Lamentations 3:7
Lamentations 3:7 in Multiple Translations
He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains.
He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.
He hath walled me about, that I cannot go forth; he hath made my chain heavy.
He has put a wall round me, so that I am not able to go out; he has made great the weight of my chain.
He has built a wall around me so I can't escape; he has bound me with heavy chains.
He hath hedged about mee, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chaines heauy.
He hath hedged me about, and I go not out, He hath made heavy my fetter.
He has walled me about, so that I can’t go out. He has made my chain heavy.
He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.
Ghimel. He hath built against me round about, that I may not get out: he hath made my fetters heavy.
It is as though [MET] he has built a wall around me, and fastened/tied me with heavy chains, and I cannot escape.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 3:7
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 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּדַ֧ר
בַּעֲדִ֛/י
וְ/לֹ֥א
אֵצֵ֖א
הִכְבִּ֥יד
נְחָשְׁתִּֽ/י
גָּדַ֧ר
gâdar
H1443
to wall up/off
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַּעֲדִ֛/י
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
הִכְבִּ֥יד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
נְחָשְׁתִּֽ/י
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 3:7
גָּדַ֧ר
gâdar
H1443
"to wall up/off"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To wall up or off means to build a barrier around something. This word is used in the Bible to describe the work of masons and the act of closing off or shutting in a place. It is often translated as 'to fence up' or 'to repair'.
Definition: 1) to wall up, wall off, close off, build a wall 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wall up, shut off 1a2) masons (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: close up, fence up, hedge, inclose, make up (a wall), mason, repairer. See also: 2 Kings 12:13; Lamentations 3:9; Isaiah 58:12.
בַּעֲדִ֛/י
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
אֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הִכְבִּ֥יד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
נְחָשְׁתִּֽ/י
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
Study Notes — Lamentations 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
- Sermons on Lamentations 3:7
Context — The Prophet’s Afflictions
5He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.
6He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages.
7He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains.
8Even when I cry out and plead for help, He shuts out my prayer. 9He has barred my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 19:8 | He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has veiled my paths with darkness. |
| 2 | Job 3:23 | Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 40:4 | But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains that were on your wrists. If it pleases you to come with me to Babylon, then come, and I will take care of you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, go no farther. Look, the whole land is before you. Wherever it seems good and right to you, go there.” |
| 4 | Lamentations 1:14 | My transgressions are bound into a yoke, knit together by His hand; they are draped over my neck, and the Lord has broken my strength. He has delivered me into the hands of those I cannot withstand. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 38:6 | So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. |
| 6 | Hosea 2:6 | Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her path with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so she cannot find her way. |
| 7 | Psalms 88:8 | You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape. |
| 8 | Lamentations 5:5 | We are closely pursued; we are weary and find no rest. |
| 9 | Lamentations 3:9 | He has barred my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked. |
| 10 | Daniel 9:12 | You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. |
Lamentations 3:7 Summary
This verse means that God has put limits on our lives, and we may feel trapped or restricted. But even in those difficult times, we can trust that God is working for our good, as it says in Romans 8:28. We can also remember that God is our Shepherd, who guides and cares for us, even in the darkest times, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find peace and hope, even when we feel 'walled in' or weighed down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'walled in' by God?
In Lamentations 3:7, being 'walled in' means that God has limited or restricted our movements, much like the Israelites were confined to the wilderness for a time, as seen in Exodus 13:18. This can be a difficult experience, but it can also be a time of spiritual growth and refinement.
Why would God weigh us down with chains?
The 'chains' in Lamentations 3:7 may symbolize the heavy burdens or hardships that God allows in our lives, similar to the trials described in Job 23:10. These trials can be used to test our faith and purify our hearts, as seen in 1 Peter 1:7.
Is this verse saying that God is against us?
Although Lamentations 3:7 describes God's actions as restrictive and burdensome, it is essential to remember that God's ultimate goal is our good, as stated in Romans 8:28. This verse is not saying that God is against us, but rather that He is working in our lives to achieve His sovereign purposes, even if it involves difficult circumstances.
How can we respond to feeling trapped or limited by God?
When we feel like we are 'walled in' by God, we can respond by crying out to Him in prayer, as seen in Psalm 38:9, and by trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Psalm 23:4. We can also seek to learn from the experience and look for opportunities to grow in our faith and character.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I feel 'walled in' or limited in my life right now, and how can I trust God in those areas?
- How have I responded to difficult circumstances in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences about trusting God?
- What are some 'chains' or burdens that I am currently carrying, and how can I cast them upon the Lord, as seen in Psalm 55:22?
- In what ways can I use my current circumstances to grow in my faith and to trust God more deeply, even if it is difficult?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 3:7
He hath hedged me about, that I cannot go out,.... When in prison, or in the dungeon, or during the siege of Jerusalem; though the phrase may only denote in general the greatness of his troubles,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 3:7
He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. Hedged - (Job 3:23; Hosea 2:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
The use of a hedge about an enclosed field is twofold: 1. To keep out other beasts which belong not to the owner of the ground; in this sense God set a hedge sometimes about Canaan, . 2. To keep in those beasts that are within; thus God had now hedged them in, into a barren place where they had no pasture, but were continually pushed at by other beasts with whom they were mixed, and who were stronger than they, and they could not get out. God had dealt with them as with grievous malefactors, who are loaded with heavy chains. He had made their affliction heavy and insupportable.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
Lamentations 3:7 He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.Ver. 7. He hath hedged me about.] Sorrounded me with troubles, brought me into straits inextricable and importable.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
(7) He hath hedged.—From the darkness of Hades we pass to that of the prison-house, in which the mourner is “hedged” or confined, bound with a heavy chain (literally, brass).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
Verse 7. He hath hedged me about] This also may refer to the lines drawn round the city during the siege. But these and similar expressions in the following verses may be merely metaphorical, to point out their straitened, oppressed, and distressed state.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 3:7
7. Cp. Job 19:8; so with Lamentations 3:8, Job 19:7; Job 30:20, and we may perhaps add with Lamentations 3:5, Job 19:12.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 3:7
The prophet feels as if enclosed within walls, and fettered.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 3:7
7. Chain — Literally, brass. The figure is that of a prisoner shut up in an enclosure and loaded with heavy fetters.
Sermons on Lamentations 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Job 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. Job was a man who experienced extreme loss and suffering, losing his wealth, possessions, and even his child |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 11 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the corrupt leaders and rulers who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. He emphasizes that they love bribes and rewar |
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When Deliverance Looks Like Old Rotten Rags by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of witnessing God's miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit breaking down divisions in a community. The speaker encourages |
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Affection for Christ – Its Awakening, Decline, and Revival by C.A. Coates | C.A. Coates preaches about the importance of maintaining affection for Christ, emphasizing the need for the hidden spring of affections that satisfy Christ's heart above all else. |
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Love the Lord Jesus! by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches about the importance of loving the Lord, emphasizing the need to start loving Him now when there is every reason to do so. He addresses the question of how |
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Ii. to Lady Kenmure, on the Occasion of the Death of Her Infant by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving lady, reminding her that her suffering is a part of conforming to the image of Christ. He assures he |