Lamentations 2:12

KJV

They say to their mothers, Where [is] corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.

KJV (with Strong's)

They say {H559} to their mothers {H517}, Where is corn {H1715} and wine {H3196}? when they swooned {H5848} as the wounded {H2491} in the streets {H7339} of the city {H5892}, when their soul {H5315} was poured out {H8210} into their mothers {H517}' bosom {H2436}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They keep asking their mothers, "Where is something to eat or drink?"as they faint away in the streets of the city, gasping out their last breath in their mother's bosom.

Berean Standard Bible

They cry out to their mothers: “Where is the grain and wine?” as they faint like the wounded in the streets of the city, as their lives fade away in the arms of their mothers.

American Standard Version

They say to their mothers, Where is grain and wine? When they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city, When their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 2:12 offers a harrowing portrayal of the extreme suffering endured by the children of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege, depicting them in their final, desperate moments. It captures their agonizing pleas for basic sustenance, their subsequent collapse in the city streets, and their tragic demise in the arms of their helpless mothers. This verse powerfully communicates the profound despair, the indiscriminate devastation of famine, and the utter vulnerability of the innocent amidst the severe divine judgment and national catastrophe that overwhelmed the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 2 continues the prophet Jeremiah's lament over the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple in 586 BC. While the first chapter personified Jerusalem as a desolate widow mourning her fate, chapter 2 shifts focus to Yahweh's direct agency in the calamity, emphasizing His righteous wrath poured out due to the nation's profound sin. Verses 10-12 specifically detail the physical and emotional anguish of Jerusalem's inhabitants, particularly the elders and children, highlighting the widespread suffering. Verse 12 serves as a poignant climax to this description of human agony, underscoring the extreme famine and the tragic loss of life among the most vulnerable. This vivid depiction of suffering sets the stage for the prophet's own deep sorrow and the subsequent theological reflections on God's justice and eventual mercy found later in the book, particularly in [Lamentations 3](/lamentations/3 "Lamentations 3 - The Prophet's Hope in God's Steadfast Love").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the grim historical reality of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which culminated in the city's fall. Lasting for an extended period, as documented in [2 Kings 25:1-3](/2_kings/25-1-3 "2 Kings 25:1-3 - The Siege of Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 52:4-6](/jeremiah/52-4-6 "Jeremiah 52:4-6 - The Siege and Famine"), the siege led to an acute and devastating famine within the city walls. Food and water supplies dwindled to nothing, resulting in widespread starvation, instances of cannibalism (alluded to in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - The Desperate Act of Cannibalism")), and rampant disease. Culturally, the death of children, especially in such a horrific and public manner, represented the ultimate breakdown of societal order, the shattering of the family unit, and the complete annihilation of hope for the future. The image of children dying in their mothers' arms was particularly devastating in ancient Israel, a society that placed immense value on family lineage, the continuation of the covenant community, and the promise of progeny. This suffering was universally understood by the Israelites as the horrifying fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"), emphasizing the severe consequences of their persistent idolatry and disobedience to Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 2:12 profoundly contributes to several central themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, vividly portraying the severe consequences of Judah's rebellion against God, as repeatedly forewarned by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:1-6](/jeremiah/14-1-6 "Jeremiah 14:1-6 - The Famine and Drought in Judah")). Secondly, it underscores the **Horror of Famine and Siege Warfare**, painting a graphic and visceral picture of starvation so dire that even the most vulnerable—children—succumb to it, not from direct battle wounds but from sheer deprivation. Thirdly, the verse powerfully emphasizes the **Vulnerability and Suffering of the Innocent**, particularly children, which serves to amplify the tragedy and the profound depth of the national calamity. Their desperate cries and ultimate demise in their mothers' arms evoke intense **Pathos and Despair**, illustrating the complete breakdown of protection, provision, and societal order. Finally, it implicitly points to the **Sovereignty of God** even in judgment, as the prophet consistently attributes the suffering not to random chance but to the Lord's deliberate hand (e.g., [Lamentations 2:17](/lamentations/2-17 "Lamentations 2:17 - God's Fulfillment of His Word of Destruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swooned (Hebrew, _ʻâṭaph'_):** From H5848, meaning "to shroud, i.e. clothe (whether transitive or reflex.); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish; cover (over), fail, faint, feebler, hide self, be overwhelmed, swoon." In this context, `ʻâṭaph` vividly describes the physical collapse and profound weakness of the children, brought on by extreme hunger and dehydration. It suggests a gradual ebbing of life, a fading into unconsciousness that precedes death, emphasizing their utter physical depletion and the overwhelming nature of their suffering.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, meaning "properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it." Here, `nephesh` refers to the very life force, the animating principle of a person. Its "pouring out" signifies the complete and irreversible departure of life, underscoring the finality of their demise and the utter loss of vitality.
* **poured out (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** From H8210, meaning "to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e. to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc.); intensively, to sprawl out." When combined with "soul" (`nephesh`), this verb forms a powerful and tragic idiom for death. The imagery is of life draining away like a liquid, emphasizing the helplessness and irreversible nature of the children's death. It's not a sudden, violent end, but a slow, agonizing depletion, making the scene even more profoundly tragic and heart-wrenching.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They say to their mothers, Where [is] corn and wine?"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the dire context of the famine. The "they" refers to the children, who are so weakened by hunger that their only utterance is a desperate, plaintive plea for basic sustenance—"corn" (grain, essential for bread) and "wine" (a common drink, often diluted, providing some calories and hydration). This question is not merely an inquiry but a heart-rending cry of profound need and suffering, highlighting the mothers' utter inability to provide even the most fundamental necessities for their dying children.
* **"when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city,"**: This phrase vividly describes the children's physical collapse and the public nature of their suffering. "Swooned" (Hebrew `ʻâṭaph`) conveys fainting or growing so weak from hunger that they collapse. The comparison "as the wounded" is particularly striking and ironic; these children are not victims of battle, pierced by swords, but of starvation, yet their lifeless forms scattered in the public "streets of the city" mimic those slain in combat, emphasizing the indiscriminate and devastating nature of the famine, which was as deadly as any weapon.
* **"when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom."**: This final, deeply poignant clause describes the precise moment of death. "Their soul was poured out" is a powerful Hebrew idiom (`shâphak nephesh`) signifying the complete ebbing away of life, the last breath, the final surrender to death. The image of this happening "into their mothers' bosom" is profoundly tragic, emphasizing the intimacy of the children's last moments and the utter helplessness of the mothers, who can offer no comfort or sustenance, only a final, agonizing embrace as life departs. It highlights the ultimate breakdown of the protective bond between mother and child, a devastating symbol of the complete societal and familial collapse.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 2:12 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery** and **Pathos**. The verse paints a vivid, harrowing picture of starving children crying for food, collapsing in the public streets, and dying in their mothers' arms. This graphic imagery evokes an immediate and strong emotional response, drawing the reader into the profound suffering. The **Simile** "swooned as the wounded" is particularly impactful, as it contrasts the actual cause of death (famine) with its visual appearance (battle casualties), underscoring the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the devastation, where starvation is as deadly as warfare. The phrase "their soul was poured out" is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom** for death, likening the departure of life to a liquid draining away, emphasizing the finality, helplessness, and slow, agonizing nature of the children's demise. This masterful use of language creates intense **Pathos**, designed to elicit deep sorrow, compassion, and lament from the audience, highlighting the tragic consequences of Jerusalem's sin and God's severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 2:12 stands as a stark theological reminder of the severe consequences of covenant disobedience and the grim reality of divine judgment. While profoundly tragic and difficult to reconcile with a loving God, this scene is presented not as random misfortune but as the painful, yet righteous, outworking of God's character and His solemn warnings to His people. It underscores that God takes sin seriously, and His justice, though often delayed, will ultimately be executed. The suffering of the innocent, particularly children, amplifies the gravity of the nation's rebellion, demonstrating that the effects of sin are far-reaching, indiscriminate, and devastating. Yet, even within this bleak portrayal, the book of Lamentations, and the broader prophetic tradition, holds out the possibility of repentance and the enduring hope of God's steadfast love and compassion, which are new every morning, even in the midst of profound despair.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - The Horrific Curse of Cannibalism in Siege")
* [Jeremiah 14:18](/jeremiah/14-18 "Jeremiah 14:18 - Famine and Pestilence in the City and Field")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies Endure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 2:12 compels us to confront the devastating realities of human suffering, particularly when it stems from societal brokenness, rebellion against God, or the harsh realities of conflict and famine. This verse serves as a powerful call to empathy, urging us to feel the weight of suffering experienced by the most vulnerable, especially children, in our world today. It reminds us that sin has profound and far-reaching consequences, not only for those who commit it but for entire communities and generations. While the immediate context is divine judgment on ancient Israel, the underlying principles of cause and effect, and the human cost of spiritual and moral decay, remain timeless. We are challenged to examine our own lives and societies for areas of disobedience or neglect that might lead to suffering, and to respond with compassion, prayer, and tangible action for those who are afflicted. Ultimately, this passage, within the broader narrative of Lamentations, also points us to the enduring hope found in God's mercy and faithfulness, even amidst the deepest despair, prompting us to seek His face, confess our failings, and trust in His redemptive plan for restoration and healing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suffering of the children in Lamentations 2:12 challenge and deepen your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **What responsibilities do we, as individuals and communities, have towards the most vulnerable among us, especially in times of crisis and systemic injustice?**
* **In what ways might our own actions or societal choices, even indirectly, contribute to suffering, and how can we seek repentance and promote righteous change?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for the daily provision, protection, and peace that we often take for granted?**

### FAQ
**Why would God allow such extreme suffering, especially for innocent children?**

Answer: This is one of the most profound and difficult questions in theology, often referred to as the problem of evil and suffering. In the immediate context of Lamentations, the suffering is presented as a direct, albeit agonizing, consequence of Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against God, fulfilling the covenant curses warned about in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Disobedience"). While the children themselves may be "innocent" of specific adult sins, they are inextricably part of a corporate nation that has collectively turned away from God. The severity of their suffering underscores the gravity of sin and the holiness of God's character. It demonstrates that sin has devastating, indiscriminate effects, impacting all members of a community, regardless of individual culpability. The Bible teaches that God is just and righteous, and while His judgments are severe, they are always rooted in His character and His covenant faithfulness. This suffering also serves to humble the people, break their pride, and call them to repentance, ultimately pointing towards God's enduring mercy, as seen in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies Endure").

**What is the significance of the phrase "their soul was poured out"?**

Answer: The phrase "their soul was poured out" (Hebrew _shâphak nephesh_) is a powerful and deeply evocative idiom for death. The "soul" (_nephesh_) in Hebrew thought often refers to the very life force, the breath, or the animating principle of a living being. To "pour out" something implies a complete emptying, draining, or expending. Therefore, when combined, it vividly describes the complete ebbing away of life, the last breath leaving the body, signifying the finality and utter helplessness of the children's demise. Unlike a violent, instantaneous death, this imagery suggests a slow, agonizing process of life draining away, making the scene even more poignant and tragic. It contrasts with instances where "pouring out the soul" refers to pouring out one's heart in fervent prayer or grief before God (e.g., [1 Samuel 1:15](/1_samuel/1-15 "1 Samuel 1:15 - Hannah Pours Out Her Soul Before the Lord")), highlighting the context-dependent meaning of such idioms.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and mercy?**

Answer: Lamentations 2:12 is a stark portrayal of God's justice in action. The suffering depicted is understood within the biblical framework as a direct and inevitable consequence of Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and persistent rebellion against God. God, as a righteous and holy God, must judge sin. This verse illustrates the severity and comprehensiveness of that judgment, where even the most vulnerable are not spared from the devastating consequences of a nation's rebellion. However, the book of Lamentations is not solely about judgment. While it vividly describes the pain, it also serves as a profound lament, a cry to God that implicitly acknowledges His sovereignty and mercy. The very act of lamenting is an act of faith, appealing to a God who hears and can show compassion. Later in the book, particularly in [Lamentations 3](/lamentations/3 "Lamentations 3 - The Steadfast Love of the Lord"), the prophet explicitly pivots to God's enduring mercies and steadfast love, which are "new every morning." Thus, this verse, while emphasizing divine justice, sets the stage for a deeper understanding of God's multifaceted character, which encompasses both righteous judgment and boundless compassion for those who turn to Him in repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 2:12, with its harrowing depiction of children dying from famine and the complete breakdown of societal protection, serves as a profound backdrop against which the redemptive work of Christ shines even brighter. The suffering in Jerusalem was a direct consequence of sin, fulfilling the covenant curses that highlighted humanity's utter inability to perfectly obey God's law and earn His favor. In Christ, we see the ultimate answer to this brokenness and the divine judgment it incurred. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment that humanity deserved. Just as the children in Lamentations suffered an agonizing, slow death, Jesus, the Son of God, experienced unimaginable suffering and poured out His life, not due to His own sin, but as a substitutionary sacrifice for ours (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Jesus' Suffering for Our Sins")). He became a curse for us, redeeming us from the curse of the law (as articulated in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Furthermore, where the mothers in Lamentations were helpless to provide "corn and wine" and could only witness death, Christ offers true spiritual sustenance—He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), providing eternal life and spiritual nourishment that satisfies the deepest hunger and thirst of the soul. His death and resurrection overcome the spiritual death brought by sin, offering hope, comfort, and ultimate life to all who trust in Him, transforming despair into an enduring [hope that does not put us to shame](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Disappoint").

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

Ezekiel 30:24

And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man].

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.