King James Version

What Does Lamentations 4:7 Mean?

Lamentations 4:7 in the King James Version says “Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishin...” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Lamentations 4:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field. pine: Heb. flow out

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nazarites purer than snow, whiter than milk, ruddier than rubies—now blacker than coal. Sin degrades.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nazarite vow symbolized dedication (Numbers 6). Even dedicated ones suffered—no immunity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin defile even the dedicated, and how does Christ provide purity?
  2. Why does Jeremiah emphasize the physical beauty and purity of the nobles before their downfall?
  3. What does this contrast between former glory and present ruin reveal about the totality of Jerusalem's fall?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
זַכּ֤וּ1 of 10

“were purer”

H2141

to be transparent or clean (phys. or morally)

נְזִירֶ֙יהָ֙2 of 10

“Her Nazarites”

H5139

separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)

מִשֶּׁ֔לֶג3 of 10

“than snow”

H7950

snow (probably from its whiteness)

צַח֖וּ4 of 10

“they were whiter”

H6705

to glare, i.e., be dazzling white

מֵחָלָ֑ב5 of 10

“than milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

אָ֤דְמוּ6 of 10

“they were more ruddy”

H119

to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy

עֶ֙צֶם֙7 of 10

“in body”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

מִפְּנִינִ֔ים8 of 10

“than rubies”

H6443

ruby

סַפִּ֖יר9 of 10

“was of sapphire”

H5601

a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire

גִּזְרָתָֽם׃10 of 10

“their polishing”

H1508

the figure or person (as if cut out); also an inclosure (as separated)

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:7Song of Solomon 5:10Psalms 144:121 Samuel 16:12Judges 13:5Numbers 6:2-21

Test Your Knowledge

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