Lamentations 5:17
Lamentations 5:17 in Multiple Translations
Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim—
For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
For this our heart is faint; For these things our eyes are dim;
Because of this our hearts are feeble; for these things our eyes are dark;
Because of all this, we're sick at heart; because of all these things, we can hardly look;
Therefore our heart is heauy for these things, our eyes are dimme,
For this hath our heart been sick, For these have our eyes been dim.
For this our heart is faint. For these things our eyes are dim:
For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
Therefore is our heart sorrowful, therefore are our eyes become dim,
We [SYN] are tired and discouraged [IDM], and we cannot see well because our eyes are full of tears.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 5:17
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 5:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
זֶ֗ה
הָיָ֤ה
דָוֶה֙
לִבֵּ֔/נוּ
עַל
אֵ֖לֶּה
חָשְׁכ֥וּ
עֵינֵֽי/נוּ
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
דָוֶה֙
dâveh
H1739
sick
Adj
לִבֵּ֔/נוּ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
חָשְׁכ֥וּ
châshak
H2821
to darken
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינֵֽי/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 5:17
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דָוֶה֙
dâveh
H1739
"sick"
Adj
This Hebrew word means being sick or unwell, often used to describe someone who is weak or faint, including women during menstruation. It appears in the Bible to describe physical sickness. In the KJV, it is translated as faint or sick.
Definition: 1) faint, unwell 1a) faint, weak 1b) unwell, menstruous
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: faint, menstruous cloth, she that is sick, having sickness. See also: Leviticus 15:33; Isaiah 30:22; Lamentations 5:17.
לִבֵּ֔/נוּ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
חָשְׁכ֥וּ
châshak
H2821
"to darken"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to darken or become dark. It can also mean to hide or conceal something. In the Bible, it is used to describe a lack of light or understanding.
Definition: 1) to be or become dark, grow dim, be darkened, be black, be hidden 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow dark 1a2) to have a dark colour 1a3) to grow dim 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make dark, cause to be dark 1b2) to hide, conceal 1b3) to obscure, confuse (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: be black, be (make) dark, darken, cause darkness, be dim, hide. See also: Exodus 10:15; Isaiah 5:30; Psalms 69:24.
עֵינֵֽי/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.
Study Notes — Lamentations 5:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 5:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 5:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 5:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 5:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 5:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 5:17
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 5:17
- Sermons on Lamentations 5:17
Context — A Prayer for Restoration
15Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.
16The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!
17Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim—
18because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, patrolled by foxes. 19You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:5 | Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted. |
| 2 | Job 17:7 | My eyes have grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow. |
| 3 | Lamentations 2:11 | My eyes fail from weeping; I am churning within. My heart is poured out in grief over the destruction of the daughter of my people, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city. |
| 4 | Psalms 6:7 | My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes. |
| 5 | Isaiah 38:14 | I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 8:18 | My sorrow is beyond healing; my heart is faint within me. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 46:5 | Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Psalms 69:3 | I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. |
| 9 | Psalms 31:9 | Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 28:65 | Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul. |
Lamentations 5:17 Summary
[This verse, Lamentations 5:17, is saying that because of the sins of the people, their hearts have become weak and their eyes have lost their sparkle, which is a common consequence of sin, as seen in Proverbs 4:19. The people are mourning and feeling hopeless because of their disobedience to God, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:15. However, even in the midst of sorrow, God remains faithful and just, as seen in Lamentations 5:19, and we can turn to Him for forgiveness and restoration, as promised in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the faint hearts and dim eyes in Lamentations 5:17?
The cause of the faint hearts and dim eyes is the judgment and suffering that has befallen the people of Judah, as a result of their sin, as stated in Lamentations 5:16, 'The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!' This is also reflected in Jeremiah 3:25, where it says, 'Let us lie down in our shame, and let our dishonor cover us, for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day.'
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Lamentations?
This verse is a lamentation of the consequences of sin, which is a major theme throughout the book of Lamentations, as seen in Lamentations 1:8, 'Jerusalem has become a thing unclean among them.'
What is the significance of 'because of this' and 'because of these' in Lamentations 5:17?
The phrases 'because of this' and 'because of these' refer to the sins and the resulting judgments that have caused the people's hearts to faint and their eyes to grow dim, as mentioned in Lamentations 5:16, and is further explained in Deuteronomy 28:15, which states the consequences for disobedience.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives today?
We can apply this verse by recognizing the consequences of our own sin and turning to God in repentance, 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.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that sin can cause our hearts to become faint and our eyes to grow dim, and how can we seek renewal in those areas?
- How can we, like the prophet, acknowledge and lament the consequences of our sin, and yet still hold on to hope in God's faithfulness?
- What are some 'crowns' in our lives that may have fallen, and how can we, in humility, acknowledge our sin and seek restoration from God?
- In what ways can we, as a community, support one another in times of sorrow and lamentation, pointing each other to the eternal throne of God?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 5:17
For this our heart is faint,.... Our spirits sink; we are ready to swoon and die away; either for this, that we have sinned; because of our sins, they are so many, so great, and so aggravated; or for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 5:17
For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. For this our heart is faint - (Lamentations 1:22; Lamentations 2:11).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 5:17
Either for our sins these miseries are befallen us; or for these miseries our spirits fail us, and we are almost blinded with weeping.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 5:17
Lamentations 5:17 For this our heart is faint; for these [things] our eyes are dim.Ver. 17. For this our heart is faint.] Ponit symbolum vere contritionis, we are sin sick even at heart; our sins are as so many daggers at our hearts, or bearded arrows in our flesh. For these things our eyes are dim.] We have well nigh wept them out; whereby, nevertheless, our minds have been enlightened. Lachrymae sunt succus cordis contriti, seu liquores animae patientis.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 5:17
(17) For this . . . for these things.—The first clause refers to the loss of national honour indicated in Lamentations 5:16; the latter, to all the horrors named in Lamentations 5:8-15.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 5:17
Is faint ... - Or, has become “faint” - have become “dim.” “For this,” i. e. for the loss of our crown etc.
Sermons on Lamentations 5:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Needed a Broken Body by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the role it plays in the lives of prophets. He shares a personal experience from 1940 when he was in Bath, Engla |
|
(The Church in the Last Days) 11 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the corrupt leaders and rulers who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. He emphasizes that they love bribes and rewar |
|
Keys to Understanding Isaiah a Look at the Book by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Isaiah and its themes of God's judgments and blessings. The speaker highlights how God's judgments are poured out on the people o |
|
Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif |
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Ye the Branches by Andrew Murray | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'asthenes,' which signifies a state of helplessness, both physically and spiritually. This term describes the incapacity to produce results |
|
Assurance Forever by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside emphasizes the profound assurance and peace that comes from understanding God's righteousness and the work of Christ on the cross. He explains that true assurance is |
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The Double Work by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches about the double nature of sin, highlighting how it pollutes both the soul and outer life, turning the heart into a den of vile passions and the exterior life |