Lamentations 3:40
Lamentations 3:40 in Multiple Translations
Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah.
Let us make search and put our ways to the test, turning again to the Lord;
We should look at ourselves, examine what we're doing, and return to the Lord.
Let vs search and try our wayes, and turne againe to the Lord.
We search our ways, and investigate, And turn back unto Jehovah.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Nun. Let us search our ways, and seek, and return to the Lord.
Instead, we should ◄examine/think carefully about► our behavior; we should turn back to Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:40
BAB
Word Study
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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 3:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַחְפְּשָׂ֤ה
דְרָכֵ֨י/נוּ֙
וְֽ/נַחְקֹ֔רָה
וְ/נָשׁ֖וּבָה
עַד
יְהוָֽה
נַחְפְּשָׂ֤ה
châphas
H2664
to search
V-Qal-1cp
דְרָכֵ֨י/נוּ֙
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
וְֽ/נַחְקֹ֔רָה
châqar
H2713
to search
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
וְ/נָשׁ֖וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:40
נַחְפְּשָׂ֤ה
châphas
H2664
"to search"
V-Qal-1cp
The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.
דְרָכֵ֨י/נוּ֙
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְֽ/נַחְקֹ֔רָה
châqar
H2713
"to search"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
וְ/נָשׁ֖וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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 3:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:40
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:40
Context — God’s Justice
38Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?
39Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins?
40Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.
41Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: 42“We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 13:5 | Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test? |
| 2 | Psalms 139:23–24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. |
| 3 | Joel 2:12–13 | “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:59 | I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies. |
| 5 | Psalms 4:4 | Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah |
| 6 | Haggai 1:5–9 | Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD. You expected much, but behold, it amounted to little. And what you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the LORD of Hosts. Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house. |
| 7 | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 8 | Hosea 6:1 | Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. |
| 9 | Hosea 14:1–3 | Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 11:28 | Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. |
Lamentations 3:40 Summary
[This verse is calling us to take a close look at our lives and see if we are living in a way that honors God. It's like taking a step back to evaluate our thoughts, words, and actions, and making sure they line up with what the Bible teaches, as we see in Psalm 139:23-24. By doing so, we can turn back to the Lord and receive His forgiveness and guidance, as promised in 1 John 1:9. This is an important part of our walk with God, and it helps us to live a life that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to examine and test our ways?
This means to carefully evaluate our thoughts, actions, and motivations to see if they align with God's will, as taught in Proverbs 4:26 and Psalm 139:23-24.
Why is it important to turn back to the Lord?
Turning back to the Lord is essential because it allows us to receive forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Isaiah 55:7, and to live a life that honors Him.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by regularly taking time for self-reflection, confessing our sins, and seeking to align our lives with God's Word, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:40 and Psalm 51:10-12.
What is the relationship between examining our ways and lifting our hearts to God?
Examining our ways and lifting our hearts to God are closely linked, as seen in Lamentations 3:40-41, because recognizing our sin and weaknesses leads us to humble ourselves and seek God's mercy and forgiveness, as taught in 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to examine and test my ways, and how can I make necessary changes to align with God's will?
- How can I cultivate a habit of regularly turning back to the Lord in repentance and seeking His guidance?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of self-examination and turning to the Lord in my relationships with others, such as in my family or community?
- What are some spiritual disciplines or practices that can help me deepen my self-awareness and dependence on God, such as prayer, journaling, or meditation on Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:40
Let us search and try our ways,.... stead of murmuring and complaining, let us search for something that may support and comfort, teach and instruct, under afflictive providences; let us search into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:40
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us - Jeremiah and his fellow-countrymen in their calamity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
Seeing God doth not grieve us willingly, nor delight to crush us, though we be his prisoners, and seeing the hand of God is in these things upon us, and that justly, to recompense our iniquities into our bosoms, instead of mourning and fretting against God, which is not reasonable, nor will be of any profit to us, let us examine our thoughts, words, and actions, and consider what they have been, and reform, and turn again to the Lord, by apostatizing from whom we have brought these evils upon us.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
Lamentations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.Ver. 40. Let us search and try our ways,] i.e., Make accurate inquiry into them; so shall we soon find ourselves to be a whole newly found world of wickedness. Search we therefore, and do it thoroughly. Many either search not at all (they cannot endure these domestic audits: it is death to them to reflect and recognise what they have done), or as though they desired not to find. They search as men do for their bad money; they know they have it, but they would gladly have it to pass for current among the rest. Heathens will rise up in judgment against such, for they prescribed and practised self-examination: Pythagoras once a day; “ Non prius in dulcem declines lumina somnum, Quam prius exactae reputaveris acta diei, ” & c. Phocylides thrice a day, if Stobaeus may be believed. And turn again to the Lord.] Let self-examination end in reformation, else sin will be thereby but emboldened and strengthened, as idle vagrants and lawless subjects are, if questioned only, and not punished and restrained. Of turning again to the Lord; Serm.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
(40) Let us search . . .—Warnings against murmurs are followed by counsels which point to a more excellent way. Suffering calls a man to self-scrutiny. We should seek to know the sins which it is meant to punish and correct.To the Lord.—The preposition is an emphatic one: even to the Lord. There is to be no halting half-way in the work of conversion.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
Verse 40. Let us search] How are we to get the pardon of our sins? The prophet tells us: 1. Let us examine ourselves. 2. "Let us turn again to the Lord." 3. "Let us lift up our heart;" let us make fervent prayer and supplication for mercy. 4. "Let us lift up our hand;" let us solemnly promise to be his, and bind ourselves in a covenant to be the Lord's only: so much lifting up the hand to God implies. Or, let us put our heart on our hand, and offer it to God; so some have translated this clause. 5. "We have transgressed;" let our confession of sin be fervent and sincere. 6. And to us who profess Christianity it may be added, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as having died for thee; and thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life.
Verses 46, 47, 48, Lamentations 3:46-48, beginning with פ phe, should, as to the order of the alphabet, follow 49, 50, 51, Lamentations 3:49-51, which begin with ain, which in its grammatical position precedes the former.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:40
25–51. See intr. note.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:40
The prophet urges men to search out their faults and amend them. Lamentations 3:40 And turn again to the Lord - Or, “and return to Yahweh.” The prep. (to) in the Hebrew implies not half way, but the whole.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:40
OF SIN, AND OVER THE EVIL WHICH HAS COME, Lamentations 3:40-66. 40.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Stretch Out Your Hands to God's Will by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the troubled state of the world and the need for repentance. He refers to Daniel's prayer as an example of turning to God and seeking forgiv |
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Jeremiah & Lamentations - Through the Bible by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, trying to save them from their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing |
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Beware of the Leaven of Sin by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the leaven of sin, drawing parallels between leaven as false doctrine and sin in the Bible. It highlights the need t |
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The Need for Another Reformation by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the need for personal reformation of the heart, going beyond historical reformation movements. It calls for a renewal, restoration, and revival of truth in i |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah & Lamentations by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, warning them of their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejectio |
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Every Twig Has a Voice! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of listening to God's voice through afflictions, likening them to a rod that speaks to the soul. He urges Christians to remain silent and |
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Then the Mud Appears by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's severe judgments serve as a wake-up call for individuals and nations to cease from sin and return to Him. He illustrates that God's corrections |