Lamentations 4:2
Lamentations 4:2 in Multiple Translations
How 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!
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
The valued sons of Zion, whose price was the best gold, are looked on as vessels of earth, the work of the hands of the potter!
Look at how the precious people of Zion, worth their weight in gold, are now valued like cheap clay jars made by a potter!
The noble men of Zion coparable to fine golde, howe are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, euen the worke of the handes of the potter!
The precious sons of Zion, Who are comparable with fine gold, How have they been reckoned earthen bottles, Work of the hands of a potter.
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how they are esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
Beth. The noble sons of Sion, and they that were clothed with the best gold: how are they esteemed as earthen vessels, the work of the potter’s hands?
The young men of Jerusalem were as valuable as [MET] large amounts of gold, but now people consider that they are as worthless as ordinary clay pots.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:2
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 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּנֵ֤י
צִיּוֹן֙
הַ/יְקָרִ֔ים
הַ/מְסֻלָּאִ֖ים
בַּ/פָּ֑ז
אֵיכָ֤ה
נֶחְשְׁבוּ֙
לְ/נִבְלֵי
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה
יְדֵ֥י
יוֹצֵֽר
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
צִיּוֹן֙
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
הַ/יְקָרִ֔ים
yâqâr
H3368
precious
Art | Adj
הַ/מְסֻלָּאִ֖ים
çâlâʼ
H5537
to weigh
Art | V-Pual-Inf-c
בַּ/פָּ֑ז
pâz
H6337
pure gold
Prep | N-ms
אֵיכָ֤ה
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
נֶחְשְׁבוּ֙
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
לְ/נִבְלֵי
nebel
H5035
bag
Prep | N-mp
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-ms
מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
יְדֵ֥י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd
יוֹצֵֽר
yâtsar
H3335
to form
N-ms
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 4:2
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
צִיּוֹן֙
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
הַ/יְקָרִ֔ים
yâqâr
H3368
"precious"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is valuable and precious, like costly jewels or highly valued people, as seen in descriptions of honorable women and precious stones in the Bible.
Definition: 1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid 1a) precious 1a1) costly 1a2) precious, highly valued 1a3) precious stones or jewels 1b) rare 1c) glorious, splendid 1d) weighty, influential
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 37:20.
הַ/מְסֻלָּאִ֖ים
çâlâʼ
H5537
"to weigh"
Art | V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to weigh or compare something, like using a balance scale. It appears in the Bible as a way to measure or evaluate things. In some cases, it is translated as 'compare'.
Definition: 1) to weigh, compare 1a) (Pual) 1a1) to be weighed 1a2) weighed (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: compare. See also: Lamentations 4:2.
בַּ/פָּ֑ז
pâz
H6337
"pure gold"
Prep | N-ms
Pure gold, or refined gold, is a valuable metal used in the Bible. It is translated as fine gold in the KJV.
Definition: refined or pure gold
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: fine (pure) gold. See also: Job 28:17; Proverbs 8:19; Psalms 19:11.
אֵיכָ֤ה
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.
נֶחְשְׁבוּ֙
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
לְ/נִבְלֵי
nebel
H5035
"bag"
Prep | N-mp
A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher 1a) skin-bottle, skin 1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol. See also: 1 Samuel 1:24; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalms 33:2.
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
יְדֵ֥י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יוֹצֵֽר
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:2
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:2
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. 4The nursing infant’s tongue clings in thirst to the roof of his mouth. Little children beg for bread, but no one gives them any.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 30:14 | It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 19:11 | and you are to proclaim to them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will shatter this nation and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room to bury them. |
| 3 | Romans 9:21–23 | Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:20 | A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 4:7 | Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. |
| 6 | Zechariah 9:13 | For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man. |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:18 | Among all the sons she bore, there is no one to guide her; among all the sons she brought up, there is no one to take her hand. |
| 8 | Lamentations 5:12 | Princes have been hung up by their hands; elders receive no respect. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 22:28 | Is this man Coniah a despised and shattered pot, a jar that no one wants? Why are he and his descendants hurled out and cast into a land they do not know? |
| 10 | Lamentations 2:21 | Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion. |
Lamentations 4:2 Summary
[This verse is saying that the people of Zion, who were once very precious and valuable to God, are now being treated like common, worthless clay pots. This happened because of their sin and disobedience, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. We can learn from this that our value and worth come from God, and that sin can lead to a loss of that value, but through repentance and faith, we can be restored to our former value, as seen in 1 John 1:9, 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the sons of Zion to be 'worth their weight in pure gold'?
This phrase suggests that the people of Zion were once highly valued and cherished, much like the preciousness of gold, as seen in Psalms 119:127 where the psalmist says 'Therefore I love your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold.'
How did the sons of Zion fall from being valued like gold to being esteemed as jars of clay?
The fall of the sons of Zion from being valued like gold to being esteemed as jars of clay is a result of sin and disobedience, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, where it is written that disobedience to God's commands would lead to severe consequences.
What is the significance of the 'work of a potter’s hands' in this verse?
The 'work of a potter’s hands' refers to the creation of clay vessels, which were common and inexpensive, symbolizing the decreased value of the sons of Zion, as also seen in Isaiah 64:8 where it is written 'But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.'
How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own lives?
We can apply the lesson of this verse by recognizing that our value and worth come from God, and that sin and disobedience can lead to a loss of that value, as written in Romans 3:23, 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have allowed my value and worth to be diminished in the eyes of God or others?
- How can I return to being 'worth my weight in pure gold' in God's eyes, and what steps can I take to restore my value and worth?
- In what ways can I show compassion and care to those around me who may be feeling like 'jars of clay', undervalued and unappreciated?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's Potter's hands, allowing Him to shape and mold me into a vessel of honor?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:2
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold,.... This explains what is meant in Lamentations 4:1; by gold, fine gold, and stones of the sanctuary; not Josiah and his sons, as some Jewish
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:2
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold - (Job 28:16; Job 28:19).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
Either the nobles and great men, or the priests, or the good men amongst the Jews, that for their intrinsic worth and value may be compared to gold, are looked upon no better than earthen vessels, the workmanship of an ordinary potter. God carrying Jeremiah down to the potter’ s house, 19:1, had taught them that they were no more in his hand; he now proveth it by his providence, they were indeed made so, and as miserably and irreparably broken in pieces.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
Lamentations 4:2 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! Ver. 2. The precious sons of Zion.] Those porphyrogeniti, as the Greek emperor’ s children were called, because born and bred up in a room made up of precious stones. Understand it of the Jews in general - God’ s peculiar people, precious in his sight, and therefore honourable; of Zedekiah’ s sons in particular, who - as did also the rest of the Jewish nobility, if Josephus may be believed - powdered their hair with gold dust, to the end that they might glitter and sparkle against the beams of the sun. The precious children of the Church are all glorious within by means of the graces of the Spirit, that golden oil, and the blessings of God "out of Zion," which are far beyond all other the blessings of heaven and of earth. As earthen pitchers.] Weak and worthless. πιμιοι. - Sept. Antiq., lib. viii. cap. 7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
(2) The precious sons of Zion . . .—The adjective is applied not to a special class, priests, nobles, or the like, but to all the “sons of Zion” in their ideal character as a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). They had been “comparable to” (literally, weighed with), i.e., equal to their weight in, fine gold, the work of God. Now they had became as “earthen pitchers,” the work of the potter. We note the comparison as characteristic of the writer (Jeremiah 18:1-6; Jeremiah 19:1-10).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
Verse 2. The precious sons of Zion] The Jewish priests and Jewish believers. Comparable to fine gold] Who were of the pure standard of holiness; holy, because God who called them is holy; but now esteemed no better than earthen pitchers - vessels of dishonour in comparison of what they once were.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:2
2. work of the hands of the potter] as helpless as the earth which is moulded by him.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:2
The precious sons of Zion - The whole nation was consecrated to God, and formed “a kingdom of priests” Exodus 19:6 : in this respect, a type of the Christian Church 1 Peter 2:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:2
2. The phrase precious sons of Zion includes all the chosen people, and not merely a single class of them.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Love of the World by Charles Finney | The preacher delves into the metaphorical use of 'ostrakinos' in the Bible, describing it as fragile or lowly, emphasizing the contrast between the valuable treasure within and the |
|
In the Potters Hands by Steve Hill | This sermon emphasizes how God works uniquely in each of our lives according to His purpose, even when we struggle with the trials and challenges He allows. It highlights the analo |
|
Beloved Let Us Love by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He highlights that true success is not measured by worldly standards, but by God's |
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The Potter and the Clay. (Jer. 18:1-6) by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches on the analogy of the potter and the clay from Jeremiah 18:1-6, emphasizing God's sovereignty and transformative power over His people. He illustrates ho |
|
"Marred: So He Made It Again" by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of God in the sermon 'Marred: So He Made It Again,' using the metaphor of a potter reshaping broken clay. He illustrates how, like th |
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Clay in the Potter's Hand by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound truth of God's sovereignty over our lives, likening us to clay in the potter's hand, as stated in Jeremiah 18:6. He explains that just as |
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No Second Best by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan shares a powerful message about God's transformative work in our lives, likening it to a potter shaping clay. He emphasizes that, like the clay, we often become marre |