Lamentations 2:21

KJV

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, [and] not pitied.

KJV (with Strong's)

The young {H5288} and the old {H2205} lie {H7901} on the ground {H776} in the streets {H2351}: my virgins {H1330} and my young men {H970} are fallen {H5307} by the sword {H2719}; thou hast slain {H2026} them in the day {H3117} of thine anger {H639}; thou hast killed {H2873}, and not pitied {H2550}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Youths and old men are lying on the ground in the streets, my unmarried women and young men have fallen by the sword. You killed them on the day of your anger, you slaughtered them without pity.

Berean Standard Bible

Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion.

American Standard Version

The youth and the old man lie on the ground in the streets; My virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword: Thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast slaughtered, and not pitied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 2:21 presents a deeply poignant and horrific scene of Jerusalem's utter devastation following the Babylonian conquest, depicting the indiscriminate slaughter of its inhabitants. It vividly portrays the bodies of young and old, virgins and young men, lying fallen in the streets, a direct consequence of God's fierce anger and unmitigated judgment. The prophet attributes this catastrophic suffering to a divine act of killing executed without pity, underscoring the profound consequences of the nation's persistent sin and rebellion against its covenant God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the second chapter of Lamentations, a book composed of five acrostic laments mourning the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Chapter 2 distinguishes itself by explicitly detailing Yahweh's active and direct role in the city's destruction, portraying Him not as a passive observer but as the primary agent of judgment. Unlike Chapter 1, which personifies Jerusalem's suffering and desolation, Chapter 2 repeatedly emphasizes the Lord's "anger" and "wrath," as seen from its opening verses (e.g., [Lamentations 2:1-8](/lamentations/2-1-8 "Lamentations 2:1-8 - God's Anger Against Zion")). Verse 21 serves as a grim culmination of the preceding descriptions of widespread famine, suffering, and the desecration of sacred spaces, underscoring the completeness of the divine judgment and the tragic loss of life across all demographics. It immediately follows a desperate plea for God to "look and consider" the suffering (cf. [Lamentations 2:20](/lamentations/2-20 "Lamentations 2:20 - Plea for God's Attention")) and sets the stage for the limited glimmer of hope and renewed appeal for mercy found in Chapter 3.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations 2:21 is the brutal siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, culminating in 586 BC. This cataclysmic event marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah, the destruction of Solomon's magnificent Temple, and the forced exile of its people to Babylon. The scene described—bodies of all ages lying in the streets, fallen by the sword—was a common, brutal reality of ancient warfare, particularly during siege warfare. Cities that resisted and were eventually conquered often faced such indiscriminate slaughter as a display of overwhelming power and a deterrent to future rebellion. Culturally, the loss of the Temple, the Davidic monarchy, and the promised land itself was not merely a political or military defeat but a profound theological crisis. It challenged the very understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and protection, as the people had long believed Jerusalem to be inviolable due to God's presence. The prophet's lament reflects the shock, despair, and spiritual disorientation of a people confronted with the horrific evidence of God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 2:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Indiscriminate Nature of Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's wrath, when fully unleashed, spares no one, regardless of age, gender, or social status. The suffering of "the young and the old," "virgins and young men" underscores the totality of the catastrophe and the pervasive reach of the divine decree. Secondly, the verse unequivocally asserts **God's Sovereignty and Active Role in Judgment**. The repeated "thou hast slain," "thou hast killed," and "not pitied" emphasize that this was not merely a consequence of human conflict but a deliberate act of divine retribution against a disobedient people, fulfilling the severe warnings of the Mosaic covenant (see [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). This leads to the third theme: **The Severity of Consequences for Unrepentant Sin**. The horrific scene serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness against God's commands lead to dire and devastating outcomes, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets prior to the exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Virgins (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** This word (H1330) refers to a young, unmarried woman, often implying purity, innocence, and vulnerability. Its inclusion alongside "young men" and "the young and the old" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the slaughter, reaching even those typically protected or seen as the future and hope of a community. The death of virgins was particularly grievous, representing not only the loss of individual lives but also the destruction of lineage, the cessation of procreation, and the obliteration of the nation's future.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** This verb (H2026) is a primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent," "kill," or "murder." Its use here underscores the intentionality, brutality, and finality of the killing. It is a strong, direct word that leaves no doubt about the violent nature of the deaths. The prophet attributes this direct action to God, emphasizing His active and deliberate role in bringing about the judgment, rather than it being a mere consequence of war.
* **Not pitied (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** The phrase "not pitied" comes from the root _châmal_ (H2550), meaning "to commiserate" or "to spare." The negation "not pitied" (לֹא חָמַלְתָּ, _lo chamalta_) is profoundly significant. It highlights the complete absence of divine compassion or mercy in the execution of this specific judgment. While God is inherently merciful and slow to anger, this phrase conveys the lamenter's perception that His patience had been exhausted, and His righteous anger was fully expressed, without restraint or softening, due to the magnitude of Israel's persistent sin. It signifies the full, unmitigated force of divine retribution, a stark departure from God's usual character of compassion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the horrific scene of widespread death and chaos. "The young" (_naʻar_, H5288) and "the old" (_zâqên_, H2205) represent the entire spectrum of society, from infants and children to the elderly, indicating that no demographic was spared from the catastrophe. Their lying "on the ground in the streets" (_chûwts_, H2351) paints a grim picture of public execution, unburied bodies, and the complete breakdown of order, dignity, and basic human decency in the once-thriving city.
* **"my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword;"** This clause specifies the means of death and continues to emphasize the devastating loss of the future generation. "My virgins" (_bᵉthûwlâh_, H1330) and "my young men" (_bâchûwr_, H970) refer to the unmarried youth, the very segment of the population that would ensure the continuation of the community and its lineage. Their being "fallen by the sword" (_chereb_, H2719) points to violent, military-inflicted deaths, a common and brutal reality during the siege and conquest. The possessive "my" (referring to Jerusalem or the prophet) underscores the deep personal anguish and communal grief over the loss of those who embodied the nation's hope.
* **"thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger;"** Here, the lamenter directly addresses God ("thou"), explicitly identifying Him as the ultimate agent of destruction. The verb "slain" (_hârag_, H2026) is forceful and unambiguous, leaving no doubt about the divine intentionality behind the calamity. The phrase "in the day of thine anger" (_yôwm_ H3117, _ʼaph_ H639) attributes the slaughter to a specific, intense period of divine wrath, indicating that this catastrophe was not random but a deliberate act of God's righteous judgment against the people's pervasive sin and rebellion against His covenant.
* **"thou hast killed, [and] not pitied."** This final clause reiterates God's active role and intensifies the sense of divine severity. "Killed" (_ṭâbach_, H2873) is another strong verb, often used for slaughtering animals, which here starkly emphasizes the ruthlessness and thoroughness of the act, almost dehumanizing the victims in the eyes of the lamenter. The concluding phrase "not pitied" (_châmal_, H2550) is particularly chilling and emotionally devastating. It signifies a complete and utter absence of compassion or mercy in the execution of this judgment, highlighting the unmitigated nature of God's wrath when His covenant people had exhausted His patience through their persistent idolatry and wickedness. It reflects the full, devastating force of divine retribution, a profound theological statement about the consequences of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 2:21 is rich with literary devices that amplify its emotional impact and theological message. **Parallelism** is powerfully evident in the pairing of "the young and the old" with "my virgins and my young men," which effectively emphasizes the universal scope of the devastation across all age groups and genders. The repetition of divine action, "thou hast slain" and "thou hast killed," creates a compelling sense of **Anaphora** and underscores God's direct, intentional, and active involvement in the judgment. The vivid descriptions of bodies lying "on the ground in the streets" and "fallen by the sword" employ potent **Imagery**, painting a gruesome and unforgettable picture of the city's demise and the profound suffering of its inhabitants. The prophet's direct address to God ("thou hast slain... thou hast killed") is a form of **Apostrophe**, lending a deeply personal, accusatory, and anguished tone to the lament. The entire verse is imbued with profound **Pathos**, designed to evoke overwhelming sorrow, despair, and horror in the reader or listener, mirroring the prophet's own intense anguish. Finally, the phrase "day of thine anger" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "day" represents the entire period and manifestation of divine judgment and wrath, rather than a literal 24-hour period.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 2:21 serves as a stark theological declaration concerning the gravity of sin and the righteousness of divine judgment. It reveals God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that He is not merely an observer of human history but an active participant who brings about consequences for covenant unfaithfulness. The perceived lack of pity described in this verse, while jarring and emotionally devastating, underscores the depth of Israel's rebellion and the necessity of God's justice to uphold His holy character and covenant integrity. This severe judgment, though painful beyond measure, was not arbitrary but a fulfillment of long-standing warnings, intended to lead the people to repentance and a renewed understanding of His holiness. It highlights that while God is inherently merciful, His mercy does not negate His justice, and there are times when His patience is exhausted, and the full weight of His righteous wrath is poured out.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Curses for Disobedience in Siege")
* [Isaiah 13:16](/isaiah/13-16 "Isaiah 13:16 - Prophecy of Babylon's Brutality")
* [Jeremiah 14:16](/jeremiah/14-16 "Jeremiah 14:16 - Consequences of False Prophecy and Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 2:21, though a deeply somber passage, offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the unwavering holiness of God. We are called to reflect on the devastating consequences of rebellion against a holy God, understanding that while His love is boundless and His patience long-suffering, His justice is equally firm and will ultimately be satisfied. This verse compels us to examine our own lives for areas of unrepentant sin and to cultivate a deep reverence for God's commands, recognizing the potential for severe divine displeasure. Furthermore, it challenges us to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering and judgment, trusting that His purposes are always just, even when they are painful and difficult to comprehend from our limited perspective. The historical reality depicted here should inspire a profound appreciation for the grace extended to us in Christ, who bore the judgment we deserve, and a renewed commitment to living in faithful obedience and humble submission to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the stark depiction of God's anger and perceived lack of pity in Lamentations 2:21 challenge or deepen your understanding of God's multifaceted character?**
* **What specific sins in our contemporary society or in our personal lives might evoke God's righteous judgment, and how should this verse motivate us towards genuine repentance and holiness?**
* **In what ways does this passage underscore the critical importance of covenant faithfulness and unwavering obedience in our walk with God, both individually and corporately?**

### FAQ
**Was God truly without pity, or is this a hyperbole of the prophet's despair?**

Answer: While the language "not pitied" (Hebrew, _lo chamalta_) is intensely emotive and reflects the prophet's profound anguish and immediate perception of the moment, it also conveys a theological truth: in the execution of this specific, severe judgment, God's usual compassion was indeed withheld. This does not mean God is inherently unmerciful or has ceased to be compassionate, but rather that His justice, provoked by generations of unrepentant sin, idolatry, and covenant breaking, reached a point where the full consequences of the covenant curses were enacted without mitigation. It highlights the seriousness of breaking covenant with a holy God, demonstrating that there are times when divine patience is exhausted, and judgment is poured out without restraint, as God Himself warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49-57 "Deuteronomy 28:49-57 - Further Curses for Disobedience"). The prophet's lament acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty over the calamity, even if it feels utterly devoid of mercy from a human perspective, serving as a terrifying example of divine wrath against profound sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 2:21, with its stark depiction of God's unmitigated wrath against sin and the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "day of thine anger" described here, where God "killed, and not pitied," foreshadows the ultimate judgment due to humanity's pervasive sin. Yet, in the greatest act of divine love and mercy, God did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all (cf. [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God's Love in Christ")). On the cross, Jesus became the spotless [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 anger that humanity deserved. He was "slain" and "killed" not for His own sin, but for ours, experiencing the very "not pitied" judgment so vividly portrayed in Lamentations, so that those who believe in Him might receive mercy and be spared from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the terrifying judgment on Jerusalem serves as a potent backdrop, illuminating the immeasurable grace and compassion extended to us through Christ's atoning sacrifice, transforming a scene of utter despair into the foundation of eternal hope and reconciliation with a holy God.

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

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

Zechariah 11:6

For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver [them].

Lamentations 3:43

Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.

Jeremiah 13:14

And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

Lamentations 1:15

The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty [men] in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, [as] in a winepress.

Lamentations 2:17

The LORD hath done [that] which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused [thine] enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

Jeremiah 18:21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their [blood] by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and [be] widows; and let their men be put to death; [let] their young men [be] slain by the sword in battle.