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Lamentations 3:28

Lamentations 3:28 in Multiple Translations

Let him sit alone in silence, for God has disciplined him.

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he hath laid it upon him.

Let him be seated by himself, saying nothing, because he has put it on him.

They should sit by themselves in silence, because it's God who has disciplined them.

He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it vpon him.

He sitteth alone, and is silent, For He hath laid [it] upon him.

Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he has laid it on him.

He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

Jod. He shall sit solitary, and hold his peace: because he hath taken it up upon himself.

Those who seek his help should sit by themselves, silently, knowing that it is Yahweh who has allowed/caused them to suffer.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:28

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 3:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יֵשֵׁ֤ב בָּדָד֙ וְ/יִדֹּ֔ם כִּ֥י נָטַ֖ל עָלָֽי/ו
יֵשֵׁ֤ב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Juss-3ms
בָּדָד֙ bâdâd H910 isolation N-ms
וְ/יִדֹּ֔ם dâmam H1826 to silence Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
נָטַ֖ל nâṭal H5190 to lift V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:28

יֵשֵׁ֤ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָּדָד֙ bâdâd H910 "isolation" N-ms
Isolation or separation is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can describe a place or situation that is alone or desolate. The KJV translates it as alone, desolate, or solitary.
Definition: 1) isolation, withdrawal, separation 1a) an isolated city adv 2) alone 2a) security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: alone, desolate, only, solitary. See also: Numbers 23:9; Jeremiah 15:17; Psalms 4:9.
וְ/יִדֹּ֔ם dâmam H1826 "to silence" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.
Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.
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.
נָטַ֖ל nâṭal H5190 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To lift or bear something, as in Exodus 25:12 where the Israelites lifted the Ark of the Covenant. It can also imply imposing a burden on someone. In 2 Kings 5:18, Naaman asks for forgiveness for lifting up the idol he will bear in the temple.
Definition: 1) to lift, bear, bear up 1a) (Qal) to lift, lift over, lift upon, set up 1b) (Piel) to bear up Aramaic equivalent: ne.tal (נְטַל "to lift" H5191)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bear, offer, take up. See also: 2 Samuel 24:12; Isaiah 63:9; Isaiah 40:15.
עָלָֽי/ו 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.

Study Notes — Lamentations 3:28

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 15:17 I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation.
2 Lamentations 2:10 The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground.
3 Psalms 102:7 I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop.
4 Psalms 39:9 I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

Lamentations 3:28 Summary

Lamentations 3:28 is telling us that sometimes, when God is teaching us a lesson, we need to be quiet and still, and just listen to what He is saying. This doesn't mean we're being punished, but rather, God is helping us to learn and grow, just like a parent disciplines their child to teach them right from wrong (Proverbs 3:12). When we sit in silence, we can reflect on our actions and attitudes, and trust that God is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). By being still and silent, we can hear God's voice more clearly and learn to trust in His goodness and love for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'sit alone in silence' in Lamentations 3:28?

This phrase means to quietly reflect on one's circumstances, acknowledging God's discipline and surrendering to His will, much like David did in Psalm 38:9 when he said, 'Lord, my salvation and my glory rest on you.'

Why would God discipline someone, as mentioned in Lamentations 3:28?

God disciplines those He loves, as stated in Hebrews 12:6, to correct and guide them towards a righteous path, just as a loving father disciplines his child to teach them right from wrong, as seen in Proverbs 3:12.

Is sitting in silence a form of punishment or a form of healing?

In the context of Lamentations 3:28, sitting in silence can be seen as both - it is a recognition of God's discipline, which can be painful, but it also allows for quiet reflection and healing, as noted in Psalm 107:20, where God sends His word to heal and deliver us from our afflictions.

How does this verse relate to waiting on God, as mentioned in Lamentations 3:26?

Lamentations 3:28 is a continuation of the idea of waiting on God, where one must be still and silent, trusting in God's sovereignty and timing, much like the instruction in Isaiah 40:31 to wait on the Lord and trust in His strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to sit in silence and reflect on God's discipline?
  2. How can I balance the idea of being still and silent with the need to take action and make decisions in my life?
  3. In what ways can I surrender to God's will, even when I don't understand His ways, and trust in His goodness, as stated in Romans 8:28?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'bear the yoke' of God's discipline, as mentioned in Lamentations 3:27, and how can I apply this principle to my life?
  5. How can I use times of silence and solitude to deepen my relationship with God and hear His voice more clearly, as seen in Psalm 46:10?

Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:28

He sitteth alone,.... Retires from the world, and the men of it, who takes upon him the yoke of Christ; though he is not alone, but God, Father, Son, and Spirit, are with him; and he is with the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:28

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. He ... keepeth silence - the fruit of true docility and patience.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:28

Our English Annotations supplying that, makes the connexion clear, It is good for a man that he sit alone, ; not doing what he doth to be seen of men, but sitting alone, and when he is alone suppressing the mutinies of his spirit, and keeping his soul in subjection to God; because God hath humbled him by his rod, humbling himself to his will.

Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:28

Lamentations 3:28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne [it] upon him.Ver. 28. He sitteth alone.] Sessio solitaria, as being much in meditation, according to that counsel of the preacher, "in the day of adversity consider." And keepeth silence.] When God’ s hand is upon his back, his hand is upon his mouth. See on Lamentations 3:26. Because he hath borne it upon him.] Or, When he hath taken it upon him; taken up his cross, as being active in suffering.

Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:28

(28) He sitteth alone . . .—Better, Let him sit alone, and keep silence when He (Jehovah) hath laid it (the yoke) upon him; and so in the next verses, Let him put his mouth . . . Let him give his cheek.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:28

Verse 28. He sitteth alone] He has learned that necessary lesson of independence, that shows him how he is to serve himself; to give no trouble to others; and keep his troubles, as far as possible, in his own bosom.

Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:28

28. The hortative form is better than mg. He sitteth alone, etc. For sitting alone in grief, cp. Jeremiah 15:17. The connexion is, inasmuch as suffering is really attended with benefit to the sufferer, let him submit readily to it. hath laid] The subject is God.

Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:28

Translate: Let him sit alone and keep silence; For He (God) hath laid the yoke upon him. Let him place his mouth in the dust; Perchance there is hope.

Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:28

28-30. He sitteth — The verbs commencing these verses are apocopated futures, and should be rendered with a passive sense, as: Let him sit alone and keep silence; Let him put his mouth in the dust; Let him give his cheek, etc.

Sermons on Lamentations 3:28

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith Lamentations 3:28 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith reflects on the profound suffering of Christ during His crucifixion, emphasizing that every event was predetermined by God. He highlights Jesus' solitude and silence in
Keith Daniel Desperation, Resignation - Part 2 by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God even in times of despair and bitterness, highlighting the need to cleanse our hearts from unworthy suspicions concerning God's
Leonard Ravenhill Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson, who was once a powerful and mighty warrior, is now imprisoned and bound with ch
Stephen Kaung Faithfulness - Being Called Out & Into by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God. He refers to the letters to the churches in Revelation, specifically the letter to the church in Smyr
Octavius Winslow And He That Sent Me Is With Me: The Father Has Not Left Me Alone by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound solitude experienced by Jesus during His earthly ministry, yet highlights that He was never truly alone because the Father was always with
Thomas Brooks Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod - Part 1 by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of maintaining a silent and humble spirit during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9, where David acknowledges God's sovereignty in his suf
Thomas Brooks Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 2 by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity for Christians to remain mute and silent during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9 to illustrate that silence allows believers to hear the

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