Old Testament
Lamentations 5:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Lamentations 5:14, the verse highlights a significant change in the social and cultural life of the community.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
The elders no longer sit at the city gate, and the young men have stopped playing their music.
The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 5:14, the verse highlights a significant change in the social and cultural life of the community. The elders, who traditionally held wisdom and authority, are no longer present at the city gate, a place of gathering and decision-making. This absence signifies a loss of leadership and guidance. Additionally, the young men have stopped playing music, which reflects a loss of joy and celebration in the community. Music often symbolizes life, vitality, and hope, so its absence indicates a deep sorrow and despair. The verse paints a picture of a community that has been stripped of its vibrancy and social structure, emphasizing the profound impact of suffering and loss on both the older and younger generations. This lamentation serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of societal breakdown and the need for restoration and healing. Explore related strength.
Related topics
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How to apply Lamentations 5:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the importance of community and the roles we play within it. It reminds us to value our elders and maintain traditions that foster joy and connection. In times of hardship, we should seek to restore relationships and support one another, ensuring that our communities remain vibrant and resilient.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 5:14 mean?
Lamentations 5:14 highlights the absence of elders and music in the community, symbolizing a loss of leadership and joy. This reflects the deep sorrow and despair experienced by the people.
What is the significance of elders in Lamentations 5:14?
In this verse, the elders represent wisdom and authority, and their absence at the city gate indicates a breakdown of social structure and guidance within the community.
Why is music mentioned in Lamentations 5:14?
The mention of music in Lamentations 5:14 signifies the loss of joy and celebration in the community, as music often symbolizes life and vitality.
What themes are present in Lamentations 5:14?
Key themes in Lamentations 5:14 include loss of leadership, absence of joy, cultural decline, community despair, and the impact of suffering across generations.

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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