Lamentations 4:17

Lamentations 4:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.

King James Version KJV

As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.

American Standard Version ASV

Our eyes do yet fail in looking for our vain help: In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Our eyes are still wasting away in looking for our false help: we have been watching for a nation unable to give salvation.

Free Bible Version FBV

We wore out our eyes pointlessly looking for help the whole time; we watched from our towers for a nation to come that couldn't save us.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Whiles we waited for our vaine helpe, our eyes failed: for in our waiting we looked for a nation that could not saue vs.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

While we exist — consumed are our eyes for our vain help, In our watch-tower we have watched for a nation [that] saveth not.

World English Bible WEB

Our eyes still fail, looking in vain for our help. In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us .

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Ain. While we were yet standing, our eyes failed, expecting help for us in vain, when we looked attentively towards a nation that was not able to save.

Translation for Translators T4T

We [SYN] continued to look for someone to help us, but it was useless. We continued to watch to see if one of our allies would save us, but none of the nations that we were waiting for could help us.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:17

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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עוד/ינה עוֹדֵ֨י/נוּ֙ תִּכְלֶ֣ינָה עֵינֵ֔י/נוּ אֶל עֶזְרָתֵ֖/נוּ הָ֑בֶל בְּ/צִפִּיָּתֵ֣/נוּ צִפִּ֔ינוּ אֶל גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א יוֹשִֽׁעַ

עוד/ינה ʻôwd H5750 still Adv | Suff

עוֹדֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʻôwd H5750 still Adv | Suff

תִּכְלֶ֣ינָה kâlâh H3615 to end V-Qal-Imperf-3fp

עֵינֵ֔י/נוּ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

עֶזְרָתֵ֖/נוּ ʻezrâh H5833 help N-fs | Suff

הָ֑בֶל hebel H1892 vanity N-ms

בְּ/צִפִּיָּתֵ֣/נוּ tsᵉphîyâh H6836 watch Prep | N-fs | Suff

צִפִּ֔ינוּ tsâphâh H6822 to watch V-Piel-Perf-1cp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

גּ֖וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יוֹשִֽׁעַ yâshaʻ H3467 to save V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:17

עוד/ינה ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv | Suff

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

עוֹדֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv | Suff

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

תִּכְלֶ֣ינָה kâlâh H3615 "to end" V-Qal-Imperf-3fp

This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.

Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.

עֵינֵ֔י/נוּ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

עֶזְרָתֵ֖/נוּ ʻezrâh H5833 "help" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.

הָ֑בֶל hebel H1892 "vanity" N-ms

Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.

Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.

בְּ/צִפִּיָּתֵ֣/נוּ tsᵉphîyâh H6836 "watch" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This word means watchfulness or a lookout post, often used to describe a watchtower, such as in 2 Kings 17:9.

Definition: lookout post, lookout, watchtower

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: watching. See also: Lamentations 4:17.

צִפִּ֔ינוּ tsâphâh H6822 "to watch" V-Piel-Perf-1cp

Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.

Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

גּ֖וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

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.

יוֹשִֽׁעַ yâshaʻ H3467 "to save" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to

Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.

Study Notes — Lamentations 4:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Lamentations 4:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:17
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:17
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17
Sermons on Lamentations 4:17

Context — The Distress of Zion

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.

17All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.

18They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end drew near, our time ran out, for our end had come! 19Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 29:16	Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”
2	Isaiah 20:5	Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.
3	2 Kings 24:7	Now the king of Egypt did not march out of his land again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates River.
4	Lamentations 1:19	I called out to my lovers, but they have betrayed me. My priests and elders perished in the city while they searched for food to keep themselves alive.
5	Ezekiel 29:6–7	Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched.
6	Jeremiah 8:20	“The harvest has passed, the summer has ended, but we have not been saved.”
7	Isaiah 30:1–7	“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.” This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them. Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.
8	Isaiah 31:1–3	Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.
9	Jeremiah 2:18	Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?
10	Jeremiah 2:36	How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria.

Lamentations 4:17 Summary

[Lamentations 4:17 describes a desperate situation where the people of Judah were looking for help but couldn't find it, much like the feeling of being lost and alone. They were watching from their towers, waiting for a nation to come and save them, but that help never came. This verse reminds us that true help and salvation come from God, and we should trust in Him rather than in human strength or alliances, as seen in Psalms 121:1-2. By putting our trust in God, we can find comfort and peace even in the midst of difficult circumstances.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that 'our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help' in Lamentations 4:17?

This phrase suggests that the people of Judah were exhausted and desperate for rescue, but their hopes were continually disappointed, much like the Israelites in Exodus 2:23 who cried out to God for deliverance from their oppressors.

Why did the people of Judah watch from their towers for a nation that could not save them?

The people of Judah were looking to other nations for help and protection, rather than trusting in God, which is a theme also seen in Isaiah 31:1 where the Lord warns against relying on Egypt for deliverance.

How does this verse relate to the concept of trust in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances, as emphasized in Psalms 20:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to put our trust in the Lord and not in earthly powers.

What can we learn from the experience of the people of Judah in this verse?

We can learn the importance of seeking help and salvation from the Lord, rather than from human sources, and to trust in His sovereignty and timing, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28, where God's plans and timing are shown to be perfect and for our good.

Reflection Questions

In what ways do I look to other sources for help and protection, rather than trusting in God?
How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty and timing in my own life, especially in times of uncertainty or desperation?
What are some 'towers' in my life where I am watching and waiting for help that may not come, and how can I shift my focus to trusting in God's provision and rescue?
How can I balance the need for human support and community with the importance of trusting in God as my ultimate source of help and salvation?

Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:17

As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help,.... Or, "while we were yet" (h); a nation, a people, a body politic, in our own land, before the city of Jerusalem was taken, we were looking for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:17

As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17

That is, in expectation of the Egyptians, whom they waited for to raise the siege; it was a long time before they came, and When they did come, they could do them no service at all, ,7,8.

Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17

Lamentations 4:17 As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation [that] could not save [us].Ver. 17. As for us, our eyes as yet failed.] With long and vain looking. "For, As for us," some render, Cum adhuc essemus, while as yet we were - scil., a nation, for now we are none. Fuimus Troes. In our watching we have watched for a nation,] sc., For the Egyptians.

Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17

(17) As for us . . .—Better, Still do our eyes waste away, looking for our vain help.In our watching.—Better, upon our watch-tower. (Comp. Habakkuk 2:1.) The people of Judah are represented as looking out for the approach of an ally, probably Egypt (Jeremiah 37:7), and looking in vain.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17

Verse 17. We have watched for a nation] Viz., the Egyptians, who were their pretended allies, but were neither able nor willing to help them against the Chaldeans.

Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:17

17. The expectation that Egypt or some other nation might come to the rescue, was cherished throughout the year and a half of the siege, and here is set forth the heart-sickness caused by this hope deferred, together with a vivid description of the last thrilling scenes before the capture of the city. That this hope was not shared by Jeremiah is shewn by Jeremiah 37:5-10. See Intr. p. 324. do yet fail] perhaps we should translate (see last note) did fail (Heb. imperfect of graphic description) and so render the verbs that follow, we watched … they hunted … that we could not go … our end drew near … were fulfilled … was come. But the tenses in R.V. may be justifiable, as historic presents, vividly descriptive of the past. In our watching] or, on our watch-tower.

Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:17

A rapid sketch of the last days of the siege and the capture of the king.

Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:17

THE VAIN TRUSTS OF THE PEOPLE, Lamentations 4:17-20.17. As for us — This translation is based on the Keri, which is not to be preferred to the written text.

Sermons on Lamentations 4:17

	Sermon	Description
	Jeremiah by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of a nation being put into bondage for seventy years and then returning. He emphasizes that despite the despairing pictures, the
	Outspoken! by Andrew Strom	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the lack of revival in the Western world, particularly in America, despite being perceived as leaders with abundant resources. They highlight
	The Sin That Has No Forgiveness by William P. Nicholson	In this sermon, the preacher expresses his frustration and desperation in trying to bring people to Christ. He emphasizes that he has done everything he can to warn and save souls,
	Breakthrough (P1) by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, Brother K.P.U. Hannan emphasizes the importance of Christians becoming more like Jesus and seeing people the way He does. He references Romans 29, which states that
	The Soul of a Man by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will face judgment at the great
	The Man God Tore Apart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He warns that America is experiencing an abundance of material blessing
	Road to Reality - Breakthrough - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, KP O'Hanlon emphasizes the importance of looking beyond our own lives and seeing the world as Jesus sees it. He uses the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at t