Lamentations 3:31
Lamentations 3:31 in Multiple Translations
For the Lord will not cast us off forever.
For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
For the Lord will not cast off for ever.
For the Lord does not give a man up for ever.
For the Lord won't abandon us forever.
For the Lord will not forsake for euer.
For the Lord doth not cast off to the age.
For the Lord will not cast off forever.
For the LORD will not cast off for ever:
Caph. For the Lord will not cast off for ever.
Yahweh does not abandon us his people forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:31
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 3:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
לֹ֥א
יִזְנַ֛ח
לְ/עוֹלָ֖ם
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִזְנַ֛ח
zânach
H2186
to reject
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/עוֹלָ֖ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:31
כִּ֣י
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִזְנַ֛ח
zânach
H2186
"to reject"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To stink or be rejected is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It's used in the Bible to describe something that's disgusting or unwanted, like in the book of Psalm 38:5. The KJV translates it as 'cast away' or 'remove far away'.
Definition: 1) to cast off, reject, spurn 1a) (Qal) to reject 1b) (Hiphil) to forcefully reject someone
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cast away (off), remove far away (off). See also: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 88:15; Psalms 43:2.
לְ/עוֹלָ֖ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:31
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:31
Context — The Prophet’s Hope
29Let him bury his face in the dust— perhaps there is still hope.
30Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.
31For the Lord will not cast us off forever.
32Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. 33For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 94:14 | For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage. |
| 2 | Psalms 103:8–10 | The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. |
| 3 | Psalms 77:7 | “Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? |
| 4 | Isaiah 54:7–10 | “For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer. “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 12:22 | Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 32:40 | I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. |
| 7 | Isaiah 57:16 | For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made. |
| 8 | Micah 7:18 | Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? |
| 9 | Jeremiah 33:24 | “Have you not noticed what these people are saying: ‘The LORD has rejected the two families He had chosen’? So they despise My people and no longer regard them as a nation. |
| 10 | Romans 11:1–6 | I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well” ? And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. |
Lamentations 3:31 Summary
This verse, Lamentations 3:31, is a promise from God that He will not reject us forever, which means that even when we are going through tough times, God still loves us and will not give up on us. This is similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God says He will never leave or forsake us. We can trust that God's discipline is not a sign of rejection, but rather a sign of His love, as seen in Hebrews 12:6. By remembering this promise, we can have hope and comfort, knowing that God will ultimately show us compassion and loving devotion, as stated in Lamentations 3:32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Lord will not cast us off forever?
This means that even in times of discipline or hardship, God's love for us remains and He will not abandon us permanently, as stated in Lamentations 3:31, and supported by Deuteronomy 31:6, which says He will never leave or forsake us.
How can we be sure of God's compassion in difficult times?
We can be sure of God's compassion because Lamentations 3:32 says He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion, and this is further confirmed in Psalm 103:13, which describes God's compassion towards those who fear Him.
Is God's discipline a sign of His rejection?
No, God's discipline is not a sign of His rejection; rather, it is a sign of His love, as stated in Hebrews 12:6, which says that the Lord disciplines those He loves, and this idea is also present in the context of Lamentations 3:31-33, where God's grief and affliction are mentioned alongside His compassion and loving devotion.
How does this verse relate to our everyday struggles?
This verse reminds us that even in the midst of struggles, God is with us and will not abandon us, as seen in Lamentations 3:31, and this truth is also echoed in Isaiah 41:10, which says that God will strengthen and help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like God had cast me off, and how did He ultimately show His faithfulness?
- How can I trust in God's loving devotion when I am experiencing hardship or grief?
- What does it mean for me to 'bury my face in the dust' and offer my cheek to the one who would strike me, as mentioned in the surrounding verses, and how can I apply this humility to my life?
- In what ways can I remind myself of God's promise to not cast me off forever, especially on difficult days?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:31
For the Lord will not cast off for ever. Which is not to be understood of all his creatures; for there are some he does cast off for ever, as the angels that sinned; reprobate men, profligate and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:31
For the Lord will not cast off for ever: The Lord will not cast off forever. True repentance is never without hope (Psalms 94:14). Verse 32.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
This is that which beareth up his spirits, that though the Lord may for a time estrange himself from his people, yet he will not always forsake them.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
Lamentations 3:31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:Ver. 31. For the Lord will not cast off for ever.] No, not at all, however he may seem to some so to do. Non deserit etiamsi deserat, saith a father: He doth not put his people far from him, as the word here signifieth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
(31) For the Lord . . .—The counsels of submission are followed by the grounds of hope. The first, a quotation from Psalms 77:7, had been of old a favourite thought of the writer’s (Jeremiah 3:5; Jeremiah 3:12). The second (Lamentations 3:32) rests on the fact that compassion underlies chastisement (Psalms 30:5; Job 5:18; Isaiah 54:8); the third (Lamentations 3:33) on the truth that the primary eternal will of God is on the side of love, and that punishment is, as it were, against that will.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
Verse 31. The Lord] אדני Adonai; but one of my ancient MSS. has יהוה Jehovah. The above verse is quoted in reference to our Lord's passion, by Matthew 26:62.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:31
25–51. See intr. note.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:31
Reasons for the resignation urged in the previous triplet.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:31
31-33. As the three members of the division commencing with the 25th verse all begin with the adjective “good,” so the following three verses contain exhortations based on these; and in these three
Sermons on Lamentations 3:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Suffering in the Christian Life) 3. the Grace of the Chastener by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although troubles may seem endless, there is always a way out and light at the end of the tunnel. The devil may try to convince us othe |
|
The Cross and the Mystery of Suffering by Sadhu Sundar Singh | Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the meaning and purpose of the cross, explaining that through Jesus bearing the cross, heaven was opened to believers, and by believers taking up |
|
While He Seems to Slay You by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, emphasizing the importance of patiently waiting for His deliverance and finding joy in glorifying Him even in |
|
A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |
|
Of the Perseverance of the Saints. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, asserting that those who are truly regenerated and called by God will ultimately persevere in grace and be save |
|
God's Inheritance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink expounds on the profound truth that God's inheritance is found in His people, emphasizing that God chose not the world or angels, but humanity as His special treasure. He |
|
The Lord Will Not Forsake His People by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God's unwavering commitment to His people is rooted in His character and great Name. He argues that God's decision to save us was made with full knowledg |