King James Version

What Does Lamentations 4:3 Mean?

Lamentations 4:3 in the King James Version says “Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel...” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness. sea: or, sea calves”

Lamentations 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.

2

The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!

3

Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness. sea: or, sea calves

4

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.

5

They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

Read Lamentations 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unnatural cruelty: "Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness" (gam-taninim chaltsו shenuk gureichem bat-ami le-achzar ka-ye'enim ba-midbar). "Sea monsters" (taninim, תַּנִּינִים) likely refers to jackals or other wild animals. Even these creatures nurse their young naturally. But Jerusalem's mothers (bat-ami, "daughter of my people") became "cruel" (achzar, אַכְזָר) like "ostriches" (ye'enim, יְעֵנִים). Job 39:13-17 describes ostriches as neglecting eggs and young, 'hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers.' Under extreme famine, mothers couldn't feed children—not from lack of love but from lack of food. This represents ultimate breakdown of natural affection under judgment's pressure. Romans 1:31 lists 'without natural affection' as sign of degraded society. When covenant protection is removed, even basic human instincts fail.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ostrich's reputation for neglecting young was ancient tradition, though modern ornithology shows ostriches actually care well for offspring. The biblical point isn't scientific accuracy but using familiar imagery to convey unnatural neglect. Under siege conditions, mothers faced impossible choices: watch children starve, or—horrifically—resort to cannibalism (Lamentations 4:10, fulfilling Deuteronomy 28:53-57). The comparison to nursing animals shames Israel—even wild beasts maintain natural bonds, but God's people under judgment lose basic humanity. This demonstrates sin's degrading power. When God's image-bearers reject their Creator, they descend below animals who instinctively fulfill their nature. Isaiah 1:3 makes similar comparison: 'The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.' Animals recognize their provider; Israel forgot God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the comparison between nursing animals and cruel mothers illustrate the degrading effects of prolonged judgment and extreme suffering?
  2. What does loss of 'natural affection' teach about sin's power to corrupt and destroy even the strongest human bonds?
  3. How does Christ restore true humanity and natural affection by transforming us into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:24)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
גַּם1 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תַּנִּין֙2 of 12

“Even the sea monsters”

H8577

a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

חָ֣לְצוּ3 of 12

“draw out”

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

שַׁ֔ד4 of 12

“the breast”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

הֵינִ֖יקוּ5 of 12

“they give suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

גּוּרֵיהֶ֑ן6 of 12

“to their young ones”

H1482

a cub (as still abiding in the lair), especially of the lion

בַּת7 of 12

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עַמִּ֣י8 of 12

“of my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְאַכְזָ֔ר9 of 12

“is become cruel”

H393

violent; by implication deadly; also (in a good sense) brave

כַּיְ10 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵנִ֖ים11 of 12

“like the ostriches”

H3283

the ostrich (probably from its answering cry

בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃12 of 12

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:28-29Ezekiel 5:10Lamentations 2:20Lamentations 4:10Leviticus 26:292 Kings 6:26-29

Test Your Knowledge

Lamentations 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLamentations Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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