Lamentations 3:21

KJV

¶ This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

KJV (with Strong's)

This I recall {H7725} to my mind {H3820}, therefore have I hope {H3176}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But in my mind I keep returning to something, something that gives me hope -

Berean Standard Bible

Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope:

American Standard Version

This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:21 marks a profound and pivotal turning point within the prophet's lament, transitioning abruptly from a lengthy description of deep personal suffering and national desolation to a deliberate act of recalling a fundamental truth that ignites hope. This verse encapsulates the transformative power of intentional remembrance, demonstrating that even amidst overwhelming despair and the direst circumstances, a conscious shift in focus can re-establish a foundation for spiritual resilience and an expectation of divine intervention. It stands as a powerful testament to the human capacity to choose hope by fixing the mind on enduring truths about God's character, rather than succumbing solely to immediate, painful realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:21 serves as the dramatic hinge in the Book of Lamentations, particularly within Chapter 3. The preceding chapters (Lamentations 1-2) vividly depict the horrific consequences of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's judgment and the people's intense suffering. Chapter 3, often considered Jeremiah's personal lament, delves into the depths of individual agony, with verses [Lamentations 3:1-20](/lamentations/3-1 "Lamentations 3:1-20 - The Prophet's Deep Suffering") detailing the prophet's profound sense of abandonment and affliction. Verse 21, however, shatters this unbroken narrative of despair, introducing a conscious, volitional act of remembrance that immediately precedes the profound declarations of God's unfailing mercies and faithfulness in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease"). It is the turning of the page from complaint to a renewed confession of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, written in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. This event represented an unparalleled national trauma for Judah: the loss of their capital city, the revered Temple (the dwelling place of God), the Davidic monarchy, and their very land. The people were exiled, and their covenant identity was shattered. Culturally, the "heart" (_lêb_) in ancient Israel was not merely the seat of emotions but the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making. Thus, "recalling to mind" was a holistic act of reorienting one's entire inner being. The profound theological crisis of how God's covenant promises could coexist with such devastation made the prophet's intentional act of remembering God's character all the more significant and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Hope in Adversity**, demonstrating that hope is not merely a passive feeling but an active, deliberate choice, even when circumstances are overwhelmingly bleak. This is a testament to spiritual resilience forged in the crucible of suffering. Secondly, the phrase "This I recall to my mind" underscores **The Power of Remembrance**, emphasizing the active and intentional nature of finding hope. It is an exercise in remembering God's enduring character and past faithfulness, rather than dwelling solely on present pain. This intentional focus is crucial for spiritual survival. Thirdly, while not explicitly stated within this verse, the "this" that sparks hope is immediately clarified in the verses that follow, specifically [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Unfailing Mercies"), which speaks of **Divine Faithfulness as the Source** of hope. This foundational truth about God's unchanging nature and His covenant loyalty is the bedrock upon which the prophet's renewed hope is firmly established, transcending the temporary trials.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **recall (Hebrew, _shûwb'_ H7725):** This primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, volitional act of turning one's thoughts and inner focus away from despair and back towards a specific truth. It is not a passive memory but an active redirection, a conscious effort to bring something back to the forefront of one's consciousness, often with the implication of restoration or renewal. The prophet actively chooses to reverse the direction of his internal gaze.
* **mind (Hebrew, _lêb'_ H3820):** Derived from a form of _lêbâb_, this word refers to "the heart," but its figurative usage is exceptionally wide, encompassing the feelings, the will, and even the intellect. It represents the very core or center of a person's being. When the prophet recalls "to my mind," he is engaging his entire inner person—his intellect to remember truth, his emotions to process it, and his will to choose to dwell on it. It implies a holistic internal reorientation, not just a fleeting thought.
* **hope (Hebrew, _yâchal'_ H3176):** This primitive root means "to wait," and by implication, "to be patient" or "hope." It conveys a sense of patient expectation and trust, often in the face of uncertainty. The hope expressed here is not a mere wish or a fleeting emotion, but a deep-seated confidence and anticipation rooted in the character of God. It implies a steadfast waiting upon the Lord, trusting in His ultimate intervention and faithfulness, even when immediate circumstances offer no visible reason for optimism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ This I recall":** The introductory "¶" in the KJV often marks a new paragraph or thought unit, indicating a significant shift. The pronoun "This" is intentionally left ambiguous here, creating anticipation for what follows. It points forward to the profound truths about God's character—His mercies, compassions, and faithfulness—that are explicitly articulated in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Unfailing Mercies"). The act of "recall" is active and volitional, signifying a deliberate choice to bring these truths to the forefront of his consciousness.
* **"to my mind":** The Hebrew word for "mind" here is _lêb_, which refers to the "heart" in its comprehensive biblical sense—the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. This phrase indicates that the prophet's act of remembering is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deep, internal, and holistic engagement. It is a re-orientation of his entire inner being, redirecting his thoughts, feelings, and intentions from despair towards the chosen truth.
* **"therefore have I hope":** This clause reveals the direct and inevitable consequence of the preceding act of intentional remembrance. Hope is not presented as a spontaneous feeling that arises from external circumstances but as a cultivated outcome, a logical result of consciously focusing on God's unchanging nature and promises despite the dire and overwhelming circumstances. It is a declaration of a renewed spiritual posture, born from a deliberate choice to ground his expectation in divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Most notably, it functions as a **Pivot** or **Turning Point** in the narrative, dramatically shifting the tone from the preceding twenty verses of intense personal suffering and national despair to a sudden declaration of nascent hope. This abrupt change is striking and underscores the verse's significance as a moment of spiritual breakthrough. The use of the demonstrative pronoun "This" at the beginning of the clause, followed by the act of recalling, creates a strong sense of **Anaphora** and **Anticipation**, prompting the reader to immediately question what "this" refers to, which is then powerfully revealed in the subsequent verses (Lamentations 3:22-23). This intentional delay builds suspense and highlights the foundational nature of the truths to be unveiled. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the overwhelming negativity and lament that dominates the earlier parts of the chapter, making the emergence of hope all the more impactful and miraculous. While subtle, there is also an element of **Personification** in giving the "mind" or "heart" the agency to actively recall, emphasizing the internal, volitional nature of this spiritual act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:21 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of biblical hope, distinguishing it sharply from mere optimism or wishful thinking. This hope is not grounded in changing circumstances or fleeting emotions, but in the unchanging character and covenant faithfulness of God. It asserts that even when all earthly foundations crumble, the divine attributes of mercy, compassion, and faithfulness remain steadfast, providing an unshakeable bedrock for the human spirit. The prophet's act of "recalling to mind" is a theological discipline, a conscious re-engagement with God's revealed truth, which then becomes the wellspring of hope. This demonstrates that hope is not merely a feeling to be waited for, but a theological virtue to be actively cultivated through remembrance and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of profound suffering and divine judgment.

* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-5 - Hope Through Suffering")
* [Psalm 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:21 offers a timeless and profoundly practical message for anyone navigating overwhelming difficulties, personal grief, or national crises. It teaches us that while suffering is undeniably real and deeply painful, our spiritual and emotional outlook is significantly influenced by what we choose to dwell upon. When despair threatens to consume us, this verse provides a powerful spiritual discipline: the active and intentional shift of our focus from the crushing weight of circumstances to the unchanging character of God—His mercy, compassion, and unwavering faithfulness. This conscious act of remembrance, a "turning back to the heart" of divine truth, is not a denial of pain but a strategic re-orientation of our inner being. It empowers us to cultivate hope even when immediate circumstances offer little comfort, reminding us that true resilience is forged not by escaping suffering, but by fixing our minds on eternal truths. In a world prone to anxiety and hopelessness, Lamentations 3:21 calls us to a daily, deliberate practice of recalling God's goodness, allowing His truth to transform our perspective and infuse our lives with enduring hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "truths" about God's character, as revealed in Scripture, do you need to actively recall to your mind in your current season of life or in moments of despair?**
* **How does intentionally shifting your focus from overwhelming circumstances to God's faithfulness and promises practically change your emotional and spiritual state?**
* **In what tangible ways can you cultivate the discipline of "recalling to mind" God's goodness and promises daily, making it a conscious spiritual practice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "This I recall to my mind" in Lamentations 3:21?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because it marks a deliberate, volitional act of the prophet to shift his focus from overwhelming despair to a specific, foundational truth that serves as the basis for hope. The Hebrew word for "mind" (_lêb_) encompasses not just intellectual thought but also emotions and the will. Therefore, "recalling to my mind" signifies a holistic reorientation of his entire inner being—his intellect remembering, his emotions processing, and his will choosing to dwell on something other than his immediate pain. This active remembrance is crucial because it is the prerequisite for the hope that immediately follows, demonstrating that hope is often a cultivated choice, not merely a passive feeling.

**How does Lamentations 3:21 relate to the verses that follow it?**

Answer: Lamentations 3:21 acts as a pivotal introductory statement to the profound theological truths revealed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease"). The "this" that the prophet recalls to mind is explicitly clarified in these subsequent verses: "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." These verses provide the solid theological bedrock for the hope expressed in verse 21. The prophet's hope is not a baseless optimism but is firmly grounded in God's unchanging character—His enduring mercy, unfailing compassion, and great faithfulness—which stands in stark contrast to the changing, devastating circumstances of Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:21, with its profound pivot from despair to hope through intentional remembrance of God's character, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "this" that the prophet recalls—God's mercies, compassions, and faithfulness—is perfectly embodied and eternally secured in the person and work of Christ. He is the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is the supreme demonstration of divine mercy and compassion, as declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). For believers, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the ultimate historical event that grounds our living hope, transforming a mere expectation into an assured reality, as proclaimed in [1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection"). When we "recall to mind" the finished work of Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—we are not merely remembering historical facts, but actively engaging with the truth of God's redemptive plan, which empowers us to endure suffering with steadfast hope, knowing that in Christ, all things work together for good ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")). The Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of hope," enables us to fix our minds on things above, where Christ is seated ([Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")), filling us with all joy and peace in believing ([Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope")). Thus, the prophet's ancient act of choosing hope becomes a powerful foreshadowing of the Christian's ongoing call to find their ultimate hope in the unshakeable faithfulness of God, perfectly revealed and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Psalms 130:7

Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.

Psalms 77:7

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?

Psalms 77:11

¶ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

Psalms 119:81

¶ CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: [but] I hope in thy word.

Lamentations 3:24

The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentations 3:29

He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.