Lamentations 2:16

KJV

All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

All thine enemies {H341} have opened {H6475} their mouth {H6310} against thee: they hiss {H8319} and gnash {H2786} the teeth {H8127}: they say {H559}, We have swallowed her up {H1104}: certainly {H389} this is the day {H3117} that we looked for {H6960}; we have found {H4672}, we have seen {H7200} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

All your adversaries open their mouths to jeer at you. They hiss, they grind their teeth; they say, "We have swallowed her up! This is the day we were waiting for, and now we have lived to see it!"

Berean Standard Bible

All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!”

American Standard Version

All thine enemies have opened their mouth wide against thee; They hiss and gnash the teeth; they say, We have swallowed her up; Certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 2:16 offers a stark and painful depiction of Jerusalem's enemies reveling in its utter destruction. This verse captures the malicious joy and triumphant scorn of those who witnessed the fall of the holy city, expressing their long-held desire to see Judah brought low. It portrays their open contempt through vivid imagery of hissing, gnashing teeth, and the declaration of complete conquest, highlighting the profound humiliation and suffering endured by the people of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 2:16 is situated within the second chapter of a book entirely dedicated to mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 2 specifically details the Lord's fierce anger and the comprehensive desolation He brought upon His people as a consequence of their sin. The preceding verses vividly describe the city's ruin, the death of its inhabitants, and the cessation of its religious life. Verse 16 marks a shift in focus from the direct action of God's judgment and the city's internal suffering to the external reaction of its adversaries. This shift intensifies the sense of shame and isolation, as Jerusalem's pain is compounded by the gloating of its foes, a common theme in prophetic literature when describing the humiliation of a defeated nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC was a cataclysmic event for ancient Israel, marking the end of the Davidic monarchy, the razing of Solomon's Temple, and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. This was not merely a military defeat but a theological crisis, as the city was considered God's dwelling place. Surrounding nations, particularly those who had long-standing rivalries or resentments against Judah (e.g., Edom, Ammon, Philistia), often celebrated its misfortunes. Their "hissing" and "gnashing of teeth" were culturally understood expressions of extreme malice, contempt, and triumphant derision. The act of "swallowing up" conveyed total annihilation, a common metaphor for complete conquest in the ancient Near East, suggesting that Jerusalem was utterly consumed, its identity and power obliterated. This public humiliation was a significant aspect of ancient warfare, designed to break the spirit of the vanquished.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 2:16 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book and wider biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as Jerusalem's downfall, though executed by human enemies, is ultimately understood as God's righteous punishment for His people's covenant unfaithfulness (e.g., [Lamentations 1:5](/lamentations/1-5 "Lamentations 1:5 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem")). Secondly, it highlights the **Malicious Triumph of Enemies**, a recurring motif in the Psalms and prophetic books where adversaries delight in the suffering of God's people (e.g., [Psalm 35:21](/psalms/35-21 "Psalm 35:21 - Enemies Taunt David")). This malicious joy intensifies the pain of the afflicted. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Profound Humiliation and Desolation**, emphasizing the complete and utter destruction of Jerusalem, leaving it vulnerable to the scorn of its foes. Finally, it subtly points to the broader biblical theme of **Anticipation and Fulfillment**, albeit from the perspective of the enemies, who saw their long-held desire for Jerusalem's demise finally realized, echoing the prophetic warnings of impending judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to hate," refers to those who are actively hostile, adversaries, or foes. In this context, it denotes the Babylonian forces and potentially other neighboring nations who harbored animosity towards Judah and rejoiced in its downfall. Their hatred is not passive but expressed through their aggressive actions and words.
* **hiss (Hebrew, _shâraq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be shrill," specifically to whistle or hiss. This onomatopoeic verb vividly describes a sound of scorn, derision, or predatory satisfaction. It conveys a deep-seated contempt and triumphant mockery, often associated with expressions of triumph over a defeated foe.
* **swallowed (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy." This powerful verb implies complete absorption, consumption, or annihilation. It suggests that Jerusalem was not merely defeated but utterly overwhelmed and devoured by its attackers, leaving nothing of its former glory and independence.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," referring to a day as the warm hours, but often used figuratively as a space of time defined by an associated term. Here, it signifies a specific, long-anticipated moment or period, emphasizing the enemies' conviction that this was the appointed time for Jerusalem's destruction, a moment they had eagerly awaited.
* **looked for (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect." This word highlights the enemies' long-held anticipation and eager waiting for Jerusalem's demise. It implies a sustained hope and desire for this specific outcome, now realized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee:"** This clause sets the scene, depicting a collective, unified action of Jerusalem's adversaries. "Opening their mouth" signifies not just speaking but doing so with aggressive intent, often in mockery, accusation, or a roar of triumph. It implies a public and unrestrained expression of hostility.
* **"they hiss and gnash the teeth:"** This vivid imagery describes the physical manifestations of their intense malice and satisfaction. Hissing (a sound of scorn or predatory delight) and gnashing teeth (a gesture of rage, frustration, or, in this context, triumphant malice) convey a visceral, almost animalistic, joy in Jerusalem's suffering. These actions are not just verbal but embody a deep-seated, contemptuous pleasure.
* **"they say, We have swallowed [her] up:"** This is the direct declaration of the enemies, a boast of total conquest. "Swallowed her up" is a powerful metaphor for complete annihilation and consumption, indicating that Jerusalem has been utterly overwhelmed, absorbed, and destroyed, leaving nothing of its former self. It emphasizes the finality and totality of the defeat.
* **"certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it]."** This final clause articulates the enemies' long-held desire and the grim satisfaction of its fulfillment. "Certainly" (Hebrew: `ʼak`) emphasizes their conviction. The repetition of "looked for," "found," and "seen" underscores their eager anticipation and the triumphant realization of their malicious hopes. It highlights their active role in observing and celebrating Jerusalem's downfall as a long-awaited event.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 2:16 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the depth of Jerusalem's humiliation and the malice of its enemies. **Imagery** is central, with the enemies "opening their mouth," "hissing," and "gnashing the teeth," creating a vivid, almost audible, picture of their scorn and predatory glee. The phrase "swallowed her up" is a powerful **metaphor** for complete destruction and absorption, emphasizing the totality of Jerusalem's defeat. The use of **onomatopoeia** in "hiss" (Hebrew: _shâraq_) brings the sound of their derision directly to the reader. The enemies' direct speech, "We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it," is a form of **direct discourse** that amplifies their triumphant malice and makes their gloating palpable. The repetition of verbs of perception and discovery ("looked for," "found," "seen") creates a sense of **climax** in their malicious satisfaction, underscoring the long-awaited fulfillment of their desire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 2:16, while focusing on the enemies' malicious triumph, indirectly highlights profound theological truths. The enemies' gloating serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the reality of divine judgment. While they believe they are acting on their own accord, the broader theological context of Lamentations and the prophetic books reveals that God often uses nations as instruments of His righteous judgment against His disobedient people. This verse underscores the deep pain of public humiliation and the spiritual struggle when it appears that evil triumphs. However, it also implicitly sets the stage for God's ultimate vindication of His people and His justice against those who maliciously delight in their suffering, reminding us that God's plan is sovereign even amidst apparent chaos.

* [Psalm 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "Psalm 74:10 - How long will the enemy scoff?")
* [Obadiah 1:12](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12 - Edom's Malice Against Judah")
* [Micah 7:8](/micah/7-8 "Micah 7:8 - Do Not Gloat Over Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 2:16 offers a sobering reflection on the nature of adversity and the human (and spiritual) response to suffering. It forces us to confront the painful reality that when God's people stray from His path, they can become vulnerable to the scorn and malicious joy of their adversaries. This verse calls us to a deeper understanding of the consequences of disobedience, not just in terms of divine punishment, but also in the public humiliation and spiritual distress it can bring. It encourages empathy for those who experience such profound defeat and shame, whether personally or communally. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder that while enemies may gloat in the present, their triumph is often fleeting in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. Our response to such moments should be one of humility, repentance, and a renewed trust in God's ultimate justice and faithfulness, knowing that His mercies are new every morning, even in the darkest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the malicious joy of Jerusalem's enemies in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of evil?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as the Church, inadvertently give "enemies" (whether spiritual or cultural) cause to gloat over our failings or divisions?**
* **How can the raw emotion of this lament guide us in expressing our own pain and humiliation before God when we feel defeated or mocked?**

### FAQ
**What does "hiss and gnash the teeth" signify in this context?**

Answer: "Hiss and gnash the teeth" are powerful, onomatopoeic expressions used to convey extreme malice, contempt, and triumphant derision. Hissing (Hebrew: _shâraq_) is often associated with scorn or predatory satisfaction, like a snake preparing to strike or a crowd expressing disapproval. Gnashing the teeth (Hebrew: _châraq shên_) typically signifies rage or frustration, but here, combined with hissing, it denotes a fierce, almost animalistic, joy and satisfaction at the downfall of Jerusalem. These actions are not just verbal but embody a deep-seated, visceral pleasure in the suffering of their enemy, highlighting their complete lack of pity and their long-held desire for Jerusalem's destruction. This imagery intensifies the humiliation felt by the besieged city.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Lamentations 2:16 vividly portrays the enemies' malicious triumph over a fallen Jerusalem, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the redemptive narrative of Christ. The suffering of Jerusalem, a consequence of sin, foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the Messiah, who would become the object of far greater scorn and malicious joy from His adversaries. Jesus, the true Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God, was "swallowed up" by the forces of sin and death, mocked and derided by those who "opened their mouth against Him" (e.g., [Psalm 22:7](/psalms/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - All who see me mock me")). His enemies, like those in Lamentations, believed they had achieved their long-awaited victory, declaring, "Certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it," as they crucified Him (e.g., [Matthew 27:39-43](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-43 - Mockery at the Cross")). However, unlike Jerusalem, Christ's being "swallowed up" was not a final defeat but a strategic descent into death that led to ultimate triumph. His resurrection demonstrated that the "day" of the enemies' perceived victory was, in fact, the "day" of God's greatest redemptive work, disarming principalities and powers (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities")). Thus, the despair of Lamentations 2:16 is ultimately swallowed up by the hope of the empty tomb, where Christ's victory transforms the enemies' malicious joy into their ultimate defeat, and the suffering of God's people finds its redemptive meaning in Him.

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

Psalms 35:21

Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen [it].

Lamentations 3:46

All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.

Psalms 56:2

Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up: for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High.

Job 16:9

He teareth [me] in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Job 16:10

They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.

Psalms 37:12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

Psalms 22:13

They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.