Lamentations 4:1
Lamentations 4:1 in Multiple Translations
How the gold has become tarnished, the pure gold has become dull! The gems of the temple lie scattered on every street corner.
How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
How is the gold become dim! how is the most pure gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
How dark has the gold become! how changed the best gold! the stones of the holy place are dropping out at the top of every street.
How gold has tarnished! Even pure gold has lost its shine! Jewels from the Temple have been scattered on every street corner.
How is the golde become so dimme? the most fine golde is changed, and the stones of the Sanctuarie are scattered in the corner of euery streete.
How is the gold become dim, Changed the best — the pure gold? Poured out are stones of the sanctuary At the head of all out-places.
How the gold has become dim! The most pure gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
Aleph. How is the gold become dim, the finest colour is changed, the stones of the sanctuary are scattered in the top of every street?
Previously our people were like [MET] pure gold, but now they are worthless. Like [MET] the sacred stones in the temple have been scattered, our young men have been scattered.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:1
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 4:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵיכָה֙
יוּעַ֣ם
זָהָ֔ב
יִשְׁנֶ֖א
הַ/כֶּ֣תֶם
הַ/טּ֑וֹב
תִּשְׁתַּפֵּ֨כְנָה֙
אַבְנֵי
קֹ֔דֶשׁ
בְּ/רֹ֖אשׁ
כָּל
חוּצֽוֹת
אֵיכָה֙
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
יוּעַ֣ם
ʻâmam
H6004
to darken
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
יִשְׁנֶ֖א
shânâʼ
H8132
to change
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/כֶּ֣תֶם
kethem
H3800
gold
Art | N-ms
הַ/טּ֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
תִּשְׁתַּפֵּ֨כְנָה֙
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fp
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
קֹ֔דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms
בְּ/רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חוּצֽוֹת
chûwts
H2351
outside
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:1
אֵיכָה֙
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
יוּעַ֣ם
ʻâmam
H6004
"to darken"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to darken or overshadow, and it is used to describe something that becomes dim or hidden. It appears in the Bible to describe eclipses or things that are hard to see. In some cases, it can also mean to hide or conceal something.
Definition: 1) to dim, darken, grow dark 1a) (Qal) to dim, eclipse, be held dark 1b) (Hophal) to be dimmed, grow dark
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: become dim, hide. See also: Lamentations 4:1; Ezekiel 28:3; Ezekiel 31:8.
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
יִשְׁנֶ֖א
shânâʼ
H8132
"to change"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To change or alter means to make something different, as seen in the Bible where God changes people's hearts or circumstances.
Definition: 1) to change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed Aramaic equivalent: she.na (שְׁנָא "to change" H8133)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: change. See also: 2 Kings 25:29; Ecclesiastes 8:1; Lamentations 4:1.
הַ/כֶּ֣תֶם
kethem
H3800
"gold"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to pure gold, often used to describe valuable items like the golden ornaments in the Temple.
Definition: gold, pure gold
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ((most) fine, pure) gold(-en wedge). See also: Job 28:16; Proverbs 25:12; Psalms 45:10.
הַ/טּ֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
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.
תִּשְׁתַּפֵּ֨כְנָה֙
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
קֹ֔דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
בְּ/רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חוּצֽוֹת
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
N-mp
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:1
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:1
Context — The Distress of Zion
1How the gold has become tarnished, the pure gold has become dull! The gems of the temple lie scattered on every street corner.
2How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in pure gold, are now esteemed as jars of clay, the work of a potter’s hands! 3Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but the daughter of my people has become cruel, like an ostrich in the wilderness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 7:19–22 | They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity. His beautiful ornaments they transformed into pride and used them to fashion their vile images and detestable idols. Therefore I will make these into something unclean for them. And I will hand these things over as plunder to foreigners and loot to the wicked of the earth, who will defile them. I will turn My face away from them, and they will defile My treasured place. Violent men will enter it, and they will defile it. |
| 2 | Lamentations 2:19 | Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street. |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:21 | See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! |
| 4 | Isaiah 14:12 | How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 25:9–10 | He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 52:13 | He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. |
| 7 | Matthew 24:2 | “Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” |
| 8 | Mark 13:2 | “Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” |
| 9 | Luke 21:5–6 | As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” |
Lamentations 4:1 Summary
[Lamentations 4:1 is a sad and powerful verse that describes how the beautiful and precious things in life can become dull and lost. The 'gold' and 'gems' in this verse represent the valuable and important things in our lives, such as our relationships, our faith, and our hope. When these things become tarnished or scattered, it can be a sign that we have lost our way and need to return to God, as described in 1 Peter 1:7. By reflecting on this verse and its message, we can be reminded of the importance of prioritizing our spiritual treasures and seeking God's restoration in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'the gold has become tarnished' in Lamentations 4:1?
This phrase is a metaphor for the loss of spiritual value and purity, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 22:18, where God laments the corrosion of His people's hearts.
What are the 'gems of the temple' that lie scattered on every street corner?
These gems likely refer to the precious items and treasures of the temple in Jerusalem, which have been plundered and scattered as a result of God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 52:17-23.
Is this verse only talking about the physical treasures of the temple, or is there a deeper meaning?
While the verse does describe the physical treasures, it also represents the spiritual treasures of God's people, such as their faith, hope, and love, which have become dull and lost, as described in 1 Peter 1:7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
Lamentations 4:1 is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 61:1-4 and Romans 11:25-27, where God promises to restore and revive His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'gold' and 'gems' in my own life that have become tarnished or lost, and how can I restore them?
- How can I ensure that my spiritual treasures, such as faith and hope, do not become dull and scattered like the gems of the temple?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the lessons of Lamentations 4:1 to my own life and community?
- In what ways can I be a part of restoring and reviving the spiritual treasures of my community, as described in Isaiah 61:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:1
How is the gold become dim!.... Or "covered" (b); or hid with rust, dust, or dirt; so that it can scarcely be discerned: [how] is the most fine gold changed!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:1
How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
CHAPTER 4 Zion bewaileth her misery, confesseth her sins, . Miseries of the chief ones; women who killed and dressed their own children, . The sin of the false prophets and priests; their vain hope, . Their king taken prisoner, . Edom is threatened, and Zion comforted, ,22. Though some take gold here metaphorically, as signifying the most precious things, yet the most and best interpreters take it in its native sense, for the gold which adorned the temple either in its ceiling or in its vessels; the house of the Lord being burnt by Nebuzar-adan, , the gold in and about the temple must needs be discoloured. How! is here a note of admiration. Are poured out in the top of every street; that is, are tumbled down and scattered in the head of every street about the city.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
Lamentations 4:1 How is the gold become dim! [how] is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.Ver. 1. How is the gold become dim.?] How by way of wonderment again, as Lamentations 1:1. - q.d., Quo tanto scelere hominum, et qua tanta indignatione Dei? What have men done, and how hath God been provoked, that there are such strange alterations here all on the sudden? By gold, and fine gold, here understand the temple overlaid by Solomon with choice gold; or God’ s people, his spiritual temple, who had now lost their lustre and dignity. The stones of the sanctuary are poured out.] Come tumbling down from the demolished temple. Pet. a Figueir.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
IV.(1) How is the gold . . .—The chapter, considered as a distinct poem, reproduces in its general character that of Lamentations 1, 2, differing from them, however, in tracing more fully the connection between the sufferings and the sins of Judah. The “gold” and the stones of holiness are none other than the material treasures of palace or temple, and the repetition of the phrase “in the top of every street,” used in Lamentations 2:19 of children, seems intended to indicate that the words include all that was most precious among the possessions of Jerusalem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
CHAPTER IV The present deplorable sate of the nation is now contrasted with its ancient prosperity, 1-12; and the unhappy change ascribed, in a great degree, to the profligacy of the priests and prophets, 13-16. The national calamities are tenderly lamented, 17-20. The ruin of the Edomites also, who had insulted the Jews in their distress, is ironically predicted, 21. See Psalms 137:7, and Obadiah 1:10-12. The chapter closes with a gracious promise of deliverance from the Babylonish captivity, 22. NOTES ON CHAP. IV Verse 1. How is the gold become dim] The prophet contrasts, in various affecting instances, the wretched circumstances of the Jewish nation, with the flourishing state of their affairs in former times. Here they are compared to gold, זהב zahab, native gold from the mine, which, contrary to its nature, is become dim, is tarnished; and even the fine, the sterling gold, כתם kethem, that which was stamped to make it current, is changed or adulterated, so as to be no longer passable. This might be applied to the temple, but particularly to the fallen priests and apostate prophets.
The stones of the sanctuary] אבני קדש abney kodesh, the holy stones; the Jewish godly men, who were even then the living stones of which God built his Church.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:1
1, 2. gold—most pure gold—fine gold] used metaphorically for the citizens, the choicest of whom are also called the stones of the sanctuary. Cp. Zechariah 9:16 (“stones of a crown”).
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:1
The stones of the sanctuary - Or, the hallowed stones, literally stones of holiness, a metaphor for the people themselves.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:1
’S FOR HER SIN, Lamentations 4:1-11.1. Gold, fine gold, and holy stones are symbolical of “the precious sons of Zion,” of the verse following.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Has the Church Lost It's Luster? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton preaches on the dimming of the Church's glory, likening it to the fading of gold's luster in Lamentations 4:1. He highlights the shift from fervent prayer to worldly s |
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Social Conditions by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the na |
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Call for the Wailing Women - Part 4 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon emphasizes the importance of women embodying a meek and quiet spirit that trusts in God, highlighting the need for repentance and mourning over sins such as immodesty, |
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Cry Out for the Children by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of society, particularly the youth, who lack inner strength and hope for the future. He emphasizes that godlessness has infiltrate |
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7. Where Are the Men? by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of men rising up to walk in God's ways, challenging them to be mature, financially stable, loving husbands, wise fathers, and dynamic l |
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K-026 I Love the lord...but by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and the disciples' failure to stand firm in their faith. He then transitions to discussing the first ch |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 11 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the corrupt leaders and rulers who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. He emphasizes that they love bribes and rewar |