King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:37 Mean?

Lamentations 3:37 in the King James Version says “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Lamentations 3:37 · KJV

Context

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?

38

Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?

39

Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? complain: or, murmur

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A rhetorical question asserting divine sovereignty: "Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?" The Hebrew mi zeh amar vatehi Adonai lo tsivvah (מִי זֶה אָמַר וַתֶּהִי אֲדֹנָי לֹא צִוָּה) establishes that nothing occurs apart from God's sovereign decree. The question expects the answer: "No one." Human words have no power to bring events to pass unless God commands it.

This verse follows directly from verses 33-36, which established what God does not approve. Now comes the complementary truth: nevertheless, God remains sovereignly in control of all that occurs. This resolves potential tension—God doesn't approve all that happens, yet nothing happens without His permission or decree. The distinction between God's decretive will (what He ordains to occur) and His preceptive will (what He commands as right) is crucial here.

Theologically, this affirms absolute divine sovereignty over history. No Babylonian commander, no false prophet, no human authority can speak and bring something to pass unless the Lord commands it. This provides comfort in suffering—our affliction isn't random or outside God's control. It also brings sobriety—we cannot manipulate outcomes through our words or plans apart from God's will. Proverbs 19:21 states: "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand." James 4:13-15 similarly teaches that all our plans depend on God's will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This question would have resonated powerfully with exilic Israel. Babylon's kings claimed absolute authority—Nebuchadnezzar's pride led him to declare, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built?" (Daniel 4:30). Persian kings would later claim their word was law that couldn't be altered (Daniel 6:8). Yet Lamentations insists that even imperial decrees occur only as God permits.

The principle appears throughout Scripture. Pharaoh claimed authority over Israel, but God brought plagues and deliverance (Exodus). Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, but God destroyed his army (2 Kings 19). Babylon seemed invincible, but Daniel 5 shows God's hand writing judgment. Human rulers speak and plan, but God's counsel alone stands.

This doctrine also addresses false prophecy. Prophets claimed to speak for God, promising peace when destruction loomed (Jeremiah 23:16-17). But their words didn't come to pass because "the Lord commandeth it not." True prophecy always fulfills because it reveals God's decreed will (Deuteronomy 18:22, Isaiah 46:9-11). The exile proved which prophets spoke for God—Jeremiah's warnings came true; the optimists were exposed as frauds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's assertion of absolute divine sovereignty provide comfort rather than fatalism when facing suffering?
  2. What is the difference between God's decretive will (what He ordains) and His preceptive will (what He commands as right)?
  3. How should understanding that no one can speak and bring events to pass unless God commands it affect our prayer lives and plans?
  4. In what ways does Romans 8:28 build on this truth, assuring that God works all things together for good for those who love Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מִ֣י1 of 7
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

זֶ֤ה2 of 7
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אָמַר֙3 of 7

“Who is he that saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַתֶּ֔הִי4 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲדֹנָ֖י5 of 7

“and it cometh to pass when the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

לֹ֥א6 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

צִוָּֽה׃7 of 7

“commandeth”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

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 3:37 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 3:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 33:9-11Isaiah 46:10Proverbs 16:9Proverbs 19:21Proverbs 21:30Daniel 4:35

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