Lamentations 3:21
Lamentations 3:21 in Multiple Translations
Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope:
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.
This I keep in mind, and because of this I have hope.
But I still hope when I think about this:
I consider this in mine heart: therefore haue I hope.
This I turn to my heart — therefore I hope.
This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope.
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
Zain. These things I shall think over in my heart, therefore will I hope.
However, I confidently expect Yahweh to do good things for me again when I think about this:
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:21
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 3:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֹ֛את
אָשִׁ֥יב
אֶל
לִבִּ֖/י
עַל
כֵּ֥ן
אוֹחִֽיל
זֹ֛את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
אָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
לִבִּ֖/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אוֹחִֽיל
yâchal
H3176
to wait
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:21
זֹ֛את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
אָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
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.
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.
לִבִּ֖/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אוֹחִֽיל
yâchal
H3176
"to wait"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:21
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:21
Context — The Prophet’s Hope
19Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall.
20Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.
21Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope:
22Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. 23They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 2:3 | For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. |
| 2 | Psalms 130:7 | O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is loving devotion, and with Him is redemption in abundance. |
| 3 | Psalms 77:7–11 | “Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:81 | My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. |
| 5 | Lamentations 3:24–29 | “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. Let him sit alone in silence, for God has disciplined him. Let him bury his face in the dust— perhaps there is still hope. |
Lamentations 3:21 Summary
[Lamentations 3:21 means that even when we're going through tough times, we can have hope because we can remember how God has been faithful to us in the past. This verse is saying that when we think about how God has helped us before, it gives us confidence that He will help us again, as seen in Psalm 23:4 where David trusted in God's presence even in the darkest valley. By remembering God's faithfulness, we can trust that He will continue to be with us and help us, and that gives us hope for the future, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'call to mind' in Lamentations 3:21?
To 'call to mind' means to remember and reflect on past experiences, both good and bad, and to consider how they relate to our current situation, as seen in Psalm 42:4 where the psalmist remembers God's presence in the past.
How can remembering difficult circumstances bring hope?
Remembering difficult circumstances can bring hope when we recall God's faithfulness and loving devotion in the midst of those circumstances, as stated in Lamentations 3:22, and trust that He will continue to be faithful in the present and future, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Is hope just a feeling, or is it based on something more substantial?
Hope is not just a feeling, but is based on the character and promises of God, as seen in Hebrews 11:1, where faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for, and in Romans 5:5, where hope does not disappoint because of God's love poured out in our hearts.
How can I apply Lamentations 3:21 to my own life when facing difficult circumstances?
You can apply Lamentations 3:21 to your life by intentionally remembering God's past faithfulness and loving devotion, and trusting that He will continue to be faithful in your current situation, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7, where we are told to bring our anxieties to God in prayer and trust in His peace.
Reflection Questions
- What are some difficult circumstances in my life that I can 'call to mind' and reflect on, and how has God been faithful in those situations?
- How does remembering God's past faithfulness increase my hope for the present and future?
- In what ways can I trust in God's loving devotion and faithfulness, even when I don't see a way out of my current difficulties?
- What promises of God can I hold onto when facing challenging circumstances, and how can I apply those promises to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:21
This I recall to my mind,.... Not affliction and misery, but the Lord's remembrance of his people; what he had been used to do, and would do again; and particularly what follows, the abundant mercy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:21
Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
This, not what was already said, that made them despair, and their souls to bow down; but this, that which followeth, concerning the nature of God, and other good providences. I see nothing in the circumstances of my condition to comfort me, but I see something in God’ s nature, and in some other dispensations of his providence, which gives me ground to hope for better things than an utter ruin and destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.Ver. 21. This I recall to my mind.] This? What? God’ s infinite mercies, that cape of good hope; see Lamentations 3:22 Psalms 119:56; "This I had" - that is, this comfort, or this ability to keep thy precepts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
(21) This I recall to my mind.—Better, This will I recall. The first gleam of hope breaks through the darkness. The sorrow has not been in vain; it has brought humility, and out of humility springs hope.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:21
21. This and the previous v. are akin in thought to Psalms 42:4-5 (Hebrews 5, 6), and, inasmuch as the words there corresponding to This I recall of the present passage have reference to that which follows, these words also are made (so Löhr and Pe.) to relate to the more hopeful thoughts that come in Lamentations 3:22 and onwards. But the structure of the poem, Lamentations 3:21 being the third (and last) of its group, and the previous context form an argument that the last words of Lam 3:20 are what the prophet recalls for his comfort. The humility arising from sin dwelt upon and acknowledged produces in due course a sense that contrition will be accepted and deliverance granted. Hence arises the change of tone in the section which follows.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:21
This I recall - Rather, “This will I bring back to my heart, therefore will I hope.” Knowing that God hears the prayer of the contrite, he begins again to hope.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:21
21. This… therefore — Referring to the affliction and humble prayer of the prophet. His weakness and sore need lead him to hope for God’s interposing strength.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Thank God for the Mercies of Christ (Festival of Thanksgiving) by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker begins by outlining his plan for the message. He will read a passage from Lamentations Chapter 3 and provide brief commentary on it. He then shares pers |
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Hope Keeps Us Going by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vital role of hope in our lives, describing it as both precious and treacherous. He argues that hope is essential for survival in a fallen world, as it pr |
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Lamentations 3:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on Lamentations 3:21, emphasizing the compassionate nature of God amidst despair. He describes Jeremiah's sorrow as he witnesses the destruction of Jerusalem, |
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(Through the Bible) Habakkuk by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses sadness over the careless behavior of people who litter and leave debris on the ground. He reflects on the corruption that man has brought upo |
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Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co |
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The Necessity of Waiting on God by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of waiting on God, urging the congregation to cultivate a posture of stillness and silence in His presence. He highlights that true waiting |
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Balm in Gilead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the desperate state of God's people, emphasizing the deep wounds of sin and the need for a profound realization of one's sinful nature to fully apprecia |