Old Testament
Lamentations 2:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
My eyes are worn out from weeping, my insides are troubled, my liver is poured out on the ground over the destruction of my people, because children and infants are collapsing in the city streets.
Compare translations
Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.
What Lamentations 2:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 2:11, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and anguish over the devastation faced by their people. The imagery of worn-out eyes from weeping and troubled insides illustrates the intense emotional pain caused by the suffering of children and infants in the streets. The phrase 'my liver is poured out on the ground' signifies a profound grief, as the liver was considered the seat of emotions in ancient times. This verse captures the heart-wrenching reality of loss and despair, highlighting the impact of destruction on the most vulnerable members of society. The lament reflects not only personal sorrow but also a collective mourning for a community in crisis, emphasizing the need for compassion and empathy in times of suffering. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of caring for those who are suffering, especially the innocent.
How to apply Lamentations 2:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of the suffering around us, especially among the most vulnerable, like children. It challenges us to respond with compassion and support those in need, fostering a sense of community and care in our actions.
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.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 PlansAsk AI about Lamentations 2:11
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 2:11
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 2:11 mean?
Lamentations 2:11 expresses deep sorrow and anguish over the destruction faced by the speaker's people, particularly highlighting the suffering of children and infants. The imagery of weeping and troubled insides illustrates the emotional pain caused by this devastation.
What is the significance of 'my liver is poured out on the ground' in Lamentations 2:11?
The phrase 'my liver is poured out on the ground' signifies profound grief, as the liver was seen as the seat of emotions in ancient times. It emphasizes the depth of sorrow and despair felt by the speaker over the suffering of their community.
How does Lamentations 2:11 relate to community care?
This verse encourages awareness of the suffering in our communities, especially among vulnerable groups like children. It challenges us to respond with compassion and support those in need, fostering a sense of care and empathy.
What themes are present in Lamentations 2:11?
Key themes in Lamentations 2:11 include grief, suffering, vulnerability, community, loss, and compassion. These themes reflect the emotional impact of destruction and the importance of caring for those who are suffering.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.