Lamentations 3:39
Lamentations 3:39 in Multiple Translations
Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins?
Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
What protest may a living man make, even a man about the punishment of his sin?
Why should any human being complain about the results of their sins?
Wherefore then is the liuing man sorowfull? man suffreth for his sinne.
What — sigh habitually doth a living man, A man for his sin?
Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Why doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Mem. Why hath a living man murmured, man suffering for his sins?
So it is certainly not [RHQ] right for us, who are only humans, to complain when he punishes us for the sins that we have committed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:39
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 3:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
יִּתְאוֹנֵן֙
אָדָ֣ם
חָ֔י
גֶּ֖בֶר
עַל
חטא/ו
חֲטָאָֽי/ו
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יִּתְאוֹנֵן֙
ʼânan
H596
to complain
V-r-Imperf-3ms
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
חָ֔י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
גֶּ֖בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חטא/ו
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-ms | Suff
חֲטָאָֽי/ו
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:39
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יִּתְאוֹנֵן֙
ʼânan
H596
"to complain"
V-r-Imperf-3ms
This word means to complain or grumble, often in a loud or public way. It describes someone who is unhappy or discontent. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' complaints against God and Moses.
Definition: (Hithpael) complain, murmur
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: complain. See also: Numbers 11:1; Lamentations 3:39.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
חָ֔י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
גֶּ֖בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
חטא/ו
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-ms | Suff
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
חֲטָאָֽי/ו
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-mp | Suff
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:39
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:39
Context — God’s Justice
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. 41Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:3 | A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. |
| 2 | Micah 7:9 | Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. |
| 3 | Genesis 4:5–7 | but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 30:15 | Why do you cry out over your wound? Your pain has no cure! Because of your great iniquity and your numerous sins I have done these things to you. |
| 5 | Job 11:6 | and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. |
| 6 | Lamentations 3:22 | Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. |
| 7 | Genesis 4:13–14 | But Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” |
| 8 | Hebrews 12:5–12 | And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. |
| 9 | Joshua 7:6–13 | Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them. |
| 10 | Isaiah 38:17–19 | Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness. The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness. |
Lamentations 3:39 Summary
[Lamentations 3:39 teaches us that, because we are sinners, we shouldn't complain about the hard things that happen in our lives, as the Bible says in Job 2:10 and 1 Peter 2:20. Instead, we should remember that God is in control and trust Him, even when things are tough, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse is reminding us to be humble and honest about our sins, and to look to God for help and forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 38:18 and 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can learn to trust God more and complain less, and find peace in His presence, as promised in Philippians 4:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Lamentations 3:39?
The main point of Lamentations 3:39 is that, given the reality of our sins, we have no right to complain about our circumstances, as the Bible teaches that our sins have consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15 and Jeremiah 2:19.
Is it ever okay to express dissatisfaction with our situation?
While Lamentations 3:39 cautions against complaining, the Bible does allow for honest expression of emotions, as seen in Psalm 42:11, but it should always be balanced with trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:33-36.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
Lamentations 3:39 is connected to the idea that God is in control of all things, including both good and bad circumstances, as mentioned in Isaiah 45:7, and that our response should be one of humility and trust, rather than complaint.
What is the relationship between this verse and the preceding verse, Lamentations 3:38?
Lamentations 3:38 sets the stage for Lamentations 3:39 by establishing that both adversity and good come from God, which underscores the idea that we should not complain, given our sinful state, and instead should turn to Him, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:40 and Psalm 51:17.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I complain about my circumstances, and how can I shift my focus to trusting God's sovereignty?
- How does recognizing my own sinfulness impact my response to difficult situations?
- What are some practical ways I can 'examine and test my ways' as mentioned in Lamentations 3:40, in light of Lamentations 3:39?
- How can I balance honest expression of emotions with trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as taught in Psalm 56:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:39
Wherefore doth a living man complain?.... Or murmur, or fret and vex, or bemoan himself; all which the word (k) may signify; as the prophet had done in his own person; or as representing the church,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:39
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 3:39
This verse admits of various senses, caused from the various interpretation of the Hebrew word, which we translate complain, which also signifies to mourn or grieve; so some render it, Why doth a living man grieve or vex himself? But the word is noted most generally to signify complaining or murmuring. The word also which we translate sin sometimes signifieth that oblique act which we call sin; and those who interpret the former grieve or vex, thus understand the word translated sin, supplying some such words as these, Let him mourn for his sin. Why doth he mourn for his afflictions and plagues? let him rather spend his tears upon his sins. But the word also signifies the guilt of sin, or obligation to death, which it layeth men under: Sin lieth at the door, ; so also ; and also any punishment brought upon men for sin, , where we translate it punishment. This sense our translators follow. The prophet then, in the person of the Jews, checks himself in his complaints for their punishments from the consideration, that nothing had befallen them but what was the just reward of their sins.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
Lamentations 3:39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?Ver. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain?] Mourn immoderately, or murmur causelessly. 1. If he mourn, let him mourn for his sin as the cause of his suffering; let him revenge upon that. 2. If he be tempted to murmur, let him remember that he is yet alive, and that is more than his part cometh to, since it is the Lord’ s mercy that he is not consumed, and sent packing hence to hell. Life in any sense is a sweet mercy, even that which to the afflicted may seem a lifeless life. Let this patient us, that we are yet alive. A man for the punishment of his sins.] Heb., Man for his sin. For sin doth as naturally draw and suck punishments to it as the loadstone doth iron or turpentine fire; wherefore also the same word in Hebrew signifieth both.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
(39) Wherefore doth a living man . . .—Better, Why doth a man who lives? i.e., whose life is spared him (comp. Jeremiah 45:5), with all its possibilities of good, complain of sufferings which, however unjust as far as those who cause them are concerned, are, in relation to the sufferer, the just punishment of his own sins?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
Verse 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain] He who has his life still lent to him has small cause of complaint. How great soever his affliction may be, he is still alive; therefore, he may seek and find mercy unto eternal life. Of this, death would deprive him; therefore let not a living man complain.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:39
39. The E.VV., making the whole line to be a question, are more in consonance with the construction of the two earlier members of the group, than is the other proposed rendering, viz. Of what should a living man complain? Each (should complain) of his sins. In that case we should require mourn rather than “complain.” living] i.e. why should a man murmur at misfortunes, when they are due to him for his sin? a man … his sins] mg. (less well) a man that is in his sins.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:39
39. Living man — “Living” is emphatic. There is some difficulty as to the last clause of this verse, which has led to different translations.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Lamentations by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being double-minded and unstable in one's ways, as mentioned in the book of James. He emphasizes that God does not speak both |
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He Who Has Deserved a Hanging by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the concept of divine justice, arguing that those who have sinned and deserve punishment should not complain when they face consequences. He uses the analo |
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The Meritorious Cause of All Our Sorrows and Sufferings by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our sorrows and sufferings are often a direct result of our sins, urging believers to reflect on their actions rather than complain about their afflic |
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Why Should Any Living Man Complain by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that it is unreasonable for any living man to complain when facing punishment for his sins, as all humans deserve far worse than their current sufferings. |
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The Sharpest Dealings of God With You by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sins and the mercy of God in the face of our trials. He argues that any suffering we endure is less than what we trul |
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Bible Survey - Lamentations by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Lamentations, emphasizing the consequences of immorality, idolatry, and injustice faced by Jerusalem due to their disobedience to God. The pro |
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Hell - Part 2 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing the negative aspects of life and embracing change. He uses the example of Jesus, who was seen as a fool by the worl |