Lamentations 1:2

KJV

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears [are] on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort [her]: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

She weepeth {H1058} sore {H1058} in the night {H3915}, and her tears {H1832} are on her cheeks {H3895}: among all her lovers {H157} she hath none to comfort {H5162} her: all her friends {H7453} have dealt treacherously {H898} with her, they are become her enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bitterly she weeps at night, tears running down her cheeks. Not one of all her lovers is there to comfort her. Her friends have all betrayed her; they have become her enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.

American Standard Version

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks; Among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they are become her enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 1:2 profoundly depicts Jerusalem, personified as a desolate woman, weeping bitterly and incessantly through the night, her tears a constant stream on her cheeks. This poignant image of overwhelming grief is compounded by her utter isolation: among all those she once considered "lovers" and "friends"—foreign nations with whom she forged alliances—none remain to offer comfort. Instead, these former allies have turned against her, becoming her enemies, underscoring the devastating consequences of her unfaithfulness and misplaced trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 1:2 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Lamentations, a collection of five poetic laments mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 1 specifically focuses on the city's desolation, personifying Jerusalem as a widow or a woman in deep distress. The verse immediately follows [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Desolation"), which establishes Jerusalem's abandonment and sorrow. The acrostic structure of chapters 1, 2, and 4 (each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet) underscores the comprehensive nature of the suffering, while the vivid imagery throughout [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation") emphasizes the depth of the city's humiliation and grief, setting the tone for the entire book's exploration of divine judgment and the hope of restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations 1:2 is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces in 586 BC, culminating in the destruction of the temple and the exile of its people. For centuries, Jerusalem had been the spiritual and political heart of the Israelite nation, the chosen city where God's presence dwelt. Its destruction was an unimaginable trauma, signifying the breaking of the covenant from the human side and the severe disciplinary judgment of God. The "lovers" and "friends" mentioned in the verse refer to the foreign nations, such as Egypt and Assyria, with whom Judah had sought political and military alliances for security. In the prophetic tradition, these alliances were often condemned as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of Judah's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help") and [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Parable of Oholah and Oholibah"). These nations, far from offering comfort, often exploited Judah or ultimately abandoned her in her time of need, becoming instruments of God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Profound Grief and Despair**, depicted through the imagery of incessant weeping and isolation, reflecting the complete devastation and loss experienced by the city and its inhabitants. Another crucial theme is **Betrayal and Abandonment**, as Jerusalem's reliance on foreign alliances (her "lovers" and "friends") proves futile and turns against her, highlighting the danger of trusting in human powers rather than God. This leads directly to the theme of **Consequences of Unfaithfulness and Divine Judgment**. While not explicitly stating the cause, the entire book of Lamentations underscores that Jerusalem's suffering is a direct result of her persistent sin, idolatry, and rebellion against the Lord, leading to His disciplinary judgment, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Isolation and Solitude**, as Jerusalem finds herself utterly alone in her suffering, abandoned by all who should have offered solace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weepeth sore (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** From H1058, a primitive root meaning "to weep" or "to bemoan." The KJV's "weepeth sore" accurately captures the Hebrew construction (infinitive absolute followed by the finite verb, *bakhoh tivkeh*), which emphasizes the intensity, bitterness, and continuous nature of the weeping. It signifies not just sadness, but an overwhelming, persistent anguish, often in response to deep distress or loss.
* **lovers (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** From H157, meaning "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend." In the context of prophetic literature, particularly when referring to a nation like Judah, "lovers" often carries a negative connotation, symbolizing illicit political or religious alliances with foreign nations that constituted spiritual adultery against God. These were relationships sought for security or prosperity outside of God's covenant.
* **dealt treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** From H898, a primitive root meaning "to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage; deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully)." This word powerfully conveys the idea of betrayal, a breach of trust or covenant. It signifies that those who were once considered allies or friends acted deceptively and unfaithfully, turning against Jerusalem in her time of vulnerability, often for their own gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears [are] on her cheeks":** This clause immediately establishes the profound, relentless grief of Jerusalem, personified as a woman. The "night" symbolizes not only literal darkness and solitude but also a period of deep adversity and despair, when comfort is least available. The image of tears constantly on her cheeks conveys an unceasing, overwhelming sorrow that cannot be contained or hidden, reflecting the utter devastation and public humiliation of the city.
* **"among all her lovers she hath none to comfort [her]":** This segment introduces the theme of abandonment and isolation. "Lovers" refers to the foreign nations with whom Judah had formed alliances, often in defiance of God's command to trust Him alone. In her time of deepest need, these political and military partners, upon whom she had relied for security and support, offer no solace or aid, leaving her utterly alone in her suffering. This highlights the futility of human alliances apart from divine blessing.
* **"all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies":** This final clause intensifies the sense of betrayal. Those who were once considered "friends" (another term for allied nations or even internal factions) have not merely abandoned her but have actively turned against her. The phrase "dealt treacherously" implies a deliberate act of deceit and unfaithfulness, transforming former allies into hostile adversaries, thereby compounding Jerusalem's misery and humiliation and underscoring the complete reversal of her fortunes.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 1:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional impact. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Jerusalem is depicted as a grieving woman ("She weepeth sore," "her tears," "her lovers," "her friends"). This allows the reader to empathize deeply with the city's suffering, making the abstract concept of national destruction profoundly personal and relatable. **Hyperbole** is evident in "weepeth sore" and "none to comfort her," emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of her sorrow and isolation. The vivid **Imagery** of "tears on her cheeks" and weeping "in the night" creates a powerful visual and emotional scene, evoking a sense of constant, private anguish. Furthermore, the use of "lovers" and "friends" to describe foreign nations functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying Judah's political alliances as illicit relationships that ultimately lead to betrayal and judgment, echoing the prophetic theme of spiritual adultery against God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 1:2 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and misplaced trust. It illustrates that when God's people turn away from Him and seek security or comfort in worldly alliances, they will ultimately find disappointment and betrayal. The "lovers" and "friends" represent the futility of human wisdom and power when pursued apart from divine guidance. The profound grief depicted is not merely a human response to tragedy but a divinely ordained consequence, demonstrating God's justice in holding His people accountable for their rebellion. Yet, even within this profound sorrow, the book of Lamentations subtly holds open a door to the possibility of repentance and future hope, reminding us that God's character remains faithful even when His people are not.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Hosea 2:5-7](/hosea/2-5-7 "Hosea 2:5-7 - Israel's Pursuit of Lovers")
* [Psalm 69:20](/psalms/69-20 "Psalm 69:20 - Despair and Lack of Comforters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 1:2 offers a timeless lesson on the dangers of misplaced trust and the profound sorrow that can result from turning away from God. In our own lives, we are often tempted to seek comfort, security, or solutions in "lovers" and "friends"—whether they be financial stability, human relationships, worldly achievements, or political systems—rather than placing our ultimate reliance on the Lord. This verse serves as a poignant reminder that only God is truly steadfast and faithful, and any other foundation will eventually prove treacherous or insufficient, especially in times of crisis. When we experience the bitter consequences of our own choices, or when we feel abandoned and betrayed by those we trusted, this passage calls us to acknowledge the source of true comfort and to turn back to the One who promises never to leave nor forsake us, even in our deepest grief. It encourages a re-evaluation of where our ultimate hope and security lie, urging us to find our solace and strength in God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be placing your trust in "lovers" or "friends" (worldly comforts, relationships, achievements) instead of God?**
* **How do you respond when those you rely on disappoint or betray you? Does it lead you closer to God or further away?**
* **What does "weeping sore in the night" look like in your own experiences of grief or despair, and how do you seek comfort during those times?**
* **Considering Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, what steps can you take to ensure your own covenant relationship with God remains strong and undivided?**

### FAQ
**Who is "she" in Lamentations 1:2?**

Answer: In Lamentations 1:2, "she" is a personification of the city of Jerusalem, and by extension, the people of Judah. This literary device allows the prophet to express the profound grief, humiliation, and desolation of the once-proud capital as if it were a suffering woman. This portrayal emphasizes the emotional and physical trauma endured by the city and its inhabitants after its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC, as detailed throughout [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation").

**Who are the "lovers" and "friends" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "lovers" and "friends" in Lamentations 1:2 refer primarily to the foreign nations with whom the Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem) had formed political and military alliances in the years leading up to its destruction. These alliances, often with powerful nations like Egypt or Assyria, were sought for security against other threats. However, from a prophetic perspective, such alliances were considered a betrayal of Judah's covenant with God, who alone was meant to be their protector. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah frequently condemned these pacts as spiritual adultery (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")). The verse highlights the bitter irony that these nations, upon whom Jerusalem had relied, ultimately offered no comfort and even turned against her, becoming instruments of her downfall.

**Why did God allow Jerusalem to suffer such a devastating fate?**

Answer: The book of Lamentations, along with other prophetic books, attributes Jerusalem's devastating suffering and destruction to God's righteous judgment for the persistent unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rebellion of His people against His covenant. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, Judah continued in sin, leading to the consequences outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). God, in His holiness and justice, allowed the Babylonians to be an instrument of His discipline. While the suffering was immense, it was understood as a necessary, albeit painful, act to purify His people and call them back to Himself, ultimately serving His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 1:2, with its raw depiction of Jerusalem's profound grief, isolation, and betrayal, finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Jerusalem wept in the night, so too did Christ, the true Jerusalem, experience deep sorrow, even to the point of agony, as He faced the cross (e.g., [Matthew 26:38-39](/matthew/26-38-39 "Matthew 26:38-39 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). He was betrayed not by foreign "lovers" but by one of His own "friends," Judas Iscariot (e.g., [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")), and abandoned by His closest disciples (e.g., [Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Abandon Jesus")). The very people He came to save, His own nation, dealt treacherously with Him, becoming His enemies and crying out for His crucifixion (e.g., [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'Crucify Him!'")). Yet, unlike Jerusalem, whose suffering was a consequence of her sin, Christ's suffering was for the sins of humanity. He became the ultimate isolated one, bearing the weight of the world's sin and experiencing separation from the Father on the cross (e.g., [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), so that we, the unfaithful, might find comfort and reconciliation. Through His ultimate betrayal and suffering, Jesus became the true Comforter, the one who wipes away all tears (e.g., [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")), offering eternal solace where earthly "friends" and "lovers" fail.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 6:6

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Lamentations 1:16

For these [things] I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.

Lamentations 1:17

Zion spreadeth forth her hands, [and there is] none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, [that] his adversaries [should be] round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.

Jeremiah 22:20

¶ Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

Jeremiah 22:22

The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.

Jeremiah 13:17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.