Lamentations 3:20
Lamentations 3:20 in Multiple Translations
Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.
My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is bowed down within me.
My soul still keeps the memory of them; and is bent down in me.
I certainly haven't forgotten. I remember it all too well, so I sink into depression.
My soule hath them in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
Remember well, and bow down doth my soul in me.
My soul still remembers them, and is bowed down within me.
My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
Zain. I will be mindful and remember, and my soul shall languish within me.
I will never forget this time when I feel very depressed/discouraged [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:20
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 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זָכ֣וֹר
תִּזְכּ֔וֹר
ו/תשיח
וְ/תָשׁ֥וֹחַ
עָלַ֖/י
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
זָכ֣וֹר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Ptc
תִּזְכּ֔וֹר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
ו/תשיח
shûwach
H7743
to sink
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
וְ/תָשׁ֥וֹחַ
shûwach
H7743
to sink
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עָלַ֖/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:20
זָכ֣וֹר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Ptc
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
תִּזְכּ֔וֹר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
ו/תשיח
shûwach
H7743
"to sink"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To sink can be physical, like bowing down, or emotional, like feeling depressed. In the Bible, it can describe someone feeling humble or sad, like when people bowed down to God in worship. It involves lowering oneself.
Definition: 1) to sink down, be bowed down, be humble 1a) (Qal) to sink down 1b) (Hiphil) of depression of the mind
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bow down, incline, humble. See also: Psalms 44:26; Proverbs 2:18; Lamentations 3:20.
וְ/תָשׁ֥וֹחַ
shûwach
H7743
"to sink"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To sink can be physical, like bowing down, or emotional, like feeling depressed. In the Bible, it can describe someone feeling humble or sad, like when people bowed down to God in worship. It involves lowering oneself.
Definition: 1) to sink down, be bowed down, be humble 1a) (Qal) to sink down 1b) (Hiphil) of depression of the mind
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bow down, incline, humble. See also: Psalms 44:26; Proverbs 2:18; Lamentations 3:20.
עָלַ֖/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:20
Context — The Prophet’s Hope
18So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.”
19Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall.
20Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.
21Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 42:11 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. |
| 2 | Psalms 42:5–6 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon— even from Mount Mizar. |
| 3 | Job 21:6 | When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror. |
| 4 | Psalms 43:5 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. |
| 5 | Psalms 44:25 | For our soul has sunk to the dust; our bodies cling to the earth. |
| 6 | Psalms 146:8 | the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. |
Lamentations 3:20 Summary
[Lamentations 3:20 tells us that the soul can remember and become humbled, which means that our experiences, including difficult ones, can help us recognize our limitations and weaknesses, and turn to God in humility, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where a broken spirit is described as a sacrifice to God. This humbling process is a natural part of spiritual growth, as we learn to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, rather than our own abilities. By reflecting on our experiences and acknowledging our need for God, we can cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where believers are called to trust in the Lord with all their heart.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the soul to be humbled within?
This phrase suggests a deep sense of sorrow and recognition of one's own limitations, as seen in Lamentations 3:20, and is similar to the idea of being 'poor in spirit' in Matthew 5:3, where one recognizes their spiritual bankruptcy before God.
Is humbling oneself a negative experience?
While humbling oneself can be painful, it is a necessary step towards spiritual growth, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6, where believers are called to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, that He may exalt them in due time.
How does one's soul remember and become humbled?
This process often involves reflection on one's past experiences, acknowledging mistakes and weaknesses, and recognizing God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 42:1-2, where the psalmist remembers God and pours out his soul to Him.
What role does memory play in spiritual growth?
Remembering one's experiences, both positive and negative, can play a significant role in spiritual growth, as it allows believers to learn from their mistakes, appreciate God's faithfulness, and develop a deeper understanding of His character, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-5, where the Israelites are called to remember their wilderness experiences.
Reflection Questions
- What are some experiences in your life that have humbled you, and how have they shaped your relationship with God?
- In what ways do you struggle with pride or self-reliance, and how can you cultivate a more humble spirit?
- How does remembering your past experiences, including difficulties and struggles, help you trust in God's goodness and sovereignty?
- What does it mean for you to 'remember' God, as the psalmist does in Psalm 42:1-2, and how can you cultivate this practice in your own life?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:20
My soul hath [them] still in remembrance,.... That is, according to our version, affliction and misery, compared to wormwood and gall: but the words, "my soul", are fetched from the next clause,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:20
Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
That is, I cannot forget them, and the thoughts of them sink my spirits.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
Lamentations 3:20 My soul hath [them] still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.Ver. 20. My soul hath them still in remembrance.] But it is not good to plod overly much in this case. Such bitter pills should be swallowed whole, and not chewed upon, unless it be for our further humiliation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
(20) My soul hath . . .—The verb, as in Lamentations 3:17, may be either in the second person or the third; the former gives, Thou wilt surely remember that my soul is humbled. Psalms 42:4 supports the Authorised version.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:20
Verse 20. By soul - is humbled in me.] It is evident that in the preceding verses there is a bitterness of complaint against the bitterness of adversity, that is not becoming to man when under the chastising hand of God; and, while indulging this feeling, all hope fled. Here we find a different feeling; he humbles himself under the mighty hand of God, and then his hope revives, Lamentations 3:21.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Saving Repentance by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that saving repentance is characterized by a deep contrition and grief of heart for sins committed, often referred to as godly sorrow. He illustrates this |
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Your Passion for God by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of longing for something more in his preaching and his relationship with God. He expresses a dissatisfaction with just g |
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Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to |
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Fighting the Blues by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are not alone in facing challenges and doubts. He encourages listeners to reject negative thoughts and |
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(Through the Bible) Nehemiah 1-7 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of discouragement and fear that can hinder people from pursuing the word of God. He encourages the listeners to remember the Lord as |
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Overcoming Depression by Neil T. Anderson | Neil T. Anderson addresses the pervasive issue of depression, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the importance of understanding both the emotional and spiritual dimensio |
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(Through the Bible) Romans 15-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about television preachers who deceive believers with clever and entertaining speeches. He emphasizes the importance of being wise |