King James Version

What Does Lamentations 1:17 Mean?

“Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.”

Context

The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. the virgin: or, the winepress of the virgin, etc

For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed. relieve: Heb. bring back

Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. commandment: Heb. mouth

I called for my lovers, but they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls.

Read full chapter →

Topics in This Verse

Comfort

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Zion spreadeth forth her hands . . .—**The normal attitude of Eastern prayer, or, perhaps, of lamentation and despair. **That his adversaries . . .**—Better, *that those round about him should be his adversaries, *the nearest neighbours being the bitterest foes. **Jerusalem is as . . .**—The image is the same as in Lamentations 1:8, and might be rendered *as one polluted, *or *as an abomination.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.