King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:24 Mean?

Lamentations 3:24 in the King James Version says “The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Lamentations 3:24 · KJV

Hope

Context

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.

26

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Read Lamentations 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD is my portion (חֶלְקִי יְהוָה, chelqi YHWH)—'Portion' (cheleq) refers to the land inheritance each Israelite tribe received, except Levites who received 'the LORD as their portion' (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9). Jeremiah, a Levitical priest, claims this priestly inheritance. When temple, city, land, and freedom are lost, the covenant relationship remains. Saith my soul (אָמְרָה נַפְשִׁי, amrah nafshi)—an internal dialogue, soul instructing self. Therefore will I hope in him (עַל־כֵּן אוֹחִיל לוֹ, al-ken ochil lo)—'hope' (yachal) means to wait expectantly, not passive wishing but active confidence. This verse stands at the structural center of chapter 3, the book's theological heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical background is crucial: priests owned no land because God Himself was their inheritance. When Babylon stripped away all earthly possessions, Jeremiah discovered his priestly birthright meant he actually lost nothing ultimate. His true inheritance was untouchable by Nebuchadnezzar.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'portions' in your life—relationships, possessions, status, comfort—compete with God as your ultimate inheritance?
  2. How would your life change if you genuinely believed that God Himself is sufficient as your portion, independent of any other blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
חֶלְקִ֤י1 of 8

“is my portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

יְהוָה֙2 of 8

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אָמְרָ֣ה3 of 8

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נַפְשִׁ֔י4 of 8

“my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

עַל5 of 8
H5921

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

כֵּ֖ן6 of 8
H3651

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

אוֹחִ֥יל7 of 8

“therefore will I hope”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

לֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 3:24 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 3:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 73:26Psalms 16:5Lamentations 3:21Psalms 142:5Psalms 33:18Jeremiah 51:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Lamentations 3 with CommentaryAll Lamentations ChaptersComplete Lamentations QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes