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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 1:8 poignantly captures the devastating consequences of Jerusalem's profound and pervasive sin, personifying the city as a disgraced woman. Her egregious moral and spiritual transgressions led directly to her forced removal from her land and the complete loss of honor among nations that once revered her. Exposed in her shame and vulnerability, Jerusalem is depicted as overwhelmed by sorrow, sighing deeply, and unable to move forward from her desolate state, a stark and painful testament to the realities of divine judgment and the wages of unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 1:8 is situated early in the book, which is an acrostic poem (chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5 follow an alphabetical pattern in Hebrew, though 1:8 does not begin an acrostic stanza itself). Chapter 1 specifically mourns Jerusalem's desolation and humiliation, personifying the city as a weeping widow. The preceding verses lament the city's abandonment by her lovers and friends, her children taken captive, and her general distress. Verse 8 explicitly introduces the *reason* for this suffering: her sin. This verse thus serves as a critical theological hinge, shifting from describing the *effects* of the catastrophe to identifying its *cause*, setting the stage for the subsequent laments and the eventual glimmer of hope found later in the book, such as in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love Endures"). This structural placement emphasizes the direct correlation between Jerusalem's actions and her tragic fate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations directly addresses the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a cataclysmic event that resulted in the destruction of the First Temple, the city walls, and the exile of its inhabitants. For ancient Israel, the Temple was the dwelling place of God, and Jerusalem was considered inviolable due to God's covenant with David. The destruction shattered these theological assumptions and cultural norms, leading to profound national trauma. The concept of "nakedness" in this context carries significant cultural weight, symbolizing not just physical exposure but utter humiliation, public disgrace, and the loss of all protection and dignity, often associated with the treatment of conquered peoples or prostitutes in the ancient Near East, as seen in prophetic warnings like [Ezekiel 16:37](/ezekiel/16-37 "Ezekiel 16:37 - Jerusalem's Nakedness Exposed"). The "honour" of a city was tied to its strength, divine favor, and the respect it commanded from surrounding nations; its loss signified a complete reversal of fortune and a public shaming on an international stage.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Lamentations and the broader Old Testament prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of sin**, unequivocally linking Jerusalem's suffering to her "grievous sin." This highlights the principle of divine justice, where covenant disobedience leads to judgment, a theme echoed throughout the Deuteronomic curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). Secondly, it emphasizes **divine judgment and humiliation**, as God allows Jerusalem to be "removed" and exposed to the contempt of nations that once "honoured her." This public shaming serves as a severe lesson and a fulfillment of prophetic warnings. Thirdly, the verse conveys the theme of **loss and despair**, as Jerusalem "sigheth, and turneth backward," expressing profound anguish, an inability to cope, and perhaps a yearning for a past that can no longer be recovered. This emotional response is a recurring motif in the book, illustrating the depth of the nation's grief and spiritual brokenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grievously sinned (Hebrew, _chêṭᵉʼ châṭâʼ'_):** This phrase in the KJV translates a Hebrew construction that intensifies the verb "to sin" (H2398, _châṭâʼ_). The noun "grievously" (H2399, _chêṭᵉʼ_), derived from the same root, functions adverbially here, emphasizing the extreme, pervasive, and deep-seated nature of Jerusalem's transgression. It signifies not merely an isolated act but a profound and continuous pattern of moral and spiritual failure, a "crime or its penalty" that has reached an unbearable level. This repetition underscores the severity and culpability of the city's rebellion against God's covenant, indicating a deliberate and persistent turning away from divine commands.

* **Despise (Hebrew, _zûwl'_):** From a primitive root (H2107), this word means "to shake out," "scatter profusely," or figuratively, "to treat lightly." In this context, it conveys a profound shift from honor to contempt. Those who once held Jerusalem in high regard now view her with utter scorn and disdain, treating her as worthless. This signifies the complete loss of her former prestige and the public humiliation she endures as a direct result of her exposed "nakedness," demonstrating how her fall has reversed her standing among the nations.

* **Nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** This term (H6172) refers literally to nudity, particularly the pudenda, but is used here figuratively to denote disgrace, blemish, and the public revelation of iniquity or vulnerability. It signifies Jerusalem's utter shame, her spiritual and moral depravity laid bare for all to see. The exposure of "nakedness" in the prophetic literature often symbolizes idolatry, spiritual harlotry, and the resulting judgment and humiliation from God, as seen in passages like [Hosea 2:10](/hosea/2-10 "Hosea 2:10 - God Exposes Israel's Shame"). It represents the stripping away of divine protection and all outward pretense of righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jerusalem hath grievously sinned;":** This opening clause presents the fundamental theological reason for the city's suffering. It asserts Jerusalem's profound and pervasive moral and spiritual transgression against God, framing the subsequent events not as random misfortune but as a direct consequence of her actions and a just divine response to her persistent rebellion against the covenant.
* **"therefore she is removed:":** This clause establishes the direct causal link between Jerusalem's sin and her punishment. The term "removed" (H5206, _nîydâh_) signifies exile and displacement, referring to the forced deportation of her inhabitants by the Babylonians. It is the immediate, tangible consequence of her grievous sin, highlighting the loss of her homeland, her security, and her very identity as a settled people under God's protection.
* **"all that honoured her despise her,":** This section describes the social and relational fallout of Jerusalem's downfall. Nations and peoples who once held Jerusalem in high esteem, perhaps due to her status as God's chosen city or her former strength and divine favor, now view her with utter contempt. This reversal of respect underscores the depth of her humiliation and isolation, as her former allies and admirers now scorn her in her weakened state.
* **"because they have seen her nakedness:":** This clause provides the reason for the contempt. The "nakedness" (H6172, _ʻervâh_) is a powerful metaphor for Jerusalem's exposed shame, vulnerability, and moral depravity. It implies that her hidden sins and spiritual unfaithfulness have been revealed to the world, leading to public disgrace and the loss of all dignity. This exposure is not accidental but a divine act of judgment, laying bare her true spiritual condition.
* **"yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.":** This final clause depicts Jerusalem's emotional and physical state. "Sigheth" (H584, _ʼânach_) conveys deep anguish, groaning, and lamentation, reflecting the profound grief and despair of the city. "Turneth backward" (H7725, _shûwb_ H268, _ʼâchôwr_) suggests an inability to move forward, a sense of being stuck in despair, or perhaps a longing for the past that is now irrevocably lost. It portrays a city overwhelmed by sorrow, unable to face her future or escape her present misery, caught in a cycle of regret and desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 1:8 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of profound sorrow and judgment. **Personification** is central, as Jerusalem is depicted as a female figure who has "sinned," is "removed," "despised," has her "nakedness" seen, and "sigheth, and turneth backward." This imbues the city with human emotion and suffering, making its plight more relatable and tragic, transforming an abstract concept of national suffering into a vivid, empathetic image. The phrase "grievously sinned" utilizes **intensification** through the repetition of the root word for sin (noun and verb in the Hebrew), emphasizing the extreme nature of her transgression and the depth of her culpability. **Metaphor** is powerfully used with "nakedness," which stands for Jerusalem's public disgrace, exposed vulnerability, and moral depravity, rather than literal nudity. This metaphor evokes a strong sense of shame and humiliation, highlighting the stripping away of all dignity and protection. The structure of the verse also employs a clear **cause-and-effect relationship** ("Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed"), explicitly linking the city's actions to its devastating consequences. Finally, the concluding imagery of sighing and turning backward uses **pathos** to evoke empathy for the city's deep despair and inability to cope with her overwhelming suffering, drawing the reader into the shared grief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 1:8 serves as a stark reminder of the biblical principle that sin, particularly persistent and unrepentant rebellion against God's covenant, inevitably leads to severe consequences and divine judgment. It highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable, even those with whom He has a special relationship. The public humiliation and loss of honor experienced by Jerusalem underscore the spiritual reality that when a people or an individual strays from God's path, their true spiritual condition—their "nakedness"—is exposed, leading to shame and alienation. This exposure is not arbitrary but a just consequence, revealing the inherent brokenness that sin brings. Yet, even in this profound despair, the seeds of hope for repentance and restoration are implicitly present within the broader prophetic tradition, as God's ultimate purpose is not annihilation but redemption for those who turn back to Him in humility and faith.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-20](/deuteronomy/28-15-20 "Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Curses for Disobedience and Its Consequences")
* [Isaiah 47:3](/isaiah/47-3 "Isaiah 47:3 - Babylon's Nakedness Exposed as Judgment")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death, But God's Gift is Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 1:8 offers a profound mirror for self-reflection, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to confront the reality of sin and its consequences, reminding us that our actions, especially those that defy God's will and covenant, do not occur in a vacuum. Just as Jerusalem's "nakedness" was exposed, our own spiritual and moral compromises can lead to a loss of integrity, respect, and ultimately, a profound sense of shame and disconnection from God and others. This verse calls us to a deep and honest self-examination, urging us to identify areas where we might be "grievously sinning" and to consider the potential spiritual, relational, and emotional "removals" or "despisings" that might result from unrepentant sin. It is an invitation to humility and a recognition that true honor, stability, and lasting peace come from covenant faithfulness and obedience to God, not from worldly power or self-sufficiency. The "sighing" and "turning backward" of Jerusalem also speak to the despair that can engulf us when we are overwhelmed by the consequences of our choices, prompting us to seek God's mercy and a path forward, even when it feels impossible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "grievously sinning," and what "nakedness" or vulnerability might be exposed as a result of these actions?**
* **How do I respond when the consequences of my actions lead to shame, loss of respect, or a sense of being "removed"? Do I "sigh and turn backward" in despair, or do I seek repentance and restoration from God?**
* **What does Jerusalem's experience teach me about God's justice, His patience, and the severity of sin, and how does this inform my understanding of grace and the need for a Savior?**

### FAQ
**What does "Jerusalem hath grievously sinned" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: In practical terms, "Jerusalem hath grievously sinned" means that the city, representing the people of Judah, had engaged in widespread and severe disobedience to God's covenant laws. This included rampant idolatry (worshipping other gods and adopting pagan practices), pervasive social injustice (oppressing the poor, widows, and orphans, and corrupting the legal system), moral corruption (widespread immorality, dishonesty, and violence), and a general turning away from the Lord's commands and prophetic warnings. The repetition of the root word for "sin" (H2399 _chêṭᵉʼ_ and H2398 _châṭâʼ_) emphasizes that this was not an isolated incident but a deep-seated, pervasive pattern of rebellion that had accumulated over generations, leading to God's just judgment. It signifies a profound spiritual and moral decay that warranted the severe consequences described in the verse, such as exile and public humiliation, as forewarned in passages like [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations for Disobedience").

**Why is "nakedness" used as a metaphor for Jerusalem's condition?**

Answer: The metaphor of "nakedness" (H6172 _ʻervâh_) in Lamentations 1:8 is a powerful and culturally significant image. It signifies not merely physical exposure but profound public shame, humiliation, and the stripping away of all dignity, protection, and honor. In the ancient world, exposing someone's nakedness was a severe form of disgrace, often inflicted upon conquered enemies or used to describe the shame of prostitution. For Jerusalem, it symbolizes the public revelation of her spiritual unfaithfulness, her idolatry, and her moral depravity, which had been hidden or ignored by the people themselves. Her "nakedness" means her true, sinful state has been laid bare for all nations to see, leading to the contempt of those who once honored her. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic warnings against Israel's spiritual harlotry and the resulting judgment, such as in [Ezekiel 23:29](/ezekiel/23-29 "Ezekiel 23:29 - Shame and Nakedness as Judgment for Idolatry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 1:8, with its raw depiction of Jerusalem's "grievous sin" and its devastating consequences, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the repetition of such judgment, but in the ultimate solution provided by Jesus Christ. While Jerusalem's unfaithfulness led to her "nakedness" and public shame, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly took upon Himself the "nakedness" of our sin and shame on the cross. He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), enduring the ultimate "removal" from the presence of God the Father (as expressed in His agonizing cry, [My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), so that we might be clothed in His righteousness and reconciled to God. The "despising" that Jerusalem experienced foreshadows the contempt and rejection Jesus endured from those He came to save, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected by Men"). Furthermore, while Jerusalem "sigheth, and turneth backward" in despair, trapped by the weight of her past, Christ's finished sacrifice offers a pathway forward, providing true repentance, forgiveness, and the hope of restoration and new life for all who believe, enabling us to turn *to* God rather than backward into despair ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Turn to God")). His work on the cross is the ultimate answer to the problem of sin and shame that Lamentations so vividly portrays, offering not just forgiveness, but complete spiritual covering and eternal reconciliation with God ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt Through Christ")).

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

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.