Old Testament

Lamentations 3:15

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

ClearClear Bible Translation

He has filled me with bitterness and made me drunk with wormwood.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.

What Lamentations 3:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Lamentations 3:15, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and despair. The imagery of being filled with bitterness suggests overwhelming grief and pain. The term 'wormwood' refers to a bitter herb, symbolizing suffering and distress. The phrase 'made me drunk' indicates a loss of control, as if the bitterness has consumed the speaker, leading to a state of confusion and anguish. This verse reflects the emotional turmoil experienced during times of great loss and suffering, highlighting the intensity of the speaker's feelings. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced in life, particularly in the context of loss and mourning. The use of strong imagery emphasizes the depth of despair, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced similar feelings of hopelessness and sorrow. Overall, this verse encapsulates the profound impact of grief and the struggle to find solace amidst overwhelming pain.

How to apply Lamentations 3:15 to your life

When facing difficult times, it's important to acknowledge feelings of bitterness and sorrow. Instead of suppressing these emotions, we can seek support from others and turn to spiritual practices for healing. Understanding that these feelings are part of the human experience can help us navigate through our pain.

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 king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

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

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, 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.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

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 3:15

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 3:15

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 3:15 mean?

Lamentations 3:15 expresses the speaker's deep sorrow and despair, describing how they feel overwhelmed by bitterness and suffering. The imagery suggests a loss of control due to intense grief, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced during difficult times.

What is the meaning of 'wormwood' in Lamentations 3:15?

In Lamentations 3:15, 'wormwood' refers to a bitter herb that symbolizes suffering and distress. It emphasizes the depth of the speaker's anguish and the bitterness of their experiences.

How can I apply Lamentations 3:15 to my life?

You can apply Lamentations 3:15 by acknowledging your feelings of bitterness and sorrow during tough times. Seeking support from others and engaging in spiritual practices can help you navigate through your pain.

What themes are present in Lamentations 3:15?

The themes present in Lamentations 3:15 include bitterness, suffering, grief, loss, despair, and emotional turmoil. These themes reflect the struggles faced during times of great distress.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

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