LAM front intro zxy7 0 # Introduction to Lamentations<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of Lamentations<br><br>1. First lament: Yahweh and his people have abandoned Jerusalem (1:1–22)<br>1. Second lament: Yahweh was angry with Jerusalem and caused it to be destroyed (2:1–22)<br>1. Third lament (3:1-66)<br> * The people grieve (3:1–20)<br> * Yahweh comforts those who turn back to him (3:21–39)<br> * Judah is learning to return to Yahweh (3:40–54)<br> * Judah cries out to be avenged of its enemies (3:55–66)<br>1. Fourth lament: The terrors of the siege of Jerusalem (4:1-4:22)<br> * The people’s sin caused Jerusalem to be punished (4:1–20)<br> * Their being punished satisfied Yahweh’s wrath for their sin (4:21–22a)<br> * Edom will be punished also (4:22b)<br>1. Fifth lament: The broken nation cries out to Yahweh (5:1–22)<br><br>### What is the Book of Lamentations about?<br><br>The Babylonians captured the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. In the Book of Lamentations, the writer grieves over Jerusalem being destroyed.<br><br>The Book of Lamentations is organized into five poems. The writer describes how God allowed Jerusalem to be destroyed because the people sinned against him. However, the writer also states that God is always loving and faithful to his people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of Lamentations?<br><br>The text of Lamentations does not give the name of the author. The traditional view is that Jeremiah wrote it. The writer seems to have personally seen Jerusalem destroyed. The serious and grieving words in the Book of Jeremiah are similar to those in the Book of Lamentations.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may use the traditional title of “Lamentations.” Or they may call the book “Poems of Sadness.” If translators want to take the view that the prophet Jeremiah wrote this book, they might decide on a title such as “The Sad Sayings of Jeremiah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### Did God abandon Israel?<br><br>The author of Lamentations often speaks of God abandoning Israel. But this did not mean that God had completely given up on Israel.<br>He rejected Israel for a period of time as the special place where he would be present. However, God remained faithful to what he promised Israel in his covenant.<br><br>While it was common in the ancient Near East to think that a god might leave its city, it usually did so because it was too weak to defend the city. In Lamentations, Yahweh abandons Jerusalem because the people sinned against him, not because he was too weak to defend the city. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])<br><br>### What is a funeral song?<br><br>People groups commonly sing songs after someone dies or during a funeral. Depending on the culture, these songs can sound either happy or sad. The Book of Lamentations is like a sad song, called a “lament,” sung at a funeral. Some scholars think the rhythm of the laments in Hebrew makes them sound slow like a funeral procession.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What style of writing is Lamentations?<br><br>Lamentations is a collection of five poems. The Jewish exiles living in captivity in Babylon may have sung or chanted these laments. The Jews who remained in Jerusalem after the Babylonians conquered it may also have sung them. In Chapters 1, 2, and 4, each line of the poem begins with a different Hebrew letter, in the order of the Hebrew alphabet. The third chapter repeats three lines starting with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The next three lines begin with next letter in the Hebrew alphabet.<br><br>### Who are the woman and the man in Lamentations?<br><br>The author uses the image of an abandoned woman and a persecuted man to represent Judah and Jerusalem. He uses this type of personification to help rea
LAM 1 intro cpx3 0 # Lamentations 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>### Judah destroyed for her sin<br><br>Judah used to be great, but is now a slave. The temple is stripped of all its valuables. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])
LAM 1 1 mx9e writing-poetry 0 General Information: Various poetic forms are used throughout this book. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 1 i4kk figs-metaphor 0 is now sitting all alone This speaks of the city of Jerusalem being empty, as if it were a woman who was sitting alone. Alternate translation: “is now empty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 1 azd1 figs-personification 0 She The writer of Lamentations writes about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 1 p68i figs-simile 0 like a widow This speaks of Jerusalem as being without protection, as if it were a vulnerable widow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 1 1 jn93 figs-metaphor 0 She was a princess among the nations This speaks of Jerusalem being honored as if it were a princess. Alternate translation: “She was like a princess among the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 1 k944 figs-activepassive 0 forced into slavery “forced to become a slave.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but she is now a slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 1 2 hy2k figs-personification 0 She weeps and wails … and her tears cover her cheeks The author describes Jerusalem as having emotions like a human being. The city also stands for her inhabitants. Alternate translation: “Those who live in her weep and wail … and their tears cover their cheeks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 2 vm69 figs-doublet 0 weeps and wails The word “wails” refers to the sounds that a person makes when they “weep” loudly. Alternate translation: “weeps loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
LAM 1 2 xf4h figs-metaphor 0 None of her lovers comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her This speaks of the people groups that had been faithful to Jerusalem betraying Jerusalem, as if the people groups were Jerusalem’s lovers and friends. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 3 wtj1 figs-personification 0 General Information: In these verses, Jerusalem and Judah are spoken of as if they were women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 3 d5d4 figs-metonymy 0 Judah has gone into exile Here Judah refers to its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah have gone into exile” or “the people of Judah have been taken into a foreign land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 3 yb38 figs-personification 0 She lives … finds Here the kingdom of Judah is described as a woman. “She” also stands for the citizens of Judah. Alternate translation: “Her people live … they find” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 3 w248 figs-personification 0 All her pursuers overtook her in her desperation This speaks of the people of Judah being captured by their enemies as if they were a woman who was captured by those pursuing her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 3 can4 0 All her pursuers overtook her Alternate translation: “Everyone who was chasing her managed to capture her” or “Everyone who was hunting for her found her”
LAM 1 3 fm5d figs-abstractnouns 0 in her desperation The word “desperation” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “when she was desperate” or “when she was distressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 1 4 i8db figs-personification 0 General Information: The city of Zion is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 4 h3bm figs-personification 0 The roads of Zion mourn The author speaks of the roads that lead to Zion mourning as if they were human beings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 4 ih8f figs-personification 0 All her gates are desolate The word “her” refers to Zion. Alternate translation: “All of Zion’s gates are empty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 4 bv2d figs-personification 0 Her virgins are sorrowful and she herself is in complete distress Here the people of Zion being distressed are spoken of as if they were a woman in distress. Alternate translation: “Zion’s virgins are sorrowful, and its people despairing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 5 m4mr 0 Her adversaries have become her master; her enemies prosper Alternate translation: “Zion’s adversaries rule over it; its enemies prosper”
LAM 1 5 h8q8 figs-personification 0 Yahweh has afflicted her for her many sins This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people of Zion for their sins as if they were a woman that Yahweh was punishing. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has afflicted her people because of the sins they have committed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 5 h9dx figs-abstractnouns 0 Her little children go into captivity to her adversary The word “captivity” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Her enemy captures her little children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 1 6 e22r figs-personification 0 General Information: The city of Zion is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 6 vlv6 0 Beauty has left the daughter of Zion This speaks of everything beautiful in Zion being destroyed as if “beauty” were a person that left Zion. Alternate translation: “Everything that was beautiful about the daughter of Zion is destroyed”
LAM 1 6 i7te figs-personification 0 daughter of Zion This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 6 imv9 figs-simile 0 Her princes have become like deer that cannot find pasture This speaks of Zion’s princes having nothing to eat like deer that cannot find grass to eat. Alternate translation: “Her princes are starving, they are like deer that cannot find grass to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 1 7 g8bb figs-metonymy 0 Jerusalem will call to mind Here “Jerusalem” refers to the people who live there. The phrase “call to mind” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem will remember” or “Jerusalem will remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 7 kyv3 figs-explicit 0 in former days “in the past.” This refers to the time before the people of Jerusalem were captured. Alternate translation: “before this disaster happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 7 a6c2 figs-metonymy 0 When her people fell into the hand of the adversary Here the word “hand” refers the control of the enemy army. Alternate translation: “When the adversary conquered and captured her people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 7 ck49 figs-abstractnouns 0 at her destruction This word “destruction” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “because she was destroyed” or “while they destroyed her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 1 8 z8dz figs-personification 0 General Information: The city of Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 8 h4x9 figs-simile 0 Jerusalem sinned greatly, therefore, she has become scorned as something that is filthy This speaks of Jerusalem being scorned in the same way that a woman is scorned when she is unclean. According to the law of Moses, a woman was considered unclean during her monthly bleeding. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem’s sins have made her filthy and unclean, and therefore she was unacceptable before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 1 8 ib81 figs-personification 0 Jerusalem sinned greatly This describes Jerusalem as a woman who sinned, while it also stands for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem sinned greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 8 jpl7 figs-activepassive 0 has become scorned If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has become an object of scorn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 1 8 lwa4 figs-personification 0 her nakedness “her naked.” Jerusalem is described as a woman whose private parts have been exposed to everyone to shame her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 9 tsa8 figs-metaphor 0 She has become unclean beneath her skirts According to the l of Moses, a woman was considered unclean during her monthly bleeding. This speaks of Jerusalem being unclean, as if it were a menstruating woman. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem has become unclean, as when a woman is unclean beneath her skirts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 9 z2lm figs-metaphor 0 unclean A person who God considers to be spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 9 r5x9 figs-idiom 0 Her fall was terrible The phrase “her fall” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Her downfall was astonishing” or “Those who saw her destruction were surprised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 9 h7er figs-personification 0 Look at my affliction, Yahweh This could mean that: (1) the author of Lamentations now talks directly to Yahweh or (2) Jerusalem is described as talking to Yahweh like a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 9 bx6p figs-explicit 0 the enemy has become too great This means that they enemy army has become too large and powerful and has defeated Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the enemy army has defeated me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 10 mu6h figs-idiom 0 has put his hand on This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “has taken possession of” or “has stolen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 10 ban1 figs-personification 0 She has seen The word “She” refers to Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 10 qt1m figs-synecdoche 0 the nations This refers to people from various nations, not the entire population of those nations. Alternate translation: “people from the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 1 10 u91b 0 you had commanded The word “you” refers to Yahweh.
LAM 1 11 ybg4 figs-personification 0 her people The word “her” refers to Jerusalem which is described as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “her inhabitants” or “the people of the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 11 sr71 figs-synecdoche 0 bread This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 1 11 q7bp figs-explicit 0 They have given their precious treasures for food This means they traded their wealth and their valuables in exchange for food. Alternate translation: “They have traded their precious treasures in exchange for food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 11 ae41 figs-personification 0 Look, Yahweh, and consider me Here Jerusalem speaks directly to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 12 lv2d figs-rquestion 0 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? This rhetorical question is an accusation aganist the people who walk past Jerusalem and do not care about its well-being. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “All you who pass by should care more for my affliction!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 1 12 hb8j figs-personification 0 Is it nothing to you Here Jerusalem continues to speak, but now to people who pass by instead of to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 12 mb6z figs-doublet 0 Look and see These words share similar meanings. Together they invite the reader to understand by seeing that no one has suffered so much. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
LAM 1 12 gua5 figs-activepassive 0 the sorrow that is being inflicted on me If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sorrow that Yahweh is inflicting upon me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 1 12 xgh8 figs-idiom 0 on the day of his fierce anger Here the word “day” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he was fiercely angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 13 vg27 figs-personification 0 General Information: In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 13 x6ap figs-idiom 0 on high This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 13 y8l7 figs-personification 0 he has sent fire into my bones, and it has conquered them This speaks of Yahweh punishing Jerusalem as if Jerusalem were a person that Yahweh were punishing with fire. Alternate translation: “he has sent a painful punishment into my inner being, and it has destroyed me” or “he has sent a destructive punishment into the middle of Jerusalem, and it has destroyed the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 13 d689 figs-metonymy 0 has sent fire into my bones Here “fire” represents pain and “bones” represents one’s inner being. Alternate translation: “has sent pain into my bones” or “has sent pain into my inner being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 13 pt8b figs-personification 0 He has spread a net for my feet This speaks of Yahweh punishing Jerusalem as if Jerusalem were a person that Yahweh had set a trap for. This refers to a type of trap usually used to catch an animal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 13 y57i figs-idiom 0 turned me back This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “prevented my from walking any further” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 14 f1g6 figs-metaphor 0 The yoke of my transgressions … They are knit together and placed upon my neck This speaks of the people of Jerusalem’s sins as if they were a yoke bearing a heavy burden that Yahweh had placed on their necks. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My transgressions are like a yoke that he has bound together with his hands and placed upon my neck” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 1 14 m9ta figs-metonymy 0 given me over into their hands “given me over into the hands of my enemies.” Here their enemies’ control is represented by their “hands.” Alternate translation: “given my over to the control of my enemies” or “let my enemies defeat me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 14 rm8k figs-idiom 0 I am not able to stand This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I cannot resist them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 15 b3xh figs-personification 0 General Information: In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 15 ct6z figs-metaphor 0 an assembly Here the enemy army attacking Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were a meeting of people who have come together in order to accuse and condemn someone. Alternate translation: “a great army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 15 zrt4 0 to crush my vigorous men This speaks of the enemy army defeating the soldiers of Jerusalem as if they crushed them. Alternate translation: “to defeat my vigorous men”
LAM 1 15 t625 figs-metaphor 0 The Lord has trampled … in the winepress Here the judgment of God is described as if Jerusalem were grapes on which he had trampled in order to squeeze out the juice. Alternate translation: “It is as though the Lord has trampled upon the virgin daughter of Judah in a winepress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 15 w82e figs-metaphor 0 the virgin daughter of Judah This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. The word “virgin” suggests that this woman is pure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 16 ze56 figs-personification 0 General Information: In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 16 p25m figs-metaphor 0 for a comforter is far from me, one who restores my life This speaks of Jerusalem having no one to comfort her as if she did have a comforter, but that he was far away. The word “comforter” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “for there is no one to comfort me and restore my life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 17 ua88 figs-personification 0 Zion has spread her hands wide Here Jerusalem no longer speaks about herself; instead the author describes Jerusalem. He speaks of Zion as if it were a woman that lifts up her hands to ask for help. Alternate translation: “Zion has reached out for help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 1 17 f1em figs-metonymy 0 around Jacob should be his adversaries Here “Jacob” refers to his descendants, that is Israel. Alternate translation: “around Jacob’s descendants should be their adversaries” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 17 t8w2 figs-metaphor 0 unclean A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 18 cz8z figs-personification 0 General Information: In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 18 l7wg 0 Yahweh is righteous This implies that what Yahweh has done, he has done because he is righteous. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has acted out of his righteousness” or “What Yahweh has done is right”
LAM 1 18 f15f figs-abstractnouns 0 see my sorrow The word “sorrow” can be expressed as a “sad.” Alternate translation: “see how extremely sad I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 1 18 lnt9 figs-synecdoche 0 My virgins and my vigorous men have gone into captivity Here all of the people of Jerusalem who were taken into captivity are represented by the “virgins” and the “vigorous men” who were taken. Alternate translation: “Many of my people, including my virgins and vigorous men, have gone into captivity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 1 19 i88c figs-explicit 0 they were treacherous toward me This means that they betrayed him. Alternate translation: “they betrayed me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 20 tsg9 figs-personification 0 General Information: In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 20 le5p figs-personification 0 Look, Yahweh, for I am in distress Jerusalem continues to talk about herself as if she were a woman, but now talks directly to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 20 csk1 figs-metaphor 0 my stomach churns The word “churn” means to move around violently, normally in a circular rotation. This does not mean the stomach is literally churning, but describes how the woman, representing Jerusalem, feels. Alternate translation: “my insides ache” or “my stomach hurts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 1 20 wyf3 figs-synecdoche 0 my heart is disturbed within me Here the woman, representing Jerusalem, refers to her “heart” to emphasize her feelings. Alternate translation: “my heart is broken” or “I am extremely sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 1 20 xmz9 figs-metonymy 0 the sword bereaves a mother The “sword” represents the enemy. Alternate translation: “the enemy kills a mother’s children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 1 20 vx25 figs-explicit 0 inside the house there is only death This could mean: (1) “inside the house, everyone is dying” or (2) “and inside the house the dead people are kept” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 21 qm9m figs-personification 0 General Information: In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 21 n3na figs-personification 0 They have heard my groaning “People have heard my groaning.” Jerusalem continues to speak as if she were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 1 21 r2sj 0 you have done it Here the word “you” refers to Yahweh.
LAM 1 21 qe7h figs-idiom 0 You have brought the day you promised The phrase “the day” is an idiom that refers to a specific event happening. Alternate translation: “You have done what you have promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 21 cir1 figs-explicit 0 now let them become like me This is a request for Jerusalem’s enemies to suffer as the people of Jerusalem have. Alternate translation: “now let them suffer like me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 22 qsw5 figs-idiom 0 Let all their wickedness come before you This is a request for Yahweh to judge Jerusalem’s enemies for their wickedness. The phrase “come before you” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to all of the wickedness they have committed” or “Judge them for all of their wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 1 22 j42r figs-explicit 0 deal with them as you have dealt with me This is a request for Yahweh to punish Jerusalem’s enemies as he punished the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “punish them as you have punished me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 1 22 e4g5 figs-synecdoche 0 my heart is faint Here the “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am faint” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 2 intro w57v 0 # Lamentations 2 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>God has become Judah’s enemy. He is determined to destroy them.
LAM 2 1 r7dk writing-poetry 0 General Information: A new poem begins. The writer of Lamentations uses many different ways to express that the people of Israel have lost God’s favor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 1 gee6 figs-metaphor 0 The Lord has covered the daughter of Zion under the cloud of his anger This speaks of the Lord’s anger against Jerusalem (Zion) as if it were a dark cloud. This could mean: (1) God is threatening to harm the people of Jerusalem or (2) God has already harmed the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 1 ddb5 figs-personification 0 the daughter of Zion This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Translate as you did in [Lamentations 1:6](../01/06.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 1 qu7x figs-metaphor 0 He has thrown the splendor of Israel down from heaven to earth The phrase “the splendor of Israel” refers to Jerusalem. This passage speaks of the people of Jerusalem losing favor with the Lord as if he threw them out of his presence. The phrase “from heaven to earth” is a great distance used to represent how much they lost favor with the Lord. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem, the splendor of Israel, has lost all favor with the Lord” or “Jerusalem has lost all favor with the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 2 1 xfe7 figs-metaphor 0 He has not remembered his footstool This is a reference to the Lord having considered Jerusalem his “footstool” in the past, which symbolized that he had authority over them and that they were submissive to him. This speaks of the Lord disregarding Jerusalem as his footstool as if he did not remember them. Alternate translation: “He disregarded Jerusalem as his footstool” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 1 l7v9 figs-metaphor 0 not remembered This speaks of the Lord not paying attention to Jerusalem as if he did not remember them. Alternate translation: “disregarded” or “paid no attention to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 1 lqv1 figs-idiom 0 on the day of his anger Here “day” is used as an idiom that refers to a general period of time. Alternate translation: “at the time when he displays his anger” or “at the time he acts in his anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 2 a52b figs-personification 0 the daughter of Judah This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 2 a6zu figs-idiom 0 the days of his anger Here “day” is used as an idiom that refers to a general period of time. Alternate translation: “the time of his anger” or “the time of his anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 2 gz9b figs-metaphor 0 swallowed up This speaks of the Lord completely destroying the towns as if he were an animal who ate them. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 2 v8mh figs-metonymy 0 all the towns of Jacob Here “the towns of Jacob” refers to the towns where his descendants lived. Alternate translation: “all the towns of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 2 rv9k 0 the fortified cities of the daughter of Judah This could mean: (1) the fortified cities throughout Judah or (2) the fortified walls of Jerusalem.
LAM 2 3 ga1g figs-metaphor 0 he has cut off every horn of Israel This speaks of the Lord taking away Israel’s strength as if he were cutting off its horns. The word “horn” refers to an animal horn, not a musical instrument. Alternate translation: “he has taken away all of Israel’s strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 3 liy3 figs-metonymy 0 withdrawn his right hand from before the enemy Here the Lord’s protection is represented by his “right hand.” Alternate translation: “stopped protecting us from our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 3 cni2 0 He has burned up Jacob like a blazing fire that devours everything around it This speaks of how the Lord has destroyed Jacob as if a fire has completely burned it. Alternate translation: “He has destroyed Jacob like a blazing fire destroys everything”
LAM 2 3 rkj3 figs-metonymy 0 Jacob Here “Jacob” refers to the places where his descendants lived. Alternate translation: “Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 4 cd29 figs-simile 0 Like an enemy he has bent his bow toward us, with his right is ready to shoot A soldier has to bend his bow in order to shoot an arrow from it. This speaks of the Lord preparing to attack Israel as if he were an enemy about to shoot them with a bow and arrow. Alternate translation: “He has prepared to kill us, like an enemy who has made his bow ready to shoot us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 2 4 x4pl figs-personification 0 in the tent of the daughter of Zion The “daughter of Zion” is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. The phrase “tent of the daughter of Zion” speaks of Jerusalem as a “tent” emphasizing that it is the home of those who live there. Alternate translation: “who live in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 4 p4pw figs-metaphor 0 he has poured out his wrath like fire This speaks of the Lord’s wrath as if it were a liquid that he were pouring out on the people. His wrath is also compared to a “fire” to emphasize how destructive it is. Alternate translation: “in his anger he has destroyed everything like a blazing fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 5 zz9u figs-metaphor 0 swallowed up This speaks of the Lord completely destroying Israel as if he were animal who ate them. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “completely destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 5 l83l figs-abstractnouns 0 He has increased mourning and lamentation within the daughter of Judah The words “mourning” and “lamentation” can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “He has caused more and more people within the daughter of Judah to mourn and lament” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 2 5 n1vh figs-personification 0 daughter of Judah This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 6 erj2 figs-simile 0 He has attacked his tabernacle like a garden hut This speaks of the tabernacle being easily destroyed, as if it were a garden hut. The Lord caused Israel’s enemies to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself. Alternate translation: “He has caused their enemies to attack his tabernacle as easily as if it were a garden hut” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 6 tg96 figs-metonymy 0 He has destroyed the place of the solemn assembly The Lord caused Israel’s enemies to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself. Alternate translation: “He has caused the place of the solemn assembly to be destroyed” or “He has caused their enemies to destroy the place of the solemn assembly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 6 zkt2 figs-activepassive 0 caused both solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “caused the people in Zion to forget both solemn assembly and Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 2 7 ub33 figs-metonymy 0 He has given over the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy Here the enemy’s “hand” refers to the enemy’s control. Alternate translation: “He has allowed the enemy to capture the walls of her palaces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 7 vn7k figs-synecdoche 0 the walls of her palaces Here, the word **her** may refer either to the temple or to Jersualem. Possible translations are: (1) “the walls of the temple” or (2) “the walls of Jerusalem’s palaces.” The word “walls” is a synecdoche for the whole building, and the building is a synecdoche for all of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 2 7 jx6y figs-irony 0 They have raised a shout in the house of Yahweh, as on the day of an appointed feast This is an ironic comparison between the happy, noisy festivals of Israel and the loud shouts of victory of the Babylonians. Alternate translation: “They have raised a shout in the house of Yahweh, as the Israelites would during an appointed feast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
LAM 2 7 t8c8 figs-idiom 0 have raised a shout This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “have shouted victoriously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 8 de6p figs-metonymy 0 Yahweh decided to destroy the city wall Yahweh chose to have the wall destroyed and caused Jerusalem’s enemy to destroy it. He did not destroy it himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 8 q6gn figs-personification 0 daughter of Zion This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 8 ydw2 figs-metaphor 0 He has stretched out the measuring line This speaks of preparing to destroy the wall as if he measured it before he destroyed it, so that he knew how much to destroy. Alternate translation: “It is as though he has measured the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 8 pj1d figs-doublenegatives 0 has not withheld his hand from destroying This can be stated without the double negatives. Also, here the Lord is referred to by his “hand.” Alternate translation: “with his hand he has destroyed the wall” or “he has destroyed the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 2 8 ac1h figs-personification 0 He has made the ramparts and wall to lament; together they wasted away The walls and ramparts are spoken of as if they were people who lamented and died. Alternate translation: “Because he has destroyed the ramparts and walls, they are like people who lament and have lost their strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 8 k5k2 0 ramparts Ancient cities had a main “wall” to keep attackers out, and an outer line of “ramparts” to keep attackers from the wall.
LAM 2 10 ld1b figs-personification 0 daughter of Zion This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 10 ja3b translate-symaction 0 sit on the ground in silence Often people would sit on the ground to show they were mourning. Alternate translation: “sit on the ground, mourning in silence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 2 10 shs1 translate-symaction 0 They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth These are actions of mourning. Alternate translation: “To show their mourning, they have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 2 10 e8dm translate-symaction 0 have bowed their heads to the ground This is an action of mourning. Alternate translation: “have sorrowfully bowed their heads to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 2 11 ww8f figs-idiom 0 My eyes have failed from their tears This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I have cried until I cannot cry anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 11 r9cy figs-metaphor 0 my stomach churns The word “churn” means to move around violently, normally in a circular rotation. This does not mean the stomach is literally churning, but describes how the author feels. Alternate translation: “my insides ache” or “my stomach hurts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 11 drr4 figs-metaphor 0 my inner parts are poured out to the ground The author speaks of feeling grief in his inner being as if his inner body parts had fallen out of his body onto the ground. Alternate translation: “my entire inner being is in grief” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 11 ckr1 figs-metonymy 0 the daughter of my people This is a poetic name of Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 12 xg9t figs-metonymy 0 Where is grain and wine? This rhetorical question is used as a request for something to eat. The children are telling their mother that they are hungry. The phrase “grain and wine” represents food and drink. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Give us something to eat and drink.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 12 e2aq figs-simile 0 as they faint like a wounded man This speaks of the children fainting from hunger and thirst in the same way that a wounded man faints. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 2 12 m2n2 figs-metaphor 0 their lives are poured out on the bosom of their mothers This speaks of the children dying as if their lives were a liquid that was being poured out. Alternate translation: “they slowly die in the arms of their mothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 13 ez4e figs-rquestion 0 What can I say … Jerusalem? The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know what to say to help Jerusalem. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that I can say … Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 13 r825 figs-personification 0 daughter of Jerusalem … virgin daughter of Zion These are poetic names for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. “Zion” is another name for Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 13 yt6j figs-rquestion 0 To what can I compare to you … Zion? The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know how to give comfort to Jerusalem. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing to which I can compare you … Zion.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 13 xm7j figs-simile 0 Your wound is as great as the sea This speaks of Jerusalem’s great suffering as if it were as terrible as the sea is great. Alternate translation: “Your suffering is as terrible as the sea is large” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 2 13 cfe5 figs-rquestion 0 Who can heal you? “Who can restore you?” The author uses this rhetorical question to express that there is no one who can restore Jerusalem to the way it was before. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can heal you.” or “No one can restore you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 14 rg7i 0 They have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes “They did not tell you about your sins to restore your fortunes.” The word “fortune” refers to a person’s wealth and prosperity.
LAM 2 14 p4y7 figs-abstractnouns 0 for you they gave utterances The word “utterances” can be expressed with the verb “spoke.” Alternate translation: “they spoke things to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 2 15 na4v translate-symaction 0 clap their hands … hiss and shake their heads These actions are used to mock and insult others. Alternate translation: “mock you by clapping their hands … hiss and shake their heads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 2 15 s9nn figs-personification 0 the daughter of Jerusalem This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 15 cxb8 figs-rquestion 0 Is this the city that they called ‘The Perfection of Beauty,’‘The Joy for All of Earth’? This rhetorical question is used to express sarcasm. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This city that they called ‘The Perfection of Beauty,’‘The Joy for All of Earth,’ is not so beautiful or joyful anymore!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 16 t9p2 translate-symaction 0 grind their teeth This action shows a person’s anger and that they are mocking others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 2 16 v2ed figs-metaphor 0 We have swallowed her up Here the people speak of destroying Jerusalem as if they were an animal swallowing its food. Alternate translation: “We have completely destroyed Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 16 p7nl figs-idiom 0 We have lived to see it This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “We have greatly desired to see it happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 17 l2hu 0 to rejoice over you This means that the enemy rejoiced because they defeated them. Alternate translation: “to rejoice over defeating you”
LAM 2 17 b3zb figs-metonymy 0 he has lifted up the horn of your enemies Here **horn** (that is, an animal horn) represents strength. Alternate translation: “he has increased the power of your enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 18 v62e figs-synecdoche 0 Their heart cried out to the Lord Here the word **heart** represents the whole person emphasizing one’s innermost being. Possible meanings of who cried out are: (1) the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem shouted to the Lord from their innermost being” or (2) the walls are being personified. Alternate translation: “You walls, cry out to the Lord from your innermost being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 18 qsn1 figs-apostrophe 0 walls of the daughter of Zion! Make your tears flow … no relief The writer speaks to the walls of Jerusalem. He wants the people of Jerusalem to do what he is telling the walls to do. Some translations take this whole section to be spoken to the “walls,” though this can be written with the first phrase “walls of the daughter of Zion!” spoken to the “walls,” and the rest of the section spoken directly to the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
LAM 2 18 ew4w figs-personification 0 the daughter of Zion This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 2 18 mbx5 figs-metaphor 0 Make your tears flow down like a river This speaks of the people crying so much that their tears would flow like a river. Alternate translation: “Cry many, many tears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 18 kbz7 figs-merism 0 day and night These two opposite times of day refer to all the time. Alternate translation: “all of the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
LAM 2 19 t1js figs-apostrophe 0 Arise, cry out … of every street The writer continues speaking to the walls of Jerusalem. He wants the people of Jerusalem to do what he is telling the walls to do. Some translations take this whole section to be spoken to the “walls,” though this can be written with the first phrase “walls of the daughter of Zion!” spoken to the “walls,” and the rest of the section spoken directly to the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
LAM 2 19 bb9r 0 at the beginning of the night watches “many times during the night.” This refers to every time a watchman came on duty.
LAM 2 19 n8wa figs-idiom 0 Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord The phrase “pour out your heart like water” is an idiom. Here the Lord is represented by his “face” to emphasize his presence. Alternate translation: “Tell the Lord how you feel in your inner being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 19 ihn4 translate-symaction 0 Lift up your hands to him This was an action often performed while praying. Alternate translation: “Lift up your hands to him in prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
LAM 2 19 xm86 figs-explicit 0 for the lives of your children This means for them to request that the Lord save their children. Alternate translation: “to save the lives of your children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 2 19 mt5t figs-hyperbole 0 at the corner of every street The word “every” here is an exaggeration for “many.” Alternate translation: “where the streets come together” or “by the roads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
LAM 2 20 tx1s figs-rquestion 0 Should women eat the fruit of their wombs … for? This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that it is not right for women to eat their children. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Woman should not eat their own children … for!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 20 si6q figs-metaphor 0 the fruit of their wombs This speaks of children having come from their mother as if they were fruit that came from her womb. Alternate translation: “their children that they have given birth to” or “their own children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 2 20 iy1m figs-rquestion 0 Should priest and prophet be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord? This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the prophets and priests should not be killed. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The prophets and priests should not be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 2 20 e8bt figs-activepassive 0 Should priest and prophet be slaughtered If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Should our enemies slaughter priests and prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 2 21 h93z figs-explicit 0 Both the young and the old lie on the dust It is implied here that this refers to dead people. Alternate translation: “The corpses of both the young and the old lie on the dust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 2 21 bm92 figs-nominaladj 0 Both the young and the old These phrases refer to people. These two opposites are used to refer to all ages of people. Alternate translation: “Both young people and old people” or “People of all ages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
LAM 2 21 hct5 figs-euphemism 0 My young women and my young men have fallen by the sword Here the “sword” refers to their enemies. This is a euphemism that means that they were murdered by their enemies. Alternate translation: “My young women and my young men have been murdered by their enemies” or “My enemies have murdered my young women and my young men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
LAM 2 21 qu9v figs-metonymy 0 you have slaughtered them This speaks of Yahweh allowing the poeple to be slaughtered as if he killed them himself. Alternate translation: “you allowed them to be slaughtered” or “you allowed this to happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 22 re1y figs-simile 0 as you would call the people to a feast day “as if they were coming to a feast.” This speaks of how Yahweh summoned his enemies as if he were inviting them to a feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 2 22 bq2q figs-metonymy 0 my terrors Here the people the author fears are referred to as his “terrors.” Alternate translation: “the attackers I was afraid of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 2 22 d9ky figs-idiom 0 on every side This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to attack from every direction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 2 22 vzm7 figs-idiom 0 on the day of the anger of Yahweh Here “day” is used as an idiom that refers to a general period of time. Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh acted in his anger” or “during the time that Yahweh displayed his anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 3 intro c5kf 0 # Lamentations 3 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Troubles<br><br>Here the author speaks of the suffering experienced by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege and after the city’s fall. He speaks of these sufferings as if they had been directed against him personally, as if God had personally attacked him. However, we should understand the writer’s feelings as having been shared by everyone in the city.<br><br>In verse 19, the writer begins to think about the lessons that he and his fellow citizens should learn about God and his anger and his mercy. He also thinks about what it means to repent and to trust in God.<br><br>In verse 43, the writer speaks again about the suffering that God has caused to Jerusalem, but here the writer speaks of “we” and “us,” not “I” and “me.” But in verse 48, he begins to speak about how he himself will continually mourn over what has happened.<br><br>In verse 52, the writer begins to think about his personal enemies in Jerusalem, those who persecuted him for bringing Yahweh’s messages to the city. He asks for God to show his enemies that he was doing right, and to take revenge on them for their crimes against him.
LAM 3 1 q73v writing-poetry 0 A new poem begins. Here the author speaks of the sufferings that his people experienced. He speaks about them as if God had personally attacked only him. However, the writer intends to speak for everyone in the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
LAM 3 1 z56p figs-metaphor 0 who has seen misery Here “has seen” represents has experienced. Alternate translation: “who has experienced misery” or “who has suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 1 w5zk figs-metonymy 0 under the rod of Yahweh’s fury Being “under the rod” represents being beaten with a rod. The author speaks of God’s punishment as if God had beaten him with a rod. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh was very angry and has beaten me with a rod” or “because Yahweh was very angry and has punished me severely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 2 zm2h figs-metaphor 0 caused me to walk in darkness rather than light Here “darkness” represents suffering. Alternate translation: “caused me to suffer terribly with no hope, like a person walking in darkness rather than light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 3 s83d figs-metonymy 0 he turned his hand against me Here “turned his hand against me” represents attacking him. The author speaks of God causing bad things to happen to him as if God had attacked him. Alternate translation: “he has attacked me” or “he has caused many bad things to happen to me, like someone who attacks a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 4 s5zt 0 He made my flesh and my skin waste away; he broke my bones This could mean: (1) these things are a result of being beaten or (2) these are more ways that God punished the man.
LAM 3 5 qy5b 0 He built up siege works against me Siege works are ramps that an army builds around a city to enable them to climb over the city walls and invade the city.
LAM 3 5 jj4e figs-metaphor 0 He built up siege works against me This could mean: (1) the author speaks of God causing bad things to happen to him as if he were a city and God was an enemy that built up siege works against him. Alternate translation: “God attacked me like an enemy army that sets up siege works around a city” or (2) the author speaks of God causing the enemy army to attack Jerusalem as if God were the enemy. Alternate translation: “God caused the enemy army to build up siege works against me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 5 gq5z figs-metaphor 0 surrounded me with bitterness and hardship This represents God causing him to experience much bitterness and hardship. Alternate translation: “caused me to experience much bitterness and hardship” or “caused me to suffer and have many problems” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 6 vnk1 figs-metaphor 0 He made me live in dark places, like those who died long ago Here “dark places” is a metaphor for suffering. The author compares the intensity of his suffering to the intensity of the darkness that those who died long ago experience. Alternate translation: “The suffering that he causes me is intense like the darkness of the grave” or “He makes me suffer terribly, as if I were in the darkness of those who died long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 3 7 jwk4 figs-metaphor 0 He built a wall around me and I cannot escape. He made my chains heavy This represents the continuing suffering. Like a person who cannot escape from prison, the author cannot make his suffering stop. Alternate translation: “My suffering continues. It is as though he has built a wall around me and put heavy chains on me, and I cannot escape” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 8 ep5p figs-idiom 0 he shut out my prayer The author speaks about God refusing to listen to his prayers as though God was shutting his ears so that the author’s prayers could not go into them. Alternate translation: “he refuses to hear my prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 3 9 h2bx figs-metaphor 0 He blocked my path The author speaks of God causing him to continue to suffer as if God was preventing him from escaping the suffering by blocking his path. Alternate translation: “It is as though he blocked my path” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 9 b31l 0 a wall of hewn stone “a wall of cut stones.” People would cut stones into regular shapes that could fit together well in order to build a strong wall.
LAM 3 9 ire6 figs-metaphor 0 he made my paths crooked Crooked paths do not lead people to where they want to go. Here they represent unsuccessful ways of escaping suffering. Alternate translation: “it is as though he has made my paths crooked” or “I have tried to make the suffering stop, but God has prevented me, like one who prevents another from escaping by making his paths crooked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 10 v9qh figs-simile 0 He is like a bear waiting to ambush me, a lion in hiding The author speaks of God being ready to cause him to suffer more, as if God were a wild animal waiting to attack him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 3 12 eb1t 0 He bent his bow A soldier has to bend his bow in order to shoot an arrow from it. The author speaks of God deciding to cause him trouble as if God were a warrior ready to shoot him with an arrow. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:4](../02/04.md). Alternate translation: “It was as if God made his bow ready to shoot”
LAM 3 13 yzp2 figs-metaphor 0 He pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver The author speaks of the deep grief he feels as if God had shot his kidneys with an arrow. Alternate translation: “My grief is great. It is as if he pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 13 aa5f figs-metaphor 0 my kidneys The kidneys are abdominal organs that move urine into the bladder. They are a metaphor for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “deep into my body” or “my heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 14 et38 figs-hyperbole 0 a laughingstock to all my people The word “all” is a generalization, meaning “most.” Alternate translation: “a laughingstock to most of my people” or “someone whom all my people mock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
LAM 3 15 za84 figs-metaphor 0 He filled me with bitterness Here “bitterness” represents suffering. It is referred to as if it were something that could fill the speaker. Alternate translation: “He has caused me to suffer very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 15 ncz3 figs-metaphor 0 forced me to drink wormwood Wormwood is the bitter juice from the leaves and flowers of a certain plant. Drinking that bitter juice represents suffering. Alternate translation: “it is as though he forced me to drink something very bitter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 16 b5hh figs-metaphor 0 He has made my teeth grind with gravel This could mean: (1) the author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had forced him to chew gravel. Alternate translation: “He has humiliated me, like someone who forces another to chew gravel” or (2) the author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed his face down into the gravel on the ground. Alternate translation: “He has humiliated me, like someone who pushes another man’s face down into the gravel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 16 l411 figs-metaphor 0 he made me cower in the ashes The author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed him down into the ashes of a fire on the ground. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 16 tp2g 0 cower make oneself as small as possible because of fear of something one cannot fight against
LAM 3 17 ewh7 0 My soul is deprived of peace This could mean: (1) the author’s experiences are not peaceful. Alternate translation: “I have no peace in my life” or (2) the author does not feel peace. Alternate translation: “I feel no peace in my soul”
LAM 3 18 ygy3 figs-personification 0 My endurance has perished and so has my hope in Yahweh The author speaks as if his ability to endure more suffering and his hope that Yahweh will help him were living beings that have died. Alternate translation: “I cannot endure anymore suffering and I can no longer hope that Yahweh will help me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 3 18 b3vb 0 endurance Some versions translate this as “glory” or “splendor.”
LAM 3 19 zfr6 0 General Information: In verses 19 to 42, the writer thinks about the lessons that he and his fellow citizens should learn about God and his anger and mercy.
LAM 3 19 j2d4 figs-doublet 0 wormwood and bitterness Wormwood is a plant that gives a liquid which is very bitter to drink. Together “wormwood” and “bitterness” represent severe suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 21 t4a6 0 But I call this to mind This means to intentionally think about something. The word “this” refers to something that the author will start to speak about in the next verse. Alternate translation: “But I choose to think about this” or “But I remember this”
LAM 3 22 hf5a figs-abstractnouns 0 The steadfast love of Yahweh never ceases If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **steadfast love**, you could express the same idea with the phrase “love faithfully.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh never stops loving his people faithfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 3 22 rs8g figs-abstractnouns 0 his compassions never end If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **compassions**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “care.” Alternate translation: “he never stops caring for those who suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 3 23 z4xg figs-metaphor 0 they are new every morning The word “they” refers to God’s steadfast love and compassions. Their being new represents God continuing to act according to them. Alternate translation: “every morning he treats us again with steadfast love and compassion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 23 dp91 0 your faithfulness The word “your” refers to Yahweh.
LAM 3 24 v6sh figs-metaphor 0 Yahweh is my inheritance When God gave each tribe of Israel their land, he called it an inheritance. The author speaks of Yahweh being all he needs as if Yahweh were the inheritance that he had received. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh is with me, I have everything I need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 25 e8de 0 Yahweh is good to those who wait for him Here “good” refers to kindness. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is kind to those who wait for him” or “Yahweh does good things for those who wait for him”
LAM 3 25 a3kw figs-metaphor 0 the one who seeks him Here, **seeks him** could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) wanting to know God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 27 xea4 figs-metaphor 0 that he bear the yoke in his youth Here “bear the yoke” represents suffering. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **his youth**, you could express the same idea with another word such as “young.” Alternate translation: “that he suffer while he is young” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 3 28 deh5 0 Let him sit alone in silence The phrase “in silence” refers to not speaking. Here it may refer specifically to not complaining. Alternate translation: “Let him sit alone without speaking” or “Let him sit alone and not complain”
LAM 3 28 wc7p figs-metaphor 0 when it is laid upon him “when the yoke is laid upon him.” Here the yoke represents suffering. Alternate translation: “when he suffers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 30 buv3 figs-metaphor 0 Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes him The word “him” refers to anyone who is suffering and who waits for Yahweh. Here “offer his cheek” represents allowing someone to strike his cheek. Alternate translation: “Let him allow people to hit him on the face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 30 haw3 figs-metaphor 0 let him be filled to the full with reproach The author speaks of a person as if he were a container and reproach were a liquid. Being filled with reproach represents being reproached much. The implication is that he should be patient when this happens. Alternate translation: “let him be insulted much” or “let him be patient when people reproach him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 33 lh34 figs-metonymy 0 For he does not afflict from his heart Here the heart represents desire or pleasure, and afflicting from the heart represents afflicting with pleasure. Alternate translation: “For it does not make him happy to afflict people” or “He does not take pleasure in afflicting people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 33 n5xv figs-idiom 0 the children of mankind This refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “human beings” or “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 3 34 pgn7 0 General Information: The author wrote in general terms about what is true for all people, but it shows God’s concern for his people, the people of Israel, who were being mistreated by their enemies.
LAM 3 34 m7kv figs-metaphor 0 To crush underfoot Here “crush underfoot” represents abusing and mistreating people. Alternate translation: “To abuse” or “To mistreat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])-
LAM 3 34 kq47 0 To crush Alternate translation: “If people crush”
LAM 3 35 pi2h 0 to deny a man justice This refers to not allowing a person to have what he deserves. Alternate translation: “to deny a person his rights” or “to keep a person from having what he deserves”
LAM 3 35 w96n figs-metonymy 0 in the presence of the Most High Doing something “in the presence of the Most High” represents doing it while knowing that God sees it. Alternate translation: “knowing that the Most High sees it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 36 h9te 0 to deny justice to a person Here “deny justice” refers to not making a just decision for a person in a legal concern. Alternate translation: “to judge a person wrongly in court” or “to keep a person who goes to a judge from getting what is right”
LAM 3 37 vg2n figs-rquestion 0 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it? The author uses this rhetorical question to teach that when someone commands something to happen, it will happen only if God has already decreed that it should happen. Alternate translation: “No one has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it.” or “What someone has commanded to happen has never happened unless the Lord decreed it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 3 37 b2te figs-explicit 0 has spoken It can be expressed clearly that this refers to commanding something to happen. Alternate translation: “has commanded that something should happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 3 38 hy3k figs-metonymy 0 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and the good come? The author uses this rhetorical question to teach that both calamities and good things happen only because God has commanded them to happen. Alternate translation: “It is only from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and the good come.” or “It is only because the Most High has commanded it that both calamities and good things happen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 3 38 fk6t figs-metonymy 0 from the mouth of the Most High Here “mouth” represents what God says or commands. Alternate translation: “from the command of the Most High” or “because the Most High has commanded it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 38 wsx5 figs-metaphor 0 both calamities and the good come Here “come” represents happening. Also, the nominal adjective “the good” can be stated as “good things.” Alternate translation: “both calamities and good things happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
LAM 3 39 ttp2 figs-rquestion 0 How can any person alive complain? How can a person complain about the punishment for his sins? The author uses these rhetorical questions to teach that people should not complain when God punishes them. Alternate translation: “A person should not complain when God punishes him for his sins.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 3 39 t4dw figs-explicit 0 How can any person alive complain This could mean: (1) it is implied that mere people cannot fully understand God’s actions. Alternate translation: “How can a mere person complain” or (2) it is implied that being alive is a gift from God. Alternate translation: “How can a person who is blessed to be alive complain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 3 40 ap27 0 General Information: The writer speaks again about the suffering that God has caused to Jerusalem, but here he speaks of “we” and “us,” not “I” and “me.” In verse 42 the author starts a prayer that he and the people of Israel should pray.
LAM 3 40 yx5k figs-metaphor 0 let us return to Yahweh Here “return to Yahweh” represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: “let us submit to Yahweh again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 41 xq7n figs-metaphor 0 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands Here “lift up our hearts” represents praying sincerely. It was customary for the Israelites to raise their hands when praying to God. Alternate translation: “Let us pray sincerely with lifted hands” or “Let us lift up our hands and pray sincerely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 42 j5p1 figs-doublet 0 We have transgressed and rebelled The words “transgressed” and “rebelled” share similar meanings. Together they indicate that transgression is the same as rebelling against Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
LAM 3 43 p547 figs-metaphor 0 You have covered yourself with anger Here anger is spoken of as if it were a garment that God has put on. Hebrew often spoke of emotions as if they were clothing. Alternate translation: “You have been angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 43 is87 figs-metaphor 0 you have not spared Here “spared” represents having pity. Alternate translation: “you have not had pity on us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 44 d6dp figs-metaphor 0 You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through This represents God refusing to listen to the people’s prayer. Alternate translation: “You refuse to listen to our prayers. It is as though you put a cloud between us and you so that our prayers cannot get to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 45 nmh8 figs-simile 0 You have made us like filthy scum and refuse among the nations The people of Israel are compared to filthy scum and refuse. This could mean: (1) God has caused the nations to think of his people as worthless. Alternate translation: “You have made the nations think of us as scum and garbage” or (2) God’s forcing his people to live among the nations is like throwing them away as garbage. Alternate translation: “You have thrown us away like filthy garbage among the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 3 47 jdl3 figs-abstractnouns 0 panic and pitfall have come upon us, ruin and destruction The abstract nouns “panic,” “pitfall,” “ruin” and “destruction” can be expressed with verbs. Alternate translation: “we are panicking. We are trapped, and we are being ruined and destroyed” or “we are terrified and trapped. We are being completely destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 3 47 nh6u figs-doublet 0 ruin and destruction These two words share similar meanings and refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “total destruction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
LAM 3 48 fl1x figs-metaphor 0 My eyes flow with streams of tears Here the author speaks of the great amount of his tears as if they were streams. He uses exaggeration to show that he is very sad and has cried much. Alternate translation: “Tears flow from my eyes like water flowing in a river” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
LAM 3 48 fg7v figs-activepassive 0 because my people are destroyed This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because enemies have destroyed my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 3 49 ru79 figs-doublet 0 without ceasing, without relief Both of these phrases means the same thing. The author speaks of his continuing to cry as if his eyes were a person and had no rest from crying. Alternate translation: “without stopping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 3 50 p99u figs-explicit 0 until Yahweh from heaven looks down and sees What the author hopes Yahweh will see can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “until Yahweh looks down from heaven and sees what has happened to my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 3 51 i8zw figs-metonymy 0 My eyes cause me grief The phrase “My eyes” represents what he sees. Alternate translation: “What I see causes me to grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 51 bz52 figs-explicit 0 because of all the daughters of my city It can be stated clearly that the “daughters of my city” are suffering. Alternate translation: “because the daughters of my city are suffering” or “because I see the daughters of my city suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 3 51 qr28 figs-idiom 0 all the daughters of my city This could mean: (1) the women of Jerusalem or (2) all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 3 52 n4m1 figs-metaphor 0 I have been hunted like a bird by those who were my enemies The author speaks of people looking for him in order to kill him as if he were an animal that they were hunting. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My enemies have looked for me in order to kill me like people who hunt for a bird” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 54 hda5 figs-metaphor 0 I have been cut off Being “cut off” often represents being killed. Here it represents dying very soon. Alternate translation: “I am about to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 55 dit3 figs-metonymy 0 I called on your name God’s name represents his character, and here, “called on your name” represents trusting God’s character and calling on him for help. Alternate translation: “I called to you for help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 55 r7m3 0 from the depths of the pit This could mean: (1) this refers to the pit that author had been thrown into. Alternate translation: “from the bottom of the pit” or (2) the author was afraid that he would die soon, so he spoke as if he were in the place of the dead. Alternate translation: “from the pit of the dead”
LAM 3 56 s26c figs-metonymy 0 You heard my voice Here “voice” represents what he said. Alternate translation: “You heard my words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 56 ur2e figs-metonymy 0 Do not close your ear Here “close your ear” represents refusing to listen. Alternate translation: “Do not refuse to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 57 egc5 figs-metonymy 0 You came near People often come near to a person they help. Here “came near” represents helping the man. Alternate translation: “you helped me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 58 rq8w figs-metaphor 0 you defended my case, you saved my life The author speaks of God keeping him from being killed by his enemies as if God had defended him in court as a lawyer defends someone, and kept him from being killed. Alternate translation: “you saved my life from my enemies. It is as though you defended me in court” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 58 x4xw figs-metaphor 0 you defended my case Here “defended my case” represents arguing for him. Alternate translation: “you argued my case for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 59 z61e figs-metaphor 0 judge my case Here God is no longer pictured as a lawyer, but as the judge. It can be stated clearly that he wanted God to judge in his favor. Alternate translation: “make a decision about me, and show my enemies that I am right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 3 61 k1lw figs-abstractnouns 0 You have heard their scorn … and all their plans regarding me If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **scorn**, you could express the same idea with the verbs “taunt” or “mock.” It can be stated clearly that the plans were to harm him. Alternate translation: “You heard how they have taunted me … and all they plan to do to me” or “You have heard them mock me … and plan ways to harm me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 3 62 x6km figs-metaphor 0 The lips and the accusations … come against me all the day The author speaks of his enemies accusing him all day as if their accusations were soldiers that come to attack him all day. Alternate translation: “My enemies speak against me and accuse me through the whole day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 3 62 u23i figs-metonymy 0 The lips … of my enemies Here the lips represent what his enemies say. Alternate translation: “The words … of my enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 63 ti38 figs-merism 0 how they sit and then rise up These two actions together represent everything the people do. Alternate translation: “everything they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
LAM 3 64 h9mv figs-metaphor 0 Pay back to them, Yahweh, according to what they have done Here “Pay back to them” represents punishing them. What they have done can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Punish them, Yahweh, according to what they have done” or “Yahweh, they have made me suffer, so please make them suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 3 65 x92m figs-metonymy 0 You will let their hearts be shameless Here the “heart” is a metonym that represents their attitudes and emotions, and being “shameless” means not feeling ashamed of their sins even though they should. Their not being ashamed would give even more reason for God to punish them. Alternate translation: “You will let them feel no shame for their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 3 65 w3iz figs-abstractnouns 0 May your condemnation be upon them If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **condemnation**, you could express the same idea with the verbs “condemn” or “curse.” Alternate translation: “Condemn them” or “Curse them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 3 66 zs3c figs-metonymy 0 from under the heavens Here “from under the heavens” represents everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “wherever they are on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 intro v761 0 # Lamentations 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The story of Judah being destroyed continues in this chapter. Famine destroyed the rulers and the priests. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]])
LAM 4 1 rhc4 writing-poetry 0 General Information: A new poem begins. See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]].
LAM 4 1 su7t figs-metaphor 0 The gold has become tarnished; how the purest gold has changed The people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were gold that is no longer shiny, and therefore no longer valuable. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem are like gold that is no longer shiny. They are like pure gold that is no longer beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 1 v4ij figs-exclamations 0 how the purest gold has changed This is an exclamation that shows the author’s sadness that this has happened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
LAM 4 1 d474 figs-metaphor 0 The holy stones are scattered at the corner of every street This may refer to the temple being destroyed and its stones scattered throughout the city. It may also be a metaphor for the people being scattered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 2 va3j figs-metaphor 0 sons of Zion Here people of a city are spoken of as if they were the sons of the city. This could mean: (1) this refers to only the young men of Jerusalem or (2) this refers to all the people of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 2 ld1a figs-metaphor 0 they are worth no more than clay jars, the work of the potter’s hands The author speaks of the precious sons of Zion as if they were considered to be inexpensive clay jars. Alternate translation: “people consider them to be as worthless as the clay jars that potters make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 3 c37l figs-simile 0 the daughter of my people … like the ostriches in the desert The people in Jerusalem are compared to ostriches because they are cruel to their children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 4 3 ty21 figs-metonymy 0 the daughter of my people has This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “my people have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 4 4 zp13 0 The tongue of the nursing baby sticks to the roof of his mouth by thirst Alternate translation: “Nursing babies are so thirsty that their tongues stick to the top of their mouths”
LAM 4 5 sg4z figs-activepassive 0 Those who were brought up wearing scarlet clothing If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who grew up wearing scarlet clothing” or “those who wore scarlet clothing when they were growing up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 5 xp9m figs-metonymy 0 scarlet clothing Here this phrase is a metonym for luxurious, expensive, and comfortable clothing, at least some of which was probably scarlet. Alternate translation: “luxurious clothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 6 nw5s 0 The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **punishment**, you could express the same idea with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “The daughter of my people has been punished more severely than Sodom was punished”
LAM 4 6 ef77 figs-metonymy 0 the daughter of my people This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 4 6 l7zs figs-activepassive 0 which was overthrown in a moment The word “which” refers to Sodom. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which God destroyed in a moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 6 xk36 figs-activepassive 0 no hands were wrung for her If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one wrung their hands for her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 6 wg9e figs-metonymy 0 no hands were wrung for her People sometimes rub and twist their hands when they are worried and cannot fix something, so wringing the hands here represents worrying. The word “her” refers to Jerusalem, which was called “the daughter of my people.” Alternate translation: “no one was worried about her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 7 gvp4 figs-metaphor 0 Her leaders were purer than snow, whiter than milk This could mean: (1) Jerusalem’s leaders were beautiful to look at because they were physically healthy or (2) the leaders were morally pure as new snow and milk are pure white. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 7 cw2z figs-explicit 0 their bodies were more ruddy than coral “their bodies were redder than coral.” This implies that they were healthy. Alternate translation: “their bodies were healthy and red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 4 8 i6jn 0 Their appearance now is darker than soot This may be because: (1) the sun has darkened the leaders’ skin or (2) the soot from the fires that burned Jerusalem has covered their faces.
LAM 4 8 es9a figs-activepassive 0 they are not recognized If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one can recognize them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 8 hhs8 figs-explicit 0 Their skin has shriveled on their bones This implies that there was not much muscle or fat under the skin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 4 8 asf7 figs-simile 0 it has become as dry as wood Their dry skin is compared to dry wood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 4 9 ke6f figs-metonymy 0 Those who have been killed by the sword Here the “sword” represents an enemy’s attack. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Those whom enemy soldiers have killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 9 k4rk figs-metonymy 0 those killed by hunger Here “hunger” represents starvation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who starved to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 9 s8er figs-metonymy 0 pierced by the lack of any harvest from the field Here “harvest from the field” is a metonym that represents food to eat. Lack of food is spoken of here as if it were a sword that pierces people. Alternate translation: “who died because there was not enough food to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 10 sfz2 figs-synecdoche 0 The hands of compassionate women Here the women are represented by their “hands.” Because they were so hungry, women who had been compassionate in the past were no longer compassionate toward their children; instead they boiled them for food. Alternate translation: “Compassionate women” or “Women who had been compassionate in the past” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 4 10 bac1 figs-metonymy 0 the daughter of my people was This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “my people were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 4 11 i5ys figs-parallelism 0 Yahweh showed all his wrath; he poured out his fierce anger Yahweh was very angry, and he did everything he wanted to do to show that he was angry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
LAM 4 11 xr4z figs-metaphor 0 he poured out his fierce anger God’s punishing his people is spoken of as if his anger were a burning hot liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “because of his fierce anger, he punished his people” or “in fierce anger he responded to his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 11 tc8v figs-metonymy 0 He kindled a fire in Zion This represents God causing Israel’s enemies to start a fire in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “He caused a fire to start in Zion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 11 ml4m figs-synecdoche 0 that consumed her foundations Here “her foundations” represents the whole city, even the part of the city that would be ruined last. Alternate translation: “that burned down the city, even its foundations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 4 12 qvf1 0 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the inhabitants of the world believe, Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth and the rest of the inhabitants of the world did not believe”
LAM 4 12 iy64 figs-doublet 0 enemies or opponents These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that these are people who desired to harm Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “any kind of enemy” or “any of Jerusalem’s enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
LAM 4 13 pz3y figs-parallelism 0 the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests These two lines share similar meanings and emphasize that these spiritual leaders were largely responsible for the fall of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the terrible sins of her prophets and priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
LAM 4 13 t6hn figs-metonymy 0 who have shed the blood of the righteous Both the priests and the prophets were guilty of murder. Here “shed the blood” represents murder. Alternate translation: “who have murdered the righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 14 ah77 figs-metaphor 0 They wandered, blind, through the streets The priests and prophets are spoken of as if they were blind because they wandered through the streets, not knowing where to go. Alternate translation: “They wandered through the streets like blind men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 14 b7ti figs-metaphor 0 They were so defiled by that blood Here “defiled” represents being unacceptable to God. Because the priests and prophets murdered people, they were ritually unclean, unable to worship God or be with ordinary people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 14 dpi8 figs-metonymy 0 defiled by that blood “defiled by the blood that they shed.” This could mean: (1) the blood was on their clothes or (2) “blood” is a metonym for murder. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 16 a7if figs-metonymy 0 he does not watch over them anymore Here “watch over them” represents being concerned about them and helping them. Alternate translation: “he does not care about them anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 17 j6ac figs-metonymy 0 Our eyes failed, looking in vain for help Their eyes failing represents their seeking and not being able to find what they were looking for. These two phrases together emphasize that they were trying hard to find help. Alternate translation: “We continued looking, but we could not find anyone to help us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 17 gw6x figs-abstractnouns 0 for help If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **help**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “for people to help us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 4 17 j62q figs-metaphor 0 we watched for a nation that could not rescue us Here “watched” represents hoping. It can be stated clearly that they were hoping that a nation would come and rescue them. Alternate translation: “we hoped for a nation to come and rescue us, but it could not rescue us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 4 18 ah5m figs-metonymy 0 They followed our steps Here “our steps” represents where they went. Alternate translation: “Our enemies followed us everywhere we went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 18 sgr6 figs-metaphor 0 Our end was near Here “near” is a metaphor for “soon.” Alternate translation: “Our end would be soon” or “Our enemies would soon destroy us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 18 g9cv figs-explicit 0 Our end This could mean: (1) “Our end” refers to the end of living in their own city because their enemies would destroy the city and capture them. Alternate translation: “Our destruction” or “Our capture” or (2) “Our end” refers to the end of their lives. Alternate translation: “Our death” or “The time for us to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 4 18 m59p figs-metaphor 0 our days were numbered Being numbered represents being so few that they could be easily counted. Alternate translation: “we had very little time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 18 knb5 figs-metaphor 0 our end had come The phrase “had come” means that what they had expected was now happening. Alternate translation: “it was now the end for us” or “our enemies were attacking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 19 a693 figs-simile 0 Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles in the sky The author compares the speed of their pursuers to the speed of eagles flying. Eagles fly very quickly to catch other animals. Alternate translation: “Those who were chasing us were faster than eagles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 4 20 k8w6 figs-metaphor 0 he was the one who was captured in their pits Here “pits” refers to the enemies’ plans to capture him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he was the one whom our enemies captured by their plans” or “our enemies made plans to capture our king, and they did capture him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 20 l1a8 figs-distinguish 0 of whom it was said This phrase with the quote following it gives us more information about the king. The quote shows what the people had hoped the king would do for them before he was trapped. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “even though we had said about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 4 20 d6rl figs-metaphor 0 Under his shadow we will live among the nations Here “his shadow” represents him protecting them. Alternate translation: “Under his protection we will live among the nations” or “Though we may have to live in other nations, he will protect us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 4 21 x8qp figs-doublet 0 Rejoice and be glad “Rejoice” and “be glad” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of gladness. The writer uses these words to mock the people. He knew that the people of Edom would be glad that Jerusalem is being destroyed. Alternate translation: “Be very glad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
LAM 4 21 k5q4 figs-personification 0 daughter of Edom The people of the land of Edom are spoken of as if they were a woman. They were Israel’s enemy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
LAM 4 21 d53p figs-metaphor 0 But to you also the cup will be passed The cup is a metonym for the wine in it. The wine is a metaphor for punishment. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh will also punish you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 4 22 i7ub figs-personification 0 Daughter of Zion The people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])\
LAM 4 22 y3mu figs-abstractnouns 0 your punishment will come to an end “your punishment will end.” The abstract noun punishment can be expressed with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh will stop punishing you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
LAM 4 22 jt3i 0 he will not extend your exile Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not make your time in exile longer” or “Yahweh will not make you stay in exile longer”
LAM 4 22 c3zn figs-metaphor 0 he will uncover your sins Here the sins not being known by others are spoken of as if they are under a cover. Removing the cover represents letting other people know about them. Alternate translation: “he will expose your sins” or “he will cause other people to know how you have sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 5 intro si98 0 # Lamentations 5 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Judah was destroyed for her sin. As slaves, life was very hard. The author wondered if God would be angry forever. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])
LAM 5 1 hj48 writing-poetry 0 General Information: A new poem begins. See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]].
LAM 5 1 a5gv figs-idiom 0 Remember, Yahweh, what has happened to us “Remember” here is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, think about what has happened to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 5 2 iwh9 figs-activepassive 0 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers; our houses to foreigners The idea of things being turned over to others can be expressed with an active form. Since it is also understood in the second part of the sentence, those words can be repeated there. Alternate translation: “You have turned our inheritance over to strangers; you have turned our houses over to strangers” or “You have allowed strangers to take possession of our inheritance; you have allowed foreigners to take possession of our houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
LAM 5 3 ijy8 figs-metaphor 0 We have become orphans … our mothers are like widows The people of Jerusalem have no one to protect them because the men have either died in battle or have gone into exile. This speaks of the people not having their fathers and husbands present as if they had actually become orphans and widows. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 5 3 alg7 figs-parallelism 0 orphans, the fatherless These two phrases have the same meaning and emphasize that the people no longer have their fathers. Alternate translation: “orphans who have no fathers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
LAM 5 4 b28p figs-explicit 0 We must pay silver for the water we drink … our own wood This means that their enemies are making them pay money to have the water and wood that they once used for free. Alternate translation: “We have to pay silver to our enemies in order to drink our own water … our own wood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 5 4 it5l figs-activepassive 0 we must pay silver to get our own wood If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “our enemies sell us our own wood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 5 5 a9sx 0 Those who are coming after us “Our enemies who are chasing after us.” This refers to the Babylonian army.
LAM 5 5 nf7c figs-metaphor 0 we can find no rest This speaks of being able to rest as if “rest” were an object that could be found. Alternate translation: “we are unable to rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 5 6 ysv9 figs-idiom 0 We have given ourselves to Egypt and to Assyria to get enough food This phrase “given ourselves” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “We have made a treaty with Egypt and with Assyria so that we would have food to eat” or “We have surrendered to Egypt and to Assyria to have enough food to remain alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 5 7 ecx8 figs-euphemism 0 they are no more This refers to them being dead. Alternate translation: “they have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
LAM 5 7 zhr6 figs-metonymy 0 we bear their iniquities Here “iniquities” represents the punishment received because of their ancestors’ sins. Alternate translation: “we bear the punishment for their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 5 8 em5u figs-explicit 0 Slaves rule over us This could mean: (1) “Now the people who rule over us are themselves slaves to their own masters in Babylon” or (2) “People who used to be slaves in Babylon now rule over us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 5 8 ku5l figs-metonymy 0 to deliver us from their hand Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “to rescue us from their control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 5 9 nl6v figs-metonymy 0 bread Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 5 9 uiq1 figs-metonymy 0 because of the sword in the wilderness Here robbers with swords are represented by their “swords.” Alternate translation: “because there are robbers in the wilderness who kill others with swords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 5 10 r3jf figs-simile 0 Our skin has grown as hot as an oven because of the burning heat of hunger This speaks of the peoples’ bodies being hot and feverish as if their skin was as hot as an oven. The people have fever because of their hunger. Alternate translation: “Our skin has become hot like an oven, and we have a very high fever because we are extremely hungry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
LAM 5 11 z35x figs-parallelism 0 Women are raped in Zion, and virgins in the cities of Judah These two phrases have similar meaning and emphasize that the women are being violated. The words “are raped” are understood in the second part of this sentence and can be repeated. Alternate translation: “Women are raped in Zion, and virgins are raped in the cities of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
LAM 5 11 y3me figs-activepassive 0 Women are raped … and virgins If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Our enemies have raped the women … and the virgins” or “Our enemies have violated the women … and the virgins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 5 12 zb12 0 Princes are hung up by their own hands This could mean: (1) the word “their” refers to their enemies. Alternate translation: “With their own hands, they hung princes” or (2) they tied each prince’s hands together with one end of a rope and tied the other end so the prince’s feet could not touch the ground.
LAM 5 12 g7iq figs-activepassive 0 no honor is shown to the elders If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they have shown no honor to the elders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 5 13 f7ub figs-activepassive 0 Young men are forced If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They force young men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
LAM 5 13 fzz3 figs-explicit 0 boys stagger under heavy loads of wood The boys are forced to carry the loads of wood. Alternate translation: “boys stagger because they are forced to carry heavy loads of wood” or “they force the boys to carry heavy loads of wood which make them stagger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 5 14 j6xc figs-metaphor 0 the young men have left their music Playing music was part of the social life at the city gate. This speaks of the men no longer playing their music as if the act of playing music were a place that they left. Alternate translation: “the young men have stopped playing their music” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 5 15 l248 figs-synecdoche 0 The joy of our heart Here the word “heart” refers to the whole person and emphasizes their emotions. Alternate translation: “Our joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
LAM 5 16 j13s figs-metonymy 0 The crown has fallen from our head This could mean: (1) “We no longer wear flowers on our heads for celebrations” or (2) The “crown” represents their king and their “head” represents a place of authority over the people. Alternate translation: “We no longer have a king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 5 17 gbn4 figs-metonymy 0 For this our heart has become sick The “heart” represents a person’s emotions. This speaks of a person being discouraged as if their emotions were sick. Alternate translation: “Because of this we are discouraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
LAM 5 17 tqx4 figs-explicit 0 for these things our eyes grow dim This means that they have a hard time seeing because they are crying. Alternate translation: “and we can hardly see because our eyes are full of tears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
LAM 5 18 p4v1 0 for Mount Zion lies desolate Here “Mount Zion” refers to Jerusalem. The phrase “lies desolate” means that no one lives there.
LAM 5 19 x9jh figs-metonymy 0 sit upon your throne Here sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “rule as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
LAM 5 19 bv71 figs-idiom 0 from generation to generation This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “always” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
LAM 5 20 kf3s figs-rquestion 0 Why do you forget us forever? Why do you forsake us for the length of your days? The author uses these rhetorical questions to express his feelings that Yahweh has forgotten them. These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is as though you will forget us forever or not come back to us for a very long time!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
LAM 5 20 yr7c figs-idiom 0 for the length of your days Here this idiom refers to the duration of God’s life. Since God lives forever, it can also be translated as “forever.” Perhaps the writer was uing hyperbole and exaggerating the length of time he believed that God was forsaking them. Alternate translation: “for as long as you live” or “forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
LAM 5 22 bh9w 0 unless you have utterly rejected us and you are angry with us beyond measure This could mean: (1) that the writer is afraid that Yahweh might be too angry to restore them or (2) that he is saying that Yahweh is too angry to restore them.
LAM 5 22 x3ad figs-hypo 0 are angry with us beyond measure This speaks of Yahweh being very angry as if his anger cannot be measured. This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “are extremely angry with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
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