Lamentations 2:19

KJV

Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

KJV (with Strong's)

Arise {H6965}, cry out {H7442} in the night {H3915}: in the beginning {H7218} of the watches {H821} pour out {H8210} thine heart {H3820} like water {H4325} before {H5227} the face {H6440} of the Lord {H136}: lift up {H5375} thy hands {H3709} toward him for the life {H5315} of thy young children {H5768}, that faint {H5848} for hunger {H7458} in the top {H7218} of every street {H2351}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Get up! Cry out in the night, at the beginning of every watch! Pour your heart out like water before the face of Adonai! Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your babies, who are fainting away from hunger at every streetcorner."

Berean Standard Bible

Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.

American Standard Version

Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; Pour out thy heart like water before the face of the Lord: Lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger at the head of every street.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 2:19 issues an urgent, divine imperative to the beleaguered inhabitants of Jerusalem, commanding them to engage in desperate, unreserved prayer amidst catastrophic suffering. It calls for continuous, fervent cries throughout the night watches, urging the people to pour out their deepest anguish and petitions before the Lord, specifically on behalf of their starving and perishing children who lie faint in the city streets. This verse powerfully encapsulates the profound grief and utter helplessness of a people under divine judgment, yet simultaneously directs them to the only source of hope and intervention: God Himself, emphasizing that even in severe judgment, His ear is open to the cries of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 2:19 is strategically positioned within a chapter that graphically details the Lord's fierce and overwhelming judgment upon Jerusalem. Chapter 2 opens by describing how the Lord has "swallowed up" Zion in His anger, casting down her glory and showing no pity, portraying a vivid picture of the city's desolation, the temple's destruction, and the widespread suffering of its inhabitants, particularly the children (cf. [Lamentations 2:11-12](/lamentations/2-11-12 "Lamentations 2:11-12 - The Suffering of Children")). The preceding verses emphasize the overwhelming nature of God's wrath, fulfilled precisely as He had threatened (cf. [Lamentations 2:17](/lamentations/2-17 "Lamentations 2:17 - God's Fulfillment of Threat")). Amidst this profound lament and description of divine judgment, verse 19 emerges as a sudden, urgent call to action—a desperate plea for intercession. It marks a crucial turning point, shifting from merely describing the suffering to commanding a specific, intense response to it, providing a desperate, yet hopeful, appeal to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the devastating siege and fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian army in 586 BC. This cataclysmic event marked the destruction of Solomon's Temple, the end of the Davidic monarchy, and the exile of the Jewish people. The city, once the vibrant center of Israelite worship and life, was reduced to rubble, its inhabitants facing unspeakable horrors. The cultural context includes the common practice of lamentation in the ancient Near East, often involving public displays of grief, fasting, and fervent prayer. The mention of "watches" refers to the ancient practice of dividing the night into periods (typically three or four, depending on the era), indicating a call for continuous, vigilant prayer through the darkest hours. The horrifying image of children fainting from hunger in the streets was a grim reality of prolonged sieges, where food supplies were cut off, leading to widespread famine and unspeakable suffering, a direct consequence prophesied in warnings about covenant disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Consequences of Disobedience")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and its Consequences**, vividly portraying the severe suffering that results from God's righteous wrath against sin. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Desperate Intercession and Supplication**, presenting prayer as the only viable response when all human hope is lost. The intensity of the language—"cry out," "pour out thine heart like water"—emphasizes the raw, unreserved nature of this appeal. Thirdly, the verse brings forth the theme of **Compassion for the Vulnerable**, specifically focusing on the plight of the "young children" who are the innocent victims of the catastrophe. This evokes a deep sense of pathos and calls for a response rooted in profound empathy. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Accessibility**, implying that despite the severity of His hand, the Lord remains approachable for those who genuinely seek Him, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 62:8](/psalm/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Trusting God with Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, this word signifies to "rise" or "stand up," often implying a call to action or a change in posture. In this urgent command, it compels the people to rouse themselves from despair or inaction, to physically and spiritually prepare for intense prayer. It suggests an immediate and decisive response to the dire circumstances, moving from passive suffering to active supplication, a call to overcome the inertia of grief.
* **Pour out (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** From H8210, this verb means "to spill forth" or "to gush out," often used for liquids like blood or water. Figuratively, as here, it denotes an unrestrained and complete release of one's inner being—emotions, complaints, or petitions. It implies holding nothing back, a full and unreserved outpouring of the heart's contents before God, much like a vessel completely emptied of its water, signifying total transparency and vulnerability.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** Derived from H3820, "lêb" refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions and feelings but also the will, intellect, and conscience. When commanded to "pour out thine heart," it means to lay bare one's entire inner self—all thoughts, fears, sorrows, and desires—before the Lord, without pretense or reservation. It is a call for authentic, deep-seated prayer that originates from the very core of one's existence.
* **Faint (Hebrew, _ʻâṭaph'_):** From H5848, this word means "to shroud" or "to clothe," but also carries the sense of "to languish" or "to be overwhelmed." Here, it vividly describes the physical state of the starving children, who are so weakened by hunger that they are on the verge of collapse or death, their life force ebbing away. It conveys a profound sense of helplessness, imminent demise, and the extreme vulnerability of the innocent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Arise, cry out in the night:"** This is a twofold imperative, commanding immediate and vocal action. "Arise" suggests a physical and spiritual awakening from lethargy or despair, a call to stand up against the overwhelming tide of suffering. "Cry out" (Hebrew: _rânan'_) implies a loud, piercing, even joyful shout in other contexts, but here, in the context of lament, it signifies a desperate, uninhibited wail of anguish and appeal. The phrase "in the night" emphasizes the urgency and continuous nature of the prayer, as night was a time of vulnerability, heightened fear, and a traditional time for fervent petition, signifying a plea through the darkest hours.
* **"in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord:"** This clause specifies the timing, intensity, and recipient of the prayer. "In the beginning of the watches" means at the very start of the night's divisions, signaling a call to immediate and sustained prayer throughout the dark hours, indicating vigilance and persistence. "Pour out thine heart like water" is a powerful **metaphor** for unreserved, complete, and emotionally raw supplication. Just as water flows freely and without restraint, so too should one's innermost being be laid bare before God. "Before the face of the Lord" underscores the direct and personal nature of this appeal, emphasizing that the prayer is directed to the sovereign God (Adonai, H136), who is present, attentive, and the ultimate authority.
* **"lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children,"** This is another imperative, detailing the physical gesture and profound purpose of the prayer. "Lift up thy hands" is a common posture of prayer and supplication in the ancient world, signifying surrender, appeal, and expectation of receiving divine aid. The motivation is profoundly compassionate: "for the life of thy young children," highlighting the desperate concern for the most vulnerable members of society, whose very existence is threatened by the famine and siege.
* **"that faint for hunger in the top of every street."** This final clause provides the heartbreaking justification for the urgent prayer. It paints a stark picture of the children's suffering: they are "faint for hunger" (Hebrew: _ʻâṭaph' râʻâb'_), utterly weakened and near death due to starvation. The location "in the top of every street" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh chûwts'_) indicates their public and widespread suffering, visible to all, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the famine and the utter destitution of the city, making their plight a public testament to the severity of the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 2:19 is rich with powerful **Imagery** that evokes a profound sense of desperation and suffering. The "night" symbolizes a time of darkness, fear, and vulnerability, while "young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street" paints a vivid and heartbreaking picture of widespread famine and innocence perishing publicly, stirring deep emotional response. The most striking device is the **Metaphor** "pour out thine heart like water." This vivid comparison powerfully conveys the concept of unreserved, unrestrained, and complete emotional and spiritual outpouring. Just as water flows freely and without impediment, so the suppliant is to hold nothing back, releasing all pain, fear, and petition before God. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("Arise, cry out, pour out, lift up"), creating a sense of urgency and direct command, compelling the reader to immediate action. The profound **Pathos** invoked by the suffering children serves as a powerful emotional appeal, designed to stir the deepest compassion and provoke fervent intercession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 2:19 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer in extreme adversity. It teaches that even in the midst of overwhelming divine judgment and human suffering, God remains accessible and is the ultimate recourse. The call to "pour out thine heart like water" emphasizes that genuine prayer is not merely intellectual assent but a raw, unreserved, and emotionally honest outpouring of one's entire being before the Lord. This kind of prayer acknowledges human helplessness and absolute dependence on God's mercy and intervention. It also highlights God's compassion, as He invites such desperate appeals, particularly on behalf of the most vulnerable, suggesting that even in His wrath, His ear is open to the cries of His people. The verse foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on persistent and heartfelt prayer, even for seemingly impossible situations, demonstrating God's enduring invitation to His people to seek Him in their deepest distress.

* [Psalm 42:4](/psalm/42-4 "Psalm 42:4 - Pouring Out My Soul")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious, Pray")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 2:19 offers timeless and poignant lessons for believers navigating personal or communal crises. It compels us to move beyond passive despair and engage in fervent, unreserved prayer when faced with overwhelming circumstances. This verse reminds us that true prayer is not always composed or eloquent; it can be a desperate, raw cry from the depths of our being, a complete emptying of our hearts before God. It challenges us to cultivate a radical honesty in our communion with the Lord, holding nothing back—our fears, our pain, our anger, our confusion—knowing that He is both mighty to save and intimately acquainted with our sorrows. Furthermore, the specific plea for "young children" broadens our scope of intercession, urging us to look beyond our immediate needs and advocate passionately for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the suffering in our communities and around the world. Our prayers should be persistent, like those offered throughout the night watches, reflecting an unwavering faith that God hears and responds, even when answers are not immediately apparent, fostering both spiritual discipline and compassionate action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "pour out my heart like water" before the Lord in my current circumstances? Am I truly holding nothing back in my prayers?**
* **In what "night" (times of darkness, despair, or crisis) am I called to "arise" and "cry out" to God with renewed urgency?**
* **Who are the "young children" in my sphere of influence or in the wider world for whom I need to intercede with desperate compassion?**
* **How does the call to pray "in the beginning of the watches" challenge my commitment to persistent and vigilant prayer, even when I feel weary or hopeless?**

### FAQ
**What does "pour out thine heart like water" truly mean in the context of prayer?**

Answer: This powerful metaphor, "pour out thine heart like water," signifies a complete, unreserved, and unrestrained emotional and spiritual outpouring before God. Just as water flows freely and completely from a vessel, this phrase means to hold nothing back—to express every emotion, fear, pain, sorrow, and petition without reservation or pretense. It implies a raw, honest, and possibly tearful expression of one's innermost being, laying bare the soul before the Lord, trusting in His understanding and compassion. It is a desperate act of vulnerability and absolute dependence on God, acknowledging that only He can truly comprehend and respond to the depths of human suffering.

**Why is prayer emphasized "in the night" and "in the beginning of the watches"?**

Answer: The emphasis on praying "in the night" and "in the beginning of the watches" underscores the urgency, intensity, and continuous nature of the supplication. Night was traditionally a time of heightened vulnerability, fear, and often, intense suffering, symbolizing a period of darkness and hopelessness. The "watches" refer to the ancient practice of dividing the night into specific periods, meaning the call is to begin praying immediately as night falls and to continue diligently through its various segments. This indicates that the crisis is so severe it demands round-the-clock, persistent, and vigilant intercession, acknowledging that relief is desperately needed and only God can provide it, as seen in the biblical examples of night prayers (e.g., [Psalm 119:62](/psalm/119-62 "Psalm 119:62 - At Midnight I Rise to Give Thanks")).

**Is this verse only applicable to national catastrophes like the fall of Jerusalem?**

Answer: While Lamentations 2:19 is rooted in the specific historical catastrophe of Jerusalem's destruction, its principles are universally applicable to any situation of profound distress, whether personal, communal, or global. The call to desperate, unreserved prayer for the vulnerable, and the imagery of pouring out one's heart, transcend the original context. Believers today are encouraged to apply this verse when facing overwhelming personal trials, family crises, community struggles, or global injustices, understanding that God remains the ultimate refuge and source of hope, and that fervent intercession is always appropriate in times of great need, as seen in the broader biblical witness of prayer (e.g., [Psalm 50:15](/psalm/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")). The suffering of the innocent, particularly children, remains a powerful motivator for prayer in any era.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 2:19, with its raw depiction of suffering and desperate call to prayer, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ Himself embodies the ultimate intercessor, one who "poured out his soul unto death" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Christ's Suffering and Intercession")) not merely in prayer but in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. His agony in Gethsemane, where He "poured out" His soul in earnest prayer, sweating drops of blood, perfectly exemplifies the kind of desperate, unreserved supplication called for in Lamentations ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). He experienced the ultimate "night" of suffering and abandonment, taking upon Himself the very judgment that brought Jerusalem to its knees. Secondly, Christ is the compassionate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), including those sins that led to such profound suffering. His ministry was marked by profound compassion for the weak, the hungry, and the vulnerable, echoing the concern for the "young children" in the streets ([Matthew 14:14](/matthew/14-14 "Matthew 14:14 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Finally, in Christ, the ultimate answer to human suffering and the ultimate hope for a broken world are found. Through His resurrection, He conquered death and offers eternal life, transforming the "fainting for hunger" into spiritual nourishment ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the promise of a new heavens and new earth where there will be no more hunger, sorrow, or crying ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Believers are now invited to [approach the throne of grace with boldness through Christ](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"), knowing that He, our great High Priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ Our Sympathetic High Priest"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), enabling us to "pour out our hearts" to a God who truly understands and provides.

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 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

Psalms 119:148

Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Psalms 142:2

I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

1 Samuel 1:15

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.