Lamentations 3:3

KJV

Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand [against me] all the day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely against me is he turned {H7725}; he turneth {H2015} his hand {H3027} against me all the day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Against me alone he turns his hand again and again, all day.

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long.

American Standard Version

Surely against me he turneth his hand again and again all the day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:3 encapsulates the profound personal anguish of the speaker, widely understood to be the prophet Jeremiah, who perceives God's relentless and direct opposition as the source of his suffering. This verse vividly portrays a soul overwhelmed by continuous divine discipline, feeling singled out and under an unceasing hand of judgment, reflecting the deep despair and isolation that can accompany intense periods of affliction and perceived divine abandonment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3 stands as a unique and pivotal chapter within the book, shifting from the collective lament of Jerusalem's destruction (as seen in [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - The Desolation of Jerusalem") and [Lamentations 2](/lamentations/2 "Lamentations 2 - God's Wrath on Zion")) to a deeply personal and individual cry of distress. The speaker, identified only as "the man" (גֶּבֶר), articulates a profound sense of personal suffering, distinct from the communal sorrow, yet intrinsically linked to the national catastrophe. This individual lament, particularly in verses [Lamentations 1-18](/lamentations/3-1 "Lamentations 3:1-18 - The Prophet's Personal Suffering"), describes a comprehensive experience of divine hostility, setting the stage for the dramatic theological pivot to hope and God's enduring mercies found in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Great Faithfulness"). Verse 3:3 thus serves as a stark depiction of the nadir of the prophet's despair before the eventual turn towards faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations is a direct response to the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, its destruction by the Babylonian army, and the subsequent exile of the Judean population. This event was not merely a political or military defeat; it was a profound theological crisis for Israel. The destruction of the Temple, the dwelling place of God, and the Davidic monarchy, God's chosen line, challenged their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness. In this context, the suffering was often interpreted as divine judgment for the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah himself (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The cultural understanding of the time often linked personal and national calamity directly to divine displeasure, leading individuals like the prophet to internalize the national suffering as a personal experience of God's disciplinary hand.

* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:3 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Discipline**, portraying God not as a passive observer but as the active agent of the speaker's suffering, a common biblical understanding of God's sovereignty over all events, including hardship (cf. [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - God's Sovereignty Over Calamity")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Profound Personal Anguish and Isolation**, emphasizing the "against me" aspect, which conveys a sense of being singled out and overwhelmed by suffering, a feeling of abandonment that resonates with many lament psalms (e.g., [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?")). Lastly, the phrase "all the day" emphasizes the theme of **Relentless and Unceasing Suffering**, indicating a lack of respite or relief from the perceived divine opposition, painting a picture of continuous and pervasive affliction that consumes the individual's entire existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725. This primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." It often implies a reversal or a change of direction. In Lamentations 3:3, it conveys the speaker's perception that God has turned His face or favor *away* from him, or even *against* him, indicating a profound shift from a posture of blessing or protection to one of opposition and judgment. This turning is not merely a withdrawal but an active reorientation of divine posture.
* **turneth (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):: H2015. This root signifies "to turn about or over," often implying a radical change, an overturning, or even perversion. While similar to `shûwb`, `hâphak` carries a stronger connotation of a complete transformation or a turning upside down, frequently associated with destruction or severe judgment (e.g., God "overturning" Sodom and Gomorrah). Here, in conjunction with "his hand," it powerfully reinforces the idea of God's active, decisive, and transformative action against the speaker, not just a passive turning away but an energetic, deliberate reversal of His disposition towards him.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. This primitive word refers to "a hand," specifically "the open one," indicating power, means, or direction. Figuratively, "the hand of God" is a common biblical idiom representing His power, authority, and active intervention in human affairs, whether for blessing, protection, or judgment. In this context, "he turneth his hand against me" is a potent metaphor unequivocally pointing to God's active, continuous, and forceful opposition and punishment. It signifies the direct application of divine power to inflict suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely against me is he turned":** This clause expresses the speaker's absolute conviction that God's disposition has shifted from favor to direct antagonism. The adverb "surely" (אַךְ - 'ak) emphasizes the certainty and intensity of this perception. The passive voice ("is he turned") or a reflexive sense indicates that God Himself has taken this posture, directing His attention and power specifically "against me," highlighting the deeply personal and isolating nature of the prophet's suffering. It is not merely a consequence of events, but a direct, intentional act of God.
* **"he turneth his hand against me all the day":** This second clause elaborates on the nature and duration of God's perceived opposition. The active verb "he turneth" (from `hâphak`) combined with "his hand" creates a vivid **metaphor** for God's active and continuous work of judgment. The "hand of God" symbolizes His power and action, here directed in a hostile manner. The phrase "all the day" functions as **hyperbole**, emphasizing the unceasing, relentless, and pervasive nature of the affliction. It suggests a complete lack of respite, signifying that the perceived divine assault is continuous, overwhelming, and consumes every moment of the speaker's existence.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify the speaker's profound despair. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the "hand of God," which symbolizes divine power and action. Here, the turning of God's hand "against me" vividly portrays God's active and hostile intervention in the speaker's life, transforming a general concept of divine power into a tangible, oppressive force. The phrase "all the day" employs **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, but to convey the overwhelming and unceasing nature of the suffering. It communicates a sense of relentless, uninterrupted affliction, where every moment is colored by pain. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by attributing human-like actions ("turned," "turneth his hand") to God, making His perceived opposition feel intensely personal and direct. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful element of **Lament**, a form of poetic expression characterized by cries of distress, appeals for help, and expressions of profound sorrow and perceived divine abandonment, all central to the book of Lamentations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:3 articulates a raw theological struggle that resonates throughout biblical literature: how can a righteous God allow or even inflict such intense suffering upon His people? This verse captures the agonizing reality of divine discipline, where God's sovereign hand, typically a source of blessing and protection, is perceived as a source of relentless affliction. It acknowledges the legitimate human experience of feeling utterly abandoned or opposed by God in times of deep crisis, even when such suffering is understood as a consequence of sin. Yet, the broader context of Lamentations 3, particularly the pivot to God's steadfast love and mercies in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Great Faithfulness"), suggests that even in the depths of despair and perceived divine hostility, faith can ultimately grasp the enduring character of God. The prophet's honest lament, therefore, becomes a model for bringing our deepest pains and questions directly to God, trusting that His nature is ultimately one of compassion, even amidst severe discipline.

* [Job 6:4](/job/6-4 "Job 6:4 - The Arrows of the Almighty")
* [Psalm 88:7](/psalms/88-7 "Psalm 88:7 - Your Wrath Lies Heavily Upon Me")
* [Isaiah 50:11](/isaiah/50-11 "Isaiah 50:11 - Those Who Walk in the Light of Their Own Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:3 offers a profound validation for those who find themselves in the crucible of suffering, feeling as though God's hand is actively against them. It gives voice to the raw, unvarnished emotions of despair, abandonment, and relentless struggle, assuring us that such feelings, though painful, are legitimate expressions before God. In a world that often pressures believers to maintain a facade of constant joy, this verse reminds us that honest lament and wrestling with God's sovereignty in suffering are vital components of a mature faith. It encourages us not to suppress our pain or question, but to bring them directly to the Lord, just as the prophet did. While the initial perception is one of unrelenting judgment, the journey of Lamentations 3 ultimately leads to a profound rediscovery of God's enduring mercies. Thus, our application is not to wallow in despair, but to acknowledge our suffering, express it authentically, and then, by faith, seek the ultimate hope found in God's steadfast love and faithfulness, even when His discipline feels severe and unending. This verse teaches us that even when we feel utterly broken, God remains sovereign, and His character, though sometimes expressed in judgment, is ultimately defined by compassion and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt God's hand "against you" in a season of suffering or discipline? How did you respond?**
* **How does the prophet's raw honesty in this verse encourage or challenge your own approach to lament and prayer in difficult times?**
* **Considering the broader context of Lamentations 3, how can we move from a perception of God's relentless opposition to a renewed understanding of His enduring mercies?**
* **What is the difference between feeling God's discipline and feeling abandoned by Him, and how does this verse help us navigate that distinction?**

### FAQ
**Does Lamentations 3:3 mean God is actively punishing individuals for every sin?**

Answer: Lamentations 3:3 reflects the prophet's deeply personal *perception* of God's active hand in his suffering, which is understood within the broader biblical context of divine discipline for sin, particularly national apostasy. While the Bible teaches that God does discipline His people (e.g., [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")), it does not imply that every instance of suffering is a direct, one-to-one punishment for a specific sin. Sometimes suffering is for refinement, to reveal God's glory, or simply part of living in a fallen world. The prophet's lament here is an honest expression of his experience of God's judgment on Judah, which he felt personally. It's crucial to interpret this verse within the larger narrative of God's character, which is ultimately merciful and faithful, as seen in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Great Faithfulness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:3, with its agonizing portrayal of one who feels God's hand relentlessly turned against him, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the prophet experienced a measure of divine discipline, it was Christ alone who truly bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath and judgment for the sins of humanity. On the cross, Jesus cried out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (from [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction") and [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoing the deepest lament of one who feels utterly abandoned and opposed by God. In that moment, God's hand was indeed turned against His Son, not for Christ's own sin, but for ours, making Him "who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through Christ's vicarious suffering, those who believe are spared the experience of God's hand being turned against them in judgment. Instead, believers find reconciliation and peace with God, knowing that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). The relentless suffering of the prophet points forward to the singular, all-sufficient suffering of the Lamb of God, who, by enduring the full force of divine opposition, opened the way for humanity to experience God's eternal favor and steadfast love.

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

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Deuteronomy 29:20

The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

Job 31:21

If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:

Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

Isaiah 1:25

And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

Lamentations 2:4

He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all [that were] pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.

Lamentations 2:7

The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.