Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous. New Living Translation Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the sins of her priests, who defiled the city by shedding innocent blood. English Standard Version This was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous. Berean Standard Bible But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. Berean Literal Bible for the sins of her prophets, the iniquities of her priests, those pouring in her midst the blood of the righteous, King James Bible For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, New King James Version Because of the sins of her prophets And the iniquities of her priests, Who shed in her midst The blood of the just. New American Standard Bible Because of the sins of her prophets And the wrongdoings of her priests, Who have shed in her midst The blood of the righteous, NASB 1995 Because of the sins of her prophets And the iniquities of her priests, Who have shed in her midst The blood of the righteous; NASB 1977 Because of the sins of her prophets And the iniquities of her priests, Who have shed in her midst The blood of the righteous, Legacy Standard Bible Because of the sins of her prophets And the iniquities of her priests, Who have shed in her midst The blood of the righteous; Amplified Bible Because of the sins of her [counterfeit] prophets And the wickedness of her [unfaithful] priests, Who have shed in her midst The blood of the just and righteous; Berean Annotated Bible But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. Christian Standard Bible Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous within her. Holman Christian Standard Bible Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous within her. American Standard Version It is because of the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, That have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her. Contemporary English Version Jerusalem was punished because her prophets and her priests had sinned and caused the death of innocent victims. English Revised Version It is because of the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her. GOD'S WORD® Translation [They got through] because of the sins of Jerusalem's prophets and the crimes of its priests, who spilled the blood of righteous people within it. Good News Translation But it happened, because her prophets sinned and her priests were guilty of causing the death of innocent people. International Standard Version Due to the sins committed by her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests who shed in her midst, the blood of the righteous, NET Bible But it happened due to the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who poured out in her midst the blood of the righteous. New Heart English Bible It is because of the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her. Webster's Bible Translation For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. World English Bible It is because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the middle of her. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBecause of the sins of her prophets, "" The iniquities of her priests, "" Who are shedding in her midst the blood of the righteous, Berean Literal Bible for the sins of her prophets, the iniquities of her priests, those pouring in her midst the blood of the righteous, Young's Literal Translation Because of the sins of her prophets, The iniquities of her priests, Who are shedding in her midst the blood of the righteous, Smith's Literal Translation From the sins of her prophets the iniquities of her priests shedding the blood of the just in her midst, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMem. For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her. Catholic Public Domain Version MEM. It is because of the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, who have shed the blood of the just in her midst. New American Bible Except for the sins of her prophets and the crimes of her priests, Who poured out in her midst the blood of the just. New Revised Standard Version It was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in the midst of her. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt happened for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who have shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Mem Because of the sin of her Prophets and the evil of her Priests who shed the blood of the righteous ones within her OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It is because of the sins of her prophets, And the iniquities of her priests, That have shed the blood of the just In the midst of her. Brenton Septuagint Translation MEM. For the sins of her prophets, and iniquities of her priests, who shed righteous blood in the midst of her, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Distress of Zion…12The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any people of the world, that an enemy or a foe could enter the gates of Jerusalem. 13But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. 14They wandered blind in the streets, defiled by this blood, so that no one dared to touch their garments.… Cross References But this was for the sins of her prophets Jeremiah 23:11-12 “For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. / “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. Ezekiel 13:1-9 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing. … Micah 3:5-7 This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: / Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.” and the guilt of her priests, Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Hosea 4:6-9 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. / The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace. / They feed on the sins of My people and set their hearts on iniquity. … Malachi 2:7-9 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. / But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” who shed the blood of the righteous Matthew 23:35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 2 Chronicles 24:21-22 But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. / Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.” Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— in her midst. Ezekiel 22:3-4 and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself, / you are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close and have come to the end of your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all the lands. Jeremiah 7:6 if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, Psalm 106:38 They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. Ezekiel 22:25-28 The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. / Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. / Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. … Matthew 23:29-36 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. / And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ / So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. … Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Treasury of Scripture For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the middle of her, the sins Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment. Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. that Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. Jeremiah 26:8,9 Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die… Matthew 23:31,33-37 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets… Jump to Previous Blood Drained Evil-Doing Iniquities Midst Priests Prophets Righteous Shed Shedding Sins Upright WithinJump to Next Blood Drained Evil-Doing Iniquities Midst Priests Prophets Righteous Shed Shedding Sins Upright WithinLamentations 4 1. Zion bewails her pitiful estate13. She confesses her sins 21. Edom is threatened and Zion comforted. But this was for the sins of her prophets The phrase highlights the responsibility of the prophets in the downfall of Jerusalem. Prophets were meant to be God's messengers, guiding the people in truth and righteousness. However, during the time leading up to the Babylonian exile, many prophets in Judah were false, leading the people astray with messages that contradicted God's will (Jeremiah 23:11-14). Their failure to speak truth contributed to the moral and spiritual decay of the nation. and the guilt of her priests who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst Persons / Places / Events 1. ProphetsIn the context of Lamentations, these were individuals who were supposed to be God's messengers, guiding the people of Judah. However, they failed in their duties, leading the people astray. 2. Priests Religious leaders responsible for maintaining the spiritual well-being of the nation. Their iniquities contributed to the moral and spiritual decay of Judah. 3. Righteous Refers to those who were innocent and faithful to God, yet suffered due to the corruption and sins of the leaders. 4. Jerusalem The city where these events took place, representing the heart of Judah's spiritual and political life. 5. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which faced destruction and exile due to its leaders' sins. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders, especially spiritual ones, have a profound responsibility to guide their people in truth and righteousness. Their failure can lead to widespread suffering and judgment. The Consequences of Sin The sins of the leaders had dire consequences not only for themselves but for the entire nation. Sin has a ripple effect that can impact many lives. The Value of Righteousness Even in times of widespread corruption, God values and sees the righteous. Their suffering is not unnoticed by Him. Accountability Before God Everyone, especially leaders, will be held accountable for their actions. It is crucial to live with integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. The Importance of Discernment Believers must be discerning about whom they follow and ensure that their leaders are aligned with God's Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Lamentations 4:13?2. How does Lamentations 4:13 highlight the consequences of ignoring God's prophets today? 3. What role did the prophets and priests play in Jerusalem's downfall? 4. How can we ensure our leaders align with God's truth, per Lamentations 4:13? 5. What other scriptures warn against false prophets leading people astray? 6. How can we apply Lamentations 4:13 to discern truth in modern teachings? 7. How does Lamentations 4:13 reflect the consequences of leadership failure in biblical history? 8. What does Lamentations 4:13 reveal about the role of prophets and priests in ancient Israel? 9. How does Lamentations 4:13 challenge our understanding of divine justice and human responsibility? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 4? 11. (Lamentations 4:13) How does blaming prophets and priests for the downfall align or conflict with other biblical teachings on communal guilt? 12. How can a compassionate God (Lamentations 3:22) allow such overwhelming destruction in Jerusalem? 13. Isaiah 18:4: How does the imagery of God quietly observing nations square with other passages where God is depicted as actively intervening? 14. If Psalm 59:4 claims innocence on David's part, why do other passages (e.g., 2 Samuel 11) contradict this portrayal of his character? What Does Lamentations 4:13 Mean But this was“ But this was ” ties the devastation Jerusalem is experiencing to a definite cause. God is not arbitrary; He acts consistently with His word. • Deuteronomy 28:15 warns, “But if you do not obey the LORD your God… all these curses will come upon you.” The afflictions in Lamentations match the covenant curses. • Jeremiah 2:19 echoes, “Your own wickedness will discipline you; your apostasies will reprove you.” The verse opens by saying, in effect, “Everything you are seeing—ruined walls, starving children, foreign occupation—is precisely because God is keeping His covenant promise of discipline.” for the sins of her prophets Those who should have been the nation’s moral eyes became blind guides. • Jeremiah 23:16 cautions, “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you… they speak visions from their own minds.” • Ezekiel 13:3 adds, “Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” Their sin was not simply error; it was willful deception that led people away from repentance. The weight of national judgment rests first on leaders entrusted with God’s word. and the guilt of her priests Priests were gatekeepers between holy God and sinful people. When they became corrupt, the whole system collapsed. • Malachi 2:7-8: “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge… but you have turned from the way.” • Jeremiah 6:13: “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain… even the priests practice deceit.” Instead of upholding justice and teaching truth, they exploited offerings, winked at idolatry, and ignored God’s standards. who shed the blood of the righteous Spiritual corruption spilled over into physical violence. • 2 Kings 21:16 records Manasseh “shed very much innocent blood till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another.” • Jeremiah 26:20-23 tells how the prophet Uriah was hunted down and killed for speaking truth. Jesus later sums up Israel’s history: “from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah” (Matthew 23:35). When leaders reject God’s word, they eventually persecute God’s people. in her midst The crimes happened right inside the covenant community, not on some distant battlefield. • Ezekiel 22:6-7: “Behold, the princes of Israel in you, each according to his power, have been bent on shedding blood.” • Jeremiah 5:1 finds no one in the city “who acts justly” to stave off judgment. Sin tolerated “in her midst” corrupts the whole body; holiness cannot be outsourced. summary Lamentations 4:13 traces Jerusalem’s downfall to the faithless prophets and priests whose sin, corruption, and violence poisoned the nation from the inside. God’s righteous judgment falls because He is faithful to His word, both in blessing and in discipline. The verse reminds every generation to guard the integrity of those who handle Scripture, to resist the drift toward comfortable falsehoods, and to protect the innocent in our midst. (13) That have shed the blood of the just . . .--The words point to incidents like the death of Zechariah the son of Jehoiada (2Chronicles 24:21); the "innocent blood" shed by Manasseh (2Kings 21:16); the attempts on Jeremiah's own life (Jeremiah 26:7); possibly to some unrecorded atrocities during the siege on the part of the priests and false prophets, who looked on the true prophets as traitors (Jeremiah 26:23).Verse 13. - For the sins of her prophets, etc. Instead of connecting this verse by a comma with the following, we should rather view it as a unit in itself, and understand at the beginning, "All this hath happened" The sins of the prophets and priests are mentioned together by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 23:11), as well as by Isaiah (Isaiah 28:7). But we are nowhere else told that the spiritual leaders of the people, in these closing years of the Jewish state, were guilty of shedding innocent blood, unless this is to be inferred from the incident related in Jeremiah 26:7, etc.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [But this was] for the sinsמֵֽחַטֹּ֣את (mê·ḥaṭ·ṭōṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender of her prophets נְבִיאֶ֔יהָ (nə·ḇî·’e·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet and the guilt עֲוֺנ֖וֹת (‘ă·wō·nō·wṯ) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of her priests, כֹּהֲנֶ֑יהָ (kō·hă·ne·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 3548: Priest who shed הַשֹּׁפְכִ֥ים (haš·šō·p̄ə·ḵîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out the blood דַּ֥ם (dam) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed of the righteous צַדִּיקִֽים׃ (ṣad·dî·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6662: Just, righteous in her midst. בְּקִרְבָּ֖הּ (bə·qir·bāh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center Links Lamentations 4:13 NIVLamentations 4:13 NLT Lamentations 4:13 ESV Lamentations 4:13 NASB Lamentations 4:13 KJV Lamentations 4:13 BibleApps.com Lamentations 4:13 Biblia Paralela Lamentations 4:13 Chinese Bible Lamentations 4:13 French Bible Lamentations 4:13 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:13 It is because of the sins (Lam. 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