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Lamentations 4:6

Lamentations 4:6 in Multiple Translations

The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her.

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her.

For the punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of Sodom, which was overturned suddenly without any hand falling on her.

Jerusalem's punishment is worse than sinful Sodom's, which was destroyed in a brief moment, without the help of human hands.

For the iniquitie of the daughter of my people is become greater then the sinne of Sodom, that was destroyed as in a moment, and none pitched campes against her.

And greater is the iniquity of the daughter of my people, Than the sin of Sodom, That was overturned as [in] a moment, And no hands were stayed on her.

For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown as in a moment. No hands were laid on her.

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

Vau. And the iniquity of the daughter of my people is made greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and hands took nothing in her.

The people of Sodom were struck with a disaster very suddenly, and there was no one to rescue them; but my people have been punished more severely than the people of Sodom were punished.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:6

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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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙ עֲוֺ֣ן בַּת עַמִּ֔/י מֵֽ/חַטַּ֖את סְדֹ֑ם הַֽ/הֲפוּכָ֣ה כְמוֹ רָ֔גַע וְ/לֹא חָ֥לוּ בָ֖/הּ יָדָֽיִם
וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙ gâdal H1431 to magnify Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲוֺ֣ן ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cs
בַּת bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs
עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff
מֵֽ/חַטַּ֖את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin Prep | N-fs
סְדֹ֑ם Çᵉdôm H5467 Sodom N-proper
הַֽ/הֲפוּכָ֣ה hâphak H2015 to overturn Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
כְמוֹ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep
רָ֔גַע regaʻ H7281 moment N-ms
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
חָ֥לוּ chûwl H2342 to twist V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ֖/הּ Prep | Suff
יָדָֽיִם yâd H3027 hand N-cd
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:6

וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙ gâdal H1431 "to magnify" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
עֲוֺ֣ן ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
בַּת bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מֵֽ/חַטַּ֖את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" Prep | N-fs
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
סְדֹ֑ם Çᵉdôm H5467 "Sodom" N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
הַֽ/הֲפוּכָ֣ה hâphak H2015 "to overturn" Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
כְמוֹ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
רָ֔גַע regaʻ H7281 "moment" N-ms
This word describes a very short space of time, like the blink of an eye. It can be translated as a moment, instant, or suddenly.
Definition: 1) a moment adv 2) for a moment, at one moment...at another moment with prep 3) in a moment
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: instant, moment, space, suddenly. See also: Exodus 33:5; Isaiah 26:20; Psalms 6:11.
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.
חָ֥לוּ chûwl H2342 "to twist" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
בָ֖/הּ "" Prep | Suff
יָדָֽיִם 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.

Study Notes — Lamentations 4:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 19:25 Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground.
2 Luke 12:47 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
3 Luke 10:12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
4 Isaiah 1:9–10 Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
5 Ezekiel 16:48–50 As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did as you and your daughters have done. Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.
6 Lamentations 4:9 Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.
7 Matthew 24:21 For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.
8 Matthew 11:23–24 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
9 Daniel 9:12 You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.

Lamentations 4:6 Summary

This verse says that the punishment for God's people, Israel, is worse than the punishment for the very wicked city of Sodom. This is because Israel knew God's laws and promises, like those found in Exodus 20:1-17, but still chose to disobey Him. The comparison to Sodom, which was destroyed quickly, shows that Israel's suffering was more prolonged and severe. This teaches us that knowing and disobeying God's commands has serious consequences, as also warned in 2 Peter 2:20-21, and we should strive to follow His ways to avoid such punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible mean by 'the daughter of my people' in Lamentations 4:6?

The phrase 'daughter of my people' refers to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:18 and Isaiah 45:11, where God speaks of Israel as His child.

How could the punishment of Israel be greater than that of Sodom, which was notorious for its wickedness?

The punishment of Israel is considered greater because Israel had a special covenant relationship with God, as stated in Exodus 19:5, and therefore, their rebellion against Him was more severe, much like the principle stated in Luke 12:48, where much is required from those to whom much is given.

What is the significance of Sodom being overthrown 'in an instant without a hand turned to help her'?

This phrase highlights the sudden and complete nature of Sodom's destruction, as described in Genesis 19:24-25, emphasizing that Sodom's punishment, though severe, was swift and decisive, unlike the prolonged suffering of Israel, as hinted at in Lamentations 4:6.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of judgment in the Bible?

This verse fits into the biblical theme of God's judgment, where sin is met with consequences, as seen in Romans 6:23, and it underscores the importance of obedience to God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, to avoid such punishments.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on sin and rebellion, and how should this impact my own walk with God?
  2. In what ways can I apply the lesson of Israel's punishment to my own life, recognizing the severity of sin and the importance of repentance?
  3. How does the comparison between Israel and Sodom challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy, as discussed in Psalm 103:8-10?
  4. What role does covenant relationship play in God's dealings with His people, and how does this influence His response to their disobedience, as seen in Hebrews 10:26-31?

Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:6

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people,.... In the long siege of their city, and the evils that attended it, especially the sore famine: is greater than the punishment of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:6

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:6

The word translated punishment signifies also iniquity, as was said in the notes on . The sins of the Jews are compared to the sins of Sodom, ,48,49; hence their rulers are called rulers of Sodom, ; either their sins were specifically the same (as they were) as to many sins, , or they were of an equal magnitude and provocative nature. The prophet here complains that they were punished like Sodom, ; yea, and their punishment was greater, because more lingering and gradual, whereas Sodom was overthrown in a moment, and that by no human hands that abode upon her, causing her a continued torment, as there did upon the Jews. David said, It is better to fall into the immediate hand of God than into the hands of men.

Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:6

Lamentations 4:6 For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.Ver. 6. For the punishment of the iniquity of Zion is greater.] For Sodom was destroyed by angels, Zion by malicious men. The enemies were not enriched by Sodom, as they were by Zion. Sodom was destroyed in an instant; not so Zion, for she had her punishment piecemeal; first a long siege, and then the loss of all, after a world of miseries sustained in the siege. Julius Caesar was wont to say, It is better once to fall than always to hang in suspense. Augustus wished that he might die suddenly. His life he called a comedy, and said that he thought he had acted his part therein pretty handsomely. Now, if he might soon pass through death, he would hold it a happiness. Soldiers’ wish is thus set forth by the poet: “ Quid enim? concurritur, horae Momento aut cita mors venit aut victoria laeta. ” It is the ancient and manful fashion of the English (who are naturally most impatient with lingering mischiefs) to put their quarrels to the trial of the sword, as the chronicler observeth. Speed, 963.

Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:6

(6) The punishment of the iniquity.—Better, The iniquity of the daughter of my people was greater than the sin of Sodom. The words in both cases point to guilt rather than its penalty, though, as the context shows, the greatness of the former is inferred from that of the latter. The point of comparison was that Sodom was not doomed to a protracted misery, like that which had been the lot of Jerusalem. No hands stayed on her . . .—Literally, no hands went round about her: i.e., her destruction was the direct work of God, and not of human agents, with their more merciless tortures. (Comp. 2 Samuel 24:14.) The main thought may be noticed as reproduced in Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:24.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:6

Verse 6. For the punishment] He thinks the punishment of Jerusalem far greater than that of Sodom. That was destroyed in a moment, while all her inhabitants were in health and strength; Jerusalem fell by the most lingering calamities; her men partly destroyed by the sword, and partly by the famine. Instead of no hands stayed on her, Blayney translates, "Nor were hands weakened in her." Perhaps the meaning is, "Sodom was destroyed in a moment without any human labour." It was a judgment from God himself: so the sacred text: "The LORD rained down fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven." See Genesis 19:24.

Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:6

6. the iniquity—the sin] rather than as mg. and A.V. the punishment of the iniquity—the punishment of the sin. There is no assertion in this part of the v. as to the comparative amount of punishment, but from the admitted fact that the sufferings of Jerusalem exceeded those of Sodom, it is inferred that the sin must have been in like proportion. Sodom perished in a moment, there were no prolonged sufferings, such as are brought about or directly administered by the hand of man. were laid upon her] The words are susceptible of various interpretations: no hands raged (whirled) about her (Ewald), too swiftly, even for men to wring their hands (Löhr). The verb is used of a tempest in Jeremiah 23:19; Jeremiah 30:23. The mg. here suggests fell, comparing 2 Samuel 3:29.

Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:6

Rather, “For” the iniquity “of the daughter of my people was greater than” the sin “of Sodom.” The prophet deduces this conclusion from the greatness of Judah’s misery (compare Jeremiah 30:11; see also Luke 13:1-5).

Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:6

6. The punishment — The margin, iniquity, is to be preferred. The sin of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom.

Sermons on Lamentations 4:6

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson The Beggars Are a Sign by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the pastor focuses on Lamentations 4 and describes the state of society and the people of God. He emphasizes how the nation, once pure and founded on righteous prin
Oswald J. Smith Five Solemn Facts by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes five solemn facts about salvation. Firstly, not everyone will be saved, and the listeners are urged to reflect on their own standing. Secondl
C.H. Spurgeon Joshua's Obedience by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying close to the word of God and one's conscience in order to prosper in life. The sermon highlights the folly of bein
Tim Conway Hell Is a Good Place - It Vindicates Gods Glory by Tim Conway In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of hell and its significance in understanding the severity of sin and the sacrifice of Christ. He emphasizes the security of the w
Ron Bailey The Baptism (Part 1) by Ron Bailey In this sermon, Peter asks Jesus if his parable is meant for all or just for them. Jesus responds by discussing the qualities of a faithful and wise servant who will be rewarded by
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Mark 6-7 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus walking on water and feeding the multitude. He emphasizes the significance of the fourth watch of the night, which is from
Chuck Smith The Man God Hates by Chuck Smith This sermon delves into the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's wickedness and departure from God's laws. It emphasizes the impo

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