King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:21 Mean?

Lamentations 3:21 in the King James Version says “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. recall: Heb. make to return to my heart” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. recall: Heb. make to return to my heart”

Lamentations 3:21 · KJV

Hope

Context

19

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. Remembering: or, Remember

20

My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. humbled: Heb. bowed

21

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. recall: Heb. make to return to my heart

22

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Read Lamentations 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The pivotal turn: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope" (zot ashiv el-libi al-ken ochil, זֹאת אָשִׁיב אֶל־לִבִּי עַל־כֵּן אוֹחִיל). After twenty verses of dark lament, the word ochil (אוֹחִיל, "I have hope") appears. The verb yashuv (יָשׁוּב, "recall, bring back") suggests deliberate mental action—choosing to remember truth despite feelings. This models biblical hope: not denial of pain (verses 1-20 honestly express anguish) but anchoring in God's character despite circumstances. The "this" (zot) refers to what follows in verses 22-23: God's mercies, faithfulness, and steadfast love. Hope isn't wishful thinking or optimism about outcomes. It's confident trust in God's unchanging nature regardless of outcomes. Romans 5:3-5 shows hope emerging from suffering through endurance and proven character. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "substance of things hoped for." The speaker consciously redirects thoughts from circumstances to God's revealed character—a cognitive act of faith essential to enduring trials (Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse marks Lamentations' structural center and theological climax. Chapters 1-2 describe judgment's devastation. Chapter 3:1-20 intensifies with personal suffering. Verse 21 pivots. Verses 22-26 proclaim hope. The remainder works through implications. This structure models how believers process suffering: acknowledge reality, express pain honestly, deliberately recall truth, rest in God's character, respond with faith and submission. Historical examples abound: Job's 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him' (Job 13:15). Habakkuk's 'Though the fig tree does not bud...yet I will rejoice in the LORD' (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Paul's 'We are troubled...perplexed...persecuted...struck down—but not...' (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). The exile tested whether Israel's faith depended on circumstances (temple, land, monarchy) or on God Himself. Those who, like this speaker, recalled God's faithfulness amid ruin maintained faith. Those who couldn't, despaired or turned to idols.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific truths about God's character must we deliberately 'recall to mind' when circumstances tempt us toward despair?
  2. How does the pattern of honest lament (verses 1-20) followed by deliberate hope (verse 21) model healthy spiritual and emotional processing?
  3. What practices help us actively 'bring to mind' God's faithfulness when feelings contradict His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
זֹ֛את1 of 7
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אָשִׁ֥יב2 of 7

“This I recall”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִבִּ֖י4 of 7

“to my mind”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַל5 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֥ן6 of 7
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אוֹחִֽיל׃7 of 7

“therefore have I hope”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:3Psalms 130:7Psalms 77:7-11Lamentations 3:24-29Psalms 119:81

Test Your Knowledge

Lamentations 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLamentations Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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