Old Testament
Lamentations 3:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Lamentations 3:18, the speaker expresses deep despair, feeling that both their strength and hope have vanished.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
So I said, "My strength is gone, and so is every hope I had from the LORD."
And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 3:18, the speaker expresses deep despair, feeling that both their strength and hope have vanished. This reflects a moment of profound sorrow and loss, particularly in the context of suffering and hardship. The speaker acknowledges that their reliance on the Lord has led to a sense of abandonment, as they feel that God has not provided the support they desperately need. This verse captures the emotional turmoil of someone who has faced overwhelming challenges and feels as though they have reached the end of their rope. It highlights the struggle between faith and despair, illustrating how difficult circumstances can lead to feelings of hopelessness. The lamentation serves as a reminder of the human experience of grief and the search for meaning in times of trouble, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our feelings and struggles before God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Lamentations 3:18 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges, it's important to acknowledge our feelings of despair and hopelessness. This verse encourages us to be honest with God about our struggles. In moments of weakness, we can seek support from our faith community and remember that it's okay to express our pain and seek help.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 3:18 mean?
Lamentations 3:18 expresses a deep sense of despair, where the speaker feels that both their strength and hope have disappeared. This reflects a moment of profound sorrow, highlighting the emotional struggle of feeling abandoned by God during difficult times.
What is the meaning of hope in Lamentations 3:18?
In Lamentations 3:18, hope refers to the expectation of support and deliverance from God. The verse conveys a sense of loss when that hope is perceived to be gone, emphasizing the emotional pain of feeling unsupported in times of suffering.
How does Lamentations 3:18 relate to suffering?
Lamentations 3:18 relates to suffering by portraying the emotional turmoil that comes with overwhelming challenges. The speaker's declaration of lost strength and hope reflects the deep pain and sense of abandonment often felt during difficult times.
What themes are present in Lamentations 3:18?
The themes present in Lamentations 3:18 include despair, loss of hope, suffering, and emotional turmoil. It highlights the struggle between faith and feelings of abandonment, emphasizing the human experience of grief and the search for meaning.

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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.