King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:62 Mean?

Lamentations 3:62 in the King James Version says “The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.”

Lamentations 3:62 · KJV

Context

60

Thou hast seen all their vengeance and all their imaginations against me.

61

Thou hast heard their reproach, O LORD, and all their imaginations against me;

62

The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.

63

Behold their sitting down, and their rising up; I am their musick.

64

Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemies' continual harassment: "The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day." The Hebrew siftei kameiai vehegyonam ali kol-hayyom (שִׂפְתֵי קָמַי וְהֶגְיוֹנָם עָלַי כָּל־הַיּוֹם) describes relentless verbal assault. Siftei (שִׂפְתֵי, "lips") represents speech. Kameiai (קָמַי, "those who rise up against me") identifies opponents as active enemies, not passive critics.

"Their device" uses hegyonam (הֶגְיוֹנָם), meaning meditation, musing, plotting, or muttering. It describes ongoing mental occupation with schemes against the speaker. "All the day" (kol-hayyom, כָּל־הַיּוֹם) indicates constant, unceasing nature of the attacks. From morning to night, enemies speak against and plot against the righteous.

Theologically, this verse captures the experience of ongoing persecution. David expressed similar complaints: "How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?" (Psalm 94:4). Jesus warned disciples they would face such treatment: "ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22). Yet He also promised: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Persistent opposition tests but also purifies faith (1 Peter 1:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah faced daily verbal assault. His contemporaries constantly criticized, mocked, and plotted. Jeremiah 20:10 specifically mentions being surrounded by talk: "I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it." The conspiracy to discredit him was ongoing. People watched for any misstep to use against him: "All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed."

Ancient Israel's honor/shame culture made verbal attacks particularly powerful. Public mockery damaged reputation and social standing. Proverbs frequently warns against slander, gossip, and false testimony (Proverbs 6:16-19, 10:18, 11:13, 16:28, 26:20-22). The constant verbal assault Jeremiah endured would have been psychologically exhausting even apart from physical persecution.

In exile, Israel experienced this collectively. Psalm 137:3 records captors demanding songs: "they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion." This was taunting mockery, not genuine interest. The all-day nature of reproach in foreign lands tested faith. Yet some like Daniel maintained integrity despite ongoing pressure (Daniel 6:4-5, 10), demonstrating that faithfulness is possible even under constant verbal assault.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'all the day' verbal assault test faith differently than occasional persecution?
  2. What strategies does Scripture provide for enduring constant criticism and plotting (Psalm 37:1-8, Philippians 4:6-8)?
  3. In what ways did Jesus endure the ultimate 'lips of those who rose up against Him' and how does His example guide us (1 Peter 2:23)?
  4. How can believers today support one another when facing ongoing verbal attacks for faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שִׂפְתֵ֤י1 of 6

“The lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

קָמַי֙2 of 6

“of those that rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְהֶגְיוֹנָ֔ם3 of 6

“against me and their device”

H1902

a murmuring sound, i.e., a musical notation (probably similar to the modern affettuoso to indicate solemnity of movement); by implication, a machinati

עָלַ֖י4 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל5 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּֽוֹם׃6 of 6

“against me all the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 3:62 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 3:62 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:3Psalms 140:3Psalms 59:7Psalms 59:12Jeremiah 18:18

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