Old Testament
Lamentations 1:14
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The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand, woven together and placed on my neck. He has made my strength fail. The LORD has delivered me into the hands of those I cannot rise against.
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The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the LORD hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.
What Lamentations 1:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 1:14, the speaker expresses deep sorrow over the consequences of their sins. The imagery of a yoke symbolizes the heavy burden of guilt and punishment that has been placed upon them by God. This yoke is not just a physical weight but represents the spiritual and emotional strain caused by their transgressions. The phrase 'made my strength fail' indicates a sense of helplessness and defeat, as the speaker feels overwhelmed by their circumstances. They acknowledge that God has allowed them to fall into the hands of their enemies, suggesting a loss of power and control. This verse captures the profound sense of despair that comes from recognizing one's own failures and the resulting consequences, highlighting the relationship between sin, punishment, and the need for redemption.
How to apply Lamentations 1:14 to your life
This verse reminds us of the weight of our actions and the importance of seeking forgiveness. When we recognize our shortcomings, we should turn to God for strength and guidance. Acknowledging our sins can lead to healing and restoration in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
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Keep studying Lamentations 1:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Lamentations
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 1:14 mean?
Lamentations 1:14 expresses the speaker's sorrow over the burden of their sins, depicted as a yoke placed on their neck by God. It conveys feelings of helplessness and defeat, as the speaker acknowledges being delivered into the hands of their enemies due to their transgressions.
What is the significance of the yoke in Lamentations 1:14?
The yoke in Lamentations 1:14 symbolizes the heavy burden of guilt and punishment resulting from sin. It represents both a physical and spiritual weight that the speaker feels, illustrating the consequences of their actions.
What does 'made my strength fail' mean in Lamentations 1:14?
The phrase 'made my strength fail' in Lamentations 1:14 indicates a sense of helplessness and defeat. The speaker feels overwhelmed by their circumstances and unable to rise against their enemies.
What themes are present in Lamentations 1:14?
Lamentations 1:14 highlights themes such as sin and consequence, the burden of guilt, divine judgment, helplessness, despair, and the need for redemption. These themes reflect the emotional and spiritual struggles of the speaker.
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