King James Version
What Does Lamentations 4:15 Mean?
“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”
Context
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
17
As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(15) **They cried unto them**—*i.e.,* these, as they passed, cried to the blood-stained priests. The cry “unclean” was that uttered by the leper as a warning to those he met (Leviticus 13:45). Here it comes from those whom they meet, and who start back in their fear of defilement.
**When they fled away.**—The words seem to refer to some lost facts, like those suggested by Lamentations 4:14 : the murderers fleeing from their own countrymen, and finding themselves equally abhorred among the heathen.
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 4:15 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 4:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge