Old Testament
Lamentations 1:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Lamentations 1:21, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and isolation.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
People hear me groaning, but no one comes to comfort me. All my enemies have heard about my disaster, and they celebrate what you've done. You will bring the day you have announced, and they will suffer as I have.
They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 1:21, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and isolation. They feel unheard and abandoned, as their cries for comfort go unanswered. The enemies of the speaker are aware of their suffering and take joy in it, highlighting the pain of betrayal and loss. The verse also hints at a future reckoning, suggesting that the same fate that has befallen the speaker will eventually come upon their enemies. This reflects a profound sense of injustice and the hope for divine retribution. The speaker's lament captures the essence of grief and the longing for empathy in times of distress, emphasizing the emotional weight of feeling alone in suffering. It serves as a reminder of the human experience of pain and the desire for support during difficult times, while also pointing to a belief in eventual justice.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Lamentations 1:21 to your life
When facing hardship, it’s important to seek support from others and not to isolate ourselves. This verse reminds us that our struggles are often shared by others, and we can find strength in community. Additionally, it encourages us to trust that justice will prevail in the end.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 1:21 mean?
Lamentations 1:21 expresses the speaker's deep sorrow and feeling of abandonment. They lament that no one offers comfort during their suffering, while their enemies take joy in their misfortune.
What is the significance of comfort in Lamentations 1:21?
The lack of comfort in Lamentations 1:21 highlights the speaker's isolation and grief. It emphasizes the human need for empathy and support during difficult times.
What does the phrase 'they are glad that thou hast done it' mean in Lamentations 1:21?
This phrase indicates that the speaker's enemies are celebrating their suffering, suggesting a sense of betrayal and injustice. It reflects the pain of feeling targeted and mocked in times of distress.
What themes are present in Lamentations 1:21?
Key themes in Lamentations 1:21 include suffering, isolation, betrayal, divine justice, empathy, and grief. These themes resonate with the human experience of pain and the longing for support.
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