Old Testament
Lamentations 5:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Lamentations 5:7, the speaker reflects on the consequences of their ancestors' sins.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and lament
- Original Audience
- Judah after the fall of Jerusalem
Our fathers sinned and are no longer here; we have borne their iniquities.
Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Lamentations 5:7, the speaker reflects on the consequences of their ancestors' sins. The phrase "Our fathers sinned and are no longer here" indicates that the previous generation has passed away, yet their wrongdoings continue to affect the current generation. The term "we have borne their iniquities" suggests that the suffering and hardships faced by the people are a direct result of the sins committed by their forefathers. This verse highlights the theme of collective responsibility, where the actions of one generation can have lasting repercussions on the next. It serves as a reminder that the consequences of sin can extend beyond individual actions, impacting families and communities. The lament expresses a deep sense of grief and a desire for restoration, as the people grapple with the weight of their inherited burdens. Overall, this verse encapsulates the struggle between past sins and present suffering, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and healing in the face of ongoing consequences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Lamentations 5:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their potential impact on future generations. It reminds us to seek forgiveness for our sins and to strive for a life that positively influences those who come after us. We should also support one another in healing from past wrongs.
Curated for this public verse page. Lamentations Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamentations 5:7 mean?
Lamentations 5:7 reflects on how the sins of previous generations affect the current generation. It expresses that while the ancestors have died, their wrongdoings continue to burden their descendants.
What is the meaning of 'we have borne their iniquities' in Lamentations 5:7?
The phrase 'we have borne their iniquities' means that the current generation is suffering the consequences of the sins committed by their forefathers. It highlights the idea of collective responsibility for past actions.
How does Lamentations 5:7 relate to collective responsibility?
Lamentations 5:7 illustrates collective responsibility by showing that the actions of one generation can have lasting effects on the next. It serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected and affected by the choices of those before us.
What themes are present in Lamentations 5:7?
Key themes in Lamentations 5:7 include collective responsibility, the consequences of sin, generational impact, suffering, and the longing for restoration. These themes highlight the deep emotional and spiritual struggles faced by the community.

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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