King James Version

What Does Lamentations 1:12 Mean?

Lamentations 1:12 in the King James Version says “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unt... — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. Is it: or, It is nothing pass by: Heb. pass by the way?

Lamentations 1:12 · KJV


Context

10

The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation. pleasant: or, desirable

11

All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile. to: or, to make the soul to come again

12

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. Is it: or, It is nothing pass by: Heb. pass by the way?

13

From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.

14

The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? (לוֹא אֲלֵיכֶם, lo aleikhem)—Jerusalem personified addresses indifferent passersby, a prophetic cry for recognition of her unprecedented suffering. If there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow claims the superlative nature of her grief. Wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me acknowledges divine agency in judgment—not merely Babylonian conquest, but covenant curses executed. This verse is often applied typologically to Christ's suffering (used in Good Friday liturgy), though its primary reference is Jerusalem's historical destruction. The Hebrew construction emphasizes that this affliction comes 'from YHWH'—covenant judgment, not arbitrary fate.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects the actual horrors of the 18-month siege (589-586 BC): starvation, cannibalism (Lam 2:20; 4:10), mass executions, and temple desecration. Ancient Near Eastern custom was for travelers to pass ruined cities as object lessons, often without pity for those who had defied great powers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does acknowledging that God Himself ordains affliction (rather than blaming circumstances) change the nature of suffering?
  2. In what ways might your own suffering serve as a witness to others about the consequences of breaking covenant with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
ל֣וֹא1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲלֵיכֶם֮2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל3 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹ֣בְרֵי4 of 20

Is it nothing to you all ye that pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

דֶרֶךְ֒5 of 20

by

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַבִּ֣יטוּ6 of 20

behold

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

וּרְא֗וּ7 of 20

and see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אִם8 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֵ֤שׁ9 of 20

if there be

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

כְּמַכְאֹבִ֔י10 of 20

any sorrow

H4341

anguish or (figuratively) affliction

כְּמַכְאֹבִ֔י11 of 20

any sorrow

H4341

anguish or (figuratively) affliction

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עוֹלַ֖ל13 of 20

which is done

H5953

to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)

לִ֑י14 of 20
H0
אֲשֶׁר֙15 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹגָ֣ה16 of 20

hath afflicted

H3013

to grieve

יְהוָ֔ה17 of 20

unto me wherewith the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּי֖וֹם18 of 20

me in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חֲר֥וֹן19 of 20

of his fierce

H2740

a burning of anger

אַפּֽוֹ׃20 of 20

anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Lamentations. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Lamentations 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Lamentations 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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