Lamentations 3:18
Lamentations 3:18 in Multiple Translations
So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.”
And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
And I said, My strength is perished, and mine expectation from Jehovah.
And I said, My strength is cut off, and my hope from the Lord.
That's why I say, “My expectation of a long life is gone, along with all that I hoped for from the Lord.
And I saide, My strength and mine hope is perished from the Lord,
And I say, Perished hath my strength and my hope from Jehovah.
I said, “My strength has perished, along with my expectation from the LORD.”
And I said, My strength and my hope hath perished from the LORD:
Vau. And I said: My end and my hope is perished from the Lord.
I continued to say to myself, “I no longer expect to live much longer; I no longer confidently expect to receive good things from Yahweh!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:18
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 3:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמַר֙
אָבַ֣ד
נִצְחִ֔/י
וְ/תוֹחַלְתִּ֖/י
מֵ/יְהוָֽה
וָ/אֹמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אָבַ֣ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נִצְחִ֔/י
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
N-ms | Suff
וְ/תוֹחַלְתִּ֖/י
tôwcheleth
H8431
hope
Conj | N-fs | Suff
מֵ/יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
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 3:18
וָ/אֹמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
אָבַ֣ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
נִצְחִ֔/י
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
וְ/תוֹחַלְתִּ֖/י
tôwcheleth
H8431
"hope"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means hope or expectation, referring to a feeling of trust and confidence in something or someone. It is about looking forward to a positive outcome.
Definition: hope
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: hope. See also: Job 41:1; Proverbs 11:7; Psalms 39:8.
מֵ/יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:18
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:18
Context — The Prophet’s Afflictions
16He has ground my teeth with gravel and trampled me in the dust.
17My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.”
19Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. 20Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 17:15 | where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 27:1 | David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” |
| 3 | Psalms 116:11 | In my alarm I said, “All men are liars!” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 37:11 | Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 31:22 | In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. |
| 6 | Job 6:11 | What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? |
Lamentations 3:18 Summary
This verse is about a person feeling completely exhausted and hopeless, like they've lost all their energy and faith in God. It's a honest expression of feeling totally depleted, similar to what we see in Psalms 38:8. However, even in those moments, we can recall that our hope is rooted in God's character, as seen in Psalms 42:11, and that He promises to never leave us, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6. Remembering these truths can help us find strength again, even when we feel like we've lost it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say 'my strength has perished' in Lamentations 3:18?
This phrase suggests a complete loss of physical and emotional energy, similar to what the Psalmist experienced in Psalms 38:8, where he felt utterly exhausted and crushed in spirit.
Can a believer truly lose hope from the Lord?
While it may feel that way in intense moments of suffering, Scripture reminds us that our hope is rooted in God's character, as seen in Psalms 42:11, where the Psalmist encourages himself to hope in God despite feelings of despair.
How can I reconcile the idea of losing strength and hope with the promise of God's presence in times of trouble?
Even in the midst of feeling utterly depleted, we can recall the promise of Deuteronomy 31:6, which reminds us that God will never leave or forsake us, even when our own strength fails.
Is it wrong to express such despairing thoughts to God?
No, the Bible encourages honesty with God, as seen in Psalms 142:2, where David pours out his complaints and troubles before the Lord, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, we can bring our true feelings before God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the times in my life when I have felt my strength and hope perishing, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How does my current situation make me feel about my hope in the Lord, and what steps can I take to renew that hope?
- In what ways can I, like the Psalmist, remind myself of God's faithfulness and character when I feel like I am losing strength and hope?
- What does it mean for me to 'say' that my strength and hope have perished, and what would it look like to verbalize my trust in God despite those feelings?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:18
And I said, my strength and my hope are perished from the Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:18
He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:18
Lamentations 3:18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:Ver. 18. And I said.] But not so wisely. I was even almost tumbling into the pit of desperation. I was straddling over it, as it were, but God preserved me. My strength and my hope is perished.] My strength to bear these miseries, and my hope to be ever freed of them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:18
(18) I said, My strength.—The sorrow of the mourner comes to the very verge of despair. There was “no help for him from his God;” even that hope had left him. But, as the sequel shows, this despair was the beginning of a reaction. The very name of Jehovah (no longer Adonai) reminded him of the everlasting mercies.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:18
Verse 18. And my hope] That first, that last support of the miserable-it is gone! it is perished! The sovereign God alone can revive it.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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And David Said, I Shall Now Perish One Day by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on David's moment of despair, highlighting how even a man of faith can succumb to doubt and fear when surrounded by negative influences. Despite God's promises |
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The Gift of Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using speech that is edifying and gracious, as it can minister grace to the ears of listeners. He encourages believers to |
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Worship in the Midst of War by Jono Sims | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faithful preaching and declares that the faithful man of God is called to declare the whole counsel of God, regardless of |
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False Pretenders by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the deception faced by those alienated from God, emphasizing that true peace and happiness cannot be found in worldly success, wealth, or morality. He highligh |
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Raising the Dead by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving one's heart to Jesus and seeking forgiveness for sins. He shares a story about a man from Nigeria who, after hearin |
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Born of Water and the Spirit 02 John 3: by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the concept of being born again and understanding the kingdom of God. |
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The This of Rev. by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prayer and the need for believers to have honest dealings with God. He emphasizes that while we may appreciate and respect o |