King James Version

What Does Lamentations 4:6 Mean?

Lamentations 4:6 in the King James Version says “For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that...” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Lamentations 4:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

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

7

Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:

8

Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick. blacker: Heb. darker than blackness

Read Lamentations 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A comparative judgment: "For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom" (vayigdal avon bat-ami me-chatat Sedom, וַיִּגְדַּל עֲוֺן בַּת־עַמִּי מֵחַטַּאת סְדֹם). Sodom's destruction was sudden—"that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her" (hahefekhah ke-mo rega velo-khalu vah yadayim). Genesis 19:24-25 records Sodom's instant annihilation by fire and brimstone. No prolonged siege, no gradual suffering. But Jerusalem endured prolonged agony: 18-month siege, starvation, watching children die slowly, then destruction. The comparison suggests that quick death is more merciful than slow suffering. Theologically, greater privilege brings greater judgment (Luke 12:48, Amos 3:2). Sodom never had Torah, temple, or prophets. Judah possessed all these yet still rebelled—making guilt greater and judgment more severe. The verse also implies that Jerusalem's sin exceeded even Sodom's notorious wickedness, which Jesus confirmed in Matthew 11:23-24: Capernaum (exposed to Christ's miracles) will face worse judgment than Sodom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sodom became the biblical archetype of total divine judgment. Genesis 18-19 records its destruction. Ezekiel 16:48-50 details Sodom's sins: pride, excess bread (abundance), prosperous ease, refusal to help poor and needy, haughtiness, abominations. These sins also characterized Jerusalem. Isaiah 1:10 and 3:9 explicitly compare Judah to Sodom. Jeremiah 23:14 says Jerusalem's prophets made the nation 'as Sodom.' The rabbis developed the principle that judgment severity correlates with privilege and opportunity. Those who know God's will and reject it face harsher consequences than those who never knew. Hebrews 10:28-29 applies this: if violating Moses' law brought death, 'how much sorer punishment' shall those deserve who reject Christ? The comparison also highlights judgment forms. Sodom: instant incineration. Jerusalem: prolonged siege, famine, warfare, exile. God's judgments vary but all serve His purposes. Sometimes quick death is mercy; sometimes extended suffering serves redemptive discipline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle that 'greater privilege brings greater judgment' affect how we view our responsibilities as those with access to Scripture, gospel, and Holy Spirit?
  2. What does Jerusalem's judgment being worse than Sodom's teach about the danger of religious heritage and knowledge unaccompanied by obedience?
  3. In what ways might prolonged suffering serve redemptive purposes that quick judgment cannot?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּגְדַּל֙1 of 13

“is greater”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

עֲוֹ֣ן2 of 13

“For the punishment of the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

בַּת3 of 13

“of the daughter”

H1323

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

עַמִּ֔י4 of 13

“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

מֵֽחַטַּ֖את5 of 13

“than the punishment”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

סְדֹ֑ם6 of 13

“of the sin of Sodom”

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

הַֽהֲפוּכָ֣ה7 of 13

“that was overthrown”

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

כְמוֹ8 of 13
H3644

as, thus, so

רָ֔גַע9 of 13

“as in a moment”

H7281

a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time

וְלֹא10 of 13
H3808

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

חָ֥לוּ11 of 13

“stayed”

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

בָ֖הּ12 of 13
H0
יָדָֽיִם׃13 of 13

“and no hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 19:25Luke 12:47Isaiah 1:9-10Matthew 24:21Luke 10:12Daniel 9:12

Places in This Verse

SodomSettlement · Modern: south of the Lisan · 31.21°N, 35.45°E50 verses across 15 books
View all places in Lamentations 4 →

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