# When I put on sackcloth

Wearing rough, cheap clothing was a symbol of mourning over sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction]])

# I became a byword to them

The writer speaks of himself as if he was the sad or foolish person that people joke about in a rhyme or proverb; the taunting was intended to bring shame to him. Alternate translation: "I became a joke to them" or "they made fun of me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])