King James Version
Lamentations 4:5 in the King James Version says “They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.”
Lamentations 4:5 · KJV
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
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.
They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her. punishment of the iniquity: or, iniquity
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“are desolate”
H8074to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
“they that were brought up”
H539properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“in scarlet”
H8438a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
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.
Lamentations 4:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Lamentations 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge