Lamentations 1:11
Lamentations 1:11 in Multiple Translations
All her people groan as they search for bread. They have traded their treasures for food to keep themselves alive. Look, O LORD, and consider, for I have become despised.
All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.
All her people sigh, they seek bread; They have given their pleasant things for food to refresh the soul: See, O Jehovah, and behold; for I am become abject.
Breathing out grief all her people are looking for bread; they have given their desired things for food to give them life: see, O Lord, and take note; for she has become a thing of shame.
All her people groan, looking for bread. They have spent what they value the most to buy food so they can stay alive. “Please, Lord, look and see what's happening to me,” she says. “It's as if I'm worthless!
All her people sigh and seeke their bread: they haue giuen their pleasant thinges for meate to refresh the soule: see, O Lord, and consider: for I am become vile.
All her people are sighing — seeking bread, They have given their desirable things For food to refresh the body; See, O Jehovah, and behold attentively, For I have been lightly esteemed.
All her people sigh. They seek bread. They have given their pleasant things for food to refresh their soul. “Look, LORD, and see, for I have become despised.”
All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for food to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.
Caph. All her people sigh, they seek bread: they have given all their precious things for food to relieve the soul: see, O Lord, and consider, for I am become vile.
The people of the city groan while they search for food; they have given their treasures to get food to eat to remain alive. They say, “Yahweh, look at us, and see that we are despised!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 1:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Lamentations 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
עַמָּ֤/הּ
נֶאֱנָחִים֙
מְבַקְּשִׁ֣ים
לֶ֔חֶם
נָתְנ֧וּ
מחמודי/הם
מַחֲמַדֵּי/הֶ֛ם
בְּ/אֹ֖כֶל
לְ/הָשִׁ֣יב
נָ֑פֶשׁ
רְאֵ֤ה
יְהוָה֙
וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה
כִּ֥י
הָיִ֖יתִי
זוֹלֵלָֽה
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עַמָּ֤/הּ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
נֶאֱנָחִים֙
ʼânach
H584
to sigh
V-Niphal-Inf-c
מְבַקְּשִׁ֣ים
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
נָתְנ֧וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מחמודי/הם
machmud
H4262
desirable
N-mp | Suff
מַחֲמַדֵּי/הֶ֛ם
machmâd
H4261
desire
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/אֹ֖כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
food
Prep | N-ms
לְ/הָשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
נָ֑פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
רְאֵ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָיִ֖יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
זוֹלֵלָֽה
zâlal
H2151
to shake
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 1:11
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עַמָּ֤/הּ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
נֶאֱנָחִים֙
ʼânach
H584
"to sigh"
V-Niphal-Inf-c
To sigh means to groan or mourn in pain or grief, like an animal moaning, and is used to express deep emotional distress in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp 1a) moan (of cattle)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: groan, mourn, sigh. See also: Exodus 2:23; Lamentations 1:11; Proverbs 29:2.
מְבַקְּשִׁ֣ים
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
נָתְנ֧וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מחמודי/הם
machmud
H4262
"desirable"
N-mp | Suff
This word means something desirable or valuable, as seen in KJV translations as a pleasant thing. It represents something precious or highly valued.
Definition: desirable, precious thing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pleasant thing. See also: Lamentations 1:7; Lamentations 1:11.
מַחֲמַדֵּי/הֶ֛ם
machmâd
H4261
"desire"
N-mp | Suff
A delight or object of affection, this word describes something desirable, as seen in KJV translations as beloved or pleasant things. It represents a cherished or lovely thing.
Definition: desire, desirable thing, pleasant thing
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: beloved, desire, goodly, lovely, pleasant (thing). See also: 1 Kings 20:6; Lamentations 2:4; Isaiah 64:10.
בְּ/אֹ֖כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
לְ/הָשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
נָ֑פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
רְאֵ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָיִ֖יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
זוֹלֵלָֽה
zâlal
H2151
"to shake"
V-Qal
Zalal means to be vile or worthless, describing someone who is morally loose or reckless, as seen in Proverbs 28:2 where a riotous eater is described as vile.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to shake, tremble, quake 1a) (Niphal) to shake, quake
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: blow down, glutton, riotous (eater), vile. See also: Deuteronomy 21:20; Isaiah 63:19; Proverbs 23:20.
Study Notes — Lamentations 1:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 1:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 1:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 1:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 1:11
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 1:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
- Sermons on Lamentations 1:11
Context — How Lonely Lies the City!
9Her uncleanness stains her skirts; she did not consider her end. Her downfall was astounding; there was no one to comfort her. Look, O LORD, on my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed!
10The adversary has seized all her treasures. For she has seen the nations enter her sanctuary— those You had forbidden to enter Your assembly.
11All her people groan as they search for bread. They have traded their treasures for food to keep themselves alive. Look, O LORD, and consider, for I have become despised.
12Is this nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see! Is there any sorrow like mine, which was inflicted on me, which the LORD made me suffer on the day of His fierce anger? 13He sent fire from on high, and it overpowered my bones. He spread a net for my feet and turned me back. He made me desolate, faint all the day long.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 52:6 | By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 38:9 | “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern, where he will starve to death, for there is no more bread in the city.” |
| 3 | Lamentations 2:12 | They cry out to their mothers: “Where is the grain and wine?” as they faint like the wounded in the streets of the city, as their lives fade away in the arms of their mothers. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 28:52–57 | They will besiege all the cities throughout your land, until the high and fortified walls in which you trust have fallen. They will besiege all your cities throughout the land that the LORD your God has given you. Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you. The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates. The most gentle and refined woman among you, so gentle and refined she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground, will begrudge the husband she embraces and her son and daughter the afterbirth that comes from between her legs and the children she bears, because she will secretly eat them for lack of anything else in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates. |
| 5 | Lamentations 2:20 | Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord? |
| 6 | Ezekiel 5:16–17 | When I shower you with the deadly arrows of famine and destruction that I will send to destroy you, I will intensify the famine against you and cut off your supply of food. I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will leave you childless. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the LORD, have spoken.” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 6:25 | So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 30:11–12 | Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat— a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights. |
| 9 | Job 40:4 | “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 19:9 | I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’ |
Lamentations 1:11 Summary
This verse describes a scene of great desperation and hunger, where people are struggling to find food to survive and are forced to trade their valuable possessions just to stay alive. The speaker feels a deep sense of shame and rejection, and is crying out to God to see and respond to their suffering. This verse reminds us that God is aware of our struggles and is calling us to trust in His goodness and provision, even in the midst of difficulty (Psalms 37:3, Jeremiah 29:11). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to help us trust in His care and provision for us, and to show us how to demonstrate compassion and care for those who are struggling around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the people to 'groan as they search for bread' in Lamentations 1:11?
This phrase indicates a deep sense of desperation and hunger, as the people are struggling to find food to survive, highlighting the severity of the judgment they are under, similar to what is described in Leviticus 26:26.
Why have the people 'traded their treasures for food' in this verse?
The people have been forced to exchange their valuable possessions for food in order to stay alive, illustrating the extreme poverty and desperation they are experiencing, as also seen in Deuteronomy 28:33.
What does the phrase 'I have become despised' mean in this context?
This phrase expresses the feeling of shame and rejection that the speaker feels, as they have been brought low by the judgment of the Lord, much like the feelings expressed in Psalms 38:6.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Lamentations?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of Lamentations by highlighting the consequences of sin and the judgment of God, as well as the desire for God to see and respond to the suffering of His people, as expressed in Lamentations 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can identify with the desperation and hunger described in this verse, and how can I respond to those feelings in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance the desire for physical comfort and security with the need to trust in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19?
- What are some 'treasures' in my life that I may be holding onto too tightly, and how can I learn to let go of them and trust in God's goodness?
- In what ways can I demonstrate compassion and care for those who are struggling with poverty and hunger, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:35-40?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 1:11
All her people sigh,.... Not her priests only, Lamentations 1:4; but all the common people, because of their affliction, particularly for want of bread.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 1:11
All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
He speaketh probably with reference to the siege, after which the people had scarcely any pleasant things to exchange for bread. The whole body of the people was in a sad condition; and in a land that ordinarily flowed with milk and honey, they were at loss for bread to eat, and gave any thing for something to satisfy their hunger. See, O Lord, and consider; for I am become vile: the prophet sends up a sudden ejaculation to God, much like that . The argument he useth is drawn from the misery the people were in, expressed under the notion of being become vile, that is, miserable or contemptible.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
Lamentations 1:11 All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.Ver. 11. All her people sigh.] And so think to ease their grief. They shall seek bread.] The staff of life, which, without repair by nutrition, would be soon extinct so in the spiritual life, which made Job prefer the Word before his "necessary food." There is a "famine of the Word" which is much worse; pray against it, and prevent it. They have given their pleasant things for meat.] Which must be had at any rate; much more must the food of the soul. Our forefathers gave five marks, or more, for a good book; a load of hay for a few chapters of St James, or of St Paul, in English, saith Mr Foxe. The Queen of Castile sold her jewels to furnish Columbus for his discovering voyage to the West Indies, when he had showed his maps, though our Henry VII, loath to part with money, slighted his proffers, and thereby the golden mines were found and gained to the Spanish crown. Let no man think much to part with his pleasant things for his precious soul, or to sacrifice all that he hath to the service of his life, which, next to his soul, should be most dear unto him. Our ancestors in Queen Mary’ s days were glad to eat the bread of their souls in peril of their lives. To relieve the soul.] Heb., To make the soul come again; for A nimantis cuiusque vita in fuga est, Life must be fetched again by food when it is fainting away. See, O Lord, and consider.] Quam delicata epulatrix facta sim; to what hard meat I am held, to how strait an allowance; see it, and be sensible of my prisoner’ s pittance, and how I have made many a meal’ s meat upon the promises when I have wanted bread, as that good woman once said.
Acts and Mon., 750. Keckerm., Praefat. Geograph.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
(11) All her people sigh. . . .—The words which describe the famine at Jerusalem are in the present tense, either as painting the sufferings of the past with the vividness of the historic present, or because the sufferings still continued even after the capture of the city. The remnant that was left had to bring out their treasures, jewels, and the like, and offer them for bread. To relieve the soul.—Better, to revive, literally, to bring back.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
Verse 11. They have given their pleasant things] Jerusalem is compared to a woman brought into great straits, who parts with her jewels and trinkets in order to purchase by them the necessaries of life.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 1:11
11. The people have already given up their most valuable possessions, that they had hitherto hoarded, for bread. There is therefore nothing now between them and starvation. meat] food. Cp. note on “oblations,” Jeremiah 17:26. vile] See on Jeremiah 15:19.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 1:11
Sigh ... seek - Are sighing ... are seeking. The words are present participles, describing the condition of the people. After a siege lasting a year and a half the whole country, far and near, would be exhausted.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 1:11
11. Have given their pleasant things for meat, etc. — An eloquent suggestion of the terrible exigencies of the siege. “All that a man hath, will he give for his life.”
Sermons on Lamentations 1:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 11 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the corrupt leaders and rulers who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. He emphasizes that they love bribes and rewar |
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Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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An Example of God’s Purpose in Our Taking Spoils by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare faced by David when the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, illustrating that such attacks are aimed at undermining God's eternal purpose. |
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Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas |
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(I Want an Answer) Will I Ever Be Found Out? by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who becomes drunk and neglects his faithful dog. One night, an intruder enters the man's garage, but the man is too intoxicat |
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Psalm 37:7 by Bill Ammon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also di |
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Knowing God Through Brokenness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally and experiencing eternal life as defined by Jesus in John 17. It highlights that eternal life is not just living for |