TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
KJV (with Strong's)
American Standard Version
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
World English Bible Messianic
Who is he who says, and it comes to pass, when the Lord doesn’t command it?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Who is he then that sayth, and it commeth to passe, and the Lord commandeth it not?
Young's Literal Translation
Who is this--he hath said, and it is, And the Lord hath not commanded it ?
In the KJVVerse 20,392 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Lamentations 3 verses 37–41
37 ¶ Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
38 Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.
That we may be entitled to the comforts administered to the afflicted in the foregoing verses, and may taste the sweetness of them, we have here the duties of an afflicted state prescribed to us, in the performance of which we may expect those comforts.
I. We must see and acknowledge the hand of God in all the calamities that befal us at any time, whether personal or public, Lam 3:37, Lam 3:38. This is here laid down as a great truth, which will help to quiet our spirits under our afflictions and to sanctify them to us. 1. That, whatever men's actions are, it is God that overrules them: Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass (that designs a thing and bring his designs to effect), if the Lord commandeth it not? Men can do nothing but according to the counsel of God, nor have any power or success but what is given them from above. A man's heart devises his way; he projects and purposes; he says that he will do so and so (Jam 4:13); but the Lord directs his steps far otherwise than he designed them, and what he contrived and expected does not come to pass, unless it be what God's hand and his counsel had determined before to be done, Pro 16:9; Jer 10:23. The Chaldeans said that they would destroy Jerusalem, and it came to pass, not because they said it, but because God commanded it and commissioned them to do it. Note, Men are but tools which the great God makes use of, and manages as he pleases, in the government of this lower world; and they cannot accomplish any of their designs without him. 2. That, whatever men's lot is, it is God that orders it: Out of the mouth of the Most High do not evil and good proceed? Yes, certainly they do; and it is more emphatically expressed in the original: Do not this evil, and this good, proceed out of the mouth of the Most High? Is it not what he has ordained and appointed for us? Yes, certainly it is; and for the reconciling of us to our own afflictions, whatever they be, this general truth must thus be particularly applied. This comfort I receive from the hand of God, and shall I not receive that evil also? so Job argues, Lam 2:10. Are we healthful or sickly, rich or poor? Do we succeed in our designs, or are we crossed in them? It is all what God orders; every man's judgment proceeds from him. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; he forms the light and creates the darkness, as he did at first. Note, All the events of divine Providence are the products of a divine counsel; whatever is done God has the directing of it, and the works of his hands agree with the words of his mouth; he speaks, and it is done, so easily, so effectually are all his purposes fulfilled.
II. We must not quarrel with God for any affliction that he lays upon us at any time (Lam 3:39): Wherefore does a living man complain? The prophet here seems to check himself for the complaint he had made in the former part of the chapter, wherein he seemed to reflect upon God as unkind and severe. "Do I well to be angry? Why do I fret thus?" Those who in their haste have chidden with God must, in the reflection, chide themselves for it. From the doctrine of God's sovereign and universal providence, which he had asserted in the verses before, he draws this inference, Wherefore does a living man complain? What God does we must not open our mouths against, Psa 39:9. Those that blame their lot reproach him that allotted it to them. The sufferers in the captivity must submit to the will of God in all their sufferings. Note, Though we may pour out our complaints before God, we must never exhibit any complaints against God. What! Shall a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? The reasons here urged are very cogent. 1. We are men; let us herein show ourselves men. Shall a man complain? And again, a man! We are men, and not brutes, reasonable creatures, who should act with reason, who should look upward and look forward, and both ways may fetch considerations enough to silence our complaints. We are men, and not children that cry for every thing that hurts them. We are men, and not gods, subjects, not lords; we are not our own masters, not our own carvers; we are bound and must obey, must submit. We are men, and not angels, and therefore cannot expect to be free from troubles as they are; we are not inhabitants of that world where there is no sorrow, but this where there is nothing but sorrow. We are men, and not devils, are not in that deplorable, helpless, hopeless, state that they are in, but have something to comfort ourselves with which they have not. 2. We are living men. Through the good hand of our God upon us we are alive yet, though dying daily; and shall a living man complain? No; he has more reason to be thankful for life than to complain of any of the burdens and calamities of life. Our lives are frail and forfeited, and yet we are alive; now the living, the living, they should praise, and not complain (Isa 38:19); while there is life there is hope, and therefore, instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope that they will be better. 3. We are sinful men, and that which we complain of is the just punishment of our sins; nay, it is far less than our iniquities have deserved. We have little reason to complain of our trouble, for it is our own doing; we may thank ourselves. Our own wickedness corrects us, Pro 19:3. We have no reason to quarrel with God, for he is righteous in it; he is the governor of the world, and it is necessary that he should maintain the honour of his government by chastising the disobedient. Are we suffering for our sins? Then let us not complain; for we have other work to do; instead of repining, we must be repenting; and, as an evidence that God is reconciled to us, we must be endeavouring to reconcile ourselves to his holy will. Are we punished for our sins? It is our wisdom then to submit, and to kiss the rod; for, if we still walk contrary to God, he will punish us yet seven times more; for when he judges he will overcome. But, if we accommodate ourselves to him, though we be chastened of the Lord we shall not be condemned with the world.
III. We must set ourselves to answer God's intention in afflicting us, which is to bring sin to our remembrance, and to bring us home to himself, Lam 3:40. These are the two things which our afflictions should put us upon. 1. A serious consideration of ourselves and a reflection upon our past lives. Let us search and try our ways, search what they have been, and then try whether they have been right and good or no; search as for a malefactor in disguise, that flees and hides himself, and then try whether guilty or not guilty. Let conscience be employed both to search and to try, and let it have leave to deal faithfully, to accomplish a diligent search and to make an impartial trial. Let us try our ways, that by them we may try ourselves, for we are to judge of our state not by our faint wishes, but by our steps, not by one particular step, but by our ways, the ends we aim at, the rules we go by, and the agreeableness of the temper of our minds and the tenour of our lives to those ends and those rules. When we are in affliction it is seasonable to consider our ways (Hag 1:5), that what is amiss may be repented of and amended for the future, and so we may answer the intention of the affliction. We are apt, in times of public calamity, to reflect upon other people's ways, and lay blame upon them; whereas our business is to search and try our own ways. We have work enough to do at home; we must each of us say, "What have I done? What have I contributed to the public flames?" that we may each of us mend one, and then we should all be mended. 2. A sincere conversion to God: "Let us turn again to the Lord, to him who is turned against us and whom we have turned from; to him let us turn by repentance and reformation, as to our owner and ruler. We have been with him, and it has never been well with us since we forsook him; let us therefore now turn again to him." This must accompany the former and be the fruit of it; therefore we must search and try our ways, that we may turn from the evil of them to God. This was the method David took. Psa 119:59, I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
IV. We must offer up ourselves to God, and our best affections and services, in the flames of devotion, Lam 3:41. When we are in affliction, 1. We must look up to God as a God in the heavens, infinitely above us, and who has an incontestable dominion over us; for the heavens do rule, and are therefore not to be quarrelled with, but submitted to. 2. We must pray to him, with a believing expectation to receive mercy from him; for that is implied in our lifting up our hands to him (a gesture commonly used in prayer and sometimes put for it, as Psa 141:2, Let the lifting up of my hands be as the evening sacrifice); it signifies our requesting mercy from him and our readiness to receive that mercy. (3.) Our hearts must go along with our prayers. We must lift up our hearts with our hands, as we must pour out our souls with our words. it is the heart that God looks at in that and every other service; for what will a sacrifice without a heart avail? If inward impressions be not in some measure answerable to outward expressions, we do but mock God and deceive ourselves. Praying is lifting up the soul to God (Psa 25:1) as to our Father in heaven; and the soul that hopes to be with God in heaven for ever will thus, by frequent acts of devotion, be still learning the way thither and pressing forward in that way.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 37–41. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Lamentations 3:37 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:37 presents a profound rhetorical question that unequivocally asserts the absolute and unparalleled sovereignty of God over all events, human utterances, and earthly endeavors. It declares that nothing can genuinely come to pass, no decree can be established, and no word can be fulfilled unless it is first commanded, permitted, or ordained by the Lord. This verse serves as a powerful theological anchor in a book steeped in immense sorrow and national desolation, reminding the reader that even amidst the deepest suffering, God remains the supreme authority, orchestrating all things according to His divine will and ultimate purpose.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:37 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth regarding divine sovereignty. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but to make an emphatic statement, implying that the answer is unequivocally "no one." It powerfully underscores the unique, singular, and unparalleled sovereignty of God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Antithesis by sharply contrasting human "saying" (with its inherent limitations and ultimate powerlessness) against divine "commanding" (with its absolute and irresistible power). This stark juxtaposition highlights the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human agency and infinite divine omnipotence. Finally, the phrase "commandeth it not" employs Emphatic Negation, stressing that the absence of God's command or permission renders any human declaration, intention, or effort utterly ineffectual. This reinforces the core idea that God's will is the ultimate and sole determinant of what truly comes to pass in the cosmos.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:37 serves as a foundational declaration of divine sovereignty, a truth intricately woven throughout the entire fabric of biblical theology. It asserts that God is not merely a passive observer of human affairs but the ultimate orchestrator, whose will is supreme, whose decrees are unchallengeable, and whose purposes cannot be thwarted. This profound understanding provides a robust theological framework for comprehending both the judgments and the mercies of God, assuring believers that even in times of profound suffering, nothing happens outside of His knowledge or ultimate control. It vigorously challenges any notion of fate, chance, or autonomous human power, grounding all reality and every outcome in the intentionality and deliberate will of the Creator. This truth, while asserting God's absolute control, does not negate human responsibility but rather places it within the larger, encompassing context of God's overarching plan, thereby fostering deep humility, unwavering trust in His providence, and a recognition of His ultimate goodness even in difficult circumstances.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by overwhelming chaos, pervasive uncertainty, and the apparent randomness of events, Lamentations 3:37 offers a profound and unshakeable anchor for the soul. It calls us to a radical and counter-cultural trust in God's absolute sovereignty, reminding us that no human power, no political decree, no natural disaster, and no personal tragedy can occur outside the bounds of His ultimate command or sovereign permission. This liberating truth does not diminish the painful reality of suffering or the vital importance of responsible human action, but it fundamentally reframes them within the context of a divine narrative where God remains firmly on the throne, working all things according to His good pleasure. Understanding and embracing this truth brings a deep and abiding peace, freeing us from the debilitating anxiety of trying to control what is ultimately beyond our grasp and empowering us to surrender our plans, fears, and deepest desires to the One who holds all things together. It cultivates profound humility, prompting us to diligently seek God's will in all our endeavors, knowing that true success, meaning, and flourishing are found only in alignment with His eternal purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Lamentations 3:37 imply that God directly causes all evil and suffering?
Answer: Lamentations 3:37 asserts God's ultimate sovereignty, meaning nothing happens outside of His command or permission. It does not necessarily mean God directly causes all evil in an active, malevolent sense, as if He is the author of sin. Instead, it affirms that even in a fallen world where sin and its devastating consequences (including suffering, pain, and injustice) are rampant, God remains in supreme control. He may permit suffering for various purposes—to refine His people, to discipline, to reveal His glory, to draw individuals to repentance, or to accomplish His broader redemptive plan. The verse emphasizes that no human or demonic force can act independently or thwart His overarching will. While God is holy and cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone to evil (James 1:13), He is sovereign over all events, including those that involve human sin and its painful outcomes. His ultimate purpose, even through suffering, is always redemptive and for His glory, as seen in the profound assurance of Romans 8:28.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:37 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine will and exercises the very authority of God. The rhetorical question, "Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?" points directly to the unique and unparalleled position of Christ. He is revealed as the eternal Word (Logos) through whom all things were made, and in whom all things hold together, as powerfully declared in John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:16-17. His every word and action during His earthly ministry were in perfect alignment with the Father's command and purpose, demonstrating that His "saying" always "came to pass" because it was, in essence, the very command of the Lord Himself. From calming raging storms with a mere word (Mark 4:39) to raising the dead from their tombs (John 11:43-44), Jesus's life was a living testament to the truth of this verse. His ultimate act of obedience, the sacrificial death on the cross, was not a random or unforeseen event but the precise fulfillment of God's eternal command and redemptive plan, as Peter preached in Acts 2:23. Through Christ, the sovereign will of God is not only declared but perfectly executed, offering humanity the profound hope of salvation and the unwavering assurance that even in the midst of suffering, God's ultimate command is for our good and His glory. He is the one through whom all things are upheld by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3).