King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:23 Mean?

Lamentations 3:23 in the King James Version says “They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They are new every morning (חֲדָשִׁים לַבְּקָרִים, chadashim labqarim)—God's mercies are 'renewed' daily like the manna in the wilderness, emphasizing daily dependence and fresh provision. 'Morning' (boqer) carries connotations of hope after darkness, new beginnings after night's despair. Great is thy faithfulness (רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ, rabbah emunatekha)—'Emunah' is firmness, reliability, steadfastness. This declaration has become one of Scripture's most beloved affirmations, yet emerged from Jerusalem's ruins. The acrostic continues with the letter chet, structuring even desperate hope within ordered Hebrew poetry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Contrasts with the daily deterioration during the siege when each morning brought fresh horrors. Now, even in exile's aftermath, Jeremiah affirms the opposite: each morning brings fresh evidence of God's sustaining faithfulness. This theology later influenced Jewish morning prayers (Shacharit) that daily recite God's faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you approach each day expecting fresh evidence of God's faithfulness, or do you carry yesterday's disappointments into today's opportunities for grace?
  2. How does the context of this declaration—spoken amid ruins, not prosperity—authenticate its truth more powerfully than if it had been written during Solomon's golden age?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
חֲדָשִׁים֙1 of 4

“They are new”

H2319

new

לַבְּקָרִ֔ים2 of 4

“every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

רַבָּ֖ה3 of 4

“great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ׃4 of 4

“is thy faithfulness”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

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 3:23 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 3:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:23Psalms 30:5Isaiah 33:2Psalms 36:5Psalms 89:33Zephaniah 3:5

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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