Lamentations 4:7
Lamentations 4:7 in Multiple Translations
Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:
Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.
Her holy ones were cleaner than snow, they were whiter than milk, their bodies were redder than corals, their form was as the sapphire:
Her leaders were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were a healthier red than coral, and they shone like lapis lazuli.
Her Nazarites were purer then the snowe, and whiter then ye milke: they were more ruddie in bodie, then the redde precious stones; they were like polished saphir.
Purer were her Nazarites than snow, Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, Of sapphire their form.
Her nobles were purer than snow. They were whiter than milk. They were more ruddy in body than rubies. Their polishing was like sapphire.
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:
Zain. Her Nazarites were whiter than snow, purer than milk, more ruddy than the old ivory, fairer than the sapphire.
Our leaders’ behavior was previously very pure, whiter and brighter than snow and milk; their bodies were redder than red coral/stones; they were very strong and healthy [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:7
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 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זַכּ֤וּ
נְזִירֶ֨י/הָ֙
מִ/שֶּׁ֔לֶג
צַח֖וּ
מֵ/חָלָ֑ב
אָ֤דְמוּ
עֶ֨צֶם֙
מִ/פְּנִינִ֔ים
סַפִּ֖יר
גִּזְרָתָֽ/ם
זַכּ֤וּ
zâkak
H2141
be clean
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נְזִירֶ֨י/הָ֙
nâzîyr
H5139
Nazirite
N-mp | Suff
מִ/שֶּׁ֔לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
Prep | N-ms
צַח֖וּ
tsâchach
H6705
be dazzling
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מֵ/חָלָ֑ב
châlâb
H2461
milk
Prep | N-ms
אָ֤דְמוּ
ʼâdam
H119
to redden
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֶ֨צֶם֙
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fs
מִ/פְּנִינִ֔ים
pânîyn
H6443
jewel
Prep | N-cp
סַפִּ֖יר
çappîyr
H5601
sapphire
N-ms
גִּזְרָתָֽ/ם
gizrâh
H1508
cutting/separation
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:7
זַכּ֤וּ
zâkak
H2141
"be clean"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be clean means to be pure or bright, physically or morally, as seen in Psalm 51:7 where David asks God to purify him.
Definition: 1) to be pure, be bright, be clean, be bright, clean 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be bright, be shining 1a2) to be clean, be pure 1b) (Hiphil) to cleanse, make cleanse, make clean
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be (make) clean, be pure(-r). See also: Job 9:30; Job 25:5; Lamentations 4:7.
נְזִירֶ֨י/הָ֙
nâzîyr
H5139
"Nazirite"
N-mp | Suff
A Nazirite is a person who is consecrated or devoted to God, often taking a vow to abstain from certain things. This word is used in the Bible to describe someone who is set apart for God's service. It is a term used to describe a person's spiritual commitment.
Definition: 1) consecrated or devoted one, Nazarite 1a) consecrated one 1b) devotee, Nazarite 1c) untrimmed (vine) Also named: ne.zer (נֵ֫זֶר ": consecration" H5145)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Nazarite (by a false alliteration with Nazareth), separate(-d), vine undressed. See also: Genesis 49:26; Numbers 6:21; Amos 2:12.
מִ/שֶּׁ֔לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
Prep | N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
צַח֖וּ
tsâchach
H6705
"be dazzling"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be dazzling or glaringly white, like freshly fallen snow, is what this Hebrew word means. It describes something that shines brightly, often used to describe God's purity in the Bible.
Definition: (Qal) to be dazzling, be aglow, glow
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be whiter. See also: Lamentations 4:7.
מֵ/חָלָ֑ב
châlâb
H2461
"milk"
Prep | N-ms
Chalab means milk, symbolizing richness and abundance. In the Bible, it can refer to the richness of cattle or the abundance of the land. This term is also used to describe white or pale things, like milk or cheese.
Definition: 1) milk, sour milk, cheese 1a) milk 1b) abundance of the land (metaph.) 1c) white (as milk)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, milk, sucking. See also: Genesis 18:8; Judges 4:19; Proverbs 27:27.
אָ֤דְמוּ
ʼâdam
H119
"to redden"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to turn red or flush, often used to describe someone's face. It appears in the Bible to describe people with a ruddy complexion, like David in 1 Samuel 16:12. The word is also used to describe things that are dyed red.
Definition: 1) to be red, red 1a) (Qal) ruddy (of Nazarites) 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be rubbed red 1b2) dyed red 1b3) reddened 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to show red 1c2) to glare 1c3) to emit (show) redness 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to redden 1d2) to grow red 1d3) to look red
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be (dyed, made) red (ruddy). See also: Exodus 25:5; Exodus 39:34; Proverbs 23:31.
עֶ֨צֶם֙
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fs
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
מִ/פְּנִינִ֔ים
pânîyn
H6443
"jewel"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a precious stone, possibly a pearl or ruby, valued for its beauty. It is mentioned in Job 28:18, describing something very valuable.
Definition: 1) a precious stone 1a) perhaps corals, rubies, jewels
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: ruby. See also: Job 28:18; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 3:15.
סַפִּ֖יר
çappîyr
H5601
"sapphire"
N-ms
The sapphire is a precious gemstone mentioned in the Bible, possibly used to scratch other materials, as seen in Exodus 24:10. It is a blue gem, highly valued for its beauty and rarity. The KJV translates it as sapphire.
Definition: sapphire, lapis lazuli
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: sapphire. See also: Exodus 24:10; Song of Solomon 5:14; Isaiah 54:11.
גִּזְרָתָֽ/ם
gizrâh
H1508
"cutting/separation"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to the act of cutting or polishing something, or a separate place. It involves separating or dividing to make something distinct. The word is used in the Bible to describe a place set apart for a specific purpose.
Definition: 1) a cutting, polishing, separation 1a) cutting, polishing 1b) separation, separate place
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: polishing, separate place. See also: Lamentations 4:7; Ezekiel 41:15; Ezekiel 42:13.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:7
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:7
Context — The Distress of Zion
5Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps.
6The 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.
7Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.
8But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick. 9Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 51:7 | Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 5:10 | My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. |
| 3 | Psalms 144:12 | Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 16:12 | So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” |
| 5 | Daniel 1:15 | And at the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. |
| 6 | Judges 13:7 | But he said to me, ‘Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. Now, therefore, do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb until the day of his death.’” |
| 7 | Judges 16:17 | Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” |
| 8 | Judges 13:5 | For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” |
| 9 | Numbers 6:2–21 | “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins. For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long. Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body. Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the crown of consecration to his God is upon his head. Throughout the time of his separation, he is holy to the LORD. If someone suddenly dies in his presence and defiles his consecrated head of hair, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day. On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again. He must rededicate his time of separation to the LORD and bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. But the preceding days shall not be counted, because his separation was defiled. Now this is the law of the Nazirite when his time of separation is complete: He must be brought to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and he is to present an offering to the LORD of an unblemished year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, an unblemished year-old female lamb as a sin offering, and an unblemished ram as a peace offering— together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—and a basket of unleavened cakes made from fine flour mixed with oil and unleavened wafers coated with oil. The priest is to present all these before the LORD and make the sin offering and the burnt offering. He shall also offer the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with the basket of unleavened bread. And the priest is to offer the accompanying grain offering and drink offering. Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering. And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite who has just shaved the hair of his consecration. The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine. This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford; he must fulfill whatever vow he makes, according to the law of his separation.” |
| 10 | Amos 2:11–12 | I raised up prophets from your sons and Nazirites from your young men. Is this not true, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy. |
Lamentations 4:7 Summary
This verse in Lamentations 4:7 describes the former glory of Jerusalem's leaders, comparing them to precious and beautiful things like snow, milk, rubies, and sapphires. It highlights their purity, health, and honor before the judgment. Just like how these leaders fell from their lofty positions, we too can experience a fall from greatness to humility, but God's love and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3, can help us through these times. By recognizing our own sin and brokenness, and depending on God's love and mercy, we can learn to reflect the purity and innocence described in this verse, and find hope in His promise to restore us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the dignitaries were 'brighter than snow, whiter than milk' in Lamentations 4:7?
This description symbolizes the purity and innocence of Jerusalem's leaders before the judgment, much like the description of Jesus Christ in Matthew 17:2, where His face shone like the sun.
How can we apply the image of 'bodies more ruddy than rubies' to our own lives?
This image speaks to the health and vitality that comes from a right relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where David asks God to perfect that which concerns him, indicating a desire for spiritual and physical wholeness.
What is the significance of comparing their appearance to 'sapphires'?
Sapphires were highly valued for their beauty and durability, symbolizing the preciousness and honor of Jerusalem's dignitaries before their fall, similar to how God sees believers as precious in His sight, as stated in Isaiah 43:4.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Lamentations?
Lamentations 4:7 highlights the contrast between Jerusalem's former glory and its current state of devastation, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment, as seen in Lamentations 1:1, where the city is described as a widow, devoid of her former glory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have seen or experienced a similar fall from greatness to humility, and how can I learn from this?
- In what ways can I reflect the purity and innocence described in this verse in my own life, and what steps can I take to pursue this?
- How can I balance the recognition of my own sin and brokenness with the knowledge of God's love and mercy, as seen in Romans 8:37-39?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principles of humility and dependence on God, as illustrated in this verse, to my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazarites were purer than snow,.... Such who separated themselves by a vow to the Lord, and abstained from drinking wine and strong drink, and by a moderate diet, and often washing themselves, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: Her Nazarites - literally, separated ones (Numbers 6:1-27.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
By Nazarites in this place the most and best interpreters do not understand persons who were of the religious order of Nazarites, the laws of which order are to be read Numbers 6, and of whom we read ,12, for here is a beauty described (under several metaphors) which could never agree to them; but persons that were nobly and ingenuously bred; the word Nezer signifying a crown, or ensign of honour, . The name Nazarite was given to persons splendid for their breeding and education, or honour and dignity; it is given to Joseph, , we translate it separate from his brethren, ; so . Her Nazarites in this place signifieth her separated ones, who either in respect of birth, education, estate, places of magistracy, or the like, were distinguished from the rest of the people. He expresseth their former splendid estate by the metaphors of snow, milk, rubies, and sapphires.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
Lamentations 4:7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing [was] of sapphire:Ver. 7. Her Nazarites.] Who served God in a singular way of abstinence above other men. These had their rules given them, which while they observed, They were purer than snow, whiter than milk.] Temperance is the mother of beauty, as luxury is of deformity. This is nothing to the Popish votaries, those epicures and abbey lubbers: “ Quorum luxuriae totus non sufficit orbis. ” Some by Nazarites here understand their nobles, and such as wore coronets on their heads. Nezar is a crown; thus Joseph was a Nazarite; so Daniel and his three associates, in whom that was verified, “ Gratior est pulchro veniens in corpore virtus. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
(7) Her Nazarites . . .—The word has been rendered “princes” by some commentators, on the ground that it means literally those who are “separated” from their brethren (Genesis 49:26; Deuteronomy 33:16), whether by rank or by the vows of consecration. There is no reason, however, for abandoning the rendering of the Authorised version. The reference to the Nazarites in Amos 2:11-12 shows that they were prominent as a body during the history of the monarchy, and the drift of Jeremiah’s mind, as seen in his admiration of the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35), shows that he was likely to think of them with reverence. The temperance, purity, cleanliness of such a body seem to have made them conspicuous among their fellows for an almost angelic beauty. (Comp. the interesting parallel of Dan 1:15.) They had the red and white complexion which was in the East the ideal of comeliness (1 Samuel 17:42; Song Son 5:10). Their “polishing” (better, their form) was faultless, like that of a well cut sapphire. For “rubies” read coral.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
Verse 7. Her Nazarites were purer than snow] נזיר nazir does not always signify a person separated under a religious vow; it sometimes denotes what is chief or eminent. It is applied to Joseph, Genesis 49:26. Blayney therefore translates here, HER NOBLES. "Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were ruddier on the bone than rubies; their veining was the sapphires." On which he remarks: - "In the first line the whiteness of their skin is described, and in the second, their flesh;" and as גזר gazar signifies to divide and intersect, as the blue veins do on the surface of the body, these are without doubt intended. Milk will most certainly well apply to the whiteness of the skin; the beautiful ruby to the ruddiness of the flesh; and the sapphire, in its clear transcendent purple, to the veins in a fine complexion. The reverse of this state, as described in the following verse, needs no explanation. The face was a dismal dark brown, the flesh gone, the skin shrivelled, and apparently wrapped round the bones.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:7
7, 8. Cp. Lamentations 4:1-2. The emaciation produced by famine and hardship is vividly pourtrayed. Cp. Job 19:20; Job 30:30.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:7
The Nazarites from their temperance were remarkable for health and personal beauty, besides being held in religious veneration. Rubies - Or, corals.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:7
7. Nazarites — Men specially devoted to the service of religion. Such an order of men is recognized and regulated in the Mosaic law, but not called into existence by it.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dead to Sin; Alive to God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young doctor who is faced with a difficult situation. The doctor is treating a man who has lost four fingers, but the possibility |
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After We Fail What Then by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from our failures and sins. He encourages listeners not to waste their sins but to use them as opportunities for |
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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |
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My Sin Is Ever Before Me by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing prayer and putting faith into action. He uses examples from the Bible, such as David's downfall after his affa |
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Dead Words by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his admiration for a group of individuals, stating that he does not aspire to be with anyone better. He then shares a verse from t |
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Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv |
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Ephraim Is a Cake Not Turned by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God and not holding back. He urges the audience to examine their lives and identify any "stuff" |