King James Version

What Does Lamentations 3:65 Mean?

Lamentations 3:65 in the King James Version says “Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them. sorrow: or, obstinacy of heart” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them. sorrow: or, obstinacy of heart”

Lamentations 3:65 · KJV

Context

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.

65

Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them. sorrow: or, obstinacy of heart

66

Persecute and destroy them in anger from under the heavens of the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The imprecatory prayer continues: "Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them." The Hebrew titten lahem megginnat-lev ta'alatekha lahem (תִּתֵּן לָהֶם מְגִנַּת־לֵב תַּאֲלָתְךָ לָהֶם) requests inner anguish. Megginnat-lev (מְגִנַּת־לֵב) means literally "shield of heart" or "covered heart"—interpreted as either hardness of heart leading to judgment, or anxiety/sorrow overwhelming the heart. Most translations favor "sorrow of heart"—inner torment matching the suffering they inflicted.

"Thy curse unto them" uses ta'alatekha lahem (תַּאֲלָתְךָ לָהֶם). Ta'alah (תַּאֲלָה) means curse, oath, or imprecation. This specifically requests covenant curses fall upon the enemies. Since they opposed God's people and purposes, may they experience the judgments God pronounces on the wicked. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 details these curses; Lamentations requests they be executed.

Theologically, this prayer recognizes that God's curses are real and will be executed. Not everyone receives blessing—the unrepentant face curses (Deuteronomy 11:26-28, 30:19). The prayer isn't creating these curses but asking God to apply them. Ultimately, Christ bore the curse for believers (Galatians 3:13), but those who reject Christ remain under the curse (John 3:36, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Imprecatory prayers acknowledge this reality and appeal for divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant curses weren't arbitrary threats but promised consequences. Deuteronomy 27-28 lists blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. These operated for Israel and also against nations that harmed Israel (Genesis 12:3: "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee"). Lamentations 3:65 appeals to this principle.

Historical fulfillment occurred. Babylon, which destroyed Jerusalem, was itself destroyed by Persia (539 BC). Isaiah 13-14 and Jeremiah 50-51 prophesied this. Belshazzar experienced terror ("sorrow of heart") when writing appeared on the wall (Daniel 5:6). Edom, which celebrated Judah's fall, was itself obliterated (Obadiah, Malachi 1:3-4). Assyria, which destroyed the Northern Kingdom, fell to Babylon. Nations that cursed Israel received the curse.

The New Testament shows that ultimately, curses fall on all who reject Christ. Galatians 3:10 states: "as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." Only Christ's bearing the curse delivers us (Galatians 3:13). Those who refuse this deliverance remain under curse, which will be fully executed at final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does requesting 'sorrow of heart' for enemies teach about the internal nature of divine judgment?
  2. How do covenant curses function differently than arbitrary vengeance or magical spells?
  3. In what ways did Christ bear 'thy curse' (Galatians 3:13) so that believers never experience it?
  4. How should knowing that unrepentant enemies will face God's curse affect both our evangelism and our confidence in justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תִּתֵּ֤ן1 of 6

“Give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶם֙2 of 6
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְגִנַּת3 of 6

“them sorrow”

H4044

a covering (in a bad sense), i.e., blindness or obduracy

לֵ֔ב4 of 6

“of heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

תַּאֲלָֽתְךָ֖5 of 6

“thy curse”

H8381

an imprecation

לָהֶֽם׃6 of 6
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 3:65 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 3:65 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:101 Corinthians 16:22Deuteronomy 2:30Deuteronomy 27:15-26Psalms 109:17-18

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