Lamentations 5:21
Lamentations 5:21 in Multiple Translations
Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old,
Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
Turn thou us unto thee, O Jehovah, and we shall be turned; Renew our days as of old.
Make us come back to you, O Lord, and let us be turned; make our days new again as in the past.
Bring us back to you, Lord, so we can be with you again. Please remake our lives like they used to be.
Turne thou vs vnto thee, O Lord, and we shalbe turned: renue our dayes as of olde.
Turn us back, O Jehovah, unto Thee, And we turn back, renew our days as of old.
Turn us to yourself, LORD, and we will be turned. Renew our days as of old.
Turn thou us to thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
Convert us, O Lord, to thee, and we shall be converted: renew our days, as from the beginning.
Please enable us to return to you, and enable us to prosper [MTY] as we did previously.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 5:21
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 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲשִׁיבֵ֨/נוּ
יְהוָ֤ה
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ו/נשוב
וְֽ/נָשׁ֔וּבָה
חַדֵּ֥שׁ
יָמֵ֖י/נוּ
כְּ/קֶֽדֶם
הֲשִׁיבֵ֨/נוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
ו/נשוב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וְֽ/נָשׁ֔וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
חַדֵּ֥שׁ
châdash
H2318
to renew
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
יָמֵ֖י/נוּ
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/קֶֽדֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | 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 5:21
הֲשִׁיבֵ֨/נוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
ו/נשוב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וְֽ/נָשׁ֔וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
חַדֵּ֥שׁ
châdash
H2318
"to renew"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to renew or repair something, making it new again. It is used in the Bible to describe rebuilding or restoring something, and can also mean to renew oneself. The KJV translates it as 'renew' or 'repair'.
Definition: 1) to be new, renew, repair 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to renew, make anew 1a2) to repair 1b) (Hithpael) to renew oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: renew, repair. See also: 1 Samuel 11:14; Psalms 51:12; Psalms 103:5.
יָמֵ֖י/נוּ
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
כְּ/קֶֽדֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
Study Notes — Lamentations 5:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 5:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 5:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 5:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 5:21
- Sermons on Lamentations 5:21
Context — A Prayer for Restoration
19You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation.
20Why have You forgotten us forever? Why have You forsaken us for so long?
21Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old,
22unless You have utterly rejected us and remain angry with us beyond measure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 80:3 | Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. |
| 2 | Psalms 80:7 | Restore us, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. |
| 3 | Psalms 85:4 | Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:18 | I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God. |
| 5 | Psalms 80:19 | Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. |
| 6 | Zechariah 8:3–6 | This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “If this is impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be impossible in My eyes?” declares the LORD of Hosts. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 36:37 | This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 33:10 | This is what the LORD says: In this place you say is a wasteland without man or beast, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted—inhabited by neither man nor beast—there will be heard again |
| 9 | Jeremiah 32:39–40 | I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. |
| 10 | Habakkuk 3:2 | O LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe, O LORD, of Your deeds. Revive them in these years; make them known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy! |
Lamentations 5:21 Summary
This verse is a heartfelt prayer asking God to restore us to Himself, so we can return to Him and experience His blessings again. It's like saying, 'God, we've wandered away from You, but we want to come back and be close to You again.' The authors are asking God to make things right between them, like He did in the past, as seen in Exodus 33:14, where God promises to go with His people and give them rest. By praying this way, we can express our desire to be in a right relationship with God and experience His love and care, just as Jesus taught us to pray in Luke 11:2-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'restored' to God?
To be restored to God means to be brought back into a right relationship with Him, as seen in Psalm 23:3, where David says God restores his soul.
Why do the authors of Lamentations ask God to 'renew our days as of old'?
The authors are asking God to restore the blessings and prosperity they experienced in the past, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 5:33, where God promises to bless those who follow Him.
Is this verse a prayer of repentance or a demand for God to act?
This verse is a humble prayer of repentance, acknowledging God's sovereignty and asking for His restoration, much like the prayer of the tax collector in Luke 18:13, who cried out for God's mercy.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing our need for God's restoration and renewal, and humbly asking Him to work in our lives, just as the prophet Joel calls the people to repentance in Joel 2:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have wandered away from God, and how can I return to Him?
- In what ways do I need God to 'renew my days' and bring restoration to my life?
- How can I cultivate a humble and repentant heart, like the authors of Lamentations?
- What are some 'days of old' in my life when I experienced God's presence and blessing, and how can I recapture that sense of closeness to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 5:21
Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned,.... This prayer expresses the sense they had of their backslidings from God, and distance from him; of their inability to turn themselves to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 5:21
Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned - (Psalms 80:3; Jeremiah 31:18).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
See the like expression . Turn thou us unto thee by giving us repentance, and then our condition will be altered; or receive us into thy favour, and then it shall be well with us. Renew our days as of old; restore us to our former estate, that it may be with us as it hath formerly been.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
Lamentations 5:21 Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.Ver. 21. Turn thou us unto thee.] That thou mayest turn thee to us. Let there be a thorough reformation wrought in us, and then a gracious restoration wrought for us.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
(21) Turn thou us . . . O Lord . . .—The answer to the problem was found in man’s submission and in prayer. He could not turn himself, and so re-establish the old filial relation. He could ask God to turn him, and he felt that the prayer would not be asked in vain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 5:21
Verse 21. Renew our days as of old.] Restore us to our former state. Let us regain our country, our temple, and all the Divine offices of our religion; but, more especially, thy favour.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 5:21
21. Turn thou us …] suggestive of Jer 31:18, but see note there. Here the sense is not, bring back the exiles, but give us a repentant heart. Cp. Psalms 80:3 ff.
Sermons on Lamentations 5:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Land Is in Ruins, Weep All Ye People! by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the desperate state of the nation during the time of Jeremiah. He emphasizes how Jeremiah's heart was deeply affected by the sins of God's p |
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Jeremiah & Lamentations - Through the Bible by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, trying to save them from their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing |
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Revival by J. Wesley Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word. He points out the hypocrisy of those who claim to desire revival but fail to actively pursue unit |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah & Lamentations by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, warning them of their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejectio |
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Jesus Gives Perfect Peace by Jim Elliot | The preacher, focusing on the Greek word 'anakainizo' meaning 'to restore,' emphasizes the concept of bringing to conversion again and the impossibility of a second repentance acco |
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Renew Our Days as of Old! by Derek Melton | Derek Melton passionately calls for a revival in the Church, lamenting the current state of lukewarmness, compromise, and lack of fervor for God. He highlights the need for a sover |
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Going Up to Zion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the presence of God in the worship of Israel. The people of Israel expected and called for a powerful manifestation of God |