He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne [it] upon him.
He sitteth {H3427} alone {H910} and keepeth silence {H1826}, because he hath borne {H5190} it upon him.
Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him.
Let him sit alone in silence, for God has disciplined him.
Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he hath laid it upon him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
-
Jeremiah 15:17
I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. -
Lamentations 2:10
¶ The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, [and] keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground. -
Psalms 102:7
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. -
Psalms 39:9
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].
Context of Lamentations 3:28
Lamentations is a book of profound sorrow, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, written in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians and the subsequent exile of Judah. Chapter 3 is a pivotal section, beginning with the prophet's deep personal anguish but gradually shifting towards a glimmer of hope and a profound reflection on God's character and purposes, even amidst severe suffering. Verses leading up to Lamentations 3:28, particularly Lamentations 3:25-27, speak of the goodness of the Lord to those who wait for Him and the benefit of bearing the yoke in one's youth. Verse 28 describes the appropriate posture of one who has accepted a heavy burden or divine discipline.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase translated "borne [it] upon him" is נָטַל עָלָיו (*natal alav*). The verb *natal* means "to lift, to bear, to take up, to carry." When combined with *alav* ("upon him"), it strongly conveys the idea of having a burden placed upon oneself, or willingly taking it up. It signifies accepting a heavy load or a difficult responsibility. In the context of Lamentations, it refers to the weight of God's judgment or the severe consequences of national sin. It implies a recognition that this burden is not random but has been laid upon the individual or nation, requiring a response of humble acceptance rather than futile struggle.
Practical Application
Lamentations 3:28 offers profound guidance for believers facing personal suffering, trials, or consequences of their actions.