Lamentations 3:2
Lamentations 3:2 in Multiple Translations
He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light.
He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.
He hath led me and caused me to walk in darkness, and not in light.
By him I have been made to go in the dark where there is no light.
He has driven me away, forcing me to walk in darkness instead of the light.
He hath ledde mee, and brought me into darkenes, but not to light.
Me He hath led, and causeth to go [in] darkness, and without light.
He has led me and caused me to walk in darkness, and not in light.
He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.
Aleph. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, and not into light.
It was as though he caused me to walk in a very dark place without any light at all.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:2
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 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוֹתִ֥/י
נָהַ֛ג
וַ/יֹּלַ֖ךְ
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
וְ/לֹא
אֽוֹר
אוֹתִ֥/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
נָהַ֛ג
nâhag
H5090
to lead
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יֹּלַ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֽוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:2
אוֹתִ֥/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נָהַ֛ג
nâhag
H5090
"to lead"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.
Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.
וַ/יֹּלַ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
אֽוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:2
Context — The Prophet’s Afflictions
1I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath.
2He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light.
3Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long. 4He has worn away my flesh and skin; He has shattered my bones.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 30:26 | But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell. |
| 2 | Isaiah 59:9 | Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. |
| 3 | Amos 5:18–20 | Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it? |
| 4 | Jude 1:13 | They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 5 | Jude 1:6 | And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. |
| 6 | Job 18:18 | He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world. |
| 7 | Lamentations 3:53–55 | They dropped me alive into a pit and cast stones upon me. The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die. I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 4:23 | I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light. |
| 9 | Lamentations 2:1 | How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of His anger! He has cast the glory of Israel from heaven to earth. He has abandoned His footstool in the day of His anger. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 13:16 | Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. |
Lamentations 3:2 Summary
This verse, Lamentations 3:2, describes a feeling of being driven away by God and forced to walk in darkness instead of light. This can be a really tough and confusing experience, but it's essential to remember that God's love for us doesn't change, even when we feel lost or abandoned (Romans 8:35-39). Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we can trust that God is still with us, even when we can't see or feel His presence (Deuteronomy 8:2-5). By seeking God's truth and promises in the Bible, we can find comfort and guidance, even in the darkest times (Psalm 119:105).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it seem like God is against me, just like the writer of Lamentations?
This feeling of being under God's wrath is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Lamentations 3:2, and can be a result of sin or a test of faith, as explained in Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and Job 23:10.
What does it mean to walk in darkness instead of light?
Walking in darkness refers to a state of spiritual confusion, fear, or uncertainty, whereas walking in light symbolizes being guided by God's truth and presence, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105 and Isaiah 9:2.
Can I trust God even when I feel like He's driven me away?
Yes, despite feelings of abandonment, God's love and care for us remain unwavering, as promised in Romans 8:35-39 and Jeremiah 31:3.
How can I respond when God seems to be turning His hand against me?
In such times, it's essential to remember God's character, as described in Exodus 34:6-7, and to seek comfort in His Word, as encouraged in Psalm 34:17-20 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm walking in darkness, and how can I seek God's light to guide me?
- How do I respond when I feel like God is turning His hand against me, and what scriptures can I turn to for comfort?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty, even when my circumstances seem overwhelming or confusing?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek God's presence and guidance when I feel driven away or lost?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:2
He hath led me, and brought [me into] darkness,.... Which oftentimes signifies distress, calamity, and affliction, of one sort or another: thus the Jews were brought into the darkness of captivity;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:2
He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. I am the man that hath seen affliction - Jeremiah's own affliction in the dungeon of Malchiah (Jeremiah 38:6): that of his countrymen also in the siege.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
Darkness in Scripture (metaphorically taken) signifies ignorance, sin, and misery; and light signifies knowledge, a state of grace, or a state of mirth and jollity; they are both here taken in the latter sense, as light is taken, ; and also darkness is used, . The sense is, God hath not brought me into a joyful and prosperous, but into a sad and calamitous, estate and condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
Lamentations 3:2 He hath led me, and brought [me into] darkness, but not [into] light.Ver. 2. He hath led me and brought me into darkness.] Perstat semper in metaphora a pastoritia, say some, who by rod in the foregoing verse understand God’ s shepherd’ s wand, wherewith, when he is displeased, he driveth his unruly sheep into dark and dangerous places.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
(2) Into darkness.—The moral darkness of perplexity as well as misery. The cry of the mourner was like that of Ajax (Hom. Il. xvii. 647), “Slay me if thou wilt, but slay me in the light.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
Verse 2. He hath - brought me into darkness] In the sacred writings, darkness is often taken for calamity; light, for prosperity.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:2
2. Darkness — Calamity. Light — Prosperity.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Seeks a Man of Prayer by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of justice and salvation in the world, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Vietnam War, the tragedy of the boat peop |
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Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate for God's glory. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness o |
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A Revival Sermon (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative influence of worldly distractions, particularly television, on one's spiritual life. He argues that giving one's heart to world |
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When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the futility of seeking happiness and peace in worldly pursuits, highlighting the emptiness and temporary nature of such endeavors. It delves into the societ |
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(God and Man) Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in our faith. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness of t |
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The Secret of Holiness by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The s |
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Get Ready to Laugh With God by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 2 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty amidst societal challenges and the need for the Church to be a restraining influence against ev |