Lamentations 4:18
Lamentations 4:18 in Multiple Translations
They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end drew near, our time ran out, for our end had come!
They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
They hunt our steps, so that we cannot go in our streets: Our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
They go after our steps so that we may not go in our streets: our end is near, our days are numbered; for our end has come.
The enemy tracked our every movement so we couldn't walk through our streets. Our end approached. Our time was up because our end had come.
They hunt our steppes that we cannot goe in our streetes: our ende is neere, our dayes are fulfilled, for our ende is come.
They have hunted our steps from going in our broad-places, Near hath been our end, fulfilled our days, For come hath our end.
They hunt our steps, so that we can’t go in our streets. Our end is near. Our days are fulfilled, for our end has come.
They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
Sade. Our steps have slipped in the way of our streets, our end draweth near: our days are fulfilled, for our end is come.
Our enemies were hunting for us, so we could not even walk in our streets lest they seize us. We were about to be captured; it was time for us to be killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:18
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 4:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צָד֣וּ
צְעָדֵ֔י/נוּ
מִ/לֶּ֖כֶת
בִּ/רְחֹבֹתֵ֑י/נוּ
קָרַ֥ב
קִצֵּ֛י/נוּ
מָלְא֥וּ
יָמֵ֖י/נוּ
כִּי
בָ֥א
קִצֵּֽי/נוּ
צָד֣וּ
tsûwd
H6679
to hunt
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
צְעָדֵ֔י/נוּ
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-mp | Suff
מִ/לֶּ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּ/רְחֹבֹתֵ֑י/נוּ
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
Prep | N-fp | Suff
קָרַ֥ב
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קִצֵּ֛י/נוּ
qêts
H7093
end
N-ms | Suff
מָלְא֥וּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יָמֵ֖י/נוּ
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קִצֵּֽי/נוּ
qêts
H7093
end
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:18
צָד֣וּ
tsûwd
H6679
"to hunt"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To provision means to gather food and supplies for a journey, as in Genesis 45:23, where Jacob prepares for his trip to Egypt. It represents God's care for His people.
Definition: 1) to hunt 1a) (Qal) to hunt 1b) (Poel) to hunt, hunt eagerly or keenly
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: chase, hunt, sore, take (provision). See also: Genesis 27:3; Psalms 140:12; Proverbs 6:26.
צְעָדֵ֔י/נוּ
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
מִ/לֶּ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בִּ/רְחֹבֹתֵ֑י/נוּ
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
קָרַ֥ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
קִצֵּ֛י/נוּ
qêts
H7093
"end"
N-ms | Suff
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
מָלְא֥וּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
יָמֵ֖י/נוּ
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
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.
כִּי
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.
בָ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
קִצֵּֽי/נוּ
qêts
H7093
"end"
N-ms | Suff
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:18
Context — The Distress of Zion
16The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor.
17All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.
18They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end drew near, our time ran out, for our end had come!
19Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness. 20The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 8:2 | “Amos, what do you see?” He asked. “A basket of summer fruit,” I replied. So the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 7:2–12 | “O son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says to the land of Israel: ‘The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. The end is now upon you, and I will unleash My anger against you. I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Disaster! An unprecedented disaster — behold, it is coming! The end has come! The end has come! It has roused itself against you. Behold, it has come! Doom has come to you, O inhabitants of the land. The time has come; the day is near; there is panic on the mountains instead of shouts of joy. Very soon I will pour out My wrath upon you and vent My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow. Behold, the day is here! It has come! Doom has gone out, the rod has budded, arrogance has bloomed. Their violence has grown into a rod to punish their wickedness. None of them will remain: none of their multitude, none of their wealth, and nothing of value. The time has come; the day has arrived. Let the buyer not rejoice and the seller not mourn, for wrath is upon the whole multitude. |
| 3 | Lamentations 3:52 | Without cause my enemies hunted me like a bird. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 16:16 | But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks. |
| 5 | Psalms 140:11 | May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:33 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 12:22–23 | “Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’? Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 1:12 | “You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:14 | Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? |
| 10 | 2 Kings 25:4–5 | Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. |
Lamentations 4:18 Summary
This verse, Lamentations 4:18, describes a time when God's people felt like they were being constantly watched and threatened by their enemies, and they couldn't even walk in their own streets without fear. It's a picture of what happens when we're under attack and feel like we're running out of time. But even in the midst of this darkness, we can trust in God's presence and protection, just like it says in Psalm 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.' We can also remember that God is sovereign and in control, as promised in Romans 8:28-30, and that He will ultimately bring justice and redemption to His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'they stalked our every step' in Lamentations 4:18?
This phrase suggests that the enemies of God's people were constantly watching and waiting to attack, much like the way Satan seeks to devour believers, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8. This relentless pursuit led to a state of constant fear and oppression.
How does this verse relate to the idea of God's presence and protection?
Although the presence of the Lord had scattered His people, as mentioned in Lamentations 4:16, the people still felt abandoned and unprotected, highlighting the tension between God's sovereignty and human suffering, a theme also explored in the book of Job.
What is the significance of the phrase 'our end drew near, our time ran out'?
This phrase indicates that the people felt their time was running out, and their destruction was imminent, much like the warnings given in Jeremiah 6:1-5, emphasizing the urgency of repentance and the consequences of sin.
How can we apply the lessons of Lamentations 4:18 to our own lives?
This verse reminds us that as believers, we will face persecution and hardship, but we can trust in God's sovereignty and presence, even when we feel abandoned, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6 and Romans 8:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel like I'm being 'stalked' by my enemies, whether they be spiritual or physical?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's presence and protection, even when I feel abandoned or oppressed?
- How can I use my experiences of hardship and suffering to grow in my faith and trust in God, rather than becoming bitter or resentful?
- What are some practical ways I can 'walk in the streets' of my community, sharing the hope of the Gospel with those around me, despite the presence of enemies or opposition?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:18
They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets,.... The Chaldeans, from their forts and batteries, as they could see, they watched the people as they came out of their houses, and walked about
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:18
They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come. They hunt our steps - the Chaldeans do so. We cannot go in our streets - without danger.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
The Chaldeans employed in the siege are so close upon us, that we cannot stir a foot about our businesses, nor look out at our doors, nor walk safely in the streets; we are ruined, there is an end of our civil state; our period is come, and the time of our prosperity is elapsed.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
Lamentations 4:18 They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.Ver. 18. They hunt our steps.] There is an elegance in the original, as if we should say, They hunt our haunts. That we cannot go in our streets.] Because of their forts, from whence they shoot at us. Satan doth so much more - “ Cui nomina mille, Mille nocendi artes. ” Our end is come.] We are an undone people.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
(18) They hunt our steps.—Better, They lie in wait. The words probably point to the posts occupied here and there near the wide places of the city, which led people to avoid them through fear of being attacked. The only cry possible at such a time was that “all was over.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
Verse 18. We cannot go in our streets] Supposed to refer to the darts and other missiles cast from the mounds which they had raised on the outside of the walls, by which those who walked in the streets were grievously annoyed, and could not shield themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:18
18. They hunt our steps] This expresses the danger which existed in the “streets” (lit. broad places, and therefore exposed) from the towers which were gradually advanced nearer to the walls by the besiegers. Eastern streets are too narrow to expose their occupants to the weapons of a besieging force.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:18
18. They hunt our steps — The word for “hunt” does not mean to pursue game so much as to watch for, to ensnare, to wait in ambush. The reference is to the time of the capture and sack of the city.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jesus of Nazareth Is Passing by - Part 2 by Brian Long | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of responding to God's call for repentance and salvation, drawing parallels to the finality of God's judgment as seen in the examples of Amos and |
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When Jesus of Nazareth Passes By by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with Jesus Christ. He references the story of Noah and the flood as an example of God's patie |
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Be Sowers of Seed by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee preaches on the symbolism of a basket of summer fruit in the book of Amos, representing the end of the harvest and rapid spoilage. This imagery signifies the impend |
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Jehovah Raphi-the Lord That Heals by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that there is something of God that will not let go of us. He speaks of God's love, mercy, and compassion, and how He sends His servants to |
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Slightly Healed by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disappointment of God with His chosen people, using the analogy of a vineyard. Despite God's efforts to cultivate and protect His people, |
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The Ninth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the ninth degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of monks restraining their tongues and practicing silence, only speaking when questioned |
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Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on the downfall of Belshazzar and the fall of Babylon as prophesied in the book of Daniel. The sermon highlights the divine judgment on the wicked world, |