Lamentations 3:20

KJV

My soul hath [them] still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.

KJV (with Strong's)

My soul {H5315} hath them still {H2142} in remembrance {H2142}, and is humbled {H7743} in me.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are always on my mind; this is why I am so depressed.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.

American Standard Version

My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is bowed down within me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:20 profoundly expresses the prophet Jeremiah's persistent and deeply internalized suffering, where the painful memories of Jerusalem's devastation and the exile remain vividly present in his consciousness. This verse captures the overwhelming weight of his grief, which has brought his very being to a state of profound humility and prostration, signifying not only intellectual recollection but a complete spiritual and emotional brokenness under the burden of affliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:20 is situated within the heart of a deeply personal and poignant lament, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, following the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem. Chapter 3 stands apart from the communal laments of other chapters, offering an intimate portrayal of the prophet's individual anguish. Verse 20 immediately follows a vivid description of his intense suffering in [Lamentations 3:19](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19 - Jeremiah's Affliction and Misery"), where he recounts "my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall." This sequential placement emphasizes the persistent and bitter nature of his memories. Crucially, this verse serves as the emotional nadir, a raw confession of despair, just before the pivotal turn towards hope and divine mercy that begins in [Lamentations 3:21](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21 - The Pivot to Hope"), where the speaker declares, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Lamentations is a direct response to the horrific events of 586 BC, when the Babylonian empire besieged, conquered, and utterly destroyed Jerusalem, including Solomon's Temple, and subsequently exiled the Jewish population. This was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis, as it challenged the people's understanding of God's covenant, His dwelling place, and His promises. The cultural context was one of national mourning, shame, and disorientation, as the very foundations of their religious and national identity were shattered. Jeremiah, as a prophet who had warned of these very calamities, experienced the fulfillment of his prophecies with immense personal sorrow, embodying the collective trauma of his people. His "remembrance" and "humbled" state reflect the deep psychological and spiritual impact of witnessing such unprecedented destruction and divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Lamentations. Firstly, it highlights the **Persistent Remembrance of Suffering**, illustrating how traumatic experiences are not easily forgotten but continue to weigh heavily on the soul, impacting one's present reality. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Humility Born of Affliction**, demonstrating that extreme suffering can strip away pride and self-reliance, leading to a profound internal brokenness and a posture of dependence. This humbling is often a prerequisite for a renewed turning to God. Finally, the verse encapsulates the **Depth of Despair**, portraying the utter desolation and feeling of being brought low, which is a necessary precursor to the eventual rediscovery of hope in God's unfailing mercies, as powerfully articulated in [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - God's Great Faithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** H5315, from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); soul, life, self. Here, "my soul" refers to the entire inner being of the prophet—his mind, will, emotions, and very essence. It emphasizes that the remembrance is not merely intellectual, but deeply ingrained in his core identity, affecting his vitality and inner state.
* **remembrance (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** H2142, a primitive root; to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; [idiom] still, remember. The phrase "hath them still in remembrance" uses a verbal form that denotes an active, continuous, and persistent act of recalling. It's not a fleeting thought but a constant, inescapable presence of the painful memories, indicating their enduring power over the prophet's consciousness.
* **humbled (Hebrew, _shûwach'_):** H7743, a primitive root; to sink, literally or figuratively; bow down, incline, humble. This word conveys a profound sense of being brought low, not just intellectually but physically and spiritually. It suggests a prostration, a sinking down under the immense weight of sorrow and affliction. This is a deep, internal humbling that strips away any sense of pride or self-sufficiency, leaving one utterly dependent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My soul hath them still in remembrance":** This clause reveals the persistent and pervasive nature of the prophet's suffering. The "them" refers to the "affliction and misery, the wormwood and the gall" mentioned in [Lamentations 3:19](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19 - Jeremiah's Deep Affliction"). It signifies that these painful experiences are not past events that have faded but are actively and continuously recalled by his entire inner being, dominating his thoughts and emotions. The memory is not passive but a living, tormenting presence.
* **"and is humbled in me":** This second clause describes the profound effect of this persistent remembrance. The overwhelming weight of these memories brings the prophet to a state of deep internal prostration. "Humbled" here implies a complete breaking of spirit, a bowing down of the inner self under the burden of grief and despair. It is a state of utter brokenness and lowliness, stripped of pride or strength, signifying a complete surrender to the reality of his suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "My soul hath them still in remembrance," attributing the human action of remembering to the abstract concept of the "soul," thereby emphasizing the deep, internal, and pervasive nature of the prophet's grief. The depth of his suffering is further conveyed through **Hyperbole**, particularly in "is humbled in me," suggesting an extreme degree of abasement and brokenness that transcends mere sadness. This intense portrayal evokes **Pathos**, drawing the reader into the prophet's profound emotional distress and fostering empathy for his suffering. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing this expression of deep despair immediately before the pivot to hope in the subsequent verses, highlighting the dramatic shift from the nadir of human experience to the rediscovery of divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:20 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human suffering and its potential to lead to spiritual transformation. It affirms that deep grief and the persistent memory of trauma are valid human experiences, even for those deeply connected to God. The "humbled" state is not merely a consequence of suffering but often a divinely ordained process that strips away self-reliance and pride, creating a posture of absolute dependence on God. This humility, born from affliction, is often a necessary precursor to receiving God's comfort and experiencing renewed hope, as seen in the subsequent verses of Lamentations 3. The verse thus speaks to the refining power of suffering, where brokenness can lead to a deeper, more authentic relationship with the divine.

* [Psalm 42:6](/psalms/42-6 "Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Discipline Yields Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:20 provides a profound validation for those who experience persistent grief, trauma, or deep emotional pain. It acknowledges that the soul can indeed hold onto painful memories, and that these memories can bring one to a place of profound humility. This verse invites us to embrace, rather than resist, the humbling process that often accompanies intense suffering. When we are brought low, stripped of our usual defenses and self-sufficiency, we become more open to the transforming work of God. It is in this state of brokenness and dependence that we can truly turn to God, not from a place of strength, but from a place of desperate need, allowing His grace to meet us in our weakness and set the stage for renewed hope and spiritual growth. The prophet's journey reminds us that even in the deepest valleys, acknowledging our brokenness can be the very path through which God begins to restore and rebuild.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do persistent memories of past suffering shape your present outlook and emotional state?**
* **In what ways has affliction led to a deeper sense of humility or dependence on God in your life?**
* **What does it mean for your "soul" to be humbled, and how might this state prepare you for a renewed experience of God's grace?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "soul" remembering in this verse?**

Answer: The term "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) in biblical thought refers to the entire person—not just the mind, but the emotions, will, and very life-force. When the text says "My soul hath them still in remembrance," it signifies that the painful memories are not merely intellectual recollections but are deeply ingrained in the prophet's entire being, affecting his vitality, emotions, and spiritual state. It emphasizes a comprehensive, pervasive, and persistent internal suffering, rather than a fleeting thought. This holistic understanding of the "soul" highlights the profound and all-encompassing nature of his grief, as seen in other passages like [Psalm 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Bless the Lord, O My Soul"), where the soul is called to bless God with all that is within.

**How does this verse relate to the turning point of hope in Lamentations 3:21?**

Answer: Lamentations 3:20 represents the absolute nadir of the prophet's despair, a full and unvarnished acknowledgment of his internal brokenness and the persistent torment of his memories. This deep, humbling experience is crucial because it sets the stage for the dramatic pivot to hope found in [Lamentations 3:21](/lamentations/3-21 "The Pivot to Hope"): "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." The profound humility and despair expressed in verse 20 are not an end in themselves but a necessary prerequisite. It is often from the depths of acknowledged weakness and brokenness that true, God-given hope can emerge. The prophet first fully embraces his suffering and lowliness, and only then is he able to "recall to mind" the steadfast love and mercies of the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:20, with its depiction of profound suffering and humbling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah's soul remembered the desolation of Jerusalem, Christ's soul bore the remembrance of the sins of the entire world. He was the ultimate "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "The Suffering Servant")), whose soul was "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death" in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). He willingly "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His humbling was not due to personal sin, but a voluntary act of self-emptying (kenosis) for humanity's redemption. Through His profound suffering and ultimate humbling, even to the point of death, Christ conquered sin and death, offering true and lasting hope that emerges from the depths of His sacrifice. His resurrection is the ultimate declaration that hope is found not by avoiding suffering, but by passing through it in faithfulness, just as we are called to suffer with Him to be glorified with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")).

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 42:11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalms 42:5

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

Psalms 42:6

¶ O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Job 21:6

Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

Psalms 43:5

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalms 44:25

For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

Psalms 146:8

The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: