Lamentations 3:3
Lamentations 3:3 in Multiple Translations
Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long.
Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.
Surely against me he turneth his hand again and again all the day.
Truly against me his hand has been turned again and again all the day.
In fact he hits me again and again all day long.
Surely he is turned against me: he turneth his hand against me all the day.
Surely against me He turneth back, He turneth His hand all the day.
Surely he turns his hand against me again and again all day long.
Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.
Aleph. Only against me he hath turned, and turned again his hand all the day.
He has punished [IDM] me many times, all day, every day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:3
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 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֣ךְ
בִּ֥/י
יָשֻׁ֛ב
יַהֲפֹ֥ךְ
יָד֖/וֹ
כָּל
הַ/יּֽוֹם
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בִּ֥/י
Prep | Suff
יָשֻׁ֛ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יַהֲפֹ֥ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:3
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בִּ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
יָשֻׁ֛ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
יַהֲפֹ֥ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
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.
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:3
Context — The Prophet’s Afflictions
1I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath.
2He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light.
3Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long.
4He has worn away my flesh and skin; He has shattered my bones. 5He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 29:20 | The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven |
| 2 | Job 31:21 | if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:25 | I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge your dross; I will remove all your impurities. |
| 4 | Isaiah 63:10 | But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them. |
| 5 | Isaiah 5:25 | Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and the corpses lay like refuse in the streets. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. |
| 6 | Lamentations 2:4–7 | He has bent His bow like an enemy; His right hand is positioned. Like a foe He has killed all who were pleasing to the eye; He has poured out His wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion. The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah. He has laid waste His tabernacle like a garden booth; He has destroyed His place of meeting. The LORD has made Zion forget her appointed feasts and Sabbaths. In His fierce anger He has despised both king and priest. The Lord has rejected His altar; He has abandoned His sanctuary; He has delivered the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy. They have raised a shout in the house of the LORD as on the day of an appointed feast. |
Lamentations 3:3 Summary
In Lamentations 3:3, the writer feels like God is continually working against him, which can be a difficult concept to understand. However, as we see in Romans 8:28, God works all things together for our good, even when it feels like He is opposing us. This verse reminds us that God is active and involved in our lives, sometimes allowing hard things to happen to help us grow and learn to trust Him, much like a parent disciplines a child out of love, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:12. By trusting in God's love and sovereignty, we can find peace and hope, even in the midst of difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to turn His hand against someone?
In Lamentations 3:3, the phrase 'He keeps turning His hand against me' indicates God's active and persistent opposition, similar to how He dealt with Israel in Deuteronomy 32:4, where His hand guided them, but here it is in judgment, as seen in Isaiah 1:25 where God's hand is against His people for their sins.
Is God being cruel or unfair in this verse?
No, God is not being cruel or unfair; He is a just and righteous God, as stated in Psalm 119:137, and His actions, even in judgment, are for the ultimate purpose of restoration and redemption, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God's plans are to prosper and not to harm His people.
Can this verse be applied to our lives today?
Yes, this verse can be applied to our lives today as a reminder that God is sovereign and active in our lives, sometimes allowing trials and difficulties to shape and refine us, as seen in James 1:2-4, where we are called to consider trials as opportunities for growth and maturity.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's love?
This verse may seem to contradict the concept of God's love, but it highlights the complexity of God's nature, where His love and judgment coexist, as seen in Hebrews 12:6, where the Lord disciplines those He loves, demonstrating that His judgment is an expression of His love and concern for our holiness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like God's hand is against me, and how can I trust Him in those situations?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His love and mercy, and what does that mean for my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I see God's sovereignty and purpose in the difficulties I face, and how can I use those experiences to grow closer to Him?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the concept of surrendering to God's will, even when it feels like His hand is against me, and how can I find peace in those moments?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:3
Surely against me is he turned,.... As an enemy, who used to be a friend; he has so altered and changed the course of his providence, as if his favour and affections were wholly removed; he has
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:3
He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. I am the man that hath seen affliction - Jeremiah's own affliction in the dungeon of Malchiah (Jeremiah 38:6): that of his countrymen also in the siege.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
The course of God’ s providence toward me is quite altered, his hand, that is, his power, which was wont to be with me, and for me, against my enemies, is now turned against me; nor is it for a moment, or for one stroke or two, but his hand is continually against me.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
Lamentations 3:3 Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand [against me] all the day.Ver. 3. Surely against me is he turned.] Metaphora a colaphizantibus. A metaphor from buffeters, who double their blows, beating their adversaries on both sides, as the smith doth his red hot iron upon the anvil till he hath shaped it. Hinc inde continenter verberat. - Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
(3) Against me is he turned.—Better, against me He turneth His hand again and again, the first verb being one of frequentative action, and giving that significance to the second.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:3
Is he turned; he turneth - Or, “surely against me” hath he turned “his hand” again and again “all the day long.”
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:3
3. Surely against me — This verse is idiomatic and intense. Surely against me hath he turned his hand again and again all the day long. “His hand is the smiting of God.” (Keil.)
Sermons on Lamentations 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Centrality of Christ by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher uses vivid illustrations to convey the urgency and gravity of the message. He describes a scenario where a village is about to be engulfed by a breache |
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So That We Might Become the Righteousness of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the anticipation of the second part of the story of God's plan for salvation. He describes the scene of Jesus, the Son of God, being crucifi |
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The Problem of Unbelief by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing God to refine and purify us. He references Isaiah 1, where God promises to remove impurities from His people like |
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The Word of Knowledge by the Same Spirit by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of the word of knowledge through the Holy Spirit, urging believers to fully embrace God's revelation and mix it with faith for it to be |
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It Was Good for Me to Be Afflicted! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of affliction in the life of a believer, asserting that trials serve to purify the soul, reveal sin, and deepen one's relationship |
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Eradication, Suppression, or Counteraction, Which? by Charles William Butler | Charles William Butler delves into the theological terms 'eradication,' 'suppression,' and 'counteraction' in Christian holiness, emphasizing the need to base doctrines on the trut |
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Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing his dual focus on sin and judgment for Jerusalem, alongside a hopeful vision of redemption and restor |