Lamentations 4:5
Lamentations 4:5 in Multiple Translations
Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps.
They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: They that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
Those who were used to feasting on delicate food are wasted in the streets: those who as children were dressed in purple are stretched out on the dust.
Those who used to eat gourmet food now die starving in the streets. Those who dressed in fine clothes from their childhood now live in heaps of rubbish.
They that did feede delicately, perish in the streetes: they that were brought vp in skarlet, embrace the dongue.
Those eating of dainties have been desolate in out-places, Those supported on scarlet have embraced dunghills.
Those who ate delicacies are desolate in the streets. Those who were brought up in purple embrace dunghills.
They that fed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
He. They that were fed delicately have died in the streets; they that were brought up in scarlet have embraced the dung.
People who previously ate fine food are now starving in the streets; those who previously lived luxuriously [MTY] now paw/dig through rubbish heaps to find some food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:5
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 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/אֹֽכְלִים֙
לְ/מַ֣עֲדַנִּ֔ים
נָשַׁ֖מּוּ
בַּ/חוּצ֑וֹת
הָ/אֱמֻנִים֙
עֲלֵ֣י
תוֹלָ֔ע
חִבְּק֖וּ
אַשְׁפַּתּֽוֹת
הָ/אֹֽכְלִים֙
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Art | V-Qal
לְ/מַ֣עֲדַנִּ֔ים
maʻădân
H4574
delicacy
Prep | N-cp
נָשַׁ֖מּוּ
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בַּ/חוּצ֑וֹת
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֱמֻנִים֙
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
עֲלֵ֣י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
תוֹלָ֔ע
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
N-cs
חִבְּק֖וּ
châbaq
H2263
to embrace
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
אַשְׁפַּתּֽוֹת
ʼashpôth
H830
refuse
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:5
הָ/אֹֽכְלִים֙
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לְ/מַ֣עֲדַנִּ֔ים
maʻădân
H4574
"delicacy"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a delicacy or something that brings pleasure, like a favorite food. It can also mean delight or joy. The KJV translates it as dainty or delight.
Definition: dainty (food), delight
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dainty, delicately, delight. See also: Genesis 49:20; Proverbs 29:17; Lamentations 4:5.
נָשַׁ֖מּוּ
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
בַּ/חוּצ֑וֹת
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-mp
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
הָ/אֱמֻנִים֙
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
עֲלֵ֣י
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.
תוֹלָ֔ע
tôwlâʻ
H8438
"worm"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
חִבְּק֖וּ
châbaq
H2263
"to embrace"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To embrace means to clasp someone or something tightly, like when Jonathan and David hugged each other in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) to embrace, clasp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to embrace 1a2) to fold one's hands in idleness (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to embrace
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: embrace, fold. See also: Genesis 29:13; Proverbs 5:20; Proverbs 4:8.
אַשְׁפַּתּֽוֹת
ʼashpôth
H830
"refuse"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a pile of trash or garbage, often translated as a dung hill. It appears in the Bible as a place where worthless things are thrown away. In some cases, it symbolizes a location of shame or disgust.
Definition: ash heap, refuse heap, dung-hill
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dung (hill). See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Nehemiah 3:14; Psalms 113:7.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:5
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:5
Context — The Distress of Zion
3Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but the daughter of my people has become cruel, like an ostrich in the wilderness.
4The nursing infant’s tongue clings in thirst to the roof of his mouth. Little children beg for bread, but no one gives them any.
5Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps.
6The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. 7Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 6:3–7 | You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence. You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore, you will now go into exile as the first of the captives, and your feasting and lounging will come to an end. |
| 2 | Luke 16:19 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. |
| 3 | Luke 15:16 | He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 1:24 | O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold. |
| 5 | Isaiah 24:6–12 | Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive. The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan. The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it. The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry. In the streets they cry out for wine. All joy turns to gloom; rejoicing is exiled from the land. The city is left in ruins; its gate is reduced to rubble. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 5:6 | But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive. |
| 7 | Revelation 18:7–9 | As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day— death and grief and famine— and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.” Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. |
| 8 | Proverbs 31:21 | When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. |
| 9 | Luke 7:25 | Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 28:54–56 | The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates. The most gentle and refined woman among you, so gentle and refined she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground, will begrudge the husband she embraces and her son and daughter |
Lamentations 4:5 Summary
This verse is describing a dramatic change in the lives of God's people, where those who once had everything now have nothing, and are forced to live on the streets. It's a picture of how quickly our circumstances can change, and how important it is to trust in God's provision, rather than our own wealth or status, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:19-21. The image of people huddling in ash heaps is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in Psalm 51:1-17. By reflecting on this verse, we can cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our true treasure is in heaven, not on earth, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'destitute in the streets' in Lamentations 4:5?
To be destitute in the streets means to be without the basic necessities of life, such as food and shelter, and to be forced to live on the streets, as seen in the contrast with those who once ate delicacies, highlighting the drastic reversal of circumstances, reminiscent of the warnings in Proverbs 21:17 and the experiences of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 28:48.
What is the significance of 'crimson' in this verse?
The reference to 'crimson' likely symbolizes wealth, luxury, and royalty, as seen in the descriptions of Solomon's clothing in 2 Chronicles 9:24 and the adornments of the temple in Exodus 25:4, emphasizing the stark contrast between the past and present states of those who once enjoyed such luxuries.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Lamentations?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of Lamentations, which is one of lament and mourning over the fall of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people, as expressed in Lamentations 1:1 and reinforced by the prophet Jeremiah's call to repentance in Jeremiah 7:3-7.
What can we learn from the image of those 'huddling in ash heaps'?
The image of those huddling in ash heaps serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of humility, as seen in the example of Job's repentance in Job 42:6 and the call to repentance in Joel 2:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced a reversal of circumstances in my own life, and how have I responded to those challenges?
- How can I balance the enjoyment of God's blessings with the recognition of their fleeting nature, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:17-19?
- In what ways can I identify with those who are destitute and suffering, and how can I demonstrate God's love to them, as encouraged in Galatians 2:10 and James 1:27?
- What are some 'delicacies' or luxuries in my life that I may be taking for granted, and how can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, as expressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Philippians 4:11-12?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:5
They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets,.... That were brought up in the king's palace, or in the houses of noblemen; or, however, born of parents rich and wealthy, and had been
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:5
They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills. They that did feed delicately - on dainties. Are desolate - or, perish.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
This judgment reached not only to the common people, but to persons of the highest rank and order, whose misery was now so much the greater, because so contrary to their former splendid state and way of living. They were wont to fare deliciously; now they wanted bread to eat, and were desolate in the streets. They were wont to eat upon scarlet carpets, or to lodge upon scarlet beds and conches; now they searched for their meat upon, or were glad to lie upon, dunghills.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
Lamentations 4:5 They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.Ver. 5. They that did feed delicately.] Such uncertainty there is of outward affluence. Our Richard II was famished to death. Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter, grandchild to John of Gaunt, was seen to run on foot bare legged after the Duke of Burgundy’ s train, begging his bread for God’ s sake. This I saw, saith Philip de Comines. This Henry was brother-in-law to King Edward IV, from whom he fled. They that were brought up in scarlet.] Qui nutriebantur in croceis seu cocceis, that were gorgeously arrayed, or, that rolling on their rich beds, wrapped themselves in costly quilts. Embrace dunghills.] There take up their lodgings, and there also are glad to find anything to feed on, though never so coarse and homely. The lapwing is made a hieroglyphic of infelicity, because he hath as a coronet upon the head, and yet feedeth upon the worst of excrements. It is pity that any child of God, washed in Christ’ s blood, should bedabble his scarlet robe in the stinking guzzle of the world’ s dunghill; that anyone who hath heretofore soared as an eagle should now creep on the ground as a beetle, or wallow as a swine in the mire of sensuality.
Speed, lib. iii. cap. 4. In fimetis victum quaeritant prae inopia. - Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
(5) They that were brought up . . .—Literally, that were carried (as children are carried). “Scarlet” as in 2 Samuel 1:24, stands for the shawls or garments of the rich, dyed, as they were, in the Tyrian purple or crimson. Those that had been once wrapped in such shawls now threw themselves, “embracing” them as their only refuge, on dunghills.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
Verse 5. Embrace dunghills.] Lie on straw or rubbish, instead of the costly carpets and sofas on which they formerly stretched themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:5
5. delicately] luxuriously. Children are still the subject, and not, as has been suggested, rich persons. In the latter case we should have to render carried on scarlet (i.e. litters or couches furnished with costly stuffs of that colour), unduly forcing the sense of the Heb. verb. desolate] See on ch. Lamentations 3:11. embrace dunghills] for want of a better couch.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:5
They that were brought up in scarlet - literally, “those that were carried upon scarlet;” young children in arms and of the highest birth now lie on the dirt-heaps of the city.
Whedon's Commentary on Lamentations 4:5
5. They that did feed delicately — Lived in daintiness and luxury. Are desolate — Perish of starvation, in the streets.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of Complacency by Don Currin | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene in a restaurant where people are enjoying their meals and drinks while oblivious to a documentary on global starvation playing on the |
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Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from |
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A Cry From Torment by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who were lovers of money and were scoffing at Him. He tells a story, possibly a parable, about a rich man and a beggar named Lazar |
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Hell: Isn't the God of Christianity an Angry Judge? by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the concept of hell in order to understand one's own heart. He uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus fr |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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The Voice of the Lost by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that man is a moral wanderer, far from God and unwilling to return. However, God is constantly calling humanity to come back to Him through |
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The Cry From Hell by David Legge | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of sending people to share the message of salvation. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of not taking action, suc |