Lamentations 4:20
Lamentations 4:20 in Multiple Translations
The 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.”
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
Our breath of life, he on whom the holy oil was put, was taken in their holes; of whom we said, Under his shade we will be living among the nations.
The king, the Lord's anointed, our country's “life-breath,” was trapped and captured by them. We had said about him, “Under his protection we will live among the nations.”
The breath of our nostrels, the Anoynted of the Lord was taken in their nets, of whome we sayde, Vnder his shadowe we shalbe preserued aliue among the heathen.
The breath of our nostrils — the anointed of Jehovah, Hath been captured in their pits, of whom we said: 'In his shadow we do live among nations.'
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits; of whom we said, under his shadow we will live among the nations.
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
Res. The breath of our mouth, Christ the Lord, is taken in our sins: to whom we said: Under thy shadow we shall live among the Gentiles.
Our king, whom Yahweh appointed, was the one who enabled us to remain alive [MTY]; he was the one whom we trusted to protect us [IDM] from the armies of other nations. But he was captured like animals are [MET] caught in a pit.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:20
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 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ר֤וּחַ
אַפֵּ֨י/נוּ֙
מְשִׁ֣יחַ
יְהוָ֔ה
נִלְכַּ֖ד
בִּ/שְׁחִיתוֹתָ֑/ם
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אָמַ֔רְנוּ
בְּ/צִלּ֖/וֹ
נִֽחְיֶ֥ה
בַ/גּוֹיִֽם
ר֤וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אַפֵּ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md | Suff
מְשִׁ֣יחַ
mâshîyach
H4899
anointed
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נִלְכַּ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/שְׁחִיתוֹתָ֑/ם
shᵉchîyth
H7825
pit
Prep | N-fp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָמַ֔רְנוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
בְּ/צִלּ֖/וֹ
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms | Suff
נִֽחְיֶ֥ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
בַ/גּוֹיִֽם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:20
ר֤וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אַפֵּ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
מְשִׁ֣יחַ
mâshîyach
H4899
"anointed"
N-ms
Messiah means anointed one, referring to a king, priest, or the Messiah in the Bible. It describes someone set apart for a special purpose. The term is used in the Old Testament to describe kings and priests, and in the New Testament to describe Jesus.
Definition: 1) anointed, anointed one 1a) of the Messiah, Messianic prince 1b) of the king of Israel 1c) of the high priest of Israel 1d) of Cyrus 1e) of the patriarchs as anointed kings
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: anointed, Messiah. See also: Leviticus 4:3; 2 Samuel 22:51; Psalms 2:2.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
נִלְכַּ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
בִּ/שְׁחִיתוֹתָ֑/ם
shᵉchîyth
H7825
"pit"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a pit or a trap, and can be used literally or figuratively. In Psalm 119:85, it describes the traps set by the wicked for the righteous.
Definition: pit
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: destruction, pit. See also: Psalms 107:20; Lamentations 4:20.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֔רְנוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בְּ/צִלּ֖/וֹ
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
נִֽחְיֶ֥ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
בַ/גּוֹיִֽם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:20
Context — The Distress of Zion
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. 22O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 19:21 | But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 12:13 | But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, and there he will die. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 39:5 | But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. |
| 4 | Genesis 2:7 | Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 17:18 | He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’ |
| 6 | Lamentations 2:9 | Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 1:14 | So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 1:21 | O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 12:3 | Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 18:3 | But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.” |
Lamentations 4:20 Summary
[This verse is talking about a very sad time in the history of God's people, when their king was captured by their enemies and they felt lost and alone. The king was like a source of life and hope for them, and without him, they felt helpless. The Bible says that God is our ultimate source of hope and protection, and that we can trust in Him even when things seem darkest (Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:28). We can find comfort and security in the presence of Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the LORD's anointed mentioned in Lamentations 4:20?
The LORD's anointed refers to the king of Judah, likely King Zedekiah, who was appointed by God to lead His people (2 Samuel 23:1, Psalm 2:2).
What does it mean that the breath of our life was captured in their pits?
This phrase suggests that the king, who was the source of life and hope for the people, was taken captive by their enemies, leaving them feeling helpless and without direction (Job 12:10, Acts 17:25).
What is the significance of living under the shadow of the LORD's anointed?
Living under the shadow of the LORD's anointed means to find protection, comfort, and security in the presence and leadership of God's appointed king, much like the Israelites found shelter under the cloud of God's presence in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21, Isaiah 4:6).
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Lamentations?
This verse contributes to the book's theme of lamenting the fall of Jerusalem and the capture of its king, highlighting the people's sense of loss and despair, while also pointing to their trust in God's sovereignty and promise of restoration (Lamentations 3:22-24, Jeremiah 29:11).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced the loss of a leader or a source of hope in my life, and how did I respond to that situation?
- How can I apply the concept of living under the shadow of God's protection and care to my daily life, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
- What are some pits or traps that I may be facing in my life right now, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty to deliver me from them?
- In what ways can I find comfort and security in the presence of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of life and hope for all believers?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:20
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, was taken in their pits,.... Or "the Messiah", or "the Christ of the Lord" (n); not Josiah, as the Targum; and so Jarchi and others; for though
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:20
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
That he calls some prince here the breath of their nostrils, that is, their life, , is out of doubt; and though some of the Jews would have it understood of Josiah, yet whoso considereth that he was not taken, but slain, and that not by the Chaldeans, but by the Egyptians twenty-three years before the city was taken, will see reason to conclude that he meaneth Zedekiah, who though a bad man, yet was a king, and of David’ s line, and afforded some protection to the Jews. We promised ourselves that though the land of Judah was encompassed with pagan nations, yet through Zedekiah’ s valour and good conduct in government we should live comfortably, he being a covering and refreshing to us; but, saith the prophet, he also is fallen into the enemies’ hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
Lamentations 4:20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.Ver. 20. The breath, of our nostrils.] King Zedekiah, in whose downfall we drew, as it were, our last breath. The Chaldee paraphrast understandeth it of Josiah, with whom, indeed, died all the prosperity of the Jews as with Epaminondas did that of the Thebans, and with Theodosius that of the Western Empire. The anointed of the Lord.] Who yet, for his perfidy, was vilely cast away like Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. Was taken in their pits.] A term taken from hunters (Ezekiel 12:13; see Lamentations 4:20 Jeremiah 52:8). Under his shadow.] As the chickens do under the hen’ s.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
(20) The breath of our nostrils.—The “breath of life” of Genesis 2:7. The phrase emphasises the ideal character of the king as the centre of the nation’s life. So Seneca (Clement. i. 4) speaks of a ruler as the spiritus vitalis of his people. Of whom we said.—The words that follow point to the scheme which was rendered abortive by Zedekiah’s capture. Those who followed him had hoped to find a refuge among some friendly neighbouring nation, where they might at least have maintained the continuity of their national existence, and waited for better days.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
Verse 20. The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord] That is, Zedekiah the king, who was as the life of the city, was taken in his flight by the Chaldeans, and his eyes were put out; so that he was wholly unfit to perform any function of government; though they had fondly hoped that if they surrendered and should be led captives, yet they should be permitted to live under their own laws and king in the land of their bondage.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:20
20. The breath of our nostrils] Pe. remarks that the phrase is an ancient one, being found in the Tell el Amarna letters (fifteenth century b.c.). Cp. Seneca (ad Neronem de Clementia, I. 4) “He (the Emperor) is the breath of life, which these many thousand (subjects) draw.” As regards its application to Zedekiah individually we are to remember that whatever may have been his personal weaknesses (and he was weak rather than vicious), he was the one on whom the whole of the people’s hopes depended for the continuance of their national life. So “the romantic enthusiasm of Cavaliers and Non-jurors for the Stuarts was not to be accounted for by the merits and attractions of the various successive sovereigns and pretenders towards whom it was directed,” Adeney, op. cit. p. 298. Of whom we said …] The reference may very possibly be to a hope entertained by the fugitives that by escaping to the mountainous region of Moab or Ammon they might maintain in some sort their national existence under Zedekiah.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:20
20. The breath of our nostrils — A designation of the king; in this instance Zedekiah, but applicable to the true king, whoever might be the anointed of the Lord. He is here described as captured like a wild animal, in their pits.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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(Daniel) the Book, the Boy, the Babylon Bondage by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were taken into captivity in Babylon. Despite being young, th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 5:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 5, which focuses on the generations of Adam. The speaker highlights the significance of the two line |
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Revival (Alternative Version) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the brutal treatment of slaves in the past, highlighting the inhumane conditions they endured. He emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spiri |
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Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers receiving and possessing the life of Christ. He highlights that our existence is justified by the fact that many |
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You Are the Pearl of Great Value by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of realizing how valuable we are in the eyes of God. He believes that the greatest problem of humanity is our failu |
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(Trees in the Christian Experience) 1. the Man Behind the Tree by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses five incidents from the Scriptures where a tree is significant. The first incident is the story of the man behind the tree in Genesis chapter |