Old Testament

Lamentations 3:36

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

ClearClear Bible Translation

To undermine a man in his cause, the LORD does not approve.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

To subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not.

What Lamentations 3:36 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse emphasizes that God does not support actions that unjustly undermine or subvert a person's rightful cause or situation. It highlights the importance of integrity and fairness in our dealings with others. When someone tries to manipulate or deceive another person to gain an advantage, it goes against God's principles. The verse serves as a reminder that God values justice and righteousness, and He disapproves of any actions that lead to the oppression or unfair treatment of individuals. It encourages believers to act with honesty and to uphold the truth in their interactions, ensuring that they do not engage in practices that would harm others or violate their rights. Ultimately, this verse calls for a commitment to justice and ethical behavior, reflecting God's character in our lives.

How to apply Lamentations 3:36 to your life

In our daily lives, we should strive to support others in their rightful causes and avoid actions that could harm or undermine them. This means being honest in our dealings, standing up for those who are treated unfairly, and ensuring that our actions reflect God's values of justice and integrity.

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 3:36

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 3:36

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 3:36 mean?

Lamentations 3:36 means that God does not support actions that unjustly undermine or subvert a person's rightful cause. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and fairness in our interactions with others.

What is the meaning of 'subvert a man in his cause' in Lamentations 3:36?

The phrase 'subvert a man in his cause' refers to actions that manipulate or deceive someone to gain an unfair advantage over them. This verse indicates that such actions are disapproved by God.

How does Lamentations 3:36 apply to daily life?

In daily life, Lamentations 3:36 encourages us to act with honesty and support others in their rightful causes. It reminds us to avoid actions that could harm or undermine others.

What themes are present in Lamentations 3:36?

The themes present in Lamentations 3:36 include justice, integrity, fairness, divine disapproval of wrongdoing, and the call for righteousness in our actions.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

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