Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand turned to help her. New Living Translation The guilt of my people is greater than that of Sodom, where utter disaster struck in a moment and no hand offered help. English Standard Version For the chastisement of the daughter of my people has been greater than the punishment of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and no hands were wrung for her. Berean Standard Bible The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. Berean Literal Bible And the punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and no hands were wrung for her. King James Bible 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. New King James Version The punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown in a moment, With no hand to help her! New American Standard Bible For the wrongdoing of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands were turned toward her. NASB 1995 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands were turned toward her. NASB 1977 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands were turned toward her. Legacy Standard Bible So the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands whirled toward her. Amplified Bible For the [punishment of the] wickedness of the daughter of my people [Jerusalem] Is greater than the [punishment for the] sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown in a moment, And no hands were turned toward her [to offer help]. Berean Annotated Bible The punishment (iniquity) of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom (burning), which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. Christian Standard Bible The punishment of my dear people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand laid on it. Holman Christian Standard Bible The punishment of my dear people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand laid on it. American Standard Version For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her. Contemporary English Version My nation was punished worse than the people of Sodom, whose city was destroyed in a flash without the help of human hands. English Revised Version For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her. GOD'S WORD® Translation The punishment for my people's wickedness has been more severe than the punishment for the sins of Sodom. Sodom was destroyed instantly, without one human hand touching it. Good News Translation My people have been punished even more than the inhabitants of Sodom, which met a sudden downfall at the hands of God. International Standard Version The guilt of my cherished people surpasses the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, without a hand to help her. NET Bible The punishment of my people exceeded that of of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment with no one to help her. New Heart English Bible For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant, and no hands were laid on her. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. World English Bible For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown as in a moment. No hands were laid on her. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd greater is the iniquity of the daughter of my people, "" Than the sin of Sodom, "" That was overturned as [in] a moment, "" And no hands were stayed on her. Berean Literal Bible And the punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and no hands were wrung for her. Young's Literal Translation And greater is the iniquity of the daughter of my people, Than the sin of Sodom, That was overturned as in a moment, And no hands were stayed on her. Smith's Literal Translation For the iniquity of the daughter of my people will be great above the sin of Sodom being overthrown as in a moment, and no hands waited for her. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleVau. And the iniquity of the daughter of my people is made greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and hands took nothing in her. Catholic Public Domain Version VAU. And the iniquity of the daughter of my people has been made greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and yet hands did not take captives in her. New American Bible The punishment of the daughter of my people surpassed the penalty of Sodom, Which was overthrown in an instant with no hand laid on it. New Revised Standard Version For the chastisement of my people has been greater than the punishment of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, though no hand was laid on it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment and no hands were weary in destroying it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Waw And greater is the evil of the daughter of my people than the sin of Sadom that was overthrown suddenly, and there was no labor in her hands OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater Than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands fell upon her. Brenton Septuagint Translation VAU. And the iniquity of the daughter of my people has been increased beyond the iniquities of Sodoma, the city that was overthrown very suddenly, and none laboured against her with their hands. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Distress of Zion…5Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps. 6The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. 7Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.… Cross References The punishment of the daughter of my people Jeremiah 30:11 For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.” Amos 3:2 “Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Deuteronomy 32:35-36 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” / For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free. is greater than that of Sodom, Ezekiel 16:48-50 As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did as you and your daughters have done. / Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. / Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen. Matthew 10:15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. Isaiah 1:9-10 Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. / Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! which was overthrown in an instant Genesis 19:24-25 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. / Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground. Luke 17:29 But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Deuteronomy 29:23 All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. without a hand turned to help her. Isaiah 51:18 Among all the sons she bore, there is no one to guide her; among all the sons she brought up, there is no one to take her hand. Psalm 107:12-13 He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. / Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. Isaiah 63:5 I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. Jeremiah 20:16 May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, Matthew 11:23-24 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. / But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” Luke 10:12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 2 Peter 2:6 if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly; Treasury of Scripture 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. Isaiah 1:9,10 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah… Ezekiel 16:48-50 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters… Matthew 11:23,24 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day… the punishment Lamentations 4:9 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. Genesis 19:25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. Daniel 9:12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. Jump to Previous Chastisement Daughter Falling Fell Greater Hand Hands Help Iniquity Laid Moment Overthrown Overturned Punishment Reward Sin Sodom Suddenly Turned ViolentlyJump to Next Chastisement Daughter Falling Fell Greater Hand Hands Help Iniquity Laid Moment Overthrown Overturned Punishment Reward Sin Sodom Suddenly Turned ViolentlyLamentations 4 1. Zion bewails her pitiful estate13. She confesses her sins 21. Edom is threatened and Zion comforted. The punishment of the daughter of my people This phrase refers to the severe judgment faced by the people of Judah, often symbolized as a daughter. The imagery of a daughter highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, akin to a father and child. The punishment is a result of persistent disobedience and idolatry, as outlined in the covenantal curses in Deuteronomy 28. The historical context is the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal event in Jewish history. is greater than that of Sodom which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her Persons / Places / Events 1. Daughter of My PeopleThis phrase refers to the people of Jerusalem or Judah, personified as a daughter. It highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, as well as their current state of suffering and punishment. 2. Sodom An ancient city known for its wickedness and subsequent destruction by God. It serves as a benchmark for divine judgment and is often referenced in the Bible as a symbol of ultimate moral and spiritual decay. 3. Jeremiah Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah was a prophet who warned Judah of impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry. 4. Babylonian Siege The historical context of Lamentations is the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., which led to immense suffering and exile for the people of Judah. 5. Divine Judgment The overarching theme of Lamentations 4:6 is the severe judgment of God upon His people, which is portrayed as even more severe than the swift destruction of Sodom. Teaching Points The Severity of Sin and JudgmentThe comparison to Sodom underscores the gravity of Judah's sin and the severity of their punishment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The Responsibility of Knowledge With greater knowledge of God comes greater responsibility. Judah's punishment was severe because they had the Law and the prophets, yet chose to rebel. Hope in Repentance While the judgment is severe, the book of Lamentations as a whole points to the possibility of restoration through repentance and turning back to God. God's Justice and Mercy God's justice is evident in His judgment, but His mercy is also present, as He does not completely destroy His people but leaves room for future redemption. Reflecting on Our Own Lives This passage encourages self-examination regarding our own faithfulness to God and the potential consequences of our actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Lamentations 4:6?2. How does Lamentations 4:6 illustrate the severity of Jerusalem's punishment for sin? 3. What lessons can we learn from Sodom's fate compared to Jerusalem's in Lamentations? 4. How does Lamentations 4:6 connect with God's justice in Genesis 19? 5. How can we apply the warnings of Lamentations 4:6 to modern Christian life? 6. What does Lamentations 4:6 teach about the consequences of turning from God? 7. Why was the punishment of Jerusalem greater than that of Sodom in Lamentations 4:6? 8. How does Lamentations 4:6 reflect God's justice and mercy? 9. What historical events led to the destruction described in Lamentations 4:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 4? 11. Why does God allow Lot's daughters to commit incest, yet punish others for lesser sexual sins? 12. (Lamentations 4:10) Is the claim that mothers cooked their children historically accurate or a hyperbolic contradiction of a loving God? 13. Ezekiel 33:17 - If God's ways are truly just, why do we see instances of collective punishment and suffering elsewhere in Scripture? 14. Hosea 4:14: Why does the text condemn daughters and brides for their actions when the men and priests seem equally at fault? What Does Lamentations 4:6 Mean The punishment of the daughter of my people• “The punishment of the daughter of my people” points to Jerusalem and Judah, now reaping the covenant curses long foretold (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Jeremiah 19:9). • Jeremiah grieves personally—“my people”—reminding us that God’s prophets identify with those they warn (Romans 9:2-3). • The word “punishment” is not random tragedy but righteous discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11). The siege, famine, and slaughter recorded in 2 Kings 25:1-7 unveil sin’s wages in real time. is greater than that of Sodom • Genesis 19:24-25 describes Sodom’s fiery end, yet here God says Jerusalem’s suffering surpasses it. Why? – Greater light brings greater accountability (Luke 12:48). Judah possessed the temple, the Law, and the prophets (Romans 3:1-2). – Persistent rebellion after repeated calls to repent (Jeremiah 7:13; 25:4-7) compounds guilt. • The comparison warns every generation: privilege does not exempt from judgment; it intensifies it (1 Peter 4:17). which was overthrown in an instant • Sodom’s destruction was sudden—“the LORD rained down burning sulfur” (Genesis 19:24). • Jerusalem’s ordeal stretched over eighteen months of siege (2 Kings 25:1-3). Slow, grinding calamity produced starvation (Lamentations 4:9-10), disease, and despair—harsher in duration and experience. • God can act swiftly or gradually, but His justice is sure (Nahum 1:3). Both methods serve to reveal His holiness and to sober onlookers (Ezekiel 5:15). without a hand turned to help her • No human ally came to Sodom; likewise, Judah’s hoped-for partners—Egypt, Edom, and others—proved useless (Jeremiah 37:5-7; Lamentations 1:2). • The phrase underscores utter abandonment; when God withdraws His protection, help evaporates (Psalm 60:11). • It also signals divine completeness: the judgment needed no human assistance (Isaiah 63:3). God alone executes righteousness. summary Lamentations 4:6 contrasts Sodom’s swift fall with Jerusalem’s protracted agony to spotlight Judah’s heightened responsibility and the severity of covenant breach. Greater revelation brought greater accountability, turning delayed judgment into deeper suffering. The verse urges sober reflection on sin, gratitude for divine patience, and wholehearted return to the Lord while mercy is still offered. (6) The punishment of the iniquity.--Better, The iniquity of the daughter of my people was greater than the sin of Sodom. The words in both cases point to guilt rather than its penalty, though, as the context shows, the greatness of the former is inferred from that of the latter. The point of comparison was that Sodom was not doomed to a protracted misery, like that which had been the lot of Jerusalem.No hands stayed on her . . .--Literally, no hands went round about her: i.e., her destruction was the direct work of God, and not of human agents, with their more merciless tortures. (Comp. 2Samuel 24:14.) The main thought may be noticed as reproduced in Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:24. Verse 6. - The punishment of the iniquity... the punishment of the sin. This is a possible rendering (see Genesis 4:13; Zechariah 14:19), but the renderings, "the iniquity," "the sin? are preferable, and yield a finer meaning, viz. that the punishment having been so severe, the guilt must have been in proportion. And no hands stayed on her. To make the picture of sudden destruction more vivid, the poet alludes to the ordinary circumstances of the capture of a city, the "hands" of a fierce soldiery ever "whirling" a destroying sword. Comp. "the swinging of the hand of Jehovah Sabaoth, which he swingeth against it" (Isaiah 19:16).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The punishmentעֲוֺ֣ן (‘ă·wōn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of the daughter בַּת־ (baṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of my people עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock is greater וַיִּגְדַּל֙ (way·yiḡ·dal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great than [that] מֵֽחַטַּ֖את (mê·ḥaṭ·ṭaṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender of Sodom, סְדֹ֑ם (sə·ḏōm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea which was overthrown הַֽהֲפוּכָ֣ה (ha·hă·p̄ū·ḵāh) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert in כְמוֹ־ (ḵə·mōw-) Preposition Strong's 3644: Like, as, when an instant רָ֔גַע (rā·ḡa‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7281: A wink, a very short space of time without וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no a hand יָדָֽיִם׃ (yā·ḏā·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 3027: A hand turned toward her. חָ֥לוּ (ḥā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2342: To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert Links Lamentations 4:6 NIVLamentations 4:6 NLT Lamentations 4:6 ESV Lamentations 4:6 NASB Lamentations 4:6 KJV Lamentations 4:6 BibleApps.com Lamentations 4:6 Biblia Paralela Lamentations 4:6 Chinese Bible Lamentations 4:6 French Bible Lamentations 4:6 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:6 For the iniquity of the daughter (Lam. La Lm) |
    |