King James Version

What Does Lamentations 4:14 Mean?

Lamentations 4:14 in the King James Version says “They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch th...” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments. so: or, in that they could not but touch”

Lamentations 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.

13

For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,

14

They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments. so: or, in that they could not but touch

15

They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there. it: or, ye polluted

16

The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders. anger: or, face

Read Lamentations 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Corruption's consequence described: "They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments." The Hebrew nau ivrim bachutot nigo'alu badam belo yukhlu yigu bilbusheihem depicts moral and ceremonial defilement. Nau ivrim (נָעוּ עִוְרִים, "they wandered blind") suggests aimless stumbling. Bachutot (בַּחוּצוֹת, "in the streets") indicates public rather than private failure.

"Polluted themselves with blood" uses nigo'alu badam (נִגֹּאֲלוּ בַּדָּם). Ga'al (גָּאַל) means to defile, pollute, or stain. Blood defilement was particularly serious in Levitical law (Leviticus 15, Numbers 19). Touching a dead body made one ceremonially unclean for seven days. These leaders were so blood-stained that their very garments (levusheihem, לְבֻשֵׁיהֶם) couldn't be touched without defilement.

Theologically, this portrays spiritual blindness leading to moral pollution. Jesus used similar language: "they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matthew 15:14). Those who should have been lights became blind guides. Their blood-guilt—from murdering righteous people and misleading the nation to destruction—was so pervasive that physical contact with them brought defilement. This illustrates how sin pollutes thoroughly and publicly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prophets and priests' blindness manifested in multiple ways. They couldn't see that covenant breaking brought judgment (Jeremiah 5:12-13): "They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: and the prophets shall become wind." Their spiritual blindness led them to wander aimlessly rather than guide the nation in righteousness.

The blood pollution came from participating in or condoning violence against the righteous. Jeremiah 26:8-11 shows priests and prophets seeking Jeremiah's death. Urijah the prophet was killed by King Jehoiakim's order with priestly complicity (Jeremiah 26:20-23). These leaders should have been mediators between God and people, yet they became murderers and accomplices to murder.

The ceremonial language about untouchable garments emphasizes total corruption. Priests wore special garments (Exodus 28) that were to be holy, yet these priests' garments were so blood-stained that touching them brought defilement. Haggai 2:11-13 teaches that holy things can be defiled but don't make defiled things holy. Jerusalem's religious leaders had become so defiled that they spread corruption rather than holiness—the opposite of their calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does wandering 'as blind men' illustrate the irony of spiritual leaders who should guide becoming themselves lost?
  2. What does blood pollution that makes even garments untouchable teach about sin's pervasive, contaminating nature?
  3. In what ways can Christian leaders today become 'blind guides' who mislead rather than direct people to God?
  4. How does Jesus's statement about blind leading blind (Matthew 15:14) connect to this verse's warning about corrupt leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
נָע֤וּ1 of 9

“They have wandered”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

עִוְרִים֙2 of 9

“as blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

בַּֽחוּצ֔וֹת3 of 9

“men in the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

נְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ4 of 9

“they have polluted”

H1351

to soil or (figuratively) desecrate

בַּדָּ֑ם5 of 9

“themselves with blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בְּלֹ֣א6 of 9

“not”

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֽוּכְל֔וּ7 of 9

“so that men could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

יִגְּע֖וּ8 of 9

“touch”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בִּלְבֻשֵׁיהֶֽם׃9 of 9

“their garments”

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 2:34Isaiah 1:15Isaiah 56:10Numbers 19:16Deuteronomy 28:28-29Ephesians 4:18

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