King James Version
What Does Lamentations 3:40 Mean?
“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.”
Context
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
40
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
41
Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.
42
We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(40) **Let us search . . .**—Warnings against murmurs are followed by counsels which point to a more excellent way. Suffering calls a man to self-scrutiny. We should seek to know the sins which it is meant to punish and correct.**
To the Lord.**—The preposition is an emphatic one: *even to the Lord. *There is to be no halting half-way in the work of conversion.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 3:40 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 3:40
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge