Old Testament

Lamentations 1:2

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

She weeps bitterly through the night, tears streaming down her cheeks. Among all her lovers, she has no one to comfort her. Every friend has betrayed her—they have all become her enemies.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

What Lamentations 1:2 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Lamentations 1:2, the imagery of a woman weeping at night illustrates deep sorrow and abandonment. The 'lovers' symbolize those who once provided support and joy, but now, in her time of need, they are absent. The betrayal by friends highlights feelings of isolation and despair. This verse captures the profound grief of a community that has lost its way, emphasizing the emotional pain of feeling forsaken by those who were once close. The tears represent not just personal loss but also the collective suffering of a people who have experienced destruction and loss. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of relationships and the deep wounds caused by betrayal, resonating with anyone who has felt alone in their struggles.

How to apply Lamentations 1:2 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationships and the importance of being present for others in their times of need. It reminds us to offer comfort and support, especially to those who may feel abandoned or betrayed. We should strive to be reliable friends and sources of strength for one another.

Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Lamentations 1:2

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Lamentations 1:2

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 1:2 mean?

Lamentations 1:2 expresses deep sorrow and abandonment, depicting a woman who is weeping at night, feeling forsaken by those who once supported her. The verse highlights the pain of betrayal and isolation, reflecting the collective grief of a community that has lost its way.

What is the meaning of 'lovers' in Lamentations 1:2?

In Lamentations 1:2, 'lovers' symbolize those who once provided joy and support but are now absent in the time of need. This term illustrates the sense of betrayal and loss felt by the speaker as they confront their isolation.

How does Lamentations 1:2 relate to feelings of isolation?

Lamentations 1:2 relates to feelings of isolation by illustrating a person who is left alone in their sorrow, with no one to comfort them. The betrayal by friends emphasizes the loneliness that can accompany deep emotional pain.

What themes are present in Lamentations 1:2?

The themes present in Lamentations 1:2 include sorrow, betrayal, isolation, loss, grief, and abandonment. These themes highlight the emotional struggles faced by individuals and communities in times of distress.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.