King James Version

What Does Lamentations 4:9 Mean?

Lamentations 4:9 in the King James Version says “They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through ...” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Lamentations 4:9 · KJV

Context

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

10

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

11

The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.

Read Lamentations 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Better die by sword than famine. Quick death more merciful than slow starvation. Ultimate suffering comparison.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Siege warfare horror—watching yourself and loved ones slowly starve. Battle death was preferable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this show varying judgment severities?
  2. Why would death by sword be considered more merciful than slow starvation?
  3. What does this comparison teach about the degrees of suffering in divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
טוֹבִ֤ים1 of 11

“are better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הָיוּ֙2 of 11
H1961

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

מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י3 of 11

“They that be slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

חֶ֔רֶב4 of 11

“with the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י5 of 11

“They that be slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

רָעָ֑ב6 of 11

“with hunger”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

שֶׁ֣הֵ֤ם7 of 11

“for these”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יָז֙וּבוּ֙8 of 11

“pine away”

H2100

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים9 of 11

“stricken”

H1856

to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile

מִתְּנוּבֹ֖ת10 of 11

“through for want of the fruits”

H8570

produce

שָׂדָֽי׃11 of 11

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 16:4Leviticus 26:39Ezekiel 24:23Ezekiel 33:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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