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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Lamentations 2  › Lamentations 2:12

Lamentations 2:12

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Lamentations 2:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers’ bosom.

American Standard Version ASV

They say to their mothers, Where is grain and wine? When they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city, When their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.

Bible in Basic English BBE

They say to their mothers, Where is grain and wine? when they are falling like the wounded in the open squares of the town, when their life is drained out on their mother's breast.

Free Bible Version FBV

They cry out to their mothers, “We need food and drink!” fainting in the city streets as if they're wounded, their lives fading away in their mothers' arms.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

They haue sayd to their mothers, Where is bread and drinke? when they swooned as the wounded in the streetes of the citie, and whe they gaue vp the ghost in their mothers bosome.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To their mothers they say, 'Where [are] corn and wine?' In their becoming feeble as a pierced one In the broad places of the city, In their soul pouring itself out into the bosom of their mothers.

World English Bible WEB

They ask their mothers, “Where is grain and wine?” when they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Lamed. They said to their mothers: Where is corn and wine? when they fainted away as the wounded in the streets of the city: when they breathed out their souls in the bosoms of their mothers.

Translation for Translators T4T

They cry out to their mothers, “We need [RHQ] something to eat and drink!” They faint like wounded men in the streets of the city. They slowly die in the arms of their mothers.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 2:12

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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לְ/אִמֹּתָ/ם֙ יֹֽאמְר֔וּ אַיֵּ֖ה דָּגָ֣ן וָ/יָ֑יִן בְּ/הִֽתְעַטְּפָ֤/ם כֶּֽ/חָלָל֙ בִּ/רְחֹב֣וֹת עִ֔יר בְּ/הִשְׁתַּפֵּ֣ךְ נַפְשָׁ֔/ם אֶל חֵ֖יק אִמֹּתָֽ/ם
לְ/אִמֹּתָ/ם֙ ʼêm H517 mother Prep | N-fp | Suff
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אַיֵּ֖ה ʼayêh H346 where? Part
דָּגָ֣ן dâgân H1715 grain N-ms
וָ/יָ֑יִן yayin H3196 wine Conj | N-ms
בְּ/הִֽתְעַטְּפָ֤/ם ʻâṭaph H5848 to turn aside Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff
כֶּֽ/חָלָל֙ châlâl H2491 slain Prep | Adj
בִּ/רְחֹב֣וֹת rᵉchôb H7339 street/plaza Prep | N-fp
עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs
בְּ/הִשְׁתַּפֵּ֣ךְ shâphak H8210 to pour Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
נַפְשָׁ֔/ם nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
חֵ֖יק chêyq H2436 bosom N-ms
אִמֹּתָֽ/ם ʼêm H517 mother N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 2:12

לְ/אִמֹּתָ/ם֙ ʼêm H517 "mother" Prep | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַיֵּ֖ה ʼayêh H346 "where?" Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
דָּגָ֣ן dâgân H1715 "grain" N-ms
Dagan refers to grain or wheat, a staple food in ancient Israel. In Genesis 41:35, Joseph advised Pharaoh to store grain during the good years to prepare for famine, and in Leviticus 23:10, the Israelites were instructed to offer a sheaf of grain as an offering.
Definition: wheat, cereal, grain, corn
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: corn (floor), wheat. See also: Genesis 27:28; Nehemiah 13:12; Psalms 4:8.
וָ/יָ֑יִן yayin H3196 "wine" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
בְּ/הִֽתְעַטְּפָ֤/ם ʻâṭaph H5848 "to turn aside" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to feel weak or faint, like when someone is overwhelmed and can't cope. It appears in the Bible when people are struggling, like in Psalm 61:2. The word also means to be covered or hidden.
Definition: 1) to turn aside 1a) (Qal) to turn aside, turn (in order to cover)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cover (over), fail, faint, feebler, hide self, be overwhelmed, swoon. See also: Genesis 30:42; Psalms 107:5; Psalms 61:3.
כֶּֽ/חָלָל֙ châlâl H2491 "slain" Prep | Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
בִּ/רְחֹב֣וֹת rᵉchôb H7339 "street/plaza" Prep | N-fp
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בְּ/הִשְׁתַּפֵּ֣ךְ shâphak H8210 "to pour" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
נַפְשָׁ֔/ם nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff
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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חֵ֖יק chêyq H2436 "bosom" N-ms
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
אִמֹּתָֽ/ם ʼêm H517 "mother" N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

Study Notes — Lamentations 2:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.
2 Ezekiel 30:24 I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king and place My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, who will groan before him like a mortally wounded man.

Lamentations 2:12 Summary

Lamentations 2:12 is a heartbreaking scene where children are crying out to their mothers for food and drink, but it's too late, and they're dying in their arms. This verse shows us the terrible consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Jeremiah 17:5. Just like the children in this verse, our spirits can also become weak and malnourished if we don't feed them with God's Word and prayer, as taught in Matthew 4:4 and Psalm 119:103. We should remember to pray for those who are struggling and to reach out to them with love and support, as commanded in Galatians 6:2 and Proverbs 19:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening to the children in Lamentations 2:12?

The children are fainting and dying in the streets of Jerusalem due to starvation and dehydration, crying out to their mothers for food and drink, as seen in Lamentations 2:12, a tragic scene reminiscent of the devastating famine in Lamentations 4:4 and the prophesied judgment in Deuteronomy 28:53.

Why are the children fainting like the wounded in Lamentations 2:12?

The children are fainting like the wounded because they are severely malnourished and weak, much like the wounded soldiers in a battle, as described in Lamentations 2:12, and this is a result of the siege and famine that has been inflicted upon Jerusalem, as prophesied in Jeremiah 19:9 and Ezekiel 5:10.

What is the emotional impact on the mothers in Lamentations 2:12?

The mothers are experiencing immense grief and helplessness as they watch their children die in their arms, unable to provide them with the basic necessities of life, as seen in Lamentations 2:12, a heart-wrenching scene that echoes the sorrow of Rachel weeping for her children in Jeremiah 31:15 and Matthew 2:18.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Lamentations?

Lamentations 2:12 illustrates the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as the prophet Jeremiah mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people, a theme that is woven throughout the book of Lamentations and supported by verses such as Lamentations 1:18 and Lamentations 3:42.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can identify with the desperation and helplessness of the mothers in Lamentations 2:12, and how can I apply that to my own life and prayers?
  2. How does the image of children fainting in the streets challenge my perception of the severity of sin and its consequences, as taught in Romans 6:23 and Ezekiel 18:4?
  3. In what ways can I, like the prophet Jeremiah, mourn and lament the spiritual poverty and starvation that I see in my own community, as encouraged in Lamentations 1:1 and Ezekiel 9:4?
  4. What are some practical ways that I can reach out to those who are struggling and provide them with spiritual nourishment, as commanded in Matthew 25:35 and Isaiah 58:10?
  5. How can I use Lamentations 2:12 as a reminder to pray for those who are suffering and to intercede on their behalf, as taught in 1 Timothy 2:1 and Psalm 102:17?

Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:12

They say to their mothers, where [is] corn and wine?.... Not the sucklings who could not speak, nor were used to corn and wine, but the children more grown; both are before spoken of, but these are

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:12

They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:12

The little children, ignorant of the cause of the failure of their usual food, called to their mothers for it as formerly, being ready to faint and die, as men mortally wounded, for want of spirits and blood, use to faint, and died in their mothers’ arms; for so I had rather interpret the phrase poured out their souls, than (as some) understand by souls the desires of their souls, for he is speaking of sucklings as well as more grown children: the phrase is capable of both senses.

Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:12

Lamentations 2:12 They say to their mothers, Where [is] corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers’ bosom.Ver. 12. They say to their mothers.] Lege et luge. Gather and mourne. “ Tu quibus ista leges incertum est, Lector, ocellis: Ipse quidem siccis scribere vix potui. ” As oft as I read the Lamentations of Jeremiah, saith Gregory Nazianzen, my voice faileth me, and I am overwhelmed with tears. The misery of that poor people cometh under my view, as it were, and my heart is therewith very much affected and afflicted. Where is corn and wine.] Frumentum dicunt, non panem. They say grain not bread. Grain they would have been glad of, though unground, saith one; wine they ask for, and not water, which noteth an ill custom in their mothers to drink wine, and to give it their little ones; but by grain and wine here may be meant necessary food, to keep them alive. When their soul was poured out into the mother’ s bosom.] As it were giving them their lives again, seeing they yielded them no food to preserve them alive. Orat. i. Pacificat.

Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:12

(12) They say . . .—The words seem to paint what was actually passing before the writer’s eye, but may be the vivid present which represents the past. The children cried for food, and their mothers had none to give them. They were like wounded men at their last gasp, and breathed out their life as they clung in their despair to their mothers’ breasts.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:12

Verse 12. When their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.] When, in endeavouring to draw nourishment from the breasts of their exhausted mothers, they breathed their last in their bosoms! How dreadfully afflicting was this!

Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:12

12. corn and wine] Omit “and wine,” not only from the nature of the case, and for the sake of correct metre, but because the Heb. word is not that elsewhere used in combination with “corn.” their soul is poured out, etc.] They swoon as the unhappy mother clasps them in her arms.

Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:12

They say - Or, “They keep saying:” it was an oft-repeated cry, even while expiring upon their mother’s bosom.

Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:12

THE , Lamentations 2:11-16.11, 12. Liver is poured… earth — This language occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament, and the exact force of it is doubtful. “My soul is poured out” occurs in two passages, but this is easier.

Sermons on Lamentations 2:12

SermonDescription
Derek Prince Intercession - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the preacher discusses four important aspects of Jesus' sacrifice. Firstly, Jesus poured out his soul unto death by shedding every drop of his blood, as the scriptu
A.W. Tozer (Titus - Part 4): In Hope of Eternal Life Ii by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of family night and invites everyone to attend. He then focuses on a passage from the book of Titus, where Paul de
Art Katz Israel on the Road to Calvary by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the coming together of the remnant of Israel and the remnant of the church in the last days. He highlights the stages set for Israel's collaps
T. Austin-Sparks Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the burden and concerns of the Lord. The Lord's style of watchfulness and vigilance is highlighted, as He des
William MacDonald Isaiah 53 by William MacDonald In this sermon, Eric Shorken shares his personal testimony of coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He reflects on the hymn "How Great Thou Art" and how it reminds hi
J. Glyn Owen Lengthening the Cords, Strengthening the Stakes by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming near to God and having communion with Him in order to have a clear vision of the world. He contrasts the limited pe
Ian Paisley The Battle of the Ages by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the final battle between Christ and the enemies of the Gospel. The captain of our salvation is described as faithful, true, the word of God,
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