Old Testament
Lamentations 2:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Lamentations 2:16, the enemies of Jerusalem express their triumph over the city’s destruction.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
All your enemies open their mouths wide against you. They hiss and grind their teeth, saying, "We've devoured her! This is the day we've been waiting for — we've lived to see it!"
All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 2:16, the enemies of Jerusalem express their triumph over the city’s destruction. They are openly mocking and celebrating, feeling victorious as they believe they have finally achieved their long-awaited goal of conquering Jerusalem. The imagery of hissing and grinding teeth conveys their contempt and satisfaction. This verse highlights the deep sorrow and humiliation felt by the people of Jerusalem as they witness their enemies reveling in their downfall. It reflects the pain of betrayal and loss, as those who once were secure now find themselves in despair. The enemies’ words reveal a sense of vindication, as they believe they have fulfilled their desires by witnessing the ruin of Jerusalem, a city that once stood strong. This moment captures the emotional turmoil of the survivors, who are left to grapple with the consequences of their past actions and the reality of their current suffering.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Lamentations 2:16 to your life
This verse reminds us of the reality of suffering and the pain of watching others celebrate our misfortunes. It encourages us to find strength in our faith during difficult times and to seek comfort in community, even when facing overwhelming challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 2:16 mean for Jerusalem?
Lamentations 2:16 illustrates the deep sorrow and humiliation of Jerusalem as its enemies celebrate the city's destruction. The verse captures the emotional pain of betrayal and loss, highlighting how those who once felt secure are now in despair. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of past actions and the harsh reality faced by the survivors.
How can I apply Lamentations 2:16 to my life?
This verse encourages us to acknowledge the reality of suffering and the pain of seeing others revel in our misfortunes. It reminds us to lean on our faith and seek support from our community during tough times. By recognizing our struggles, we can find strength and resilience, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.
What themes are present in Lamentations 2:16?
Lamentations 2:16 encompasses themes of destruction, mockery, and the victory of enemies. It reflects suffering, betrayal, and despair, as the enemies of Jerusalem express their triumph over the city's downfall. These themes resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or humiliation, making the verse relevant across different contexts.
Why do the enemies hiss and grind their teeth in this verse?
The imagery of hissing and grinding teeth in Lamentations 2:16 symbolizes contempt and satisfaction among Jerusalem's enemies. They are openly mocking the city’s destruction, reveling in their perceived victory. This vivid language emphasizes their cruelty and the emotional turmoil experienced by the survivors of Jerusalem.
The Book of Lamentations
Lamentations 1: Jerusalem’s Sorrow
The narrator describes Jerusalem sitting alone like a widow who once was great among the nations. The city that was princess among provinces now becomes a slave, and she weeps bitterly in the night with tears on her cheeks. None of her lovers comfort her, and all her friends deal treacherously with her and become her enemies. Judah goes into captivity because of affliction and great servitude, and she dwells among the nations but finds no rest. Her pursuers overtake her between narrow places, and the ways of Zion mourn because no one comes to the solemn feasts.
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