Lamentations 4:14
Lamentations 4:14 in Multiple Translations
They wandered blind in the streets, defiled by this blood, so that no one dared to touch their garments.
They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.
They wander as blind men in the streets, they are polluted with blood, So that men cannot touch their garments.
They are wandering like blind men in the streets, they are made unclean with blood, so that their robes may not be touched by men.
They wandered like blind men through the streets, made unclean by this blood, so no one would touch their clothes.
They haue wandred as blinde men in the streetes, and they were polluted with blood, so that they would not touch their garments.
They have wandered naked in out-places, They have been polluted with blood, Without [any] being able to touch their clothing,
They wander as blind men in the streets. They are polluted with blood, So that men can’t touch their garments.
They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.
Nun. They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they were defiled with blood: and when they could not help walking in it, they held up their skirts.
The prophets and priests wandered through the streets as though they were blind. No one would touch them because their clothes were stained with the blood of people who had been killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:14
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 4:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נָע֤וּ
עִוְרִים֙
בַּֽ/חוּצ֔וֹת
נְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ
בַּ/דָּ֑ם
בְּ/לֹ֣א
יֽוּכְל֔וּ
יִגְּע֖וּ
בִּ/לְבֻשֵׁי/הֶֽם
נָע֤וּ
nûwaʻ
H5128
to shake
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עִוְרִים֙
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Adj
בַּֽ/חוּצ֔וֹת
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-mp
נְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ
gâʼal
H1351
to defile
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בַּ/דָּ֑ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
יֽוּכְל֔וּ
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יִגְּע֖וּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בִּ/לְבֻשֵׁי/הֶֽם
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
clothing
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:14
נָע֤וּ
nûwaʻ
H5128
"to shake"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
עִוְרִים֙
ʻivvêr
H5787
"blind"
Adj
This word describes someone who is blind, either physically or unable to see spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 9:27 to describe the two blind men who followed Jesus. The word is also used in Romans 2:19 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: 1) blind 1a) blind (physically) 1b) blind (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: blind (men, people). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:5; Psalms 146:8.
בַּֽ/חוּצ֔וֹת
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | 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.
נְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ
gâʼal
H1351
"to defile"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to make something unclean or impure, often used in Leviticus to describe defiling the temple or oneself. It can also mean to stain or desecrate something, like in Ezekiel 20:16. The concept is about ruining something's purity or holiness.
Definition: 1) to defile, pollute, desecrate 1a) (Niphal) to be defiled, be polluted 1b) (Piel) to pollute, desecrate 1c)(Pual) to be desecrated (of removal from priesthood) 1d) (Hiphil) to pollute, stain 1e) (Hithpael) to defile oneself
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defile, pollute, stain. See also: Ezra 2:62; Lamentations 4:14; Isaiah 59:3.
בַּ/דָּ֑ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בְּ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | 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.
יֽוּכְל֔וּ
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
יִגְּע֖וּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בִּ/לְבֻשֵׁי/הֶֽם
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
"clothing"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to clothing or garments, and sometimes even a wife. It is used in descriptions of how people dress, like in the book of Matthew. The KJV translates it as apparel or clothing.
Definition: clothing, garment, apparel, raiment Aramaic equivalent: le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "garment" H3831)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture. See also: Genesis 49:11; Job 41:5; Psalms 22:19.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:14
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:14
Context — The Distress of Zion
12The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any people of the world, that an enemy or a foe could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
13But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst.
14They wandered blind in the streets, defiled by this blood, so that no one dared to touch their garments.
15“Go away! Unclean!” men shouted at them. “Away, away! Do not touch us!” So they fled and wandered. Among the nations it was said, “They can stay here no longer.” 16The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:34 | Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things |
| 2 | Isaiah 56:10 | Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 28:28–29 | The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind, and at noon you will grope about like a blind man in the darkness. You will not prosper in your ways. Day after day you will be oppressed and plundered, with no one to save you. |
| 5 | Numbers 19:16 | Anyone in the open field who touches someone who has been killed by the sword or has died of natural causes, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. |
| 6 | Micah 3:6–7 | Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.” |
| 7 | Ephesians 4:18 | They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. |
| 8 | Matthew 15:14 | Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 29:10–12 | For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 59:9–11 | Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead. We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but find none, for salvation, but it is far from us. |
Lamentations 4:14 Summary
Lamentations 4:14 describes a scene where people are wandering around, blinded by their sins, and defiled by the blood of innocent people. This defilement makes them unclean, and others are afraid to touch them. This verse teaches us that our sins can have serious consequences, not just for ourselves, but for those around us, as seen in Lamentations 4:13. It reminds us of the importance of living a pure and holy life, as encouraged in 1 Peter 1:15-16, and seeking forgiveness and cleansing from God when we sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be defiled by blood in Lamentations 4:14?
To be defiled by blood means to be made unclean or impure by the shedding of innocent blood, as mentioned in Numbers 35:33-34, which can lead to spiritual and physical consequences.
Why did no one dare to touch their garments in Lamentations 4:14?
No one dared to touch their garments because they were defiled by the blood of the righteous, making them unclean and potentially contagious, as seen in Leviticus 15:5-11, where people who touched someone unclean had to purify themselves.
Is this verse talking about physical or spiritual blindness?
The blindness mentioned in Lamentations 4:14 is likely spiritual blindness, as the people had become so corrupted by their sins that they could not see the error of their ways, similar to what is described in Isaiah 59:10, where the people stumble and grope like the blind.
How does this verse relate to the concept of corporate guilt?
This verse illustrates the concept of corporate guilt, where the entire community is held accountable for the sins of its leaders, as seen in Lamentations 4:13, which states that the prophets and priests shed the blood of the righteous, leading to the defilement of the whole community.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be contributing to the spiritual defilement of my community, and how can I repent and make amends?
- How can I ensure that I am not 'walking blind' in my own spiritual journey, and what steps can I take to stay grounded in God's Word?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'defiled' by the influences of the world, and how can I purify myself through prayer and obedience to God?
- How can I show compassion and love to those who are 'defiled' or struggling with sin, while also maintaining the boundaries and purity that God requires of me?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:14
They have wandered [as] blind [men] in the streets,.... That is, the false prophets and wicked priests; and may be understood either literally, that when the city was taken, and they fled, they were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:14
They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments. They have wandered as blind - with mental aberration.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
A variety of interpreters hath made this text much more difficult than it is. Certainly nothing can appear more reasonable than to interpret the pronoun in the front of the verse relatively, and to fetch the antecedent from the former verse. They, that is, the prophets and the priests, wandered up and down the streets like blind men, being spiritually blind, polluting themselves with blood, either the blood of the children which they slew, or the just men mentioned , the slaughter of whom they either encouraged, or at least did not discourage; so as one could not touch a prophet or a priest but he must be legally polluted, and there were so many of them, that men could not walk in the streets but that he must touch some of them. Some thinking the discourse of the priests done with interpret they of the blind men in the city who could not walk up and down the streets without touching the bodies of some that were slain. Others interpret the words of the common people, who, during the siege, could no more avoid touching bodies slain, and so polluting themselves with blood, than blind men could; so as they abhorred to touch their own garments. The first sense to me seemeth most natural and easy.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
Lamentations 4:14 They have wandered [as] blind [men] in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.Ver. 14. They have wandered as blind men in the streets.] Well might a certain expositor say, Hic versus cure sequentibus varie exponitur. The sense, in short, is this, saith one, that the Jews, misled by their prophets and priests, were so blind in knowledge that every example of sin led to evil, which, for want of grace, they could not refrain from.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
(14) They have wandered . . .—Literally, reeled. The blindness, i.e., either that of the insatiable lust of blood, or of hopeless despair, or both. (Comp. Deuteronomy 28:28; Jeremiah 23:12; Isaiah 29:10.) The horror of the picture is heightened by the fact that the very garments of the priests were so dripping with blood that men shrank from touching them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
Verse 14. They have wandered as blind men in the streets] Rather, "They ran frantic through the streets, they were stained with blood." This was in their pretended zeal for their cause. Bishop Bonner, who was at the head of those sanguinary executions in England, was accustomed to buffet the poor Protestants, when on their examinations they were too powerful for him in argument: - "He proved his doctrine orthodox, By apostolic blows and knocks." Just as his elder brethren, the false priests and prophets of Jerusalem.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:14
14. They] these prophets and priests. wander, etc.] in perplexity and helplessness, stamped with the mark of Cain.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:14
They have wandered - God’s ministers, consecrated to His service, wandered through the city blinded by the insatiable lust of slaughter. It was a pollution to touch their garments.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
14. They have wandered, etc — Namely, those same prophets and priests.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div |
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Beware of Dogs by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of not remaining silent about one's faith. He recounts a plane journey where he noticed people wea |
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A Blind Watchman by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel challenges listeners to be watchmen for God and to declare His truth to the world. He references Isaiah 21:6 and 56:10, highlighting the importance of |
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God Speaking to America - Part 1 by J.C. Hibbard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two individuals who were raised in a Pentecostal environment but have strayed from serving God. The preacher had a dream where he saw their s |
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Mid South Conference 1978-06 Fellowship in the Gospel by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the preacher discusses different levels of spiritual knowledge and growth. He describes the state of being ankle deep, knee deep, and loins deep in knowledge, but e |
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He Acts for Those Who Wait for Him by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of waiting on God, drawing from Isaiah 64, where the prophet pleads for God to rend the heavens and come down. He explains that waiting is n |
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Taking Back Our Nation - Today We Fight by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to reclaim the nation through spiritual warfare, advocating for prayer, humility, and love as the true weapons against socie |