Lamentations 3:42

KJV

¶ We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.

KJV (with Strong's)

We {H5168} have transgressed {H6586} and have rebelled {H4784}: thou hast not pardoned {H5545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"We, for our part, have transgressed and rebelled; you, for your part, have not forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

“We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.”

American Standard Version

We have transgressed and have rebelled; thou hast not pardoned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:42 presents a profound and somber confession from the exiled people of Judah, acknowledging their deliberate and widespread transgression and rebellion against God. This verse serves as a stark admission of national culpability, recognizing that their persistent disobedience was the direct cause of the divine judgment they experienced, which, in that moment of severe calamity, had not been averted or pardoned. It encapsulates the painful reality of consequences for unrepentant sin, even within a book that elsewhere extols God's enduring mercies and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:42 is situated within the unique and highly structured Chapter 3 of Lamentations, often considered the theological and emotional core of the book. This chapter begins with a deeply personal lament from "the man who has seen affliction" ([Lamentations 3:1](/lamentations/3-1 "Lamentations 3:1 - The Man of Affliction")), traditionally understood as Jeremiah. However, this individual voice gradually expands to encompass the collective suffering and confession of the nation, as powerfully evidenced by the shift to the plural "we" in this verse. Crucially, this confession of unpardoned sin immediately follows a profound declaration of God's steadfast love, mercies, and faithfulness, which "are new every morning" ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies Are New Every Morning")). This intentional juxtaposition creates a powerful theological tension, highlighting that despite God's unchanging character of mercy, the nation's actions necessitated a period of severe judgment, emphasizing the gravity of their sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for the book of Lamentations is the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC, followed by the exile of the Jewish people. This event was far more than a military defeat; it was a profound theological crisis for Israel, challenging their understanding of God's covenant promises and His presence among them. For centuries, Israel had been in a covenant relationship with Yahweh, which explicitly detailed blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in foundational texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The prophets, including Jeremiah himself, had repeatedly warned the people of the dire consequences of their widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. The destruction and exile were therefore understood not as arbitrary acts of a foreign power, but as God's righteous judgment for their persistent and unrepentant rebellion against His covenant ([2 Kings 24](/2-kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - Judah's Rebellion and Exile")). Lamentations 3:42 directly reflects this understanding, acknowledging that the nation's cultural and religious practices had deviated so far from God's commands that the covenant curses had been fully enacted.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:42 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Corporate Confession of Sin**, where the shift to "we" signifies a collective acknowledgment of the nation's widespread moral and spiritual failure, highlighting that sin is not merely individual but can permeate and corrupt an entire society, leading to collective consequences. Secondly, the pairing of "transgressed" and "rebelled" emphasizes the theme of **Deliberate Rebellion**, portraying their wrongdoing not as accidental missteps but as intentional and defiant acts against God's revealed will and covenant, often after repeated warnings ([Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")). This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Judgment and Unpardoned State**, where the phrase "thou hast not pardoned" conveys the immediate and severe consequence of their actions—God's righteous judgment, which, in this specific historical moment, had not been withheld. This highlights the severity of their sin and the justice of God in allowing the calamity ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")). Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the **Consequences of Disobedience**, serving as a stark reminder that persistent and unrepentant rebellion against God's commands inevitably leads to painful and devastating outcomes, even from a merciful God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_ - H6586):** This primitive root signifies "to break away (from just authority)," implying a deliberate violation of a covenant or established order. It carries the nuance of a willful act of rebellion, a conscious stepping over a boundary set by God. It is not merely an error, but an active, defiant breach of trust and law, often leading to a state of being "at enmity" with the one whose authority is violated.
* **Rebelled (Hebrew, _mârâh'_ - H4784):** This word denotes being "bitter" or "unpleasant," and figuratively, "to rebel" or "resist." It suggests a strong, open act of defiance, a direct confrontation with authority. While `pâshaʻ` focuses on the *act* of breaking away, `mârâh` emphasizes the *attitude* of stubborn opposition and refusal to submit, often leading to provocation. The pairing of these two verbs (`pâshaʻ` and `mârâh`) intensifies the confession, indicating a deep-seated and intentional defiance.
* **Pardoned (Hebrew, _çâlach'_ - H5545):** This is a specific and unique Hebrew term used almost exclusively for God's act of forgiving sin. It implies a divine act of remission or absolution, where God, in His mercy, overlooks or removes the guilt of sin. The negative construction, "thou hast not pardoned," is profoundly impactful here, not suggesting that God is incapable of pardoning, but rather that in this specific historical context of persistent, unrepentant rebellion, the immediate consequences of their actions were fully realized, and the judgment was not withheld. It underscores the severity of their sin and the justice of God's response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have transgressed and have rebelled":** This opening clause is a corporate confession, shifting from the individual "I" of earlier verses in Lamentations 3 to a collective "we." The dual verbs "transgressed" (`pâshaʻ`) and "rebelled" (`mârâh`) are used in tandem to emphasize the comprehensive and deliberate nature of the nation's sin. "Transgressed" points to violating the covenant and stepping over God's boundaries, while "rebelled" highlights the active, defiant opposition to His authority. This is not a confession of accidental wrongdoing but of intentional and persistent defiance against the divine will, acknowledging their full culpability for the catastrophe that has befallen them.
* **"thou hast not pardoned.":** This stark declaration reveals the immediate, painful consequence of their unrepentant sin. The use of the divine passive (implied "by you") with the verb `çâlach` (to pardon) indicates that God, the ultimate source of forgiveness, has not extended pardon in this specific context. This is not a statement about God's general character (which is merciful, as Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms) but about the present reality of judgment. It signifies that the time for reckoning had arrived, and the consequences of their rebellion were being fully experienced without immediate divine intervention to avert them. It underscores the justice of God in responding to persistent and defiant sin.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:42 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Confession**, as the verse directly articulates the nation's acknowledgment of its wrongdoing. This is amplified by the use of **Corporate Voice**, shifting from an individual lament to a collective "we," thereby implicating the entire community in the confessed sin. The pairing of "transgressed" and "rebelled" creates a powerful **Synonymous Parallelism** or **Intensification**, where two closely related verbs are used to reinforce and deepen the meaning of deliberate and defiant sin, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding their culpability. Furthermore, the verse presents a stark **Antithesis** or **Contrast** with the preceding verses ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies are New Every Morning")), which speak of God's steadfast love and mercies. This immediate juxtaposition highlights the severity of the nation's sin, which was so profound that even God's boundless mercy, in this specific historical moment, had not resulted in the withholding of deserved judgment. The direct address, "thou hast not pardoned," also serves as a form of **Apostrophe**, speaking directly to God in a tone of lament and acknowledging His just action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:42 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, divine justice, and the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God. It affirms that sin is not merely a mistake, but a deliberate act of breaking covenant and defying divine authority, carrying severe repercussions. While the book of Lamentations elsewhere celebrates God's unfailing love and compassion, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that God's mercy does not negate His justice. There are times when persistent, unrepentant sin leads to a season of judgment, where the natural and divinely ordained consequences are allowed to run their course. This does not imply God is unmerciful, but that His holiness demands a response to human rebellion, and that true restoration often begins with a painful, honest acknowledgment of sin and its deserved consequences. The "unpardoned" state here is not a statement of eternal damnation, but a description of the immediate, historical reality of judgment for national apostasy.

* [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You, You Only, Have I Sinned")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No More Sacrifice for Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:42 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for individuals and communities alike. It compels us to confront the reality of our own sin, not as mere imperfections, but as potential acts of transgression and rebellion against a holy God. True spiritual health begins with a humble and honest confession of wrongdoing, recognizing our active participation in any brokenness or suffering, whether personal or corporate. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial apologies to a deep acknowledgment of how our choices and attitudes may have defied God's will. While God's mercy is boundless and His forgiveness readily available for those who repent, this passage also serves as a stark reminder that persistent, defiant rebellion can lead to severe and painful consequences. It calls us to soberly consider the trajectory of our lives and communities, urging us to seek God's grace and forgiveness *before* the full weight of unaddressed sin manifests in painful outcomes. It underscores the necessity of genuine repentance and turning back to God, recognizing that His justice is as real and necessary as His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "transgressing" or "rebelling" against God's known will, perhaps subtly or unconsciously?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's mercy in relation to His justice?**
* **What does "corporate sin" mean for my community or nation, and what is my role in acknowledging or addressing it?**
* **If I were to confess my "unpardoned" sins today, what would they be, and what steps might I need to take towards genuine repentance and reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**Does Lamentations 3:42 mean God never pardons sin?**

Answer: No, Lamentations 3:42 does not mean God never pardons sin. The phrase "thou hast not pardoned" refers to a specific historical context—the immediate, devastating judgment experienced by Judah due to their prolonged and unrepentant rebellion. It signifies that at that moment, the consequences of their actions were fully realized, and God's judgment was not withheld. The very same chapter, just verses earlier, proclaims God's great faithfulness and mercies, which "are new every morning" ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies Are New Every Morning")). This tension highlights that while God is always merciful, His justice also requires a response to persistent sin. The Bible is replete with examples of God's forgiveness for those who genuinely repent and turn to Him ([Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - He Forgives All Your Sins")), but it also warns of the consequences of unrepentant rebellion ([Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - Hardness of Heart and Unrepentant Sin")).

**What is the significance of the "we" in this verse?**

Answer: The "we" in Lamentations 3:42 is highly significant because it represents a corporate confession of sin. While the preceding verses of Lamentations 3 often use the singular "I" to express individual suffering and lament, the shift to "we" indicates that the prophet (traditionally Jeremiah) is identifying with the collective guilt of the entire nation of Judah. This acknowledges that the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile were not merely random acts of misfortune or the result of individual failings, but the consequence of widespread, systemic, and national rebellion against God's covenant. It underscores the biblical concept that sin can be corporate, affecting an entire community and leading to collective judgment ([Daniel 9:5-11](/daniel/9-5-11 "Daniel 9:5-11 - Daniel's Prayer of Confession")). This corporate confession is a vital step towards corporate repentance and potential restoration.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and mercy?**

Answer: Lamentations 3:42 serves as a powerful illustration of the tension between God's justice and His mercy. On one hand, the declaration "thou hast not pardoned" highlights God's unwavering justice, demonstrating that He will not overlook or indefinitely defer the consequences of persistent and deliberate sin. His holiness demands a response to rebellion, and in this case, it resulted in the severe judgment of exile. On the other hand, this verse is couched within a chapter that profoundly extols God's mercy and faithfulness ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies Endure")). This juxtaposition implies that while God's mercy is infinite, it is not unconditional in its *immediate* application to avert consequences for unrepentant sin. Rather, His justice functions to bring about a reckoning, which, paradoxically, can serve as a catalyst for repentance and a deeper appreciation of His ultimate mercy and faithfulness, which remain steadfast even in judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:42, with its stark confession of unpardoned transgression and rebellion, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "we" who have transgressed and rebelled represents all humanity, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The Old Testament repeatedly demonstrates that human efforts, sacrifices, and even sincere lamentations could not fully or permanently atone for the deep-seated rebellion of the human heart. The problem of unpardoned sin, as articulated in Lamentations, points to humanity's desperate need for a divine solution. This solution is found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and bore the full weight of humanity's transgressions and rebellion on the cross. He became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus secured the pardon that humanity could not achieve on its own. He absorbed the divine judgment for sin, allowing God to be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and Justifier")). Therefore, for those who believe in Him, the cry "thou hast not pardoned" is transformed into the joyous declaration of "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")). In Christ, the ultimate pardon for all who turn to Him is secured, offering not just the removal of guilt but also reconciliation and new life ([2 Corinthians 5:17-21](/2-corinthians/5-17-21 "2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Lamentations 5:16

The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!

Lamentations 1:18

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Jeremiah 3:13

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 5:7

How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by [them that are] no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

Jeremiah 5:9

Shall I not visit for these [things]? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Zechariah 1:5

Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?