Lamentations 4:8
Lamentations 4:8 in Multiple Translations
But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
Their face is blacker than night; in the streets no one has knowledge of them: their skin is hanging on their bones, they are dry, they have become like wood.
But now they look blacker than soot; no one recognizes them in the street. Their skin has shrunk to their bones and is as dry as wood.
Nowe their visage is blacker then a cole: they can not knowe them in the streetes: their skinne cleaueth to their bones: it is withered like a stocke.
Darker than blackness hath been their visage, They have not been known in out-places, Cleaved hath their skin unto their bone, It hath withered — it hath been as wood.
Their appearance is blacker than a coal. They are not known in the streets. Their skin clings to their bones. It is withered. It has become like wood.
Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
Heth. Their face is now made blacker than coals, and they are not known in the streets: their skin hath stuck to their bones, it is withered, and is become like wood.
But now their faces are blacker than soot, and no one recognizes them in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones, and it has become as dry as [SIM] a wooden stick.
Berean Amplified Bible — Lamentations 4:8
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 4:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָשַׁ֤ךְ
מִ/שְּׁחוֹר֙
תָּֽאֳרָ֔/ם
לֹ֥א
נִכְּר֖וּ
בַּ/חוּצ֑וֹת
צָפַ֤ד
עוֹרָ/ם֙
עַל
עַצְמָ֔/ם
יָבֵ֖שׁ
הָיָ֥ה
כָ/עֵֽץ
חָשַׁ֤ךְ
châshak
H2821
to darken
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/שְּׁחוֹר֙
shᵉchôwr
H7815
blackness
Prep | N-ms
תָּֽאֳרָ֔/ם
tôʼar
H8389
appearance
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נִכְּר֖וּ
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בַּ/חוּצ֑וֹת
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-mp
צָפַ֤ד
tsâphad
H6821
to shrivel
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עוֹרָ/ם֙
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עַצְמָ֔/ם
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fs | Suff
יָבֵ֖שׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כָ/עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Lamentations 4:8
חָשַׁ֤ךְ
châshak
H2821
"to darken"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to darken or become dark. It can also mean to hide or conceal something. In the Bible, it is used to describe a lack of light or understanding.
Definition: 1) to be or become dark, grow dim, be darkened, be black, be hidden 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow dark 1a2) to have a dark colour 1a3) to grow dim 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make dark, cause to be dark 1b2) to hide, conceal 1b3) to obscure, confuse (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: be black, be (make) dark, darken, cause darkness, be dim, hide. See also: Exodus 10:15; Isaiah 5:30; Psalms 69:24.
מִ/שְּׁחוֹר֙
shᵉchôwr
H7815
"blackness"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes blackness or dinginess, like soot, and is used in some Bible versions to translate the word coal. It appears in Ezekiel to describe a dark and gloomy scene.
Definition: 1) blackness 2) (CLBL) pit
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: coal. See also: Lamentations 4:8.
תָּֽאֳרָ֔/ם
tôʼar
H8389
"appearance"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to someone's appearance or figure, describing their shape or form. It can also mean beautiful or comely, conveying a sense of attractiveness. The KJV translates it as beautiful or fair.
Definition: shape, form, outline, figure, appearance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage. See also: Genesis 29:17; 1 Samuel 25:3; Isaiah 52:14.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
נִכְּר֖וּ
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
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.
צָפַ֤ד
tsâphad
H6821
"to shrivel"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Tsaphad means to shrivel or contract, like something drying up. It can also mean to adhere or stick to something.
Definition: 1) to draw together, contract, draw up 1a) (Qal) to draw up, contract, shrivel
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cleave. See also: Lamentations 4:8.
עוֹרָ/ם֙
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
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.
עַצְמָ֔/ם
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fs | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
יָבֵ֖שׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
כָ/עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
Study Notes — Lamentations 4:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Lamentations 4:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:8
- Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:8
- Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:8
- Sermons on Lamentations 4:8
Context — The Distress of Zion
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.
8But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
9Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. 10The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 5:10 | Our skin is as hot as an oven with fever from our hunger. |
| 2 | Psalms 102:3–5 | For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. Through my loud groaning my flesh clings to my bones. |
| 3 | Job 30:30 | My skin grows black and peels, and my bones burn with fever. |
| 4 | Job 19:20 | My skin and flesh cling to my bones; I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:83 | Though I am like a wineskin dried up by smoke, I do not forget Your statutes. |
| 6 | Job 30:17–19 | Night pierces my bones, and my gnawing pains never rest. With great force He grasps my garment; He seizes me by the collar of my tunic. He throws me into the mud, and I have become like dust and ashes. |
| 7 | Nahum 2:10 | She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale! |
| 8 | Lamentations 4:1–2 | How the gold has become tarnished, the pure gold has become dull! The gems of the temple lie scattered on every street corner. How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in pure gold, are now esteemed as jars of clay, the work of a potter’s hands! |
| 9 | Psalms 32:4 | For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah |
| 10 | Joel 2:6 | Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale. |
Lamentations 4:8 Summary
This verse, Lamentations 4:8, describes a very sad and difficult time for the people of Jerusalem. They have become so weak and sick from not having enough food that their skin is dry and tight, like a stick, and they are no longer recognizable, even in their own community. This is a result of their sin and rebellion against God, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. Just like the Israelites, we can learn from their mistakes and turn to God in repentance, trusting in His mercy and love, as promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Psalm 103:8-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the appearance of the people being 'blacker than soot' in Lamentations 4:8?
The appearance of the people being 'blacker than soot' signifies the extreme state of suffering and desperation they are in, a stark contrast to their former glory, as described in Lamentations 4:7, where their dignitaries were 'brighter than snow, whiter than milk'. This change in appearance is a physical manifestation of the spiritual and emotional pain they are enduring, much like the physical effects of famine described in Lamentations 4:9.
Why does the verse say 'they are not recognized in the streets'?
The people have become so disheveled and malnourished that they are no longer recognizable, even in their own community, highlighting the devastating impact of the siege and famine on the population, as also seen in Deuteronomy 28:57, where it describes the desperation of those suffering under God's judgment.
What is the meaning of 'their skin has shriveled on their bones'?
This phrase is a graphic description of the effects of severe malnutrition and dehydration, where the skin becomes tight and dry, clinging to the bones, a condition also described in Psalm 22:17, where the psalmist cries out to God in his distress, and in Lamentations 4:9, where those slain by the sword are considered better off than those dying of hunger.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Lamentations?
Lamentations 4:8 is part of a larger lament over the fall of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people, a consequence of their sin and rebellion against God, as prophesied in Leviticus 26:14-39 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68, serving as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faithfulness to God, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:26-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can identify with the suffering described in this verse, and how can I use those experiences to minister to others?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy, and what does it teach me about His character?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons of Lamentations 4:8 to my own life, particularly in times of hardship or struggle?
- What role does repentance and faith play in the midst of suffering, and how can I cultivate those qualities in my own walk with God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Psalm 51:17?
Gill's Exposition on Lamentations 4:8
Their visage is blacker than a coal,.... Or, "darker than blackness"; or, "dark through blackness" (y); by reason of the famine, and because of grief and trouble for themselves and their friends,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Lamentations 4:8
Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Lamentations 4:8
They that in the prosperity of the city were fair, plump, and ruddy, look now black for want of fit nourishment, and through sorrow and grief; insomuch that those who before knew them by their countenances, garbs, and habits, did not now know them. And by reason of the famine (for he speaketh with relation to the famine during the siege) they are almost starved, their skin is withered and hard, and even sticketh to their bones.
Trapp's Commentary on Lamentations 4:8
Lamentations 4:8 Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.Ver. 8. Their visage is blacker than a coal.] Heb., Their visage is more darkened than blackness - scil., With famine, fear, grief, and care; those vultures have so fed upon them that all sightliness and loveliness is lost. Think the same of apostates, God may complain of such.
Ellicott's Commentary on Lamentations 4:8
(8) Their visage is blacker . . .—We look, as it were, on the two pictures: the bloom and beauty of health, the wan, worn, spectral looks of starvation.
Cambridge Bible on Lamentations 4:8
8. blacker than a coal] lit. as mg. darker than blackness. Their skin cleaveth to their bones] Cp. Job 19:20.
Barnes' Notes on Lamentations 4:8
Their visage ... - Their form (their whole person, see 1 Samuel 28:14)... as in the margin. See Job 30:30. It is withered, it is become like a stick - Or, It has become dry like a piece of wood.
Sermons on Lamentations 4:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Samson - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of dying to oneself and surrendering to God's plans. He emphasizes that true success comes from God's triumph and that He will |
|
Psalm 119 by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding solace and guidance in the Word of God. He encourages listeners to search the scriptures until they find the messa |
|
Has the Church Lost It's Luster? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton preaches on the dimming of the Church's glory, likening it to the fading of gold's luster in Lamentations 4:1. He highlights the shift from fervent prayer to worldly s |
|
The Locust by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the destructive nature of locusts as described in the Bible, particularly during the plague in Egypt where they devoured all vegetation, leaving the lan |