Lamentations 3:31

KJV

For the Lord will not cast off for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

For the Lord {H136} will not cast off {H2186} for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For rejection by Adonai does not last forever.

Berean Standard Bible

For the Lord will not cast us off forever.

American Standard Version

For the Lord will not cast off for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:31, "For the Lord will not cast off for ever," emerges as a profound declaration of divine steadfastness and enduring hope within a book otherwise steeped in the anguish of national catastrophe and spiritual lament. This verse serves as a pivotal theological anchor, asserting that even in the throes of severe judgment and apparent abandonment, God's ultimate disposition towards His covenant people is not one of perpetual rejection but of merciful discipline, holding forth the promise of eventual restoration and unfailing compassion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:31 is strategically positioned within the emotional and theological heart of the book, specifically within a crucial turning point spanning [Lamentations 3:21-33](/lamentations/3-21-33 "Lamentations 3:21-33 - The Pivot to Hope"). Following two chapters of intense, unmitigated grief over Jerusalem's destruction and the suffering of its inhabitants, and preceding a return to lament, this central section offers a profound shift. Jeremiah consciously chooses to "call to mind" God's enduring mercies, even as he recounts his own deep affliction. Verse 31 directly follows affirmations of God's goodness to those who wait for Him and the necessity of bearing the yoke in youth. It precedes further declarations that God does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men, setting up a theological framework where divine discipline, though painful, is not arbitrary or eternal. This verse provides the foundational assurance that undergirds the hope expressed in the subsequent verses, particularly the renowned declaration of God's "great mercies" that are "new every morning" in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies Are New Every Morning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations is a poetic response to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. This event represented an unparalleled national and spiritual trauma for Judah. The people faced not only physical devastation, famine, and death but also a profound theological crisis: Had God abandoned His covenant promises? Had He permanently rejected His chosen people? The cultural understanding of divine judgment often included the idea of complete and utter destruction for grievous sin. In this context, the assertion that "the Lord will not cast off for ever" directly confronts the prevailing despair and the fear of permanent divine rejection. It speaks to a people who felt utterly forsaken, challenging their perception of God's wrath as final and irreversible, and instead reasserting His covenant faithfulness even amidst the most severe consequences of their disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:31 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Enduring Faithfulness** despite human sin and severe judgment. Even when His people experience the dire consequences of their actions, God's ultimate nature is one of unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that His wrath is temporary, but His love and compassion endure. Secondly, the verse introduces a vital element of **Hope Amidst Despair**. In the darkest hour of national tragedy, it serves as a beacon, reminding the suffering remnant that divine discipline has a limit and that God's ultimate intention is not perpetual abandonment. This hope is further elaborated in [Lamentations 3:22-26](/lamentations/3-22-26 "The Hope of God's Steadfast Love"). Thirdly, it highlights the **Temporary Nature of Divine Discipline**. The phrase "will not cast off for ever" emphasizes that God's corrective actions, though painful and necessary for purification and repentance, are not designed for the utter destruction or permanent rejection of His people. Instead, His discipline serves a redemptive purpose, aiming to draw His people back into right relationship with Him, as echoed in the New Testament's understanding of God's fatherly correction in [Hebrews 12:6-11](/hebrews/12-6-11 "God Disciplines Those He Loves").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This is an emphatic form of the Hebrew word for "master" or "lord," used here as a proper name for God. Its use signifies God's absolute sovereignty, authority, and ownership. When Jeremiah states "the Lord will not cast off," he is appealing to the ultimate, unchanging character of the Sovereign God, emphasizing that this promise is rooted in His very nature and not in human merit or fleeting circumstances. It underscores the reliability and power of the one making the declaration.
* **cast off (Hebrew, _zânach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to push aside," "reject," "forsake," or "fail." The negation ("will not cast off") is crucial, indicating that while God may temporarily withdraw His favor or allow consequences, His rejection is not absolute or final. It implies that the current state of suffering and apparent abandonment is not God's ultimate and eternal disposition towards His people. The severity of the word "zanach" highlights the depth of the perceived rejection, making the "not" even more powerful.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "concealed" or "the vanishing point," generally refers to "time out of mind," encompassing both past and future eternity. It can mean "always," "eternal," "perpetual," or "of old." In this context, when combined with the negation "will not cast off," it emphatically declares that God's rejection, though real and painful in the present, will not extend into perpetuity. It provides a definitive boundary to the period of divine wrath and judgment, assuring that a time of restoration or renewed favor will eventually come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Lord":** This introductory phrase grounds the subsequent declaration in the immutable character of God, specifically referred to by the emphatic title _ʼĂdônây_. It signals that the truth being proclaimed is not based on human sentiment or circumstance, but on the sovereign, unchanging nature of the divine. It implies a divine promise and an act of divine will.
* **"will not cast off":** This is the core negation and promise of the verse. The verb _zânach_ (cast off, reject) acknowledges the painful reality of Judah's present experience—they felt utterly rejected by God due to their sins. However, the emphatic "will not" provides a powerful counter-assertion, declaring that this rejection, severe as it is, is not God's final or ultimate intention. It implies a temporary withdrawal or discipline rather than a permanent severing of relationship.
* **"for ever":** The Hebrew term _ʻôwlâm_ here acts as a temporal qualifier, emphasizing the non-perpetual nature of God's "casting off." While the people might feel an eternal abandonment, this phrase assures them that the period of judgment and suffering has a divinely appointed limit. It points to a future beyond the current despair, a time when God's favor will return, and His covenant promises will be reaffirmed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Most prominently, it utilizes **Contrast**, setting the immediate experience of profound suffering and perceived abandonment against the enduring truth of God's character. This contrast provides a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming despair that characterizes much of the book. There is also a strong element of **Affirmation** or **Declaration**, as the prophet moves from lament to a definitive statement about God's nature, serving as a theological anchor for the suffering people. The phrase functions as a **Divine Promise**, offering assurance that God's covenant faithfulness remains, even when His people are under severe discipline. Furthermore, the use of the negative "will not" combined with the temporal "for ever" creates a powerful **Litotes**, emphasizing the certainty of God's eventual restoration by denying the opposite (eternal rejection). This rhetorical device strengthens the message of hope and divine steadfastness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:31 serves as a profound theological statement, affirming God's enduring covenant faithfulness even in the face of severe judgment. It underscores a fundamental biblical truth: while God is just and must punish sin, His ultimate disposition towards His people is not one of eternal wrath but of redemptive love and mercy. This verse teaches that divine discipline, though painful and necessary, is always purposeful, aiming at purification and restoration rather than annihilation. It reveals a God who, despite His people's egregious failures, remains committed to His promises, ensuring that His "casting off" is a temporary measure, not a final abandonment. This truth is foundational to understanding God's character throughout Scripture, particularly His patience and long-suffering towards His chosen ones.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Weeping May Last for a Night") states, "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves") reminds us, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "God's Gifts and Calling are Irrevocable") declares, "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:31 offers immense comfort and profound reassurance for believers navigating seasons of personal trials, deep sorrow, or the painful consequences of their own failings. In moments when God's presence feels distant, His discipline seems overwhelming, or the weight of our circumstances suggests His permanent rejection, this verse stands as an unwavering anchor. It reminds us that God's corrective measures are not signs of His abandonment but rather expressions of a loving Father who desires our repentance, growth, and ultimate restoration. It calls us to persevere in faith, to trust in His unchanging character, and to remember that even in the deepest valleys of despair, His faithfulness will ultimately prevail. Our suffering, though real, is not eternal, and God's ultimate plan for His children is always one of hope and a future, never one of perpetual rejection. This truth empowers us to endure with hope, knowing that even when we feel "cast off," we are never truly forsaken by the One who holds our future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be experiencing a sense of being "cast off" or abandoned, either by God or by circumstances?**
* **How does the truth that God "will not cast off for ever" challenge your current perceptions of His character during times of suffering?**
* **What specific actions can you take to lean into God's enduring faithfulness when His discipline feels severe or His presence seems distant?**
* **How can remembering the temporary nature of divine discipline strengthen your perseverance and hope in the midst of trials?**

### FAQ

**Does "cast off" imply God's anger or punishment?**

Answer: Yes, in the context of Lamentations, "cast off" (Hebrew: _zânach_) certainly implies a period of divine judgment and withdrawal of favor due to the nation's sin. The people of Judah were experiencing the devastating consequences of their disobedience, leading them to feel abandoned by God. However, the crucial qualification "will not cast off for ever" signifies that this punishment, while severe and real, is not a permanent state of rejection. It is a temporary, disciplinary action from a just and loving God, designed to bring about repentance and restoration, rather than utter destruction. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God's anger is temporary, but His love endures (e.g., [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "God's Anger and Favor")).

**How can this verse offer hope when suffering feels endless?**

Answer: This verse offers profound hope by providing a divine guarantee that no matter how long or intense the suffering, it is not God's final word. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: _ʻôwlâm_) emphatically limits the duration of the "casting off." When trials feel endless, this promise reminds us that God's discipline has a purpose and a divinely appointed end. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate pain to the ultimate faithfulness of God, who promises that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning ([Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Weeping and Joy")). It shifts our perspective from the present despair to the future hope of restoration and renewed favor, reminding us that God's mercies are new every morning ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "God's Mercies Are New Every Morning")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise assures Israel that God would not cast them off forever, the New Testament reveals how this enduring faithfulness is perfectly embodied and secured through Christ. On the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate "casting off" when He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He bore the full weight of humanity's sin and the Father's righteous wrath, enduring the temporary, yet complete, separation from God so that those who believe in Him would never be eternally cast off. His resurrection from the dead, three days later, is the definitive declaration that God does not "cast off for ever" ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "God Raised Him Up")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, believers are reconciled to God, experiencing a new covenant where their sins are remembered no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness")). The promise that God will never leave nor forsake His people, first given to Israel, is now eternally secured for all believers through Christ's indwelling Spirit ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You") and [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Jesus' Promise of Presence")). Thus, Lamentations 3:31 points forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, ensuring that divine discipline for believers is always redemptive and never leads to ultimate condemnation, because our eternal security is found in Christ, who was "cast off" so that we might be forever embraced ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 94:14

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Psalms 77:7

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

Psalms 103:8

The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalms 103:10

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Isaiah 54:7

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

1 Samuel 12:22

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.