Lamentations 5:6
Lamentations 5:6 in Multiple Translations
We submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread.
We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
We have given the hand to the Egyptians, And to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
We have given our hands to the Egyptians and to the Assyrians so that we might have enough bread.
We allied ourselves with Egypt and Assyria so we could have plenty of food.
We haue giuen our handes to the Egyptians, and to Asshur, to be satisfied with bread.
[To] Egypt we have given a hand, [To] Asshur, to be satisfied with bread.
We have given our hands to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
We have given our hand to Egypt, and to the Assyrians, that we might be satisfied with bread.
In order to get enough food to remain alive, we went to Egypt and Assyria and offered to work for the people there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 5:6
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 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
נָתַ֣נּוּ
יָ֔ד
אַשּׁ֖וּר
לִ/שְׂבֹּ֥עַֽ
לָֽחֶם
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
נָתַ֣נּוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
יָ֔ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
אַשּׁ֖וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
לִ/שְׂבֹּ֥עַֽ
sâbaʻ
H7646
to satisfy
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
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 5:6
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
נָתַ֣נּוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יָ֔ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
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.
אַשּׁ֖וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
לִ/שְׂבֹּ֥עַֽ
sâbaʻ
H7646
"to satisfy"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Lamentations 5:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 5:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 5:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 5:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 5:6
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 5:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
- Sermons on Lamentations 5:6
Context — A Prayer for Restoration
4We must buy the water we drink; our wood comes at a price.
5We are closely pursued; we are weary and find no rest.
6We submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread.
7Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their punishment. 8Slaves rule over us; there is no one to deliver us from their hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 12:1 | Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. |
| 2 | Hosea 9:3 | They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. |
| 3 | Hosea 7:11 | So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove— calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 2:18 | Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ? |
| 5 | Genesis 24:2 | So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, |
| 6 | Jeremiah 2:36 | How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. |
| 7 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 50:15 | Raise a war cry against her on every side! She has thrown up her hands in surrender; her towers have fallen; her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take out your vengeance upon her; as she has done, do the same to her. |
| 9 | Isaiah 57:9 | You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. |
| 10 | Isaiah 30:1–6 | “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.” This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them. |
Lamentations 5:6 Summary
In Lamentations 5:6, the people of Judah are saying that they had to go to other countries, like Egypt and Assyria, just to get enough food to eat. This was a hard and humbling experience for them, and it shows how far they had fallen away from God's blessing and provision. As it says in Jeremiah 2:13, they had forgotten the 'spring of living water' and instead were trying to find satisfaction in other things. This reminds us that when we turn away from God, we may have to face difficult consequences, but when we turn back to Him, He promises to provide for us and satisfy our deepest needs (Psalm 23:1, Matthew 6:33).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to submit to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread?
In Lamentations 5:6, submitting to Egypt and Assyria means that the people of Judah had to rely on these powerful nations for their basic needs, such as food, due to their own sin and rebellion against God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:68 and 2 Kings 17:13.
Why did the people of Judah have to submit to other nations?
The people of Judah had to submit to other nations because of their disobedience to God's laws and commands, which led to their downfall and captivity, as prophesied in Leviticus 26:17 and Jeremiah 25:11.
Is this verse related to the concept of spiritual hunger?
While Lamentations 5:6 specifically talks about physical bread, it can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual hunger, where people seek fulfillment and satisfaction in things other than God, as warned against in Isaiah 55:2 and Matthew 4:4.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that when we rebel against God, we may have to face the consequences of our actions, just like the people of Judah, and that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only be found in God, as promised in Psalm 107:9 and John 6:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in things other than God?
- How can I apply the lesson of Lamentations 5:6 to my own life, and what are some areas where I need to submit to God's will?
- What does it mean to 'hunger and thirst' for righteousness, as mentioned in Matthew 5:6, and how can I cultivate this desire in my own heart?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for my physical and spiritual needs, just as He promised in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 5:6
We have given our hand [to] the Egyptians,.... Either by way of supplication, to beg bread of them; or by way of covenant and agreement; or to testify subjection to them, in order to be supplied with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 5:6
We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. We have given the hand to - in token of submission (note, Jeremiah 50:15).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
The ten tribes were all carried captives into Assyria, many of the kingdom of Judah, as we have heard, fled into Egypt after the taking of Jerusalem. Giving the hand may either signify working with their hands, and labouring for them; or yielding up themselves to their power, or lifting up the hands as supplicants to them, or striking hands and making covenants with them, or lending them their hand, to help them, and all to get any thing to live upon.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
Lamentations 5:6 We have given the hand [to] the Egyptians, [and to] the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.Ver. 6. We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians.] Enemies to the Chaldeans, no less than they were to us; but hard hunger, that driveth the wolf out of the wood, hath made us glad to be beholden to them for bread; so ill have the cruel Chaldees relieved and rewarded us for our work.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
(6) We have given the hand.—The recognised phrase for submission (Jeremiah 1:15). “Assyria,” as in Jeremiah 2:18; Ezra 6:22, stands for “Babylon.” The people had been forced by sheer pressure of hunger to submit to one or other of these princes. “Egypt” refers, probably, to the fugitives who had sought a home in that country (Jeremiah 42:14).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
Verse 6. We have given the hand to the Egyptians] We have sought alliances both with the Egyptians and Assyrians, and made covenants with them in order to get the necessaries of life. Or, wherever we are now driven, we are obliged to submit to the people of the countries in order to the preservation of our lives.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 5:6
6. Not only are they subject to privations at home, but they have been driven by them into servitude abroad. Hosea 7:11 also combines Egypt and Assyria. The distance of the latter has caused it to be suspected here. Ball, with some slight changes in MT., eliminates both the proper names, and renders, To adversaries we submitted, Saying we shall be satisfied with bread. He also transposes this with Lamentations 5:5. the Assyrians] As the traditional foes of Israel, their name survives in this passage, although their Empire had been succeeded by that of Babylon. Cp. Ezra 6:22 for this use of the word Assyria even in Persian times. For “we have given the hand” see mg. of Jeremiah 50:15.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 5:6
“To give the hand” means to submit oneself. Absolutely it was Babylon that had just destroyed their national existence, but Jeremiah means that all feelings of patriotism were crushed, and the sole
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 5:6
6. We have given the hand — Namely, as a sign of submission and subjection, in order to procure bread.
Sermons on Lamentations 5:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with a man until daybreak. He clarifies that Jacob did not initiate the wrestling match and did not want to figh |
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What Have I to Do With Idols? by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard |
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Metatron by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Messiahship of Jesus and how it can be proven to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. The speaker encourages the audience to share the vide |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:2-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 24, where Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The preacher highlights the cultural context of oath-takin |
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Upon This Rock by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the suns |
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Dry Land by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher describes the reality of the brokenness and sinfulness in society. He talks about the various problems that exist in people's lives, such as domestic v |
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Balm in Gilead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the desperate state of God's people, emphasizing the deep wounds of sin and the need for a profound realization of one's sinful nature to fully apprecia |