King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:15 Mean?

Lamentations 3:15 in the King James Version says “He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. bitterness: Heb. bitternesses” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. bitterness: Heb. bitternesses”

Lamentations 3:15 · KJV

Context

13

He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins. arrows: Heb. sons

14

I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.

15

He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. bitterness: Heb. bitternesses

16

He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes. covered: or, rolled me in the ashes

17

And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. prosperity: Heb. good

Read Lamentations 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Continued suffering described: "He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood" (hisbi'ani ba-merurim hirvani la'anah, הִשְׂבִּעַנִי בַמְּרוּרִים הִרְוַנִי לַעֲנָה). The verb sava (שָׂבַע, "filled, satisfied") normally describes positive satiation (Psalm 103:5, 107:9), but here it's perverted—filled not with good things but merurim (מְרוּרִים, "bitterness"). La'anah (לַעֲנָה, "wormwood") is the bitter herb from verse 19. Being "drunken" (hirvani, הִרְוַנִי) with wormwood suggests overwhelming, disorienting bitterness. Deuteronomy 29:18 warns of idolatry producing "a root that beareth gall and wormwood." Revelation 8:11 uses wormwood for divine judgment. The imagery conveys that suffering isn't minor discomfort but consuming, all-encompassing bitterness that saturates existence. Yet the very act of describing it in prayer to God shows that even overwhelming bitterness needn't sever relationship. The darkest laments in Scripture are still prayer—maintaining connection with God through suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wormwood (la'anah, Artemisia absinthium) is an extremely bitter plant used medicinally in small doses but poisonous in large amounts. Being 'drunken' with it would cause severe nausea, disorientation, and potentially death. The metaphor captures both the pervasive nature of suffering (like drunkenness affecting all faculties) and its intensely unpleasant character (like consuming poison). The exile generation experienced this comprehensively—every aspect of life was bitter. Loss of land, temple, independence, loved ones, certainty—all compounded into overwhelming grief. Jeremiah 9:15 and 23:15 use identical language as God's threatened judgment: 'I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.' The fulfillment was literal—life tasted of nothing but bitterness. Yet Exodus 15:22-25 shows God can make bitter waters sweet. The principle: God who sends bitterness can also remove it.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'filled' and 'drunken' with bitterness, and how does this imagery help us acknowledge rather than minimize deep suffering?
  2. How can even the bitterest experiences be brought to God in prayer rather than driving us away from Him?
  3. In what ways does Christ taste the ultimate bitterness (the cup of God's wrath, Matthew 26:39) so believers eventually taste only sweetness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
הִשְׂבִּיעַ֥נִי1 of 4

“He hath filled”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

בַמְּרוֹרִ֖ים2 of 4

“me with bitterness”

H4844

a bitter herb

הִרְוַ֥נִי3 of 4

“he hath made me drunken”

H7301

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

לַעֲנָֽה׃4 of 4

“with wormwood”

H3939

wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed)

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 9:15Jeremiah 23:15Isaiah 51:17-22Jeremiah 25:27Ruth 1:20Job 9:18

Test Your Knowledge

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