Lamentations 3:35

KJV

To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,

KJV (with Strong's)

To turn aside {H5186} the right {H4941} of a man {H1397} before the face {H6440} of the most High {H5945},

Complete Jewish Bible

when anyone deprives a person of justice, in defiance of the Most High;

Berean Standard Bible

to deny a man justice before the Most High,

American Standard Version

To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the Most High,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:35 powerfully condemns the perversion of justice, specifically "to turn aside the right of a man," emphasizing that such egregious acts are committed directly "before the face of the most High." This verse highlights God's omnipresence and His absolute awareness of all human actions, particularly those that violate fairness and righteousness, thereby underscoring divine oversight and ultimate accountability for all forms of oppression and injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Lamentations is a profound and sorrowful poetic expression, primarily attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, along with the subsequent exile of the people. Chapter 3 stands as the emotional and theological core of the book, shifting from a collective national lament to a more personal, yet representative, lament of the suffering individual. While deeply steeped in despair, this chapter also remarkably pivots to express a steadfast hope in God's enduring mercy, faithfulness, and compassion, as articulated in the pivotal verses like [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies Never Cease"). Verses [Lamentations 3:34-36](/lamentations/3-34 "Lamentations 3:34-36 - God Does Not Approve of Injustice") form a distinct unit within this chapter, explicitly condemning various forms of oppression and injustice, asserting that the Lord does not approve of or sanction such wickedness, even in the midst of His judgments upon His people. Lamentations 3:35 specifically targets the perversion of legal rights, fitting within this broader indictment of human cruelty and corruption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the traumatic period following the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The people of Judah had endured famine, siege warfare, and then the brutal conquest, leading to widespread suffering, death, and exile. In this context of national collapse, the established systems of justice and social order would have been severely disrupted, if not entirely corrupted. Ancient Israelite society, governed by Mosaic Law, placed a high premium on justice and the protection of the vulnerable, with courts typically held at the city gates where elders and judges would adjudicate disputes. However, prophetic literature frequently decries the perversion of these very systems, where the poor and needy were often denied their rights by the powerful and corrupt (e.g., [Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - Justice Turned to Wormwood") or [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Rebellious Rulers")). Lamentations 3:35 speaks directly to this cultural reality of justice being trampled, highlighting that such abuses were not hidden from the divine eye.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:35 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Oversight**, asserting God's absolute awareness and ultimate authority over all human actions. The phrase "before the face of the most High" emphasizes God's omnipresence and His role as the supreme judge who sees and ultimately holds all accountable, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God"). Secondly, it highlights the **Perversion of Justice** as a grave sin. "To turn aside the right of a man" refers to distorting, denying, or perverting what is just and lawful, encompassing corrupt legal proceedings, biased judgments, or any action that unjustly deprives someone of their rights or property. Such acts are a direct affront to God's character, as He is inherently just and righteous ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is Just and Upright")). Finally, the verse implies **Accountability for Injustice**, serving as a stark warning against abusing power or authority. Even when God allows suffering for other purposes (such as judgment for sin), He does not sanction or approve of oppression, as explicitly stated in [Lamentations 3:36](/lamentations/3-36 "Lamentations 3:36 - The Lord Does Not Approve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn aside (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** From the primitive root H5186, this word means "to stretch or spread out," but in this context, it carries the strong implication of "to bend away" or "moral deflection." It signifies perverting, distorting, or diverting something from its rightful course, particularly justice. This is not merely a deviation but an active, intentional act of corruption.
* **right (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this term is rich in meaning, encompassing "a verdict," "a sentence," "a formal decree," "law," "justice," and a "participant's right or privilege." In Lamentations 3:35, it refers to the just due or legal right of an individual, emphasizing the violation of established legal and moral principles that ensure fairness.
* **most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** From H5945, this majestic title for God signifies "an elevation" or "lofty." It emphasizes God's supreme, exalted position and sovereignty over all creation and human affairs. To commit injustice "before the face of the most High" means doing so in the direct presence of the ultimate, sovereign Judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To turn aside the right of a man":** This clause describes the specific act of injustice. "To turn aside" (Hebrew: _nâṭâh_) implies a deliberate distortion or perversion. It is not an accidental oversight but an active bending or twisting of what is straight and just. "The right of a man" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) refers to the legal, moral, or customary due of an individual. This encompasses fair judgment in a court, protection of property, upholding of agreements, and ensuring equitable treatment. The phrase therefore condemns any action that unjustly deprives a person of what is rightfully theirs, whether through corrupt legal proceedings, biased rulings, or other forms of oppression.
* **"before the face of the most High":** This powerful phrase underscores the divine witness to the injustice. "Before the face of" (Hebrew: _pânîym_) signifies being in the direct presence or sight of someone. "The most High" (Hebrew: _ʻelyôwn_) is a title for God emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and ultimate authority. By stating that such acts occur "before the face of the most High," the verse highlights God's omnipresence and His absolute awareness of every injustice. It implies that no act of perverting justice, however hidden from human eyes, escapes God's notice, and it underscores that such actions are not merely against humanity but are a direct affront to the character and authority of the supreme Judge of all.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "before the face of the most High," attributing a human characteristic (having a "face" or direct sight) to God. This device makes God's omnipresence and direct witness to injustice more tangible and impactful for the reader, emphasizing that no act is hidden from Him. The phrase "the right of a man" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "right" (mishpâṭ) stands in for the broader concept of justice, fair treatment, and lawful due process. This narrows the focus from abstract justice to the concrete entitlements and protections afforded to an individual. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through its direct and declarative statement, leaving no ambiguity about the sinfulness of perverting justice and the divine awareness of such acts. The stark juxtaposition of human injustice with divine oversight creates a sense of solemn warning and profound accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:35 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as inherently just and righteous. It affirms that God is not a passive observer of human affairs but is intimately aware of every act of injustice. His "face" being present signifies His active engagement and ultimate judgment. This verse reinforces the consistent biblical mandate for justice, highlighting that the perversion of human rights is not merely a social ill but a direct offense against the divine order and the very nature of God. It implies that while God may allow suffering for various purposes, including judgment, He never sanctions or delights in human oppression or the abuse of power. The ultimate hope for the oppressed, therefore, rests in the fact that the "Most High" sees and will ultimately set all things right.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is a God of Justice")
* [Psalm 11:4-5](/psalms/11-4 "Psalm 11:4-5 - The Lord Tests the Righteous")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:35 serves as a timeless summons to integrity and a powerful call to action for all who seek to live righteously in God's sight. Recognizing that every act, especially those pertaining to justice and fairness, is committed "before the face of the most High" should profoundly shape our conduct. This verse compels us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we do not, in any way, "turn aside the right of a man"—whether in our personal interactions, professional dealings, or civic responsibilities. It challenges us to be advocates for those whose rights are denied, to speak out against corruption, and to work tirelessly for equitable systems that reflect God's character. Furthermore, it offers a deep well of comfort and hope for those who have suffered injustice, reminding them that their plight is seen by the ultimate Judge, who is both righteous and sovereign, and whose justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "turn aside the right of a man" in my daily interactions or professional sphere?**
* **How does the awareness that my actions are "before the face of the most High" impact my commitment to justice and integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for justice and uphold the rights of others in my community or wider society?**

### FAQ
**What does "to turn aside the right of a man" specifically mean?**

Answer: "To turn aside the right of a man" refers to the act of perverting, distorting, or denying justice to an individual. This can manifest in various ways, such as biased legal judgments, corrupt court proceedings, withholding what is lawfully due to someone, or unjustly depriving them of their property or reputation. It signifies an active bending of moral and legal principles to disadvantage or oppress another person, often for personal gain or out of malice. The phrase captures the essence of injustice and the violation of fundamental human dignity and entitlements.

**Why is the phrase "before the face of the most High" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "before the face of the most High" is profoundly significant because it underscores God's omnipresence, omniscience, and ultimate authority as the supreme Judge. It means that acts of injustice are not committed in secret or without consequence, but are perpetrated directly in the sight of the Almighty God. This serves as a powerful deterrent to those who would pervert justice, reminding them that no action is hidden from God's gaze. It also offers immense comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that their suffering and the injustices they endure are fully known to God, who will ultimately bring about true justice. This concept is reinforced in passages like [Psalm 94:7-9](/psalms/94-7 "Psalm 94:7-9 - The Lord Sees and Hears").

**Does this verse imply that God sanctions or approves of the suffering and injustice described in Lamentations?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While Lamentations acknowledges that God allowed the suffering and destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of His people's sin, [Lamentations 3:35](/lamentations/3-35 "Lamentations 3:35 - Perverting Justice Before God") and the subsequent verse, [Lamentations 3:36](/lamentations/3-36 "Lamentations 3:36 - The Lord Does Not Approve"), explicitly state that the Lord "does not approve" (or "does not look with favor on") such acts of injustice and oppression. Even in His judgment, God's character remains just and righteous. He does not delight in human suffering or the perversion of justice; rather, He abhors it. The verse serves as a condemnation of human wickedness, even amidst divine judgment, and reaffirms God's unchanging moral character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:35, with its condemnation of perverting justice "before the face of the most High," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect justice, the one who never "turned aside the right of a man" but perfectly upheld God's righteous standards. Indeed, Christ Himself suffered the greatest perversion of justice, being condemned by corrupt earthly courts and crucified despite His innocence, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"). Yet, through His unjust suffering and death, He became the propitiation for our sins, offering a means for humanity to be made right with God, thus addressing the ultimate injustice of sin that separates us from the "face of the most High." Moreover, Jesus is revealed as the righteous Judge, the one to whom all judgment has been committed ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")), who will ultimately rectify all wrongs and bring perfect justice to fruition at His second coming ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). In Christ, the "right of man"—the right to be reconciled to God and live justly—is not merely restored but eternally secured through His redemptive work, ensuring that all who believe will stand righteous "before the face of the most High" through Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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.