Lamentations 4:19
Lamentations 4:19 in Multiple Translations
Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness.
Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heavens: They chased us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
Those who went after us were quicker than the eagles of the heaven, driving us before them on the mountains, waiting secretly for us in the waste land.
Our pursuers were faster than eagles in the sky. They chased us across the mountains and ambushed us in the desert.
Our persecuters are swifter then the eagles of the heauen: they pursued vs vpon the mountaines, and layed waite for vs in the wildernes.
Swifter have been our pursuers, Than the eagles of the heavens, On the mountains they have burned [after] us, In the wilderness they have laid wait for us.
Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky. They chased us on the mountains. They set an ambush for us in the wilderness.
Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
Coph. Our persecutors were swifter than the eagles of the air: they pursued us upon the mountains, they lay in wait for us in the wilderness.
Those who pursued us were faster than eagles flying in the sky. Even if we fled to the mountains or hid in the desert, they went there ahead of us and waited to attack us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:19
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 4:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קַלִּ֤ים
הָיוּ֙
רֹדְפֵ֔י/נוּ
מִ/נִּשְׁרֵ֖י
שָׁמָ֑יִם
עַל
הֶ/הָרִ֣ים
דְּלָקֻ֔/נוּ
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
אָ֥רְבוּ
לָֽ/נוּ
קַלִּ֤ים
qal
H7031
swift
Adj
הָיוּ֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רֹדְפֵ֔י/נוּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal | Suff
מִ/נִּשְׁרֵ֖י
nesher
H5404
eagle
Prep | N-mp
שָׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הֶ/הָרִ֣ים
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-mp
דְּלָקֻ֔/נוּ
dâlaq
H1814
to burn/pursue
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
אָ֥רְבוּ
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָֽ/נוּ
Prep | 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 4:19
קַלִּ֤ים
qal
H7031
"swift"
Adj
This word means swift or light, describing something or someone that moves quickly, like the swift horses in Solomon's chariots in 1 Kings 4:26.
Definition: 1) swift, light, fleet 1a) swift 1b) one who is swift
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: light, swift(-ly). See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 5:26.
הָיוּ֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רֹדְפֵ֔י/נוּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
מִ/נִּשְׁרֵ֖י
nesher
H5404
"eagle"
Prep | N-mp
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
שָׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הֶ/הָרִ֣ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
דְּלָקֻ֔/נוּ
dâlaq
H1814
"to burn/pursue"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To burn or pursue means to flame or chase after something. This word is used in the Bible to describe burning fires or hot pursuit. It can also mean to kindle or inflame something, and is often translated as burning or chase.
Definition: 1) to burn, hotly pursue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to burn 1a2) to hotly pursue 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to kindle 1b2) to inflame Aramaic equivalent: de.laq (דְּלַק "to burn" H1815)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: burning, chase, inflame, kindle, persecute(-or), pursue hotly. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 26:23; Psalms 7:14.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
אָ֥רְבוּ
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
לָֽ/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:19
Context — The Distress of Zion
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.” 21So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 1:8 | Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:13 | Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined! |
| 3 | Isaiah 5:26–28 | He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 28:49 | The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, |
| 5 | Isaiah 30:16–17 | “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. |
| 6 | Hosea 8:1 | Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law. |
| 7 | Amos 9:1–3 | I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape. Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. |
| 8 | Matthew 24:27–28 | For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. |
| 9 | Amos 2:14 | Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. |
Lamentations 4:19 Summary
This verse describes how the Israelites were relentlessly pursued by their enemies, who were as swift and powerful as eagles. The enemies chased them over mountains and ambushed them in the wilderness, leaving no place for escape. This image can help us understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by our own challenges and enemies, whether they be spiritual or physical. Just as the Israelites cried out to God in their distress, we can also turn to Him for protection and refuge, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 91:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that those who chased the Israelites were 'swifter than the eagles in the sky'?
This phrase is a metaphor for the speed and ferocity of their enemies, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the threat they faced, much like the swift and powerful eagles described in Ezekiel 17:3 and Job 28:7.
Why does the verse mention being pursued 'over the mountains and ambushed in the wilderness'?
This highlights the relentless and exhaustive pursuit by their enemies, leaving no place for escape or refuge, reminiscent of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites in the book of Exodus and the prophet Jeremiah's lamentations in Jeremiah 2:6.
Is this verse describing a historical event or a symbolic representation of spiritual struggle?
While it is rooted in the historical context of the Babylonian conquest, it also contains elements that can be applied to the spiritual struggles of believers, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 43:2, where God's presence and protection are promised in the midst of trouble.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and the suffering of His people?
It underscores the complex interplay between human agency and divine sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 45:7 and Romans 8:28, where God's purposes are fulfilled even in the midst of human conflict and suffering.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I feel pursued or overwhelmed by the challenges of my life, and how can I apply the lessons of this verse to my situation?
- How does the image of eagles in the sky speak to the power and swiftness of my enemies, whether they be spiritual or physical?
- What are the 'mountains' and 'wilderness' areas of my life where I feel most vulnerable or Vunerable to attack, and how can I seek God's protection and refuge in those places?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances, as described in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:19
Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heavens,.... That fly in the heavens; and which, as they have a quick sight to discern their prey afar off, are very swift to pursue it; they are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:19
Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness. Our persecutors are swifter than eagles.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
Our enemies who pursued us to destroy us were very swift in their pursuit of us, (As swift as an eagle, was a proverbial expression,) we could no where be safe: if we sought refuge in the mountains, they followed us thither; if we fled from them into the wilderness, they laid wait for us there.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
Lamentations 4:19 Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.Ver. 19. Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles.] Those swiftest of all fowl, whom Pindarus therefore calleth the queen of birds as the dolphin of fishes, for like swiftness. The Egyptians, their pretended helpers, were slow as snails; the Chaldees swifter than eagles. They pursued us.] Or, They chased us, or traced us, like bloodhounds. They laid wait for us in the wilderness.] They met us at every turn, and left us no means of escape.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
(19) Our persecutors.—Better, Our pursuers, the words referring to the Chaldæan enemies rather than to persecutors in the modern sense of the word. The comparison with eagles has a parallel in Deuteronomy 28:49. If we take the second clause as referring to the flight of Zedekiah, mentioned in the next verse, the mountains would be the heights east of Jerusalem, beginning with the Mount of Olives, and the wilderness that of the Ghor, or Jordan Valley (Jeremiah 39:5).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
Verse 19. They pursued us upon the mountains] They hunted down the poor Jews like wild beasts in every part of the country by their marauding parties, whilst the great army besieged Jerusalem. But this may apply to the pursuit of Zedekiah. See what follows.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:19
19. swifter than the eagles] Cp. Deuteronomy 28:49, and see on Jeremiah 4:13. They chased us upon the mountains] The metaphor in this and the following v. is taken from hunting. The reference is either to the circumstances attendant on the capture of Zedekiah (Jeremiah 39:5 f., Jeremiah 52:8) who is referred to more distinctly in the following v., or in general to the condition of the fugitives at the taking of the city.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:19
19. And even those who did succeed in escaping from the city were not materially better off.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
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Hosea #5 Ch. 7-8 Jesus Christ on Every Page by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in biblical knowledge and understanding in society. He then focuses on Hosea chapter 8, specifically verses 13 and 14. The speaker |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 14 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of order and understanding in the church. He uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the need for clarity in interpreting biblic |
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The Shouting Pulpit and the Shaking Pews by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the decline of a once thriving church in Birmingham, UK. The church, which had a rich history of faithful preachers, now has only four memb |
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The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |
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Amos 9 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 14-month journey through different nations, carrying only what he could on his back. He emphasizes the diversity of people he encountere |
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K-448 Israel's Future Expulsion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the insignificance of our worldly accomplishments and knowledge in the eyes of God. He describes a terrifying wilderness where one is strippe |