Lamentations 3:19

KJV

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remembering {H2142} mine affliction {H6040} and my misery {H4788}, the wormwood {H3939} and the gall {H7219}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember my utter misery, the wormwood and the gall.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall.

American Standard Version

Remember mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:19 presents a poignant and deeply personal lament from the prophet, articulating the overwhelming and persistent memory of profound suffering. It vividly describes the intense anguish and desolation experienced by the speaker, symbolizing this bitter reality through the potent imagery of "wormwood and gall," substances known for their extreme bitterness and toxicity. This verse encapsulates a low point of despair, where the weight of past and ongoing affliction presses heavily upon the soul, serving as a raw and honest expression of national and individual grief in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:19 is situated within the central and longest chapter of the Book of Lamentations, a collection of five poetic laments mourning the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of Judah. Chapter 3 stands out for its unique blend of intense personal anguish and a pivotal theological turning point. While verses 1-18 detail the prophet's profound suffering and sense of abandonment by God, verse 19 specifically reiterates this depth of despair, setting the stage for the remarkable shift that begins in [Lamentations 3:21](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21 - The Hope of God's Mercies"). The preceding verses, such as [Lamentations 3:1-18](/lamentations/3-1-18 "Lamentations 3:1-18 - The Prophet's Personal Anguish"), describe the prophet as one who has "seen affliction" and been led into darkness, emphasizing the personal and inescapable nature of the suffering that culminates in the bitter remembrance of verse 19.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the devastating siege and fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, an event that marked the end of the Davidic monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The destruction of the Temple, the city walls, and the widespread slaughter and deportation of the population represented an unprecedented national catastrophe for Judah. Culturally, the people of Judah understood such calamities as divine judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience to the Mosaic covenant, as frequently warned by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The imagery of "wormwood and gall" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society familiar with bitter herbs and poisonous plants, often used symbolically in ancient Near Eastern cultures to represent curses, divine wrath, or the bitter consequences of sin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Profound Suffering and Desolation**, giving raw voice to the physical, emotional, and spiritual agony of a nation under divine judgment. The "wormwood and gall" imagery reinforces the theme of **The Bitterness of Experience**, portraying the unpalatable and toxic reality of their circumstances, a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness (cf. [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood")). Furthermore, the act of "Remembering" highlights the theme of **Persistent Grief and Trauma**, indicating that the pain is not fleeting but a deep-seated, recurring burden. This remembrance, however, is not merely self-pity; in the broader context of [Lamentations 3](/lamentations/3 "Lamentations 3 - From Despair to Hope"), it becomes the necessary prelude to acknowledging the depth of their need and turning towards God's unfailing mercies, thus subtly hinting at the theme of **Divine Discipline Leading to Repentance**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remembering (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** A primitive root, _zâkar'_ properly means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." It encompasses remembering, being mindful, recounting, and bringing to remembrance. In this context, it signifies more than a mere mental recall; it implies a deeper, persistent, and burdensome recollection of past and ongoing suffering. This indicates that the affliction is not forgotten but continually present in the prophet's consciousness, weighing heavily upon him and shaping his present experience.
* **Wormwood (Hebrew, _laʻănâh'_):** From an unused root supposed to mean "to curse," _laʻănâh_ refers to wormwood, a plant regarded as poisonous and therefore accursed; also translated as hemlock. In Scripture, it consistently symbolizes the bitter fruit of idolatry, injustice, or divine judgment. Here, it represents the intensely unpleasant and accursed nature of the suffering experienced by Judah, likening it to a poisonous, unpalatable substance.
* **Gall (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** Or _rosh_, this term refers to a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head), and generally signifies poison (even of serpents); also translated as gall or hemlock. This term refers to a poisonous plant, often identified as hemlock or poppy, known for its conspicuous head and toxic properties. It is frequently paired with wormwood to emphasize an even greater degree of bitterness, toxicity, or venom. In Lamentations 3:19, "gall" intensifies the imagery of wormwood, painting a picture of an experience so profoundly bitter and harmful that it is akin to consuming deadly poison.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remembering mine affliction and my misery,"**: The verse opens with the prophet's active and persistent recall of his suffering. "Affliction" (H6040, _ʻŏnîy_) speaks to a state of depression, misery, or trouble, often implying oppression or humiliation. "Misery" (H4788, _mârûwd_) denotes destitution or being an outcast, suggesting a state of severe maltreatment and abandonment. This clause establishes the internal, psychological burden of suffering, indicating that the pain is not just external but deeply internalized and continually re-experienced through memory, a constant companion to his present state.
* **"the wormwood and the gall."**: This second clause provides a vivid metaphorical description of the nature of the remembered affliction and misery. "Wormwood" (H3939, _laʻănâh_) and "gall" (H7219, _rôʼsh_) are potent symbols of extreme bitterness, poison, and divine judgment. They are not merely unpleasant but toxic, representing the utterly unpalatable and destructive consequences of Judah's sin and the severity of God's disciplinary hand. The pairing of these two terms intensifies the imagery, conveying an experience that is profoundly bitter, harmful, and spiritually devastating, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional impact and theological weight. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "wormwood and gall" are used to represent the extreme bitterness and toxicity of the prophet's suffering. These are not literally consumed but serve as powerful, visceral symbols for the unpalatable reality of affliction and misery, illustrating the destructive nature of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. The verse also employs **Parallelism** through the pairing of "affliction and misery" and "wormwood and gall," creating a rhythmic emphasis on the dual nature of his distress—both its internal, remembered experience and its bitter, poisonous quality. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the choice of "wormwood and gall" to describe the suffering; while the pain is real and profound, these substances represent the most extreme forms of bitterness and poison, underscoring the overwhelming and unbearable nature of the prophet's anguish and the depth of his despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:19 profoundly articulates the depth of human suffering and the reality of divine judgment. Theologically, it affirms that the consequences of sin can be intensely bitter and devastating, a truth consistently taught throughout Scripture. Yet, even in this raw expression of despair, the verse indirectly points to the necessity of fully acknowledging one's brokenness and the severity of God's discipline before true repentance and restoration can occur. It reminds us that God, though compassionate, is also just, and His judgments, while painful, are ultimately aimed at bringing His people back to Himself. The "remembering" of this bitterness is a crucial step in the journey from despair to hope, as it prompts a deeper reflection on the source of their pain and the unchanging character of God, who remains faithful even in judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood")
* [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "God Feeds Them Wormwood")
* [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21-23 "The Lord's Mercies Are New Every Morning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:19 offers a profound validation of the human experience of deep, persistent suffering. It reminds us that there are times when life feels intensely bitter, and it is permissible, even necessary, to acknowledge that profound grief and pain. This verse gives voice to the raw, unvarnished reality of affliction, whether it stems from personal choices, the consequences of collective sin, or the brokenness of a fallen world. For the people of Judah, the "wormwood and gall" were the bitter fruit of their national unfaithfulness, serving as a stark reminder that actions have repercussions, and divine discipline, though painful, is a reality. Yet, the placement of this verse within Lamentations 3 is crucial: it represents the deepest valley from which a remarkable declaration of God's steadfast love and mercies arises in the subsequent verses. Thus, Lamentations 3:19 teaches us that even in our most bitter moments, acknowledging the full weight of our suffering can be the very prelude to turning towards God, finding hope in His unchanging character, and experiencing the renewal of His compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wormwood and gall" have you experienced in your life, and how have you processed that bitterness?**
* **How does acknowledging the depth of pain, as the prophet does, prepare one for receiving God's comfort and hope?**
* **In what ways might our own "affliction and misery" be a consequence of choices, and how can we respond to such bitter experiences with repentance and reliance on God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "wormwood and gall" in biblical imagery?**

Answer: "Wormwood" (Hebrew: _laʻănâh_) and "gall" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh_) are powerful biblical metaphors for extreme bitterness, poison, and the dire consequences of sin or divine judgment. Wormwood is a plant known for its intense bitterness, often symbolizing the bitter fruit of idolatry, injustice, or divine wrath (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - God Feeds Them Wormwood")). Gall, often associated with hemlock or other poisonous plants, intensifies this imagery, representing something toxic, venomous, or profoundly unpleasant. Together, they paint a picture of an experience that is not just unpleasant but deeply harmful and spiritually devastating, highlighting the severity of the prophet's suffering and the judgment Judah faced. This imagery underscores the unpalatable reality of life apart from God's favor or under His discipline, serving as a stark warning and a vivid depiction of profound anguish.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:19, with its raw depiction of "affliction and misery, the wormwood and the gall," finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the prophet lamented the bitter cup of Judah's judgment, Christ willingly embraced the ultimate "cup of wrath" on behalf of humanity (cf. [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He tasted the bitter reality of human sin, becoming sin for us, enduring the full measure of divine judgment so that we might be reconciled to God (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "gall" offered to Jesus on the cross (cf. [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Jesus Offered Gall")) symbolically connects His suffering to the very essence of the bitterness described in Lamentations, yet His refusal to drink it fully signifies His conscious, unadulterated acceptance of the Father's will. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ transforms the "wormwood and gall" of our sin and its consequences into the sweetness of forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life, offering hope and healing where only bitterness once reigned (cf. [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")). He tasted death for everyone, that we might taste life eternal (cf. [Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone")).

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

Lamentations 3:15

He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.

Lamentations 3:5

He hath builded against me, and compassed [me] with gall and travail.

Nehemiah 9:32

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.

Jeremiah 9:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Psalms 89:50

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

Psalms 132:1

¶ A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, [and] all his afflictions:

Job 7:7

¶ O remember that my life [is] wind: mine eye shall no more see good.