What Does Lamentations 4:8 Mean?

“is blacker”

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

“than a coal”

dinginess, i.e., perhaps soot

“Their visage”

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

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

“they are not known”

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

“in the streets”

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

“cleaveth”

to adhere

“their skin”

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

“to their bones”

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

“it is withered”

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

“it is become like a stick”

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)