Lamentations 1:8

Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.

Jerusalem {H3389} hath grievously {H2399} sinned {H2398}; therefore she is removed {H5206}: all that honoured {H3513} her despise {H2107} her, because they have seen {H7200} her nakedness {H6172}: yea, she sigheth {H584}, and turneth {H7725} backward {H268}.

Yerushalayim sinned grievously; therefore she has become unclean. All who honored her now despise her, because they have seen her naked. She herself also moans and turns her face away.

Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns away.

Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is become as an unclean thing; All that honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: Yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.

Commentary

Lamentations 1:8 (KJV): "Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward."

Context

Lamentations is a book of profound sorrow, mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The prophet Jeremiah (traditionally attributed as the author) paints a vivid picture of the city, personified as a grieving widow, desolate and humiliated. This particular verse highlights the direct cause of Jerusalem's suffering: her egregious sin against God. The city, once revered and mighty, now faces the bitter consequences of her prolonged disobedience to the covenant, resulting in exile and utter disgrace.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Sin: The verse unequivocally states that Jerusalem's "grievous sin" is the direct reason for her downfall. This serves as a stark reminder that rebellion against God's commands brings severe judgment.
  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: God allowed Jerusalem to be "removed" (exiled) and exposed, leading to deep shame. Nations that once respected or feared her now hold her in contempt because her spiritual and moral "nakedness" has been revealed.
  • Loss of Honor and Respect: The city's fall from grace is underscored by the shift in perception from those who "honoured her" to those who "despise her." This speaks to the public and devastating nature of her punishment.
  • Sorrow and Regret: Jerusalem's reactionโ€”"she sigheth, and turneth backward"โ€”conveys deep anguish, perhaps a longing for what was lost, or a sense of helplessness and inability to move forward from her tragic state.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grievously sinned" (ื—ึธื˜ึธื ื—ึธื˜ึธื - chata chata) is a repetition of the verb "to sin," emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of Jerusalem's transgression. It's not just a single act but a deep-seated pattern of rebellion. The term "nakedness" (ืขึถืจึฐื•ึธื” - ervah) is a powerful metaphor throughout the Old Testament, signifying not just physical exposure but also shame, disgrace, and the public revelation of one's iniquity or vulnerability. It echoes the prophetic imagery used elsewhere to describe spiritual harlotry and judgment.

Practical Application

Lamentations 1:8 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations. It reminds us that sin, particularly persistent and unrepented sin, inevitably leads to painful consequences, shame, and a loss of standing. Just as Jerusalem's spiritual nakedness was exposed, our own actions can bring disgrace if we stray from God's path. This verse is a call to:

  • Self-Examination: Reflect on areas in our lives where we might be "grievously sinning" and inviting negative consequences.
  • Repentance: Acknowledge our transgressions and turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration. The path to healing often begins with honest confession, as seen in Psalm 32:5.
  • Understanding God's Justice: While God is merciful, He is also just. This verse highlights that He holds His people accountable for their actions, yet His ultimate desire is for their return, as subsequent chapters in Lamentations begin to show glimpses of hope.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Lamentations 1:20

    Behold, O LORD; for I [am] in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home [there is] as death.

  • Lamentations 1:22

    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.

  • Isaiah 59:2

    But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.

  • Isaiah 59:13

    In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

  • Lamentations 1:4

    The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she [is] in bitterness.

  • Lamentations 1:5

    Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

  • Lamentations 1:11

    All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.