Lamentations 2:13

Lamentations 2:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

What can I say for you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can ever heal you?

King James Version KJV

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?

American Standard Version ASV

What shall I testify unto thee? what shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I compare to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? For thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Bible in Basic English BBE

What example am I to give you? what comparison am I to make for you, O daughter of Jerusalem? what am I to make equal to you, so that I may give you comfort, O virgin daughter of Zion? for your destruction is great like the sea: who is able to make you well?

Free Bible Version FBV

What can I tell you? What shall I compare you to, Daughter of Jerusalem? What can I say you're like in order to comfort you, virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound gapes as wide as the sea—who could ever heal you?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

What thing shall I take to witnesse for thee? what thing shall I compare to thee, O daughter Ierusalem? what shall I liken to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgine daughter Zion? for thy breach is great like ye sea: who can heale thee?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

What do I testify [to] thee, what do I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? What do I equal to thee, and I comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? For great as a sea [is] thy breach, Who doth give healing to thee?

World English Bible WEB

What shall I testify to you? What shall I liken to you, daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I compare to you, that I may comfort you, virgin daughter of Zion? For your breach is as big as the sea. Who can heal you?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Mem. To what shall I compare thee? or to what shall I liken thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? to what shall I equal thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Sion? for great as the sea is thy destruction: who shall heal thee?

Translation for Translators T4T

You people of Jerusalem [MTY, DOU], ◄what can I/there is nothing that I can► say to help you. No people have [RHQ] suffered like you are suffering; I do not know what I can do to comfort you. The disaster [MET] that you have experienced is as great as the ocean is deep; there is no one [RHQ] who can restore your city.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 2:13

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 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מָֽה אֲעִידֵ֞/ךְ מָ֣ה אֲדַמֶּה לָּ֗/ךְ הַ/בַּת֙ יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם מָ֤ה אַשְׁוֶה לָּ/ךְ֙ וַ/אֲנַֽחֲמֵ֔/ךְ בְּתוּלַ֖ת בַּת צִיּ֑וֹן כִּֽי גָד֥וֹל כַּ/יָּ֛ם שִׁבְרֵ֖/ךְ מִ֥י יִרְפָּא לָֽ/ךְ

מָֽה mâh H4100 what? Part

אֲעִידֵ֞/ךְ ʻûwd H5749 to uphold V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

מָ֣ה mâh H4100 what? Part

אֲדַמֶּה dâmâh H1819 to resemble V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

לָּ֗/ךְ Prep | Suff

הַ/בַּת֙ bath H1323 Bath (Shua) Art | N-fs

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

מָ֤ה mâh H4100 what? Part

אַשְׁוֶה shâvâh H7737 be like V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

לָּ/ךְ֙ Prep | Suff

וַ/אֲנַֽחֲמֵ֔/ךְ nâcham H5162 to be sorry Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

בְּתוּלַ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin N-fs

בַּת bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs

צִיּ֑וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 Zion N-proper

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

גָד֥וֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj

כַּ/יָּ֛ם yâm H3220 West Prep | N-ms

שִׁבְרֵ֖/ךְ sheber H7667 breaking N-ms | Suff

מִ֥י mîy H4310 who? Part

יִרְפָּא râphâʼ H7495 to heal V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לָֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 2:13

מָֽה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

אֲעִידֵ֞/ךְ ʻûwd H5749 "to uphold" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.

Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.

מָ֣ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

אֲדַמֶּה dâmâh H1819 "to resemble" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.

Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.

לָּ֗/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

הַ/בַּת֙ bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" Art | N-fs

The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

מָ֤ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

אַשְׁוֶה shâvâh H7737 "be like" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

This word means to set or place something, and it is used to describe the act of leveling or equalizing something. It can also mean to adjust or compare things, and it is used in various contexts in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to agree with, be or become like, level, resemble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be like 1a2) equivalent (participle) 1a3) to set, place 1a4) setting (participle) 1b) (Piel) to level, smooth, still 1c) (Hiphil) to make like 1d) (Nithpael) to be alike Aramaic equivalent: she.vah (שְׁוָה "be like" H7739A)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon. See also: 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 16:8.

לָּ/ךְ֙ "" Prep | Suff

וַ/אֲנַֽחֲמֵ֔/ךְ nâcham H5162 "to be sorry" Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.

Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.

בְּתוּלַ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" N-fs

A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.

Definition: virgin

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.

בַּת bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

צִיּ֑וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 "Zion" N-proper

Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.

כִּֽי 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.

גָד֥וֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

כַּ/יָּ֛ם yâm H3220 "West" Prep | N-ms

Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.

Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)

Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.

שִׁבְרֵ֖/ךְ sheber H7667 "breaking" N-ms | Suff

This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.

Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.

מִ֥י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

יִרְפָּא râphâʼ H7495 "to heal" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to heal or mend, often referring to God's power to cure physical or emotional hurts, as seen in Psalm 103:3.

Definition: 1) to heal, make healthful 1a) (Qal) to heal 1a1) of God 1a2) healer, physician (of men) 1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig) 1a4) of individual distresses (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be healed 1b1) literal (of persons) 1b2) of water, pottery 1b3) of national hurts (fig) 1b4) of personal distress (fig) 1c) (Piel) to heal 1c1) literal 1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig) 1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole. See H7503 (רָפָה). See also: Genesis 20:17; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 6:3.

לָֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Lamentations 2:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Lamentations 2:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:13
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:13
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13
Sermons on Lamentations 2:13

Context — God’s Anger over Jerusalem

11My eyes fail from weeping; I am churning within. My heart is poured out in grief over the destruction of the daughter of my people, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city. 12They 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.

13What can I say for you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can ever heal you?

14The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading. 15All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Lamentations 1:12	Is 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?
2	Jeremiah 8:22	Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
3	2 Samuel 5:20	So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim.
4	Jeremiah 30:12–15	For this is what the LORD says: “Your injury is incurable; your wound is grievous. There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sores, no recovery for you. All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer seek you, for I have struck you as an enemy would, with the discipline of someone cruel, because of your great iniquity and your numerous sins. Why do you cry out over your wound? Your pain has no cure! Because of your great iniquity and your numerous sins I have done these things to you.
5	Jeremiah 14:17	You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound.
6	Ezekiel 26:3–4	therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock.
7	Psalms 60:2	You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking.
8	Isaiah 37:22	this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
9	Jeremiah 51:8–9	Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed. “We tried to heal Babylon, but she could not be healed. Abandon her! Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the sky and reaches to the clouds.”
10	Daniel 9:12	You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.

Lamentations 2:13 Summary

[This verse is talking about the city of Jerusalem, which is very hurt and sad because of the bad things it has done. The prophet is trying to find a way to comfort the city, but it's hard because the city's problems are so big and deep, like the sea. As we see in Psalm 103:3, God is our healer, and only He can fix the deep wounds of our hearts and lives. We can learn from Jerusalem's example and turn to God for healing and restoration, just as He promises in Jeremiah 33:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of 'Virgin Daughter of Zion' in Lamentations 2:13?

The term 'Virgin Daughter of Zion' is a metaphorical expression referring to the city of Jerusalem, which was once considered pure and untouched, much like a virgin. However, despite this title, the city has been defiled by sin, as seen in Isaiah 1:21, and now suffers the consequences of its actions.

How deep is the wound of Jerusalem according to Lamentations 2:13?

The wound of Jerusalem is described as being 'as deep as the sea', indicating an immense and seemingly insurmountable hurt. This depth of pain is a result of the city's rebellion against God, as mentioned in Jeremiah 5:23, and its refusal to turn back to Him.

Who can heal the wound of Jerusalem according to Lamentations 2:13?

The verse asks, 'Who can ever heal you?' implying that the wound of Jerusalem is so severe that it seems impossible for anyone to heal it. However, as seen in Jeremiah 30:17, God is the ultimate healer, and only through His mercy and grace can the city be restored.

What is the significance of the comparison in Lamentations 2:13?

The comparison in Lamentations 2:13, where the prophet asks what he can compare Jerusalem to in order to console her, highlights the uniqueness of the city's situation. There is no earthly comparison that can fully capture the extent of Jerusalem's suffering, emphasizing the need for divine intervention, as seen in Psalm 102:13-14.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I can identify with the pain and suffering of Jerusalem in this verse, and how can I apply its lessons to my own life?
In what ways have I, like Jerusalem, rebelled against God and suffered the consequences, and how can I turn back to Him for healing?
How can I, as a follower of God, be a source of comfort and consolation to those around me who are suffering, just as the prophet desires to comfort Jerusalem?
What are some areas in my life where I feel like I have a 'wound as deep as the sea', and how can I trust God to heal me?

Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee?.... What argument can be made use of? what proof or evidence can be given?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13

The sum of this verse is, that the miserable condition of the people was both incomparable and incurable. There was no people whose miserable condition was in any degree parallel to the misery of the Jews. It is some comfort to persons in misery to consider that others are and have been, as miserable as they, but the prophet had not this topic from whence to fetch an argument of comfort to the Jews; there were none to whom he could liken them, nor was there any present cure for them; their breach was like a sea-breach, where the waters come in with such a torrent, that while the tide abates there is no making any bank of defence against them.

Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13

Lamentations 2:13 What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?Ver. 13. What thing shall I take to witness for thee?] q.d., Thou art such a mirror of God’ s heavy judgments, that I know not whence to borrow arguments, nor where to find examples for thy comfort, so matchless is thy misery. It exceedeth that of the Egyptians under Moses, of the Canaanites under Joshua, of the Philistines under David, of the Hebrews under Eli, &c. It is even imparallel and inexpressible. I have but one simile to set it forth by, and it is this, Thy breach is great, like the sea.] As far as the sea exceedeth the rivers, so doth thy calamity exceed that of other nations. Who can heal thee?] None but an almighty Physician. Surely, in man’ s judgment, thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.

Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13

(13) What thing shall I take to witness . . .—Practically the question is the same as that which follows, and implies that there was no parallel to the sufferings of Zion in the history of the past. Had there been, and had it been surmounted, it might have been cited in evidence, and some consolation might have been derived from it. As it was there was no such parallel, no such witness. Her “breach,” i.e., her ruin, was illimitable as the ocean, and therefore irremediable.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13

Verse 13. What thing shall I take] Or, rather, as Dr. Blayney, "What shall I urge to thee?" How shall I comfort thee? Thy breach is great like the sea] Thou hast a flood of afflictions, a sea of troubles, an ocean of miseries.

Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 2:13

13. shall I testify unto thee] or, as mg. take to witness for thee. If the MT. be right, we can only explain it as meaning, Of what shall I assure thee? But it is better, specially in view of the parallel clause, to read with an inconsiderable change in the original (’e‘ĕ ?rôk for ’ã‘îdçk), for “testify” compare. great like the sea] without measure. who can heal thee?] Cp. Jeremiah 30:12 f.

Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 2:13

Equal - i. e. “compare.” Zion’s breach, i. e. her destruction, is measureless, like the ocean.

Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 2:13

13. What thing, etc. — All words fail. No comparison is adequate. No comfort meets the case. Your misery is great like the sea, illimitable, over-passing all measure.

Sermons on Lamentations 2:13

	Sermon	Description
	The Creation Motivated by the Love of God by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the creation of the universe is fundamentally motivated by the love of God, as expressed in Ephesians 2:4-5 and John 3:16. He argues that behind al
	His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen
	Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan	This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance
	Cry of the Unreached by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a young girl in need and reflecting on his own privileged life. He then goes on to talk about a young missi
	Is It Nothing to You? by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker shares various examples of people in desperate situations, such as a woman being beaten and raped while bystanders do nothing, or someone contemplating
	The Impact One Life Can Have, Part One by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of witnessing the devastation caused by natural disasters in southern India, where millions of people were displaced and villages
	Audio Sermon: Cry of the Unreached by K.P. Yohannan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of missions and sharing the gospel with those who have never heard about Jesus. It challenges listeners to consider the eternal destiny of tho

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