day You have announced, so that they may become like me. 22Let all their wickedness come before You, and deal with them as You have dealt with me because of all my transgressions. For my groans are many, and my heart is faint.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 2:11 | My eyes fail from weeping; I am churning within. My heart is poured out in grief over the destruction of the daughter of my people, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:25 | Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man. |
| 3 | Isaiah 16:11 | Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 7:15 | The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague. |
| 5 | Job 30:27 | I am churning within and cannot rest; days of affliction confront me. |
| 6 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:19 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 14:18 | If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 31:20 | Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. |
| 10 | Luke 18:13–14 | But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
Lamentations 1:20 Summary
This verse describes a person who is deeply troubled and upset because they have disobeyed God. They feel a great deal of turmoil inside, like their heart is racing, and they are aware that their rebellion has led to suffering, both from outside enemies and from their own guilt and shame (as seen in Psalm 51:3). The speaker is acknowledging their sin and the consequences that follow, much like what is written in Galatians 6:7-8, where it is warned that we will reap what we sow. By recognizing the gravity of their sin, the speaker is taking the first step towards repentance and restoration with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'churning within' as described in Lamentations 1:20?
This phrase suggests a deep sense of turmoil and anguish, similar to what David experienced in Psalm 42:5, where he felt his soul was cast down within him, and he was disturbed.
How does the speaker's rebellion against God contribute to their suffering?
The speaker acknowledges that their rebellion against God's command, as mentioned in Lamentations 1:18, has led to their distress, illustrating the consequence of sin as seen in Proverbs 28:13, where it is written that those who conceal their transgressions will not prosper.
What is the significance of the 'sword bereaving' and 'death inside' in Lamentations 1:20?
The sword bereaving outside and death inside symbolize the dual threat of external enemies and internal spiritual decay, reminiscent of Deuteronomy 32:25, where it is written that the sword will be outside and terror will be inside, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's judgment on disobedience.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance?
The speaker's acknowledgment of their rebellion and the resulting distress serves as a call to repentance, echoing the sentiment of 1 John 1:9, which encourages believers to confess their sins to receive forgiveness and cleansing from God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I have rebelled against God's commands, and how has this led to suffering in my life?
- How do I respond to God when I am 'churning within' and experiencing turmoil, and what can I learn from the speaker's example in Lamentations 1:20?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Lamentations 1:20 to my own life, acknowledging the consequences of sin and seeking forgiveness and restoration?
- What role does repentance play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a posture of humility and confession in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 1:20
Behold, O Lord, for I [am] in distress,.... Thus she turns from one to another; sometimes she addresses strangers, people that pass by; sometimes she calls to her lovers; and at other times to God,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 1:20
Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
The petition is of the same nature as before, a petition for mercy, as the product of that pity and compassion which extreme misery begets in good souls, (and is ascribed unto God, though found in him in a much more perfect degree, 86:15 111:4) through the eyes affecting the heart. The argument the prophet useth is drawn from the misery this people was now in, which he expresseth metaphorically, telling us their bowels were troubled, their heart turned, signifying the more inward disturbance of their mind; or more plainly, and that both generally, saying they were in distress, and more particularly by the great judgments of the sword and famine, the sword in the field, the famine in the city; unless the sword alone be meant both without and within the gates of the city. In all this the church justifieth God, confessing this was but the righteous product of her sin, by which, she having formerly subjected herself to God, had grievously rebelled; for as all men are born subjects to God, so by their sins they are become rebels; so it is a great aggravation of men’ s rebellion against the Lord, when they have formerly taken an oath of fealty to the Lord, and, as Moses said, avouched the Lord as their God.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
Lamentations 1:20 Behold, O LORD; for I [am] in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home [there is] as death.Ver. 20. Behold, O Lord, for I am in distress.] Thus ever and anon she is lifting up her soul to God, by a holy apostrophe, in some short yet pithy expressions. And surely if a long look toward God speedeth, how much more a hearty ejaculation, as here! My bowels are troubled.] Lutulant, bulliunt, vel intumescunt: non solum fluctuant, aut strepunt, ut alibi. My bowels boil and bubble, or are thick and muddy, as waters are after and in a tempest: or it is a metaphor from mortar made by mingling water with lime and sand. She was in a great perturbation, and sought ease by submitting to God’ s justice, and imploring his mercy. Mine heart is turned within me.] Or, Turneth itself upside down. See Hosea 11:8. For I have grievously rebelled.] This was the right way to get ease and settle all within - viz., to confess sin with aggravation, putting in weight, laying on load. Abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.] Famine especially, which is worse than the sword. “ Et plurima mortis imago. ” “ Even the most intense image of death.” R.
Solomon interpreteth it of evil angels.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
(20) Behold, O Lord . . .—Deserted by men, the mourner appeals to Jehovah. “Bowels” and “heart” are used almost as synonymous for the deepest emotions of the soul. The word for “troubled,” elsewhere (Psalms 75:8) used of colour, might, perhaps, be better rendered inflamed.At home there is as death.—The “as” seems inserted to give the emphasis of the undefined. It is not death pure and simple that makes each home tremble, but the “plurima mortis imago” (Virg. Aen. ii. 369), the starvation, disease, exhaustion, which all were deadly, i.e. deathlike, in their working.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
Verse 20. Abroad the sword bereaveth] WAR is through the country; and at home death; the pestilence and famine rage in the city; calamity in every shape is fallen upon me. Virgil represents the calamities of Troy under the same image: - ______ Nec soli poenas dant sanguine Teucri: Quondam etiam victis redit in praecordia virtus; Victoresque cadunt Danai. Crudelis ubique Luctus, ubique Pavor, et plurima mortis imago. AEneid. lib. ii. 366. "Not only Trojans fall; but, in their turn, The vanquished triumph, and the victors mourn. Ours take new courage from despair and night; Confused the fortune is, confused the fight. All parts resound with tumults, plaints, and fears; And grisly death in sundry shapes appears." DRYDEN. So Milton - "_____________________ Despair Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch; And over them triumphant Death his dart Shook." Par. Lost, B. xi. 489.
Jeremiah, Jeremiah 9:21, uses the same image: - Death is come up into our windows: He hath entered our palaces, To cut off the infants without, And the young men in our streets. So Silius Italicus, II. 548: - Mors graditur, vasto pandens cava guttura rletu, Casuroque inhians populo. "Death stalks along, and opens his hideous throat to gulp down the people."
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 1:20
20. With description of her distress Zion combines prayer, appealing to Jehovah for redress. my bowels] See on Jeremiah 31:20. are troubled] lit. are in a ferment. is turned] cannot rest, is violently agitated. at home there is as death] As violent death is imminent for those who stir abroad, so even those who remain within are like to die of pestilence. See Jeremiah 9:21, and for note on this special sense of death Jeremiah 15:2. The “as” (in Heb. a consonantal prefix) is hard to interpret and should perhaps be omitted.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 1:20
Troubled - Or, inflamed with sorrow. Turned within me - Agitated violently. At home there is as death - i. e. “in the house” there are pale pining forms, wasting with hunger, and presenting the appearance of death.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 1:20
20. Abroad the sword… at home… as death — Why “as” is introduced here does not clearly appear, but the general thought is plain.
Sermons on Lamentations 1:20
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God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He warns that America is experiencing an abundance of material blessing |
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A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
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Dependable Priest by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds t |
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The Power of Prayer by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based |
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The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |
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Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not lusting after evil things, drawing from the example of the Israelites in the Bible. He explains that their story serve |