King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:32 Mean?

Lamentations 3:32 in the King James Version says “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.”

Lamentations 3:32 · KJV

Context

30

He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

31

For the Lord will not cast off for ever:

32

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

33

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. willingly: Heb. from his heart

34

To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Complementing verse 31-33, this verse affirms: "But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies" (ki im-hogah verikham ke-rov khasadav, כִּי אִם־הוֹגָה וְרִחַם כְּרֹב חֲסָדָיו). The structure is "if...then": if God causes grief, then He will have compassion. It's not "if" in the sense of doubt, but "even if/though." The verb racham (רָחַם, "have compassion") comes from rechem (רֶחֶם, "womb"), suggesting maternal-like tender mercy. God grieves over necessary discipline like a mother grieving while correcting a child. The phrase "according to the multitude of his mercies" (ke-rov khasadav, כְּרֹב חֲסָדָיו) emphasizes abundance. The plural khasadim (חֲסָדִים) denotes many mercies, not just one act of kindness. Every sunrise, every breath, every moment of continued existence demonstrates mercy (chesed, covenant loyal love). This grounds hope not in circumstances changing but in God's character being unchangeable. Malachi 3:6: 'I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exile could have meant Israel's permanent end. Other nations conquered by Assyria and Babylon disappeared—absorbed into captors' populations, losing identity forever. The ten northern tribes deported by Assyria in 722 BC never returned as a distinct entity. But Judah's exile ended after exactly 70 years as prophesied (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10, 2 Chronicles 36:21). Cyrus's decree in 538 BC allowed return (Ezra 1:1-4). This wasn't Judah earning restoration but God's covenant faithfulness. Leviticus 26:44-45 promises: 'Yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away...to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.' The 'multitude of mercies' appears throughout Israel's history: sparing Nineveh at Jonah's preaching, delaying judgment for repentant kings, repeatedly forgiving wilderness rebellion. Romans 11:28-29 confirms: 'As touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.' God's faithful love outlasts human unfaithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that God's compassion is 'according to the multitude of his mercies' change our expectations during trials?
  2. What's the relationship between God causing grief (discipline) and having compassion, and how does Hebrews 12:5-11 illuminate this?
  3. In what specific ways have you experienced the 'multitude' of God's mercies even in difficult seasons?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כִּ֣י1 of 6
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 6
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הוֹגָ֔ה3 of 6

“But though he cause grief”

H3013

to grieve

וְרִחַ֖ם4 of 6

“yet will he have compassion”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

כְּרֹ֥ב5 of 6

“according to the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

חֲסָדָֽו׃6 of 6

“of his mercies”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

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 3:32 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 3:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:38Psalms 30:5Psalms 103:11Judges 10:16Psalms 106:43-45Exodus 3:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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