King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:55 Mean?

Lamentations 3:55 in the King James Version says “I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.”

Lamentations 3:55 · KJV

Context

53

They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me.

54

Waters flowed over mine head; then I said, I am cut off.

55

I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.

56

Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.

57

Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon (קָרָאתִי שִׁמְךָ יְהוָה מִבּוֹר תַּחְתִּיּוֹת, qarati shimkha YHWH mibor tachtiyot)—'Low dungeon' literally translates 'pit of the lowest parts' (bor tachtiyot), evoking Sheol, the grave, deepest extremity. 'Called upon thy name' (qarati shimkha) is covenant language—invoking YHWH's revealed character and promises. Prayer from the pit demonstrates that no depth is beyond God's hearing. This may reference Jeremiah's literal imprisonment in a muddy cistern (Jeremiah 38:6) or be metaphorical for national extremity. Either way, the 'low dungeon' becomes a place of prayer, not abandonment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah was literally thrown into a cistern/pit for his prophesying (Jeremiah 38:6-13). The Hebrew 'bor' (pit) is the same word used there. He sank in mud and would have died if not rescued by an Ethiopian eunuch. This autobiographical detail grounds the poetry in lived experience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'low dungeons' in your life have you viewed as abandonment by God rather than as prayer closets where you can call upon His name?
  2. How does the fact that Jeremiah prayed from the pit rather than waiting until rescue suggest that prayer is not dependent on favorable circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
קָרָ֤אתִי1 of 5

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שִׁמְךָ֙2 of 5

“upon thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 5

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִבּ֖וֹר4 of 5

“dungeon”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

תַּחְתִּיּֽוֹת׃5 of 5

“out of the low”

H8482

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

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 3:55 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 3:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 16:24-28Psalms 69:13-18Psalms 130:1-2Psalms 18:5-6Psalms 142:3-7Jeremiah 38:6

Test Your Knowledge

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