Lamentations 3:32 — Word Study
WLCכִּ֣י אִם־ הוֹגָ֔ה וְרִחַ֖ם כְּרֹ֥ב חֲסָדָֽיו׃
BSAEvenkîy ifʼim He causes griefyâgâh■ [sends, brings about, suffering, affliction] He will show compassionrâcham [have, demonstrate, pity, mercy] according to His abundantrôb [in proportion to, because of, great, multitude of] loving devotionchêçêd [kindness, mercies, faithful love]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כִּ֣י | that | Particle |
| אִם־ | except | Particle |
| הוֹגָ֔ה | he has caused grief | Verb, Hiphil, perfect third person masculine singular |
| וְרִחַ֖ם | and he will have compassion | Verb, Piel, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| כְּרֹ֥ב | according to [the] greatness of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| חֲסָדָֽיו׃ | covenant loyalti his | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. |
| KJV | But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. |
| ASV | For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. |
| YLT | For though He afflicted, yet He hath pitied, According to the abundance of His kindness. |
| WEB | For though he causes grief, yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses. |
| BBE | For though he sends grief, still he will have pity in the full measure of his love. |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, with slight variations in wording.
The main clause introduces the condition, with a subordinate clause explaining the promise of compassion.
5 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbיָגָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Lamentations 3:32
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Lament of Jerusalemgenerated
Lamentations 3:32 reassures that despite the grief caused by God, His compassion is steadfast and abundant. This reflects a deep understanding of God's nature, emphasizing that His loving devotion is not diminished by the hardships faced by His people, as seen throughout the book of Lamentations.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 3:22 | Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. |
| 2 | Exodus 2:23 | After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. |
| 3 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
| 4 | Judges 10:16 | So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 13:23 | But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הוֹגָ֔ה, ho.Gahgenerated
The verb יָגָה (yagah) means to cause grief or to suffer. It is in the Hiphil stem, indicating that the subject causes the action, which in this case is God causing grief. This word appears in contexts of suffering and affliction, underscoring the seriousness of the situation being lamented.
The parsing as a perfect third person masculine singular indicates a completed action, suggesting that the grief has already been brought about. This sets the stage for the subsequent promise of compassion, highlighting the contrast between suffering and divine mercy.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is presented in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the word causes for הוֹגָ֔ה.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb הוֹגָ֔ה (he has caused grief) governs the sentence, with a conjunction introducing a conditional clause. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the grief caused and the compassion promised.
The phrase וְרִחַ֖ם (and he will have compassion) follows, indicating the sequential nature of God's actions. The prepositional phrase כְּרֹ֥ב (according to the greatness of) modifies the compassion, linking it directly to His abundant loving devotion.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew הוֹגָ֔ה is rendered with the Greek οἰκτιρήσει, which means 'he will have mercy.' This choice emphasizes the aspect of mercy rather than the act of causing grief, suggesting a focus on God's compassionate response.
This translation indicates a slight interpretative shift, highlighting God's mercy as a central theme in the Greek rendering.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Lamentations 3:32 tells us that even if God causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. This verse reassures us of God's mercy, even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that God allows or brings about suffering for a purpose, but it is not the end of the story.
God's compassion is a promise that despite our suffering, He remains loving and merciful.
It suggests that God's compassion is vast and overflowing, reflecting His faithful love towards us.
Recognizing both aspects helps us grasp the complexity of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I find comfort in God's compassion during difficult times?
- What are some examples in my life where I have experienced God's mercy?
- In what ways can I show compassion to others who are suffering?
- How does understanding God's loving devotion change my perspective on grief?
Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Lamentations 3:32 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut though he cause grief,.... As he sometimes does in his own people; by convincing them of sin, and producing in them godly sorrow, which worketh repentance unto life, not to be repented of; by
Read John Gill on Lamentations 3 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor the Lord will not cast off for ever: The Lord will not cast off forever. True repentance is never without hope (Psalms 94:14). Verse 32.
Read Robert Jamieson on Lamentations 3 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBut though, as a prudent parent, he may see reason to cause grief in and to afflict his own people, yet as a tender good father, that pitieth his children in misery, he will have compassion upon them, having not only mercies, but a multitude or abundance of mercies.
Read Matthew Poole on Lamentations 3 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsLamentations 3:32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.Ver. 32. For though he cause grief.] As sometimes he doth "in very faithfulness," and that he may be true to his people’ s souls. Yet he will have compassion.] He will repent and return, and leave a blessing behind him, that is certain.
Read John Trapp on Lamentations 3 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible31-33. As the three members of the division commencing with the 25th verse all begin with the adjective “good,” so the following three verses contain exhortations based on these; and in these three
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Lamentations 3 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion.
For though he causes grief, yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion.
Though he causes us grief, he then has compassion on us according to the abundance of his loyal kindness.
Tyndale line
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.
For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
But though he causeth grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
But though he sende affliction, yet will he haue compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
Strictly literal
but if he have caused grief, he will have compassion according to the multitude of his loving-kindnesses:
For though He afflicted, yet He hath pitied, According to the abundance of His kindness.
For though He afflicted, yet He has pitied, || According to the abundance of His kindness.
But though he have caused grief, yet will he have mercy according to the abundance of his kindnesses.
but though he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
From the Latin
Caph. For if he hath cast off, he will also have mercy, according to the multitude of his mercies.
Simplified
Even though he may bring sadness, he shows us mercy because his trustworthy love is so great.
For though he sends grief, still he will have pity in the full measure of his love.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads כִּ֣י אִם־ הוֹגָ֔ה וְרִחַ֖ם כְּרֹ֥ב חֲסָדָֽיו׃, while the Septuagint matches 4 of the 6 words. This shows a strong agreement in the essential meaning, although the word order differs in the Greek.
כִּ֣י אִם־ הוֹגָ֔ה וְרִחַ֖ם כְּרֹ֥ב חֲסָדָֽיו׃
4 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Lamentations 3:32
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj — ParticleHTc
יָגָה (yagah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to suffer or grieve. It encompasses various forms, including causing grief (Hiphil), grieving (Niphal), and to grieve (Piel). The entries consistently emphasize the themes of affliction and sorrow, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[יָגָה] vb. suffer
Niph. grieved
Pi. grieve
Hiph. cause grief or sorrow
base
H3013 יָגָה suffer . grieved
. grieve
. cause grief or sorrow
3013 yagah yaw-gaw'
a primitive root; to grieve:--afflict, cause grief, grieve,
sorrowful, vex.
יָגָה (ya.gah) — to suffer.
1) to afflict, grieve, suffer, cause grief
1a) (Niphal) grieved, grieving (participle)
1b) (Piel) to grieve
1c) (Hiphil) to cause grief, cause sorrow
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singularHVhp3ms
רָחַם (racham) is a Hebrew verb meaning to love or have compassion. It conveys a sense of deep affection and mercy, applicable to both God and humans. The root emphasizes tenderness and pity, with forms indicating active compassion (Piel) and being shown compassion (Pual). The entries consistently highlight its emotional depth and relational aspect.
[רָחַם] vb. denom. love. Pi. have compassion
Qal I love thee
Pi. have compassion, compassionate
Pu. be shewn compassion, compassionated
base
H7355 רָחַם vb. denom. love. Pi. have compassion
7355 racham raw-kham'
a primitive root; to fondle; by implication, to love,
especially to compassionate:--have compassion (on, upon),
love, (find, have, obtain, shew) mercy(-iful, on, upon),
(have) pity, Ruhamah, X surely.
רָחַם (ra.cham) — to have compassion.
1) to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion
1a) (Qal) to love
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to have compassion, be compassionate
1b1a) of God, man
1c) (Pual) to be shown compassion, be compassionate
Conj | V-Piel-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vpq3ms
kom-pash'-un: Compassion is the translation of racham, "to love," "pity," "be merciful" (De 13:17; 30:3); of rachamim, "mercies" (1Ki 8:50); of chamal, "to pity," "spare" (Ex 2:6; 1Sa 23:21); rachum (Ps 78:38; 86:15; 111:4; 112:4; 145:8), is rendered by the American Standard Revised Version "merciful." We have splagchnizomai, "to have the bowels yearning," in Mt 9:36; 14:14, etc.; sumpatheo (Heb 10:34), "to suffer with (another)"; sumpathes (1Pe 3:8, the…
→ OF GOD
See GOD, MERCY OF
→ OF CHRIST
See JESUS, COMPASSION OF
רֹב (rov) refers to a multitude or abundance, encompassing ideas of greatness and numerousness. It is derived from a related root and can describe anything from a large quantity to excellence. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, emphasizing its broad application in the Old Testament.
רֹב 151 n.m. multitude, abundance, greatness
base
H7230 רֹב multitude, abundance, greatness
7230 rob robe
from 7231; abundance (in any respect):--abundance(- antly),
all, X common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number),
huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much,
multitude, plenty(-ifully), X very (age).
see HEBREW for 07231
רֹב (rov) — abundance.
1) multitude, abundance, greatness
1a) multitude
1a1) abundance, abundantly
1a2) numerous
1b) greatness
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) primarily means kindness or goodness, often referring to the kindness of people towards one another, especially towards the needy. It can also denote God's lovingkindness and mercy. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning of shame or reproach. The entries reflect a range of uses, from human interactions to divine attributes.
חֶ֫סֶד 247 n.m. goodness, kindness
of man:
kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
(rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
lovely appearance
of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
base
חֶ֫סֶד n.m. shame, reproach
base
H2617a חֶ֫סֶד goodness, kindness . of man: . kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
. (rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
. lovely appearance
. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
H2617b חֶ֫סֶד shame, reproach
2617 checed kheh'-sed
from 2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety:
rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty:--favour,
good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful
(kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
see HEBREW for 02616
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.
goodness, kindness, faithfulness
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.
a reproach, shame
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms