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Lamentations 2:21

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Lamentations 2:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion.

King James Version KJV

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied.

American Standard Version ASV

The youth and the old man lie on the ground in the streets; My virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword: Thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast slaughtered, and not pitied.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The young men and the old are stretched on the earth in the streets; my virgins and my young men have been put to the sword: you have sent death on them in the day of your wrath, causing death without pity.

Free Bible Version FBV

The dead, young and old, lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and young women, have been killed by the sword. You killed them when you were angry; you have slaughtered them without mercy.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The yong and the olde lie on the ground in the streetes: my virgins and my yong men are fallen by the sworde: thou hast slaine them in the day of thy wrath: thou hast killed and not spared.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Lain on the earth [in] out-places have young and old, My virgins and my young men have fallen by the sword, Thou hast slain in a day of Thine anger, Thou hast slaughtered — Thou hast not pitied.

World English Bible WEB

“The youth and the old man lie on the ground in the streets. My virgins and my young men have fallen by the sword. You have killed them in the day of your anger. You have slaughtered, and not pitied.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men have fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thy anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Sin. The child and the old man lie without on the ground: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword: thou hast slain them in the day of thy wrath: thou hast killed, and shewn them no pity.

Translation for Translators T4T

The corpses of people of all ages lie in the streets; there are even corpses of young men and young women who have been killed by our enemies’ swords. Because you were very angry, you caused them to be killed; you have slaughtered them without pitying them at all.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 2:21

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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB שָׁכְב֨וּ לָ/אָ֤רֶץ חוּצוֹת֙ נַ֣עַר וְ/זָקֵ֔ן בְּתוּלֹתַ֥/י וּ/בַחוּרַ֖/י נָפְל֣וּ בֶ/חָ֑רֶב הָרַ֨גְתָּ֙ בְּ/י֣וֹם אַפֶּ֔/ךָ טָבַ֖חְתָּ לֹ֥א חָמָֽלְתָּ
שָׁכְב֨וּ shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָ/אָ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
חוּצוֹת֙ chûwts H2351 outside N-mp
נַ֣עַר naʻar H5288 youth N-ms
וְ/זָקֵ֔ן zâqên H2205 old Conj | Adj
בְּתוּלֹתַ֥/י bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin N-fp | Suff
וּ/בַחוּרַ֖/י bâchûwr H970 youth Conj | N-mp | Suff
נָפְל֣וּ nâphal H5307 to fall V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בֶ/חָ֑רֶב chereb H2719 sword Prep | N-fs
הָרַ֨גְתָּ֙ hârag H2026 to kill V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְּ/י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms
אַפֶּ֔/ךָ ʼaph H639 face N-ms | Suff
טָבַ֖חְתָּ ṭâbach H2873 to slaughter V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
חָמָֽלְתָּ châmal H2550 to spare V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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 2:21

שָׁכְב֨וּ shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
לָ/אָ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
חוּצוֹת֙ chûwts H2351 "outside" N-mp
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.
נַ֣עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/זָקֵ֔ן zâqên H2205 "old" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
בְּתוּלֹתַ֥/י bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" N-fp | Suff
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
וּ/בַחוּרַ֖/י bâchûwr H970 "youth" Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a young person, often a chosen or select individual, like a young man in his prime. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of young soldiers. The term emphasizes the idea of being selected or set apart.
Definition: youth, young man
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (choice) young (man), chosen, [idiom] hole. See also: Deuteronomy 32:25; Jeremiah 18:21; Psalms 78:31.
נָפְל֣וּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בֶ/חָ֑רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Prep | 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.
הָרַ֨גְתָּ֙ hârag H2026 "to kill" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
בְּ/י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אַפֶּ֔/ךָ ʼaph H639 "face" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
טָבַ֖חְתָּ ṭâbach H2873 "to slaughter" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to slaughter or kill animals or people, often in a ruthless manner, as seen in violent battles or sacrifices. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament. This concept is also used figuratively to describe spiritual slaughter.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter, butcher 1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: kill, (make) slaughter, slay. See also: Genesis 43:16; Proverbs 9:2; Psalms 37:14.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָמָֽלְתָּ châmal H2550 "to spare" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.
Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.

Study Notes — Lamentations 2:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 36:17 So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar,
2 Lamentations 3:43 You have covered Yourself in anger and pursued us; You have killed without pity.
3 Zechariah 11:6 For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands.”
4 Jeremiah 13:14 I will smash them against one another, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no mercy or pity or compassion to keep Me from destroying them.’”
5 Lamentations 1:15 The Lord has rejected all the mighty men in my midst; He has summoned an army against me to crush my young warriors. Like grapes in a winepress, the Lord has trampled the Virgin Daughter of Judah.
6 Jeremiah 18:21 Therefore, hand their children over to famine; pour out the power of the sword upon them. Let their wives become childless and widowed; let their husbands be slain by disease, their young men struck down by the sword in battle.
7 Lamentations 2:2 Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob. In His wrath He has demolished the fortified cities of the Daughter of Judah. He brought to the ground and defiled her kingdom and its princes.
8 Lamentations 2:17 The LORD has done what He planned; He has accomplished His decree, which He ordained in days of old; He has overthrown you without pity. He has let the enemy gloat over you and exalted the horn of your foes.
9 Ezekiel 8:18 Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”
10 Ezekiel 7:9 I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow.

Lamentations 2:21 Summary

[Lamentations 2:21 is a heartbreaking description of the devastating consequences of God's judgment, where young and old, men and women, are all affected. This verse reminds us that sin has serious consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8, and that we must seek God's mercy and forgiveness. The image of the young and old lying together in the dust of the streets is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and repentance, as taught in 2 Chronicles 7:14. By reflecting on this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and our need for His mercy, as encouraged in Psalm 51:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the young and old lying together in the dust of the streets in Lamentations 2:21?

This image highlights the devastating impact of God's judgment, where all ages and generations are affected, as seen in Lamentations 2:21, and reminds us of the importance of humility and repentance, as taught in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Why did God slay the young men and maidens without compassion, as mentioned in Lamentations 2:21?

God's actions, though difficult to understand, are a result of His righteous judgment on sin, as explained in Romans 6:23, and serve as a reminder of the severity of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and mercy, as encouraged in Psalm 51:1-2.

How can we reconcile the idea of a loving God with the concept of Him slaughtering people without compassion, as described in Lamentations 2:21?

The Bible teaches that God is both loving and just, as seen in Psalm 89:14, and His actions, though sometimes mysterious and difficult to understand, are always motivated by a desire to bring people to repentance and restoration, as demonstrated in Luke 15:11-32.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can apply the lessons of Lamentations 2:21 to my own life, particularly in regards to recognizing the severity of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy?
  2. How can I balance the idea of a loving God with the reality of His judgment, as described in Lamentations 2:21, and what does this mean for my relationship with Him?
  3. In what ways can I be more mindful of the impact of my actions on future generations, as hinted at in Lamentations 2:21, and how can I work to leave a positive legacy?
  4. What are some ways that I can practically demonstrate compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering, as a response to the slaughter described in Lamentations 2:21, and how can I be a source of hope and comfort to them?

Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:21

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets,.... Young men and old men, virgins and aged women; these promiscuously lay on the ground in the public streets, fainting and dying for want of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:21

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:21

None of what sex or age soever are spared: though the hands of the Chaldeans have done this, yet they have been set on and assisted by thee, and have been but the executioners of thy wrath and displeasure.

Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:21

Lamentations 2:21 The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, [and] not pitied.Ver. 21. The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets.] Oh, the woe of war! oh, the bloody work that the sword maketh wheresoever it is in commission! Well may it be called "an evil, an only evil," by an antonomasy. The substitution of an epithet or appellative, or the name of an office or dignity, for a person’ s proper name, as the Iron Duke for Wellington, his Grace for an archbishop. Also, conversely, the use of a proper name to express a general idea, as in calling an orator a Cicero, a wise judge a Daniel. ŒD

Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:21

(21) The young and the old . . .—The thoughts of the mourner turn from the massacre in the sanctuary to the slaughter which did its dread work in every corner of the city.

Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:21

Omit “them” and “and,” which weaken the intensity of the passage.

Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:21

21. Young and… old — More literally, boy and old man.

Sermons on Lamentations 2:21

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
Sir Robert Anderson Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in
Brian Long The Land Is in Ruins, Weep All Ye People! by Brian Long In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the desperate state of the nation during the time of Jeremiah. He emphasizes how Jeremiah's heart was deeply affected by the sins of God's p
Denis Lyle How Near Is Armageddon? by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches about the impending judgment of God upon the earth, drawing parallels between historical events and the biblical prophecy of Armageddon. He explains the signifi
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Zechariah 11-12 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the protection and victory that God provided to Israel during the 1973 war. Despite being outnumbered and facing opposition from the entire wo
Gareth Evans Marked Men #2 by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that illustrate the brokenness and suffering in the world. The first story is about a missionary in Haiti who brings doctors
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