Lamentations 3:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is my portion {H2506}, saith {H559} my soul {H5315}; therefore will I hope {H3176} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI is all I have," I say; "therefore I will put my hope in him.

Berean Standard Bible

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:24 serves as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and hope, emerging directly from the depths of personal and national despair. Following a vivid portrayal of suffering and desolation, the prophet articulates a pivotal shift, affirming that the Lord Himself is the ultimate inheritance, sustenance, and source of expectation for the soul. This verse encapsulates a deliberate act of trust, asserting God's absolute sufficiency and faithfulness even when all earthly comforts and securities have been stripped away, thereby providing a foundational truth for resilience and steadfast hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:24 marks a crucial turning point within the book, particularly within [Lamentations 3](/lamentations/3 "Lamentations 3 - The Prophet's Lament and Hope"), which is often considered its theological and emotional heart. The preceding verses, [Lamentations 3:1-20](/lamentations/3-1-20 "Lamentations 3:1-20 - The Prophet's Deep Affliction"), vividly depict the prophet's profound personal suffering and the overwhelming anguish of Jerusalem's destruction. This section is replete with imagery of divine judgment and human misery. However, beginning with [Lamentations 3:21](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21 - A Glimmer of Hope"), there is a remarkable pivot from lament to hope, initiated by the remembrance of God's steadfast love and mercies. Verses [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness") explicitly declare that "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." This theological bedrock directly precedes and provides the rationale for the personal declaration of hope found in verse 24, indicating that the prophet's hope is not baseless optimism but grounded in God's unchanging character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, written in the aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. This event represented an unprecedented catastrophe for ancient Israel: the loss of their capital, the desecration of their holy site, the exile of their people, and the apparent failure of God's covenant promises. The cultural understanding of "portion" (Hebrew: *chêleq*) in ancient Israel was deeply rooted in the distribution of land and inheritance among the tribes, signifying one's rightful share and source of sustenance. For the Levites, who received no territorial inheritance, the Lord Himself was declared their "portion" as seen in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). In this context of utter material and national loss, the prophet's declaration that "The LORD is my portion" elevates this concept from a physical inheritance to a spiritual one, asserting that even when everything else is lost, God remains the ultimate and sufficient possession.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sufficiency**, asserting that God alone is the ultimate source of satisfaction and security, transcending all earthly provisions. This theme echoes throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms, where God is described as the "portion of my inheritance" in [Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - God as My Inheritance") and the "strength of my heart and my portion forever" in [Psalm 73:26](/psalm/73-26 "Psalm 73:26 - God as My Strength and Portion"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Hope in Despair**, demonstrating that genuine hope is not the absence of suffering but a deliberate, faith-filled choice to trust in God's character despite dire circumstances. This is a profound theological statement that hope is anchored in God's faithfulness, not in the fleeting nature of human experience. Finally, it emphasizes **Personal Faith and Confession**, as the phrase "saith my soul" signifies a deeply internal, heartfelt, and volitional commitment to God, moving beyond intellectual assent to a profound, personal conviction that sustains one through trials.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the proper name of the self-Existent or Eternal God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Its use here emphasizes the personal, covenantal, and unchanging nature of the God in whom the prophet places his hope. It is not an abstract deity but the living, faithful God of Israel who is declared as the ultimate portion.
* **portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** From H2506, this word signifies an "allotment," "inheritance," or "part." In the context of ancient Israel, it often referred to one's share of land or possessions. By declaring the LORD as his *chêleq*, the prophet asserts that God Himself is his true and complete inheritance, his source of sustenance, satisfaction, and security, even in the absence of all other earthly provisions.
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to express declaring, affirming, or thinking. Here, "saith my soul" indicates a deep, internal, and heartfelt declaration, not merely an external utterance. It signifies a profound conviction originating from the innermost being of the prophet.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, properly "a breathing creature" or "vitality," used widely to denote the whole person, the self, life, mind, or heart. When the *nephesh* declares the Lord as its portion, it signifies a total, holistic commitment and conviction from the very core of one's being—intellectually, emotionally, and volitionally.
* **hope (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** From H3176, a primitive root meaning "to wait," "to be patient," or "to hope." This is not a passive wish but an active, patient, and expectant waiting. It implies a firm trust and confidence in the future, grounded in the character of the one hoped in. In this context, it is a deliberate act of placing one's confident expectation in the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is my portion,"**: This opening clause is a profound theological declaration. It asserts God's absolute sufficiency and supreme value. In a world where one's "portion" typically referred to a material inheritance or share of land, declaring the Lord as one's portion signifies that God Himself, in His very being and character, is the ultimate source of sustenance, security, and satisfaction. It means that even when all earthly possessions are lost, God remains the most valuable and enduring possession.
* **"saith my soul;"**: This phrase emphasizes the deeply personal and internal nature of the declaration. It is not a mere intellectual assent or a superficial statement, but a conviction that arises from the deepest part of the prophet's being—his *nephesh*, encompassing his mind, will, and emotions. It signifies a heartfelt, whole-person affirmation of trust and dependence on God.
* **"therefore will I hope in him."**: This concluding clause reveals the logical consequence of the preceding declaration. Because the Lord is his ultimate portion and source of all good, the prophet's natural and necessary response is to place his active, patient, and confident expectation in Him. This hope is not a blind optimism but a reasoned and faith-filled trust, anchored in the unchangeable character of the God who is his portion.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:24 employs several powerful literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, as "The LORD is my portion" uses the concept of a tangible inheritance or share to describe an intangible, spiritual reality. This metaphor elevates God from a mere provider to the ultimate possession, conveying His all-sufficiency. The verse also functions as a profound **Confession** or **Declaration of Faith**, a personal and deeply felt affirmation made in the face of overwhelming adversity. This confessional tone highlights the prophet's volitional choice to trust God. Furthermore, the verse presents a stark **Juxtaposition** with the preceding verses of lament and despair, marking a dramatic shift from outward circumstances to an inward, God-centered perspective. This contrast underscores the transformative power of faith and hope in the midst of suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:24 is a theological anchor, asserting that true security and satisfaction are found not in external circumstances or material possessions, but in the person of God Himself. This declaration of God as "portion" resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of divine sufficiency and covenant faithfulness. It teaches that even when earthly foundations crumble, the steadfast character of the Lord provides an unshakeable basis for hope. This hope is not a passive waiting but an active, patient expectation rooted in God's unfailing mercies, which are "new every morning" as declared in [Lamentations 3:23](/lamentations/3-23 "Lamentations 3:23 - God's New Mercies"). The verse challenges believers to reorient their deepest desires and ultimate trust towards God, recognizing Him as the supreme good and the source of all lasting joy and peace, regardless of present trials.

* [Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Chosen Portion")
* [Psalm 73:26](/psalm/73-26 "Psalm 73:26 - God is the Strength of My Heart and My Portion Forever")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:24 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual discipline for believers navigating life's inevitable seasons of loss, disappointment, or despair. In a world that often measures worth and security by what one possesses or achieves, this verse radically redefines our ultimate inheritance. It calls us to shift our gaze from fleeting circumstances to the eternal, unchanging character of God. When we declare, "The LORD is my portion," it is an act of profound faith, acknowledging that our deepest satisfaction and most enduring security are found not in earthly comforts, relationships, or successes, but in the very person of God. This declaration empowers us to cultivate a resilient hope, one that does not deny pain but chooses to anchor itself in God's faithfulness, knowing that His mercies are new each morning. Such a hope transforms our perspective on suffering, enabling us to face adversity with a quiet confidence that transcends understanding, as promised by the [peace of God](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). It reminds us that our true inheritance is not found in what we *have*, but in the One who *has* us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to seek your "portion" or ultimate security outside of God?**
* **How does understanding God as your "portion" change your perspective on material loss or unmet desires?**
* **What does it mean for your "soul" to declare the Lord as its portion, and how can you cultivate this deep, personal conviction?**
* **How can you actively choose to "hope in Him" when circumstances offer little immediate comfort or reason for optimism?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the Lord to be one's "portion"?**

Answer: For the Lord to be one's "portion" (Hebrew: *chêleq*) means that God Himself is the ultimate inheritance, source of sustenance, and complete satisfaction for the soul. In ancient Israel, a portion was typically a share of land or material inheritance, providing security and livelihood. By declaring God as their portion, the prophet asserts that even when all earthly possessions are lost, God remains the most valuable and sufficient possession, providing all that is truly needed for life and well-being. This concept is mirrored in passages like [Psalm 73:26](/psalm/73-26 "Psalm 73:26 - God as My Strength and Portion") where God is described as the "strength of my heart and my portion forever."

**How can one "hope in Him" amidst deep suffering, as the verse suggests?**

Answer: "Hoping in Him" (Hebrew: *yâchal*) in the context of deep suffering is not a naive optimism but a deliberate, active, and patient waiting rooted in faith. It involves a conscious choice to anchor one's expectation and trust in God's unchanging character, faithfulness, and promises, rather than in the shifting circumstances of life. This hope is informed by the preceding verses in [Lamentations 3](/lamentations/3 "Lamentations 3 - The Prophet's Lament and Hope"), which affirm God's "steadfast love" and "new mercies every morning" in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness"). It means looking beyond the immediate pain to the God who remains sovereign and good, trusting that He will ultimately bring about His purposes, even if the path is difficult.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:24, with its profound declaration of God as the soul's portion and the ground of hope, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the prophet Jeremiah's hope was anchored in the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, the New Testament reveals that this divine "portion" is fully embodied and made accessible through the person and work of Christ. He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" as stated in [Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God in Christ"), making Him the complete and satisfying inheritance for all who believe. Just as the Levites had no earthly inheritance but the Lord ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")), believers in Christ are called to count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Him ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ")), recognizing that He is their true and eternal inheritance. Our hope, which the prophet expresses as a patient waiting, is now a confident expectation grounded in Christ's resurrection and promised return ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")). He is not merely a part of our portion, but the entirety of it—our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). Therefore, when our souls declare, "The LORD is my portion," we are ultimately declaring that Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is our all-sufficient, eternal, and living hope.

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 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalms 16:5

The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my refuge [and] my portion in the land of the living.

Lamentations 3:21

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

Psalms 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Psalms 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:19

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them; for he [is] the former of all things: and [Israel is] the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts [is] his name.