Lamentations 2:15

KJV

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

KJV (with Strong's)

All that pass {H5674} by clap {H5606} their hands {H3709} at thee {H1870}; they hiss {H8319} and wag {H5128} their head {H7218} at the daughter {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}, saying, Is this the city {H5892} that men call {H559} The perfection {H3632} of beauty {H3308}, The joy {H4885} of the whole earth {H776}?

Complete Jewish Bible

All who pass your way clap their hands at you, hissing and shaking their heads at the daughter of Yerushalayim: "This city was called 'perfection in beauty'? 'the joy of the whole earth'?"

Berean Standard Bible

All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”

American Standard Version

All that pass by clap their hands at thee; They hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 2:15 powerfully depicts the utter public humiliation and profound devastation of Jerusalem following its destruction by the Babylonians. Onlookers, once admiring of the city's renowned splendor, now mockingly clap their hands, hiss, and wag their heads, expressing disbelief and derision at the sight of the once-glorious "perfection of beauty" and "joy of the whole earth" reduced to ruins. This verse encapsulates the tragic consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness, serving as a stark testament to the severity of divine judgment and the complete reversal of Jerusalem's esteemed status.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 2:15 is strategically placed within the second chapter of Jeremiah's lament, which shifts focus from the internal suffering of Jerusalem in Chapter 1 to God's active role in the city's destruction. Chapter 2 portrays Yahweh not as a passive observer but as the divine agent who has "poured out his wrath like fire" upon Zion, acting as an enemy against His own people ([Lamentations 2:4](/lamentations/2-4 "Lamentations 2:4 - God's Wrath Poured Out")). The preceding verses detail the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, describing how He has "swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob" and "thrown down in his wrath the strongholds of the daughter of Judah" ([Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - God's Destruction of Jacob's Habitations and Judah's Strongholds")). Verse 15 marks a pivotal shift in perspective, moving from the city's internal anguish and God's direct punitive action to the external reaction of those passing by. This public mockery serves as a bitter climax to Jerusalem's downfall, underscoring the completeness of its ruin and the profound shame inflicted upon it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Lamentations is the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC, following a prolonged siege. This cataclysmic event marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. In the ancient Near East, the fall of a major city, particularly a capital and religious center, was a profoundly humiliating event, often accompanied by public displays of triumph by the victors and utter disgrace for the vanquished. The gestures described in the verse—clapping hands, hissing, and wagging heads—were universally understood expressions of contempt, derision, and malicious joy at an enemy's downfall. For Jerusalem, once revered as the dwelling place of God and a symbol of divine blessing, to be reduced to such a desolate state and subjected to such scorn was the ultimate disgrace, a public spectacle of God's righteous judgment against His rebellious people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Public Humiliation and Scorn**, as Jerusalem, once a beacon of divine presence and beauty, becomes an object of international derision, fulfilling prophetic warnings of shame for disobedience ([Jeremiah 24:9](/jeremiah/24-9 "Jeremiah 24:9 - A Byword and a Reproach Among All Nations")). The stark contrast between Jerusalem's former exalted titles ("The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth") and its current state highlights the theme of **The Fall from Glory**, emphasizing the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. This leads directly to the pervasive theme of **Consequences of Sin and Divine Judgment**, as the devastation and public shame are presented as the direct result of Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God's covenant, a theme central to the book ([Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Shame")). The verse also implicitly touches on the theme of **Sovereignty of God**, as even the mockery of passersby is part of the unfolding of God's righteous, albeit painful, judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, meaning "to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative)." Here, it refers to those literally "passing by" the ruined city, emphasizing that the desolation is so complete and public that it is visible to all travelers. Their casual observation turns into active mockery, highlighting the city's fall from a destination of pilgrimage to a spectacle of ruin.
* **perfection (Hebrew, _kâlîyl'_):** From H3632, meaning "complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully." When paired with "beauty," it signifies an absolute, unblemished, and comprehensive beauty. This word underscores Jerusalem's former, idealized state, making the contrast with its present ruin all the more poignant and shocking to the onlookers.
* **beauty (Hebrew, _yŏphîy'_):** From H3308, meaning "beauty." This word directly describes the aesthetic and spiritual attractiveness of Jerusalem, particularly as the city of God. Its inclusion here highlights the tragic loss of its physical splendor and spiritual glory, which was once a source of pride and admiration. The question posed by the passersby directly challenges this former reputation, emphasizing the depth of its fall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All that pass by clap their hands at thee;":** This clause introduces the external observers and their initial reaction to Jerusalem's devastation. "Clapping hands" (H5606, _çâphaq_) is an ancient gesture, often signifying triumph, derision, or malicious glee at another's misfortune. It indicates a public, almost celebratory, mockery of Jerusalem's downfall, highlighting the city's complete loss of standing.
* **"they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem,":** This expands on the onlookers' scorn, intensifying the public humiliation. "Hissing" (H8319, _shâraq_) is a sound of utter contempt and disapproval. "Wagging their head" (H5128, _nûwaʻ_ for wag, H7218, _rôʼsh_ for head) is a common gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying disbelief, scorn, and malicious satisfaction, often directed at the suffering (e.g., [Psalm 22:7](/psalms/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - Mockery of the Suffering Servant")). The "daughter of Jerusalem" is a poetic personification, making the city's humiliation feel more personal and acute, like a vulnerable woman being publicly shamed.
* **"saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?":** This final clause reveals the content of their mockery, presented as a rhetorical question. It highlights the dramatic contrast between Jerusalem's former, renowned glory and its current desolate state. "The perfection of beauty" (H3632, _kâlîyl_ and H3308, _yŏphîy_) and "The joy of the whole earth" (H4885, _mâsôws_ and H776, _ʼerets_) were exalted titles for Jerusalem, particularly Zion, as the dwelling place of God and a source of spiritual delight (compare [Psalm 48:2](/psalms/48-2 "Psalm 48:2 - Mount Zion, Beautiful for Situation")). The question is laden with sarcasm and disbelief, emphasizing how far the city has fallen from its esteemed status and how shocking its ruin is to those who once admired it.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 2:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the depth of Jerusalem's tragedy and public disgrace. **Personification** is powerfully evident in the phrase "daughter of Jerusalem," which imbues the city with human qualities, making its suffering and public shame more visceral and relatable. This device evokes empathy for the city as a vulnerable entity undergoing profound humiliation. The verse also utilizes a striking **Contrast**, juxtaposing Jerusalem's former glorious titles—"The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth"—with its present state of utter ruin and public derision. This stark opposition amplifies the sense of irreparable loss and the severity of its downfall. Finally, the concluding **Rhetorical Question**, "Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?", serves not to elicit an answer but to underscore the profound shock and disbelief of the onlookers, while simultaneously highlighting the tragic irony of Jerusalem's fate. This question functions as a bitter taunt, cementing the city's humiliation and emphasizing the complete reversal of its fortunes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 2:15 serves as a poignant theological statement on the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the undeniable reality of divine judgment. It unequivocally demonstrates that God's holiness demands a response to sin, and while He is merciful, His justice is unwavering and absolute. The public humiliation of Jerusalem underscores that even a city uniquely chosen and blessed by God is not exempt from the repercussions of persistent rebellion. This scene of widespread mockery is a visible manifestation of the spiritual decay that led to its physical ruin, serving as a stark warning that spiritual decline inevitably leads to tangible consequences, both individually and corporately. The fall from such a renowned status ("perfection of beauty," "joy of the whole earth") illustrates the depth of God's displeasure and the complete reversal of fortune that sin can bring upon a people who abandon their covenant obligations.

* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "You Will Become a Byword Among Nations")
* [Jeremiah 19:8](/jeremiah/19-8 "Jerusalem a Desolation and a Hissing")
* [Ezekiel 5:14-15](/ezekiel/5-14-15 "Jerusalem a Reproach and a Taunt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 2:15 forces us to confront the painful reality of consequences for disobedience, not just for ancient Jerusalem, but for us today. It serves as a stark reminder that spiritual complacency and rebellion, whether in individuals or communities, can lead to a profound loss of blessing, purpose, and even public witness. The "perfection of beauty" and "joy of the whole earth" that Jerusalem once embodied speaks to the potential glory and influence of a life or community aligned with God's will. When we stray from His path, we risk becoming an object of scorn or a cautionary tale, losing our spiritual vitality and the profound joy that comes from walking in God's ways. This verse calls us to deep introspection: are there areas in our lives where we have drifted from God's standards, risking a similar spiritual desolation? It challenges us to cultivate humility, unwavering faithfulness, and a vigilant adherence to God's Word, lest we, too, experience the bitter fruit of spiritual decline and become a shadow of our former, God-given potential and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own life, or the life of my community, reflect a "fall from glory" due to unfaithfulness or spiritual complacency?**
* **How does the public humiliation of Jerusalem in this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **What "perfection of beauty" or "joy" (spiritual blessings, witness, purpose) might I be at risk of losing if I do not remain faithful to God?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a posture of humility and obedience to avoid the consequences of spiritual decline?**

### FAQ
**What do the gestures of "clapping hands," "hissing," and "wagging their head" signify in this context?**

Answer: These gestures are ancient, universal expressions of extreme contempt, derision, and malicious triumph over an enemy's downfall. "Clapping hands" (H5606, _çâphaq_) can signify either joy at an opponent's misfortune or a formal agreement to their ruin. "Hissing" (H8319, _shâraq_) is a sound of scorn and disapproval, often used to express utter contempt. "Wagging their head" (H5128, _nûwaʻ_ for wag, H7218, _rôʼsh_ for head) is a common gesture of mockery, disbelief, and malicious satisfaction at the sight of another's ruin, frequently seen in the Bible as a sign of derision towards the suffering, as in [Psalm 22:7](/psalms/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - They Shake Their Heads at Me"). Together, they paint a vivid picture of Jerusalem's complete public humiliation and the depth of its fall.

**Why was Jerusalem, once called "The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth," reduced to such a state?**

Answer: Jerusalem's fall was a direct and tragic consequence of Judah's persistent and systemic unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Despite being uniquely chosen by God and blessed with His presence, the people continually engaged in idolatry, injustice, and rejected the warnings of His prophets. The titles "The perfection of beauty" and "The joy of the whole earth" (compare [Psalm 48:2](/psalms/48-2 "Psalm 48:2 - Mount Zion, Beautiful for Situation")) reflected Jerusalem's unique status as the holy city, the dwelling place of God's temple, and a symbol of His blessing to the nations. However, God's covenant included severe curses for disobedience, and the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon was the ultimate fulfillment of these warnings, demonstrating that God's holiness and justice demand accountability, even from His chosen people ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 2:15, with its poignant depiction of Jerusalem's public humiliation and profound suffering, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jerusalem, the beloved city, became an object of scorn and derision, so too did Christ, the beloved Son of God, endure ultimate public shame and mockery. He was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men")) and subjected to the wagging of heads and taunts from those who passed by His cross ([Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Those Who Passed By Hurled Insults")). The "perfection of beauty" that Jerusalem once claimed is ultimately found in Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), embodying true divine perfection and the very essence of God's character. His suffering, unlike Jerusalem's, was not for His own sin but for the sins of humanity, as He took upon Himself the shame and judgment that we deserved. Through His atoning death, He transformed the ultimate place of derision (the cross) into the ultimate source of "joy of the whole earth," offering salvation and reconciliation to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The ultimate restoration and "perfection of beauty" is not found in a rebuilt earthly Jerusalem, but in the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, where God dwells eternally with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descending")), a city whose glory is the Lamb Himself ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")).

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 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Psalms 48:2

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

Ezekiel 25:6

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;

Psalms 50:2

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

Isaiah 37:22

This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.