Old Testament
Lamentations 3:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You have taken peace far from my soul; I have forgotten prosperity.
Compare translations
And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.
What Lamentations 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 3:17, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and despair, feeling that peace has been taken away from their life. The phrase 'I have forgotten prosperity' indicates a sense of loss, not just of material wealth but of overall well-being and happiness. This verse reflects the emotional turmoil experienced during times of suffering, where hope and joy seem distant. The speaker feels abandoned and overwhelmed by their circumstances, highlighting the struggle to find solace in a world filled with pain. The lamentation serves as a poignant reminder of the human experience of grief and the longing for restoration. It captures the essence of feeling disconnected from the good things in life, emphasizing the impact of hardship on one's spirit. This verse resonates with anyone who has faced trials, illustrating the profound effects of loss and the yearning for peace and stability in life.
How to apply Lamentations 3:17 to your life
When facing difficult times, it's important to acknowledge feelings of despair and loss. This verse encourages us to seek peace and remember the good in our lives, even when it feels distant. Finding ways to reconnect with hope can help us navigate through our struggles.
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 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
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 PlansAsk AI about Lamentations 3:17
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 3:17
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 3:17 mean?
Lamentations 3:17 expresses a deep sense of sorrow and loss, indicating that the speaker feels peace has been taken away and they have forgotten what it means to be prosperous. It reflects the emotional pain and despair experienced during difficult times.
What is the meaning of 'forgotten prosperity' in Lamentations 3:17?
The phrase 'forgotten prosperity' in Lamentations 3:17 signifies a loss of not just material wealth but also overall well-being and happiness. It highlights the speaker's feeling of being overwhelmed by hardship, making it hard to remember a time of joy.
How can Lamentations 3:17 help during tough times?
Lamentations 3:17 can remind us to acknowledge our feelings of despair and loss. It encourages seeking peace and remembering the good in our lives, which can help us cope with struggles.
What themes are present in Lamentations 3:17?
Key themes in Lamentations 3:17 include loss of peace, despair, longing for prosperity, emotional turmoil, suffering, hope, and restoration. These themes resonate with anyone who has faced significant challenges.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.