Lamentations 3:27

KJV

[It is] good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is good {H2896} for a man {H1397} that he bear {H5375} the yoke {H5923} in his youth {H5271}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is good for a man to bear the yoke from his youth.

Berean Standard Bible

It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young.

American Standard Version

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:27 offers a profound piece of wisdom, asserting that it is beneficial for an individual to experience and endure discipline, hardship, or responsibility during their formative years. This verse, situated within a book of deep lament over Jerusalem's destruction, pivots from communal suffering to a personal reflection on the refining power of early trials, suggesting that such experiences are foundational for character development, resilience, and a life lived in alignment with divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:27 is nestled within the pivotal third chapter of the book, which marks a significant shift from the communal lament of chapters 1 and 2 to a more personal, yet representative, voice of suffering and hope. The preceding verses, particularly [Lamentations 3:22-24](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-24 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness"), powerfully declare God's unfailing mercies and steadfast love, even amidst profound judgment. This declaration of hope provides the theological backdrop for verse 27, suggesting that even the "yoke" of suffering or discipline is not without divine purpose. Following this, verses [Lamentations 3:28-30](/lamentations/3-28 "Lamentations 3:28-30 - Patient Endurance of Suffering") further elaborate on the appropriate response to suffering: quiet submission and patient endurance, reinforcing the idea that hardship, when borne correctly, leads to spiritual maturity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This period represented the ultimate national catastrophe for Judah, a direct consequence of their covenant disobedience. The "yoke" in this context would have resonated deeply with the literal burden of Babylonian oppression and exile, as well as the metaphorical "yoke" of God's judgment upon His people. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the yoke was a common agricultural implement used to harness oxen for plowing or pulling loads, symbolizing labor, submission, and discipline. Applying this imagery to human experience implies a period of training or hardship that shapes an individual for future responsibilities, much like an animal is trained for productive work.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Discipline and its Purpose**, suggesting that God uses even severe trials—like the national catastrophe—as a means of instruction and refinement, not merely punishment. This aligns with the wisdom tradition found in [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Lord's Discipline") and later in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines His Children"). Secondly, it underscores the **Value of Suffering and Hardship in Character Formation**. The "yoke" represents burdens, responsibilities, and challenges that, when embraced in youth, cultivate resilience, humility, and wisdom, preparing one for the complexities of adult life. Lastly, it touches upon **Hope Amidst Despair**, as the acknowledgment of the "good" in bearing the yoke in youth provides a glimmer of redemptive purpose even in the midst of overwhelming sorrow, echoing the hope found earlier in [Lamentations 3:21-24](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-24 - Hope in God's Faithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word carries a broad semantic range, encompassing what is beautiful, pleasant, beneficial, excellent, or morally upright. In this context, it signifies that bearing the yoke in youth is not merely tolerable but genuinely advantageous and conducive to a flourishing life. It implies a positive and desirable outcome, suggesting a foundational benefit for one's overall well-being and development.
* **bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to lift," "carry," or "endure." It implies an active, intentional engagement with the burden, rather than passive suffering. The act of bearing suggests a willingness to accept responsibility, to undergo training, or to patiently endure difficulty, indicating a formative process that requires effort and resolve.
* **yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_):** From a root meaning "to impose," this noun refers to a wooden bar used to harness animals for labor. Metaphorically, it represents a burden, discipline, instruction, or submission. In Lamentations 3:27, it signifies the various forms of hardship, responsibility, or rigorous training that shape an individual, preparing them for a productive and purposeful life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is good for a man":** This opening clause establishes the beneficial nature of the subsequent action. The word "good" (ṭôwb) indicates that what follows is not merely acceptable or necessary, but genuinely advantageous and conducive to human flourishing. It frames the experience as a positive, formative influence on the individual.
* **"that he bear the yoke":** This phrase is the core metaphor of the verse. To "bear" (nâsâʼ) implies an active, deliberate acceptance and carrying of a burden, not just passive suffering. The "yoke" (ʻôl) symbolizes discipline, responsibility, hardship, or rigorous training. It evokes the image of an animal being trained for work, suggesting that these experiences are instrumental in shaping character and developing capacity.
* **"in his youth":** This final clause specifies the critical timing for this formative experience. "Youth" (nâʻûwr) refers to the early, impressionable years of life. The implication is that discipline, responsibility, and even hardship are most effectively integrated and contribute most profoundly to character development when encountered during the formative period, laying a strong foundation for adulthood.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:27 primarily employs **Metaphor** and **Didacticism**. The central **metaphor** is the "yoke," which vividly represents discipline, burden, or training. By applying this agricultural implement to human experience, the verse effectively communicates the idea that just as a young animal is trained for labor, a young person benefits from early exposure to responsibility and hardship. This metaphor is rich, implying both the weight of the burden and the ultimate purpose of preparation and productivity. The verse also functions as **Didacticism**, offering direct instruction or moral teaching. It presents a timeless truth in a concise, proverbial manner, much like the wisdom literature found in Proverbs. This didactic quality makes the verse memorable and applicable across generations, serving as a guiding principle for personal development and the raising of youth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:27 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of divine pedagogy and the redemptive purpose of suffering. It asserts that God, in His sovereign wisdom, often uses the crucible of hardship and discipline, particularly in one's formative years, to mold character, instill humility, and prepare individuals for His purposes. This is not arbitrary suffering, but a purposeful shaping that builds resilience and deepens faith. The "yoke" can represent the burdens of obedience, the consequences of sin (as experienced by Judah), or the rigorous training necessary for spiritual maturity. Ultimately, it points to a God who is intimately involved in the developmental journey of His people, using all circumstances for their ultimate good and His glory.

* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Hebrews 12:11 - The Peaceful Fruit of Righteousness")
* [Psalm 119:71](/psalms/119-71 "Psalm 119:71 - It is good for me that I have been afflicted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:27 serves as a powerful counter-cultural truth in an age that often seeks to shield youth from all forms of difficulty and discomfort. It challenges us to re-evaluate the role of hardship, responsibility, and discipline in character formation. For young people, it is an invitation to embrace challenges, to accept instruction, and to understand that the burdens borne today are building blocks for a stronger, more resilient, and ultimately more purposeful future. For parents, mentors, and educators, it underscores the importance of fostering an environment where appropriate discipline, accountability, and the facing of challenges are seen as vital components of growth, rather than obstacles to be avoided. This verse encourages a long-term perspective, recognizing that the "good" derived from early trials may not be immediately apparent but contributes to a life of wisdom, humility, and spiritual depth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "yokes" or burdens did you bear in your youth that, in hindsight, proved beneficial for your character development?**
* **How does this verse challenge modern approaches to parenting or education that might prioritize comfort over discipline?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, encourage young people to embrace healthy challenges and responsibilities?**
* **How can a mature believer use their past experiences of "bearing the yoke" to mentor or encourage younger generations?**

### FAQ
**Does "bearing the yoke" imply suffering for suffering's sake?**

Answer: No, the verse does not advocate for suffering purely for its own sake. Rather, "bearing the yoke" refers to embracing discipline, responsibility, and the natural hardships that come with growth and training, particularly in one's formative years. The "good" (H2896, _ṭôwb_) implies a beneficial outcome, suggesting that these experiences are formative and contribute positively to character, resilience, and wisdom, preparing an individual for a more purposeful life. It's about the *purposeful* endurance of difficulty that leads to maturity, not a masochistic pursuit of pain.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of God's discipline?**

Answer: This verse is deeply connected to the concept of God's discipline. For the people of Judah, the "yoke" was largely the consequence of their disobedience and God's judgment through the Babylonian exile. However, even in this severe context, the verse implies a redemptive purpose: God uses these difficult experiences to teach, refine, and draw His people back to Himself. It aligns with the biblical truth that God disciplines those He loves, not to harm them, but to bring about righteousness and peace, as seen in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines His Children"). The discipline of youth, whether from human authority or divine providence, is presented as a valuable tool for spiritual and personal formation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:27 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly bore the ultimate "yoke" for humanity. While the verse speaks of the benefit of bearing a yoke in one's own youth, Jesus, though sinless, willingly embraced the "yoke" of obedience to His Father's will from His earliest days, growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth")). More profoundly, He bore the heavy yoke of humanity's sin and the Father's wrath on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He did not shrink from this ultimate burden, but carried it to its completion, demonstrating perfect submission and obedience, even to death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). For believers, Jesus then offers an invitation to exchange the crushing yokes of legalism, sin, or self-effort for His own "easy yoke" and "light burden" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). This new yoke is one of discipleship and humble submission to His loving Lordship, where the burdens of life are shared with Him, and His strength enables us to bear them, leading to true rest and spiritual flourishing.

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

Ecclesiastes 12:1

¶ Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:30

For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

Psalms 119:71

¶ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Psalms 94:12

¶ Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Psalms 90:12

¶ So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.

Hebrews 12:5

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: