Old Testament
Lamentations 5:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Lamentations 5:1, the speaker is pleading with God to remember the suffering and humiliation that the people have endured.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
LORD, remember what has happened to us. Look at us and see our disgrace.
Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 5:1, the speaker is pleading with God to remember the suffering and humiliation that the people have endured. They are asking God to take notice of their situation and to acknowledge the shame they are experiencing. This verse reflects a deep sense of despair and a desire for divine intervention. The people feel abandoned and are calling on God to recognize their plight. The use of the words 'remember' and 'behold' emphasizes the urgency of their request, as they seek reassurance that God has not forgotten them in their time of need. This lamentation captures the emotional weight of their circumstances, highlighting the pain of loss and the longing for restoration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of bringing our struggles before God, seeking His attention and mercy in times of distress.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Lamentations 5:1 to your life
When facing difficult times, it is important to bring our struggles to God, just as the people in Lamentations did. We can express our feelings of shame and despair, trusting that God hears our cries. This verse encourages us to seek God's presence and intervention in our lives, reminding us that we are not alone in our suffering.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 5:1 mean?
Lamentations 5:1 expresses a heartfelt plea to God, asking Him to remember the suffering and disgrace that the people have experienced. The speaker is seeking acknowledgment of their pain and a response from God, reflecting a deep sense of despair and a longing for divine intervention. This verse highlights the emotional turmoil of feeling abandoned and the hope for restoration.
How can I apply Lamentations 5:1 to my life?
You can apply Lamentations 5:1 by bringing your struggles and feelings of shame or despair to God in prayer. Just as the people in the verse did, you can express your pain and seek God's presence in your difficult times. This verse encourages you to trust that God hears your cries and is aware of your situation, reminding you that you are not alone in your suffering.
What themes are present in Lamentations 5:1?
Lamentations 5:1 encompasses several key themes, including suffering, divine remembrance, shame, and a plea for help. It reflects the despair of the people and their desire for restoration, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's attention and mercy during times of distress.
Why is it important to remember our suffering like in Lamentations 5:1?
Remembering our suffering, as highlighted in Lamentations 5:1, is important because it allows us to acknowledge our pain and seek healing. It encourages us to bring our struggles to God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. By recognizing our hardships, we can also find strength and hope for restoration and renewal.

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.
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