Lamentations 1:22

KJV

Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: for my sighs [are] many, and my heart [is] faint.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let all their wickedness {H7451} come {H935} before {H6440} thee; and do {H5953} unto them, as thou hast done {H5953} unto me for all my transgressions {H6588}: for my sighs {H585} are many {H7227}, and my heart {H3820} is faint {H1742}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Let all their wickedness come before you. Then do to them as you have done to me because of all my offenses. For my groans are many, and I am sick at heart."

Berean Standard Bible

Let all their wickedness come before You, and deal with them as You have dealt with me because of all my transgressions. For my groans are many, and my heart is faint.

American Standard Version

Let all their wickedness come before thee; And do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 1:22 encapsulates the raw, agonizing cry of a people utterly devastated, yet clinging to a profound understanding of divine justice. It is a poignant plea for God to apply the same righteous standard of judgment to their oppressors that He has applied to them for their own transgressions. The verse concludes with a vivid portrayal of overwhelming physical and emotional exhaustion, underscoring the depth of suffering and the desperate urgency of the appeal for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 1:22 serves as the climactic and concluding verse of the first chapter, which is a deeply personal lament traditionally attributed to Jerusalem herself. Throughout the chapter, Jerusalem is personified as a desolate widow, weeping bitterly over her ruin, the suffering of her people, and the abandonment by those who once sought her favor. The preceding verses detail the comprehensive nature of her distress: her enemies prosper, her priests and elders perish, and her children are led into captivity. Crucially, the city acknowledges her desolation as a direct consequence of her own sins and rebellion against God, confessing, "The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment" ([Lamentations 1:18](/lamentations/1-18 "Lamentations 1:18 - Acknowledging God's Righteousness")). This final verse, therefore, is not a denial of her culpability but a desperate, climactic appeal for God to extend His righteous judgment to those who inflicted such pain upon her, even as they were instruments of His will. It shifts the focus from self-lament to an appeal for cosmic justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Lamentations is a visceral response to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its First Temple by the Babylonian army in 586 BC, an event vividly recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). This cataclysmic event marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah, the exile of its people, and the devastation of its holiest sites. In the cultural norms of the ancient Near East, the defeat of a nation often implied the defeat of its deity. However, for Judah, this destruction was understood not as a defeat of Yahweh but as His righteous judgment against His covenant people for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")). The lament reflects the profound trauma, national humiliation, and theological wrestling that accompanied such an unprecedented disaster, as the people grappled with God's justice and their own suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice**, as the speaker appeals to God to "do unto them, as thou hast done unto me." This is not merely a cry for vengeance but a profound trust in God's ultimate righteousness to deal with all parties according to their deeds. It underscores the biblical principle that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring all wickedness to account, whether it be the sin of His own people or the atrocities committed by their oppressors (e.g., [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")). Another key theme is **Acknowledgement of Transgression**, as the phrase "for all my transgressions" highlights Judah's profound self-awareness and acceptance of responsibility for their suffering. This distinguishes the lament from simple complaint, rooting it in a confession of sin. Finally, the verse vividly portrays **Profound Suffering and Despair**, with "my sighs are many, and my heart is faint" expressing the overwhelming physical and emotional toll of the siege and exile, a pervasive theme throughout the book (e.g., [Lamentations 2:11](/lamentations/2-11 "Lamentations 2:11 - Jeremiah's Grief")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, meaning "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)." This term encompasses not only the specific acts of cruelty committed by the Babylonians but also their inherent moral corruption and opposition to God's ways. It highlights the pervasive nature of their sin, which the speaker desires God to confront and judge.
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From H6588, meaning "a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, trespass." This word is crucial as it signifies a deliberate act of rebellion against a higher authority, specifically God. The speaker acknowledges that Judah's suffering was a just consequence of their own willful disobedience and breaking of the covenant, distinguishing their "transgressions" from the "wickedness" of their oppressors, though both are forms of sin.
* **sighs (Hebrew, _ʼănâchâh'_):** From H585, meaning "sighing; groaning, mourn." This term conveys a deep, involuntary expression of pain, distress, and grief. It suggests a suffering so profound that it cannot be contained, manifesting as audible groans and lamentations, indicative of overwhelming sorrow and physical exhaustion.
* **faint (Hebrew, _davvây'_):** From H1742, meaning "sick; figuratively, troubled." This word describes a state of profound weakness, weariness, or languishing, both physically and emotionally. When applied to the "heart" (H3820, _lêb_), it signifies a complete depletion of strength, courage, and hope, leaving the individual utterly debilitated by their suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let all their wickedness come before thee;"**: This opening clause is a direct, impassioned plea to God. The speaker desires that the full extent of the oppressors' evil deeds and character be brought into God's immediate presence and judgment. It is an appeal for divine awareness and reckoning, implying a desire for justice to be meted out for the wrongs committed.
* **"and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions:"**: This is the core of the plea for retributive justice, but it is deeply nuanced. The speaker is not asking for arbitrary vengeance but for God to apply the same righteous standard of judgment to the Babylonians that He has already applied to Judah. Crucially, the speaker acknowledges that Judah's suffering was a direct and just consequence of "all my transgressions," highlighting a profound self-awareness and acceptance of culpability. This is a request for equitable, not merely punitive, justice.
* **"for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint."**: This concluding clause provides the motivation and urgency behind the plea. It vividly portrays the speaker's overwhelming physical and emotional exhaustion. The "many sighs" indicate continuous, deep groaning and sorrow, while a "faint heart" signifies a complete depletion of strength, hope, and inner vitality. This profound suffering underscores the desperation of the appeal for divine intervention and relief.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 1:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound emotional and theological weight. **Personification** is central to the entire chapter, with Jerusalem depicted as a desolate woman, and this verse continues that motif as she cries out directly to God. The phrase "my sighs are many, and my heart is faint" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming and debilitating nature of her suffering, suggesting an almost infinite depth of sorrow. There is a clear use of **Parallelism** in the structure of the plea: "Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions." This creates a rhetorical balance that underscores the request for a measured, reciprocal justice. The entire verse functions as a **Lament**, a specific poetic form characterized by an expression of grief, a complaint, and often an appeal to God, embodying the raw, unvarnished emotion of a people in crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 1:22 stands as a profound theological statement on God's justice, even amidst the deepest suffering. It affirms that God is not only sovereign over His people's discipline but also over the nations who carry out His will, holding them accountable for their own wickedness. The plea is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character as a righteous judge who will ultimately right all wrongs and ensure that justice prevails. This perspective prevents the lament from devolving into mere self-pity or unrighteous anger, instead transforming it into an appeal to God's consistent and equitable nature. It reminds us that while God uses instruments for His purposes, those instruments are not absolved of their own moral responsibility.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge") - God is a righteous judge, strong, and patient, and God is provoked every day.
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's") - Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
* [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - The Cry of the Martyrs") - They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 1:22 offers a powerful model for believers navigating profound suffering and injustice. It validates the raw, honest expression of anguish and even a desire for justice before God, demonstrating that our prayers do not need to be sanitized or devoid of our deepest pains. In moments when we feel overwhelmed by the wrongs committed against us, and our "heart is faint" from the burden, this verse encourages us to bring the full weight of our distress and our longing for righteousness directly to God. It reminds us that while we are called to forgive and extend grace, there is also a legitimate place for entrusting ultimate judgment to the One who sees all and judges justly. This perspective fosters a healthy dependence on God's sovereignty, allowing us to release the burden of revenge and trust that He will, in His perfect timing and wisdom, bring all wickedness to account, even as He has dealt with our own transgressions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice, especially in the face of widespread suffering and evil?**
* **In what ways might expressing your raw emotions and desire for justice to God be a healthy and biblically supported practice?**
* **How does acknowledging your own "transgressions" (as Judah did) influence your perspective when you seek God's justice against others?**
* **What does it mean to truly entrust "all their wickedness" to God, rather than seeking personal vengeance or harboring bitterness?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promote vengeance or a desire for retribution?**

Answer: While the language of "do unto them, as thou hast done unto me" might sound like a call for vengeance, it's more accurately understood as a plea for divine justice and equitable judgment. The speaker is not seeking personal revenge but asking God to apply His consistent standard of righteousness to all parties. Crucially, the speaker acknowledges their own culpability ("for all my transgressions"), indicating a recognition that God's judgment is just and deserved. It is a cry for cosmic balance, trusting God to be the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, rather than taking matters into human hands. This aligns with the biblical principle that [vengeance belongs to the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"), who alone judges righteously.

**How can I reconcile this verse's plea for judgment with New Testament commands to love enemies?**

Answer: This verse, from the Old Testament, reflects a raw, honest cry from a people under immense suffering, appealing to God's covenant justice. The New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus (e.g., [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) and the Apostles (e.g., [Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute You")), calls believers to a higher standard of love, forgiveness, and blessing even towards enemies. However, these commands do not negate God's ultimate role as a righteous judge. The New Testament still affirms that God will judge the wicked and bring all things to account (e.g., [2 Thessalonians 1:6-8](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 - God's Righteous Judgment")). The Lamentations verse expresses a human cry for divine intervention in the face of profound injustice, entrusting the execution of justice to God's perfect timing and method, which is consistent with the New Testament's teaching to leave vengeance to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 1:22, with its raw cry for justice amidst profound suffering and acknowledged transgression, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The "sighs" and "faint heart" of Jerusalem foreshadow the immense suffering of Christ, who truly bore the "wickedness" and "transgressions" of humanity upon Himself (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Unlike Jerusalem, whose suffering was a consequence of her own sin, Jesus, "who committed no sin" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), willingly became the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoes the deep anguish of the lamenter, yet it was a cry of substitutionary suffering. Furthermore, the plea for God to "do unto them, as thou hast done unto me" is ultimately answered in Christ's dual role: He is the one who suffered justly for our sins, and He is also the righteous judge who will return to execute perfect justice upon all wickedness (e.g., [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ the Righteous Judge")). Thus, in Christ, we see both the ultimate bearing of deserved judgment and the promise of a future where all wrongs will be righted, not by human vengeance, but by the perfectly just hand of God.

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

Jeremiah 8:18

[When] I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart [is] faint in me.

Nehemiah 4:4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Nehemiah 4:5

And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders.

Psalms 109:14

Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

Psalms 109:15

Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: