Lamentations 3:37
Lamentations 3:37 in Multiple Translations
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
¶ Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
Who is able to say a thing, and give effect to it, if it has not been ordered by the Lord?
Who spoke and it came into existence? Wasn't it the Lord who commanded it?
Who is he then that sayth, and it commeth to passe, and the Lord commandeth it not?
Who [is] this — he hath said, and it is, [And] the Lord hath not commanded [it]?
Who is he who says, and it comes to pass, when the Lord doesn’t command it?
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the LORD commandeth it not?
Mem. Who is he that hath commanded a thing to be done, when the Lord commandeth it not?
No one can [RHQ] command something to happen and then cause it to happen if Yahweh has not already decided that it should happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:37
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 3:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֣י
זֶ֤ה
אָמַר֙
וַ/תֶּ֔הִי
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
לֹ֥א
צִוָּֽה
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
זֶ֤ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/תֶּ֔הִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
צִוָּֽה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:37
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
זֶ֤ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
וַ/תֶּ֔הִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
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.
צִוָּֽה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:37
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:37
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:37
Context — God’s Justice
35to deny a man justice before the Most High,
36to subvert a man in his lawsuit— of these the Lord does not approve.
37Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
38Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High? 39Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 33:9–11 | For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. |
| 2 | Isaiah 46:10 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:9 | A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:21 | Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. |
| 5 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 6 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 7 | Ephesians 1:11 | In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, |
| 8 | Romans 9:15 | For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” |
| 9 | James 4:13–15 | Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” |
Lamentations 3:37 Summary
[This verse reminds us that nothing happens in our lives or in the world without God's permission or ordination. It's a powerful statement about God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Romans 11:36, where it says 'from him and through him and to him are all things'. In simple terms, it means that God is in charge and has a plan for everything, and we can trust in His goodness and wisdom, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says 'I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to ordain something?
When the Lord ordains something, it means He has planned or decreed it to happen, as seen in Psalm 33:11, where it says 'the plans of the Lord stand firm forever'
Can anything happen without God's permission?
According to this verse, nothing happens unless the Lord has ordained it, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all things, as also stated in Isaiah 46:10, where God says 'My counsel will stand'
How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?
This verse highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will, suggesting that even human decisions and actions are ultimately under God's control, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, where it says 'the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps'
What is the significance of the phrase 'Who has spoken and it came to pass'?
This phrase emphasizes the power and authority of God's word, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where it says 'so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's sovereignty and ordination?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of the relationship between God's control and human responsibility?
- In what ways can I trust in God's plan and ordination for my life, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's power and authority?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:37
Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass?.... Or, "who [that] says [this shall be], and it cometh to pass?" or, "who [is] he [that] saith [this shall] come to pass?" (i) this, or that, or the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:37
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass. A double question is implied, Who is it that can (as God, Psalms 33:9) effect by a word anything?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
The sense of these words is doubted by none, that nothing cometh to pass in the world but by the disposal of Divine Providence, either effecting it by an immediate influence, or permitting it; but to what end these words are brought in in this place is not so generally agreed. Some think they are brought in to check the blasphemy of some that spake of what had befallen the Jews as a thing which God had no hand in. Others think they are brought in as expounding that term that went before, The Lord seeth not. Though God doth not approve of sinful actions, nor incline any man’ s heart or will to them, yet God hath a hand in the permission of the most cruel and unjust actions, which he could easily hinder. I should rather incline to interpret them as an argument brought by the prophet in the name of the people of God, arguing themselves into a quiet submission to the afflictive providences under which they laboured from the consideration of the superior hand of God in them; as Christ told Pilate, Thou couldst not have had any power against me, if it had not been given thee from above. Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it? .
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
Lamentations 3:37 Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not?Ver. 37. Who is he?] Tam imprudens et imperitus? Can any one be so simple as to think that the enemy could do aught against us but by the divine permission and appointment? God, as he made all by his power, so he manageth all by his providence. This the Egyptians hieroglyphically set forth by painting God, (1.) As blowing an egg out of his mouth - that is, as making the round world by his word; (2.) To compassing about that orb with a girdle - that is, keeping all together, and governing all by his providence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
(37-39) New grounds of patient faith are given: (1) In an echo from Psalms 33:9, affirming the sovereignty of God. The evil which He permits is under the control of this loving purpose; and (2) as far as it is not absolute evil, may be said to come from Him.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:37
25–51. See intr. note.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:37
Why then does a loving God, who disapproves of suffering when inflicted by man upon man, Himself send sorrow and misery?
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:37
37, 38. Who is he, etc. — From the mercy of God, the writer proceeds to his absolute sovereignty — a sovereignty so perfect as that no man saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it
Sermons on Lamentations 3:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Four Essentials to Finishing Well by Jerry Bridges | This sermon emphasizes four essentials for standing firm and enduring to the end based on 2 Timothy chapter 4. It highlights the importance of daily communion with God, daily appro |
|
Of the Sin and Fall of Our First Parents. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the sin and fall of Adam and Eve, emphasizing how they transgressed God's command and fell from their original state of integrity into sin and misery. He expl |
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The Singular Origin of a Christian Man by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of man as God's workmanship, both in the initial creation and in the process of being created anew. The speaker emphasizes the marvels o |
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Seeking His Preeminence - Part 2 by Lehman Strauss | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God. He shares a personal anecdote about his hearing checkup and how it reminded him of the signi |
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Pilgrims Problems No. 11 Evolution by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for Jesus coming to earth and dying for humanity's sins. He also expresses anticipation for Jesus' second coming and the redemption |
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Deep Calleth Unto Deep by John Follette | John Wright Follette preaches about the deep calling unto deep, exploring the profound depths of the human heart's need for God and the corresponding supply found in the great hear |
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How Faith Receives Christ. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the simplicity and power of faith in receiving Christ, illustrating this through the testimony of the Apostle John. He recounts how John, along with Peter a |