Old Testament
Lamentations 4:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD has completed his fury; he has poured out his fierce anger and started a fire in Zion that consumed its foundations.
Compare translations
The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.
What Lamentations 4:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 4:11, the verse reflects on the intense anger of the LORD towards Jerusalem, particularly Zion. It indicates that God has fully expressed His wrath, leading to devastating consequences for the city. The imagery of fire consuming the foundations symbolizes total destruction and the severity of the situation. This destruction is not just physical but also spiritual, as it signifies the breakdown of the community and its relationship with God. The verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the consequences that can follow when a people turn away from God. The use of 'fury' and 'fierce anger' emphasizes the depth of God's displeasure, while the mention of Zion highlights the significance of this place as the center of worship and community for the Israelites. Overall, this verse encapsulates the theme of divine judgment and the tragic results of disobedience.
How to apply Lamentations 4:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the seriousness of our actions. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. We should strive to maintain a close relationship with Him and seek His guidance in our daily decisions to avoid similar outcomes.
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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 4:11
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 4:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 4:11 mean?
Lamentations 4:11 expresses the complete anger of the LORD towards Jerusalem, indicating that His wrath has led to the city's destruction. The imagery of fire consuming Zion's foundations symbolizes total devastation and the severe consequences of the people's disobedience.
What is the significance of Zion in Lamentations 4:11?
In Lamentations 4:11, Zion represents the heart of Jerusalem and the center of worship for the Israelites. Its destruction signifies not only physical ruin but also a spiritual breakdown in the community's relationship with God.
What does 'fury' and 'fierce anger' mean in Lamentations 4:11?
The terms 'fury' and 'fierce anger' in Lamentations 4:11 highlight the intensity of God's displeasure with His people. They emphasize the seriousness of their sins and the resulting divine judgment that leads to their suffering.
What are the consequences mentioned in Lamentations 4:11?
Lamentations 4:11 illustrates the consequences of turning away from God, which include destruction and loss of community. The verse serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to severe repercussions, both physically and spiritually.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.