King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:4 Mean?

Lamentations 3:4 in the King James Version says “My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.”

Lamentations 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.

3

Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.

4

My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.

5

He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

6

He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.

Read Lamentations 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bodily affliction described: "My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones" (bilah besari ve-ori shibbar atsmotai). The verb balah (בָּלָה, "made old, wore out") describes premature aging—suffering ages one beyond years. "Broken bones" (shibbar atsmotai) suggests deep, structural damage. Bones represent strength and framework; their breaking indicates comprehensive physical collapse. Psalm 51:8 uses similar imagery: "the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice"—connection between sin's judgment and physical effects. Job 30:17 echoes: "My bones are pierced in me in the night season." The cumulative effect of verses 1-6 portrays suffering affecting every dimension: emotional (verse 1), directional (verse 2), relational (verse 3), physical (verse 4), environmental (verse 5), and spiritual (verse 6). This comprehensive description demonstrates that when God disciplines, it touches all of life. Nothing remains unaffected. Yet even this severe picture prepares for hope—the same God who causes such suffering has power to restore (3:22-26).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Physical deterioration during siege was documented. Malnutrition causes premature aging—skin loses elasticity, teeth fall out, bones become brittle. Disease spreads rapidly in crowded, unsanitary siege conditions. The imagery also suggests the emotional and spiritual toll. Proverbs 17:22 observes: 'A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.' Depression and trauma manifest physically. Modern understanding of psychosomatic connections confirms what Scripture long recognized—spiritual and emotional states affect physical health. The exile experience aged survivors rapidly. Those who returned decades later were aged beyond their years. Ezra 3:12 mentions 'ancient men, that had seen the first house' weeping—these were perhaps only in their fifties or sixties but described as ancient because the suffering had aged them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the connection between spiritual affliction and physical deterioration ('made old,' 'broken bones') illustrate the integrated nature of human existence?
  2. What does it mean that God's discipline can affect us comprehensively—emotionally, physically, spiritually—and why is this actually evidence of His care?
  3. How does awareness that the same God who breaks can also heal (Hosea 6:1, Job 5:18) sustain hope even in severe suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
בִּלָּ֤ה1 of 5

“hath he made old”

H1086

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

בְשָׂרִי֙2 of 5

“My flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְעוֹרִ֔י3 of 5

“and my skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

שִׁבַּ֖ר4 of 5

“he hath broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

עַצְמוֹתָֽי׃5 of 5

“my bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 38:13Psalms 51:8Psalms 31:9-10Jeremiah 50:17Psalms 102:3-5Psalms 38:2-8

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