Lamentations 3:33
Lamentations 3:33 in Multiple Translations
For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.
For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.
For he has no pleasure in troubling and causing grief to the children of men.
For he doesn't willingly hurt people, or cause them grief.
For he doeth not punish willingly, nor afflict the children of men,
For He hath not afflicted with His heart, Nor doth He grieve the sons of men.
For he does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.
For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
Caph. For he hath not willingly afflicted, nor cast off the children of men.
And he is not happy about causing human beings to suffer or to be sad.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:33
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 3:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
לֹ֤א
עִנָּה֙
מִ/לִּבּ֔/וֹ
וַ/יַּגֶּ֖ה
בְנֵי
אִֽישׁ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עִנָּה֙
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מִ/לִּבּ֔/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּגֶּ֖ה
yâgâh
H3013
to suffer
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:33
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.
לֹ֤א
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.
עִנָּה֙
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
מִ/לִּבּ֔/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יַּגֶּ֖ה
yâgâh
H3013
"to suffer"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cause or feel grief, as seen in the Bible when people suffer or are afflicted, like in the book of Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) to afflict, grieve, suffer, cause grief 1a) (Niphal) grieved, grieving (participle) 1b) (Piel) to grieve 1c) (Hiphil) to cause grief, cause sorrow
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: afflict, cause grief, grieve, sorrowful, vex. See also: Job 19:2; Lamentations 1:12; Isaiah 51:23.
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:33
Context — The Prophet’s Hope
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.
34To crush underfoot all the prisoners of the land, 35to deny a man justice before the Most High,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:11 | Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ |
| 2 | Ezekiel 18:32 | For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:9–10 | Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. |
| 4 | Isaiah 28:21 | For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task. |
Lamentations 3:33 Summary
This verse tells us that God does not enjoy making people suffer or feel sad. He loves us and wants what is best for us, as we see in Jeremiah 29:11. Even when bad things happen, God can use them for our good, as Romans 8:28 says. We can trust God because He is a loving Father who cares about us, and we can find comfort in His presence, just like Psalm 23:4 promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God allow suffering if He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men?
God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts, as Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us. Sometimes, suffering is a result of sin or living in a fallen world, but God can use it for our good and His glory, as seen in Romans 8:28.
How can I trust God when I am experiencing pain or hardship?
We can trust God because He is a loving and compassionate Father, as Lamentations 3:32 says. He will show us mercy and loving devotion, even in the midst of suffering, and we can find comfort in His presence, as Psalm 23:4 promises.
Is God cruel or heartless if He afflicts people?
No, God is not cruel or heartless. Lamentations 3:33 clearly states that He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men, and His commands in Exodus 22:22-24 and Deuteronomy 10:18-19 demonstrate His care for the vulnerable and oppressed.
How does this verse relate to the idea of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human suffering. While God is in control, He is not the author of evil or suffering, as James 1:13-14 explains. Instead, He uses His sovereignty to bring good out of evil, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- How have I experienced God's compassion and loving devotion in my life, even in the midst of suffering?
- What are some ways I can trust God when I don't understand what He is doing in my life?
- How can I comfort others who are experiencing pain or hardship, pointing them to God's loving character?
- In what ways can I surrender my will to God's sovereignty, trusting that He is working all things for my good?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:33
For he doth not afflict willingly,.... Or, "from his heart" (e); he does afflict; for all afflictions are from God, but they do not come from the mere motion of his heart, or are the effects of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:33
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 3:33
In the Hebrew it is, he doth not afflict from his heart, that is, with pleasure and delight; or (which seemeth the best sense to me) not from his own mere motion without a cause given him from the persons afflicted. Hence judgment is called God’ s strange work. Showing mercy is his proper natural work, which floweth from himself without any cause in the creature. Judgment is his strange work, to which he never proceedeth but when provoked, and as it were forced from the creature, whence it followeth that he cannot delight in it.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
Lamentations 3:33 For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.Ver. 33. For he doth not afflict willingly.] Heb., From the heart. Non nisi coactus, as that emperor said when he sealed a writ for execution of a condenmed person: I would not do it but upon necessity. It goeth as much against the heart with God as it can do against the hair with us: “ Ille dolet quoties cogitur esse ferox. ” Non est Deo volupe, proprium, aut per se intentum. Poenas dat dum poenas exigit. - Sen. de Augusto. Iustis etiam suppliciis illacrymavit et ingemuit. - De Vespasiano Suetonius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
(33) Not . . . willingly.—Literally, not from the heart, as being the centre of volition as well as emotion
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
Verse 33. For he doth not afflict willingly] It is no pleasure to God to afflict men. He takes no delight in our pain and misery: yet, like a tender and intelligent parent, he uses the rod; not to gratify himself, but to profit and save us.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:33
33. willingly] lit. as mg. from his heart.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:33
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 3:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Precious Death by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the preciousness of a saint's death in the sight of the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 116:15. He encourages believers to view death from God's perspective, recog |
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The Riches of God's Love to His Elect by Thomas Goodwin | Thomas Goodwin preaches about the rich mercy, great love, and grace of God towards us, emphasizing that these attributes are the causes of our salvation. He delves into the deep lo |
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Letters: Mr. David Dickson, His Brother-in-Law (1) by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar writes a heartfelt letter to his brother-in-law David, expressing concern for David's ill son and encouraging him to find solace in God's love and purpose during this |
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The Honey and the Sting! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's heart is not inclined to afflict His children, as seen in Lamentations 3:33. He explains that while God may allow hardships, it is not His desir |
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Why Will You Die? by Achille Blaize | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He highlights that God issues a universal invitation to all people to turn from thei |
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The Nature of God by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that our pursuit of happiness is deeply ingrained in our nature as human beings. However, he warns against the delusion that positions or ho |
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Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to start something without doing their homework or fully understanding what is involved. He emphasizes the importance o |