King James Version

What Does Lamentations 5:4 Mean?

Lamentations 5:4 in the King James Version says “We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. is: Heb. cometh for price” — study this verse from Lamentations chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. is: Heb. cometh for price”

Lamentations 5:4 · KJV

Context

2

Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.

3

We are orphans and fatherless , our mothers are as widows.

4

We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. is: Heb. cometh for price

5

Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest. Our: Heb. On our necks are we persecuted

6

We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.

Read Lamentations 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paying for water and wood—basic necessities commodified. In own land, forced to buy what should be free.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian occupation meant former landowners paid occupiers for resources from their own land.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does losing free access to blessings teach gratitude?
  2. What is the significance of having to purchase water and wood that should be freely available?
  3. How does this reversal of natural provision illustrate the totality of Jerusalem's subjugation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מֵימֵ֙ינוּ֙1 of 6

“our water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בְּכֶ֣סֶף2 of 6

“for money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שָׁתִ֔ינוּ3 of 6

“We have drunken”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

עֵצֵ֖ינוּ4 of 6

“our wood”

H6086

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

בִּמְחִ֥יר5 of 6
H4242

price, payment, wages

יָבֹֽאוּ׃6 of 6

“is sold”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 3:1Deuteronomy 28:48Ezekiel 4:9-17

Test Your Knowledge

Lamentations 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLamentations Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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