Lamentations 3:38
Lamentations 3:38 in Multiple Translations
Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?
Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
Out of the mouth of the Most High cometh there not evil and good?
Do not evil and good come from the mouth of the Most High?
When the Most High speaks it can be a disaster or a blessing.
Out of the mouth of the most high proceedeth not euill and good?
From the mouth of the Most High Go not forth the evils and the good.
Doesn’t evil and good come out of the mouth of the Most High?
Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
Mem. Shall not both evil and good proceed out of the mouth of the Highest?
God in heaven [MTY] is [RHQ] the one who causes disasters to happen, and he also causes good things to happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:38
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 3:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/פִּ֤י
עֶלְיוֹן֙
לֹ֣א
תֵצֵ֔א
הָ/רָע֖וֹת
וְ/הַ/טּֽוֹב
מִ/פִּ֤י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
עֶלְיוֹן֙
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵצֵ֔א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הָ/רָע֖וֹת
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fp
וְ/הַ/טּֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Conj | Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:38
מִ/פִּ֤י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
עֶלְיוֹן֙
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
לֹ֣א
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.
תֵצֵ֔א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/רָע֖וֹת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fp
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/הַ/טּֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Conj | Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:38
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:38
Context — God’s Justice
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? 40Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 45:7 | I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things. |
| 2 | Amos 3:6 | If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 32:42 | For this is what the LORD says: Just as I have brought all this great disaster on this people, so I will bring on them all the good I have promised them. |
| 4 | Job 2:10 | “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. |
| 5 | Psalms 75:7 | but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:26 | Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. |
Lamentations 3:38 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is in control of everything that happens in our lives, both good and bad. It's not always easy to understand why bad things happen, but we can trust that God is good and loves us, as seen in Psalm 136:1. Just like a parent allows their child to face challenges to help them grow, God may allow us to face adversity to help us grow in our faith and trust in Him, as explained in James 1:2-4. By acknowledging God's sovereignty and control, we can learn to trust Him more deeply and find peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God really cause bad things to happen to us?
According to Lamentations 3:38, both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High, which means God is sovereign over all things, including difficult circumstances, as seen in Isaiah 45:7 and Job 2:10.
How can we trust God when bad things happen?
We can trust God because He is good and loving, as stated in Psalm 100:5, and He works all things together for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Is it wrong to question God when we face adversity?
While it's natural to have questions, Lamentations 3:39 reminds us that our sins and limitations can lead to complaining, but we should instead examine our ways and turn back to the Lord, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:40 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.
What does it mean for adversity and good to come from the mouth of the Most High?
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all aspects of our lives, as declared in Psalm 115:3 and Daniel 4:35, highlighting His power and wisdom in allowing or bringing about both good and difficult circumstances.
Reflection Questions
- How have I responded to adversity in my life, and what can I learn from Lamentations 3:38 about trusting God in those times?
- In what ways have I experienced God's goodness and provision, and how can I acknowledge and thank Him for those blessings?
- What sins or areas of my life need examination and repentance, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:40, and how can I turn back to the Lord?
- How can I balance the reality of God's sovereignty with the mystery of suffering and adversity, and what role does faith play in navigating these complexities?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:38
Out of the mouth of the most High proceed not evil and good?] Certainly they do; they come to pass, both one and the other, as God has pronounced, and his will determined; even "evils", as it is in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:38
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 3:38
In the Hebrew the form of these words is interrogatory, as much as if he should say, Doth not evil come out of God’ s mouth from his direction and command, and from his providence, as well as good? He speaks of evils of punishment, judicial afflictive dispensations; so it agreeth with . It is no reproach unto God to make him the author of his own punishments, though we call them evil.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
Lamentations 3:38 Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?Ver. 38. Out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth not evil and good?] i.e., Prosperity and adversity; q.d., Who doubteth of that? Talk not then of fate and blind fortune.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
(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 3:38
38. Cp. Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:38
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 3:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Behold, Thou Art There by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the limited understanding of human beings compared to God's infinite knowledge. He highlights the comforting fact that even though we m |
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The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God |
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Studies in Esther-02 Esther 4 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the darkest moment in the book of Esther, where the people of God were sentenced to death. Despite the silence of God and unanswered prayers |
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Dualism and Gnosticism by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II addresses the Gnostic Dualism philosophy that presents a false belief in a great struggle between equal and opposite forces of good and evil, contrary to biblical t |
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From Confusion to Clarity by Norman Grubb | Norman Grubb delves into the profound mystery of God's seemingly contradictory actions, emphasizing the unity in God's purposes amidst the duality we perceive in the world. He expl |
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The Moral Nature and Fitness of Things Considered by John Gill | John Gill addresses the sermon 'The Moral Nature and Fitness of Things Considered' by Samuel Chandler, critiquing the notion that moral good and evil exist independently of God's w |
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Above the Clouds by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the beauty and significance of clouds in our lives, drawing parallels between the clouds in the sky and the challenges we face. He emphasizes that |