Old Testament

Lamentations 2:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Lamentations 2:18, the people of Jerusalem express their deep sorrow and desperation to God.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
Written
Around 586 BC
Genre
Poetry and lament
Original Audience
Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
CBTClear Bible Translation

The people's hearts cry out to the Lord. O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears pour down like a river day and night! Give yourself no relief — don't let your eyes stop weeping.

KJVKing James Version

Their heart cried unto the LORD, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night: give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Lamentations 2:18, the people of Jerusalem express their deep sorrow and desperation to God. They are portrayed as crying out to the Lord, pleading for help amidst their suffering. The imagery of tears flowing like a river emphasizes the intensity of their grief. The phrase 'O wall of the daughter of Zion' symbolizes the city of Jerusalem, which is personified as a protective wall that is now in ruins. The call to 'give yourself no relief' and 'let not your eyes stop weeping' highlights the urgency of their lamentation. This verse captures the emotional turmoil of a community facing devastation, urging them to remain in a state of mourning until their plight is addressed. It reflects the profound connection between the people and their city, as well as their reliance on God during times of distress. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing grief and seeking divine intervention in moments of despair.

Key themes

Related topics

grief, desperation, prayer

How to apply Lamentations 2:18 to your life

In times of personal or communal sorrow, it is important to express our feelings honestly to God. This verse encourages us to bring our grief to Him without holding back. We can also support others in their mourning, reminding them that it is okay to cry out for help and seek comfort in faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Lamentations 2:18 mean?

Lamentations 2:18 expresses the deep sorrow of the people of Jerusalem as they cry out to God for help. It emphasizes their intense grief and the urgency of their lamentation, symbolizing their reliance on God during their suffering.

What is the significance of 'O wall of the daughter of Zion' in Lamentations 2:18?

The phrase 'O wall of the daughter of Zion' symbolizes Jerusalem itself, personifying the city as a protective wall that is now in ruins. This imagery highlights the devastation experienced by the community and their emotional connection to their homeland.

How does Lamentations 2:18 relate to expressing grief?

Lamentations 2:18 encourages individuals to express their grief openly and honestly to God. It serves as a reminder that it is important to bring our sorrows to Him and seek comfort during times of distress.

What themes are present in Lamentations 2:18?

Key themes in Lamentations 2:18 include grief, desperation, prayer, and the need for divine help. The verse reflects the emotional turmoil of a community facing suffering and the importance of lamentation.

The Book of Lamentations
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Lamentations summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Lamentations — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 5 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Lamentations summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.