King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:26 Mean?

Lamentations 3:26 in the King James Version says “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Lamentations 3:26 · KJV

HopeSalvation

Context

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.

27

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

28

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait (טוֹב וְיָחִיל וְדוּמָם לִתְשׁוּעַת יְהוָה, tov veyachil vedunam litshuot YHWH)—Three key terms: 'good' (tov) affirms the value of the posture; 'hope' (yachil, from same root as verse 24) is expectant waiting; 'quietly' (dumam) means silently, without complaining or questioning. For the salvation of the LORD (litshuot YHWH)—'salvation' (yeshuah, from which 'Jesus' derives) is deliverance, victory, rescue. The verse counsels submission to divine timing without either despair or impatient demand. This 'quiet hope' contradicts the cultural narrative that activism and protest are the only acceptable responses to injustice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Many exiles wanted immediate return, conspiracy against Babylon, or political solutions. Jeremiah had earlier written to exiles commanding them to 'build houses, plant gardens, multiply' in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4-7)—long-term settling, not escape plotting. Quiet waiting was counter-cultural counsel then as now.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your 'hope' manifest as quiet trust or anxious agitation? What does your speech under trial reveal about the reality of your faith?
  2. How does 'quietly waiting for salvation' differ from passive fatalism or from the constant activity our culture equates with faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
ט֤וֹב1 of 5

“It is good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְיָחִיל֙2 of 5
H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

וְדוּמָ֔ם3 of 5

“and quietly wait”

H1748

still; adverbially, silently

לִתְשׁוּעַ֖ת4 of 5

“for the salvation”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

יְהוָֽה׃5 of 5

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 3:26 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 3:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:7Psalms 37:34Psalms 130:5Hebrews 10:35Genesis 49:18Isaiah 30:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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