King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:35 Mean?

Lamentations 3:35 in the King James Version says “To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, the most High: or, a superior” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, the most High: or, a superior”

Lamentations 3:35 · KJV

Context

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,

35

To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, the most High: or, a superior

36

To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not. approveth not: or, seeth not

37

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Continuing the list of disapproved actions: "To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High." The Hebrew le-hattot mishpat gaver neged penei Elyon addresses perversion of justice. The verb natah (נָטָה, "turn aside, pervert") suggests bending or twisting what should be straight. Mishpat (מִשְׁפַּט) means justice, judgment, or legal rights.

The term gaver (גֶּבֶר, "man, strong man") refers to an individual person—emphasizing that every human has rights that should be honored. The phrase "before the face of the most High" (neged penei Elyon) is striking. Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן, "Most High") is one of God's ancient names (Genesis 14:18-20). To pervert justice happens "before His face"—in His presence, under His observation.

This verse addresses a crucial concern: Did Babylon's unjust treatment of Judah escape God's notice? The implicit answer: No. Though God used Babylon to discipline Judah, He observed every injustice and would hold oppressors accountable. This principle operates throughout Scripture—God defends the oppressed even when using oppression as discipline (Exodus 22:21-24, Psalm 103:6). It points forward to Christ, the perfectly just judge (Acts 17:31, 2 Timothy 4:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Justice perverted "before the face of the Most High" had special resonance for exilic Israel. In Jerusalem, the temple represented God's dwelling—justice was to be rendered in His presence. Deuteronomy 16:18-20 commanded judges to make just judgments.

But Israel's leaders had systematically perverted justice. Isaiah 1:21-23 laments how the faithful city became corrupt. Jeremiah 22:13-17 condemns King Jehoiakim for building his palace through unrighteousness and oppression.

Now in exile, Israel experienced what they had inflicted. Babylonian justice favored the powerful; captives had no legal recourse or protections. Yet Lamentations asserts that though this injustice served God's disciplinary purposes, He neither approved nor ignored it. Daniel 5 shows God eventually judging Babylon for its sins. Perverting justice may succeed temporarily, but it occurs "before the face of the Most High" who misses nothing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the phrase 'before the face of the Most High' remind us that no injustice escapes God's notice, even when He seems silent?
  2. What is the relationship between God using unjust instruments (like Babylon) to accomplish His purposes and His disapproval of injustice?
  3. In what ways did Christ experience the ultimate perversion of justice (false trials, false witnesses, unjust condemnation)?
  4. How should believers pursue justice in society while trusting God's sovereignty even when justice is perverted?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לְהַטּוֹת֙1 of 6

“To turn aside”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

מִשְׁפַּט2 of 6

“the right”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

גָּ֔בֶר3 of 6

“of a man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

נֶ֖גֶד4 of 6
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

פְּנֵ֥י5 of 6

“before the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עֶלְיֽוֹן׃6 of 6

“of the most High”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

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 3:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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