Lamentations 3:51

KJV

Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Mine eye {H5869} affecteth {H5953} mine heart {H5315} because of all the daughters {H1323} of my city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My eyes make me so upset at the fate of the women in my city.

Berean Standard Bible

My eyes bring grief to my soul because of all the daughters of my city.

American Standard Version

Mine eye affecteth my soul, because of all the daughters of my city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:51 powerfully conveys the prophet's profound personal anguish and visceral pain as he bears witness to the widespread suffering of his people, particularly the vulnerable women and children, in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction. The horrific sights registered by his eyes directly and deeply pierce his innermost being, causing a spiritual and emotional wound. This verse stands as a poignant testament to the overwhelming emotional toll of experiencing collective trauma and highlights the deep, unavoidable connection between empathetic observation and internal suffering in the face of immense tragedy and desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:51 is situated within the heart of the book of Lamentations, specifically in chapter 3, which is the longest and most structurally complex chapter, often referred to as "The Prophet's Lament" or "The Lament of the Man of Sorrows." This chapter uniquely employs an acrostic structure, with each of its 22 stanzas comprising three verses that begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The preceding verses (Lamentations 3:49-50) establish the prophet's profound personal sorrow and unceasing tears, describing an overwhelming grief that prevents his eyes from resting, and a desperate cry to God from the depths of his affliction, acknowledging God's awareness of his plight. While the earlier parts of the chapter detail the prophet's individual suffering, which serves as a microcosm of the nation's agony, verse 51 marks a crucial shift. It explicitly broadens the scope of his pain, revealing that his personal anguish is not isolated but is profoundly intertwined with, and directly caused by, the collective tragedy of Jerusalem's fall, specifically highlighting the suffering of "the daughters of my city." This transition from individual to communal grief underscores the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of the catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations serves as a direct, visceral response to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian army in 586 BC, an event that led to the exile of the Judean population. This cataclysmic event shattered the very foundations of Israelite identity, including their theological understanding of God's covenant, the Davidic monarchy, and the security of the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the fall of a city was invariably accompanied by unspeakable brutality. Conquering armies engaged in widespread slaughter, rape, enslavement, and the deliberate infliction of famine. Within this grim reality, women and children were disproportionately vulnerable to these atrocities. The phrase "daughters of my city" (or "daughters of Zion") is a common biblical idiom that refers to the female inhabitants of a city, often symbolizing the city itself or its most defenseless population. The prophet's specific focus on their suffering in Lamentations 3:51 reflects a deep cultural understanding of the profound dishonor, humiliation, and devastation inflicted upon a conquered people, where the women often bore the most direct and brutal brunt of the enemy's cruelty, thereby emphasizing the complete desolation and abject state of Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:51 contributes significantly to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Lamentations. Firstly, it embodies the central theme of **profound grief and lament**, serving as a raw expression of the prophet's sorrow, which becomes a conduit for the nation's collective mourning over their immense loss and suffering. The verse vividly portrays the emotional depth of this lament. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **empathy and compassion**, demonstrating a deep solidarity with the most vulnerable members of society—the women and girls who endured unspeakable horrors. This empathetic response is depicted as a natural, almost involuntary, reaction to witnessing severe affliction, highlighting the moral imperative to feel the pain of others. Thirdly, while not explicitly stated in this verse, it subtly reinforces the pervasive theme of the **consequences of sin and divine judgment** found throughout Lamentations. The suffering of Jerusalem's inhabitants, including its "daughters," is consistently portrayed in the book as the bitter fruit of Judah's unfaithfulness to God, as seen in passages like [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sins and Consequences") where Jerusalem's deep sin is acknowledged, and [Lamentations 4:11](/lamentations/4-11 "Lamentations 4:11 - God's Wrath Poured Out") which speaks of God's wrath being fully poured out. The prophet's anguish is thus not merely over human suffering but over the tragic outcome of a broken covenant and the just, albeit devastating, judgment of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eye (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, meaning "an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)." In Lamentations 3:51, "mine eye" refers to the prophet's physical organ of sight, but it carries the profound implication of his perception, observation, and direct witnessing of the unfolding tragedy. It is through his eyes that the devastating reality of Jerusalem's destruction and the suffering of its inhabitants are registered, serving as the initial, unfiltered point of contact for his profound emotional and spiritual response. The visual input is not merely processed but deeply internalized.
* **affecteth (Hebrew, _ʻâlal'_):** From H5953, a primitive root meaning "to effect thoroughly; specifically, to glean (also figuratively); by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e. maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose." The King James Version's "affecteth" translates a Hebrew verb that conveys a powerful, almost violent, and invasive impact. It is not merely a gentle stirring of emotion but a deep, internal wounding or piercing of the heart. The sight of suffering "maltreats" or "pains" his heart, indicating a severe, distressing, and pervasive emotional disturbance rather than a mild or fleeting feeling. This verb emphasizes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the prophet's grief.
* **heart (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, properly "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it." In this verse, "heart" refers to the innermost being, the totality of the prophet's person—the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and vitality; his very soul or self. The phrase "affecteth mine heart" signifies that the pain penetrates to the deepest core of his existence, impacting his entire being and leaving him utterly devastated.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, meaning "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village." In the specific context of "daughters of my city," this term refers to the female inhabitants of Jerusalem—women and girls. This highlights their particular vulnerability and the immense suffering they endured during the siege and destruction, including famine, violence, and dishonor. Their mention emphasizes the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the catastrophe, which spared no segment of the population, and often fell most heavily on the most defenseless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mine eye affecteth mine heart":** This clause establishes a direct, profound, and visceral connection between the prophet's external perception and his internal emotional state. The act of seeing (through "mine eye") is not a passive observation but an active, powerful force that "affecteth" (deeply pains, wounds, or even abuses) his "heart" (his innermost being, his soul). It conveys a profound empathy where the horrifying external reality of suffering directly translates into overwhelming internal anguish, indicating that the prophet's entire emotional and spiritual state is profoundly and painfully shaped by the horrific sights he beholds.
* **"because of all the daughters of my city":** This second clause precisely identifies the direct cause and specific catalyst for the prophet's intense emotional pain. The phrase "all the daughters of my city" refers collectively to the women and girls of Jerusalem. Their collective suffering—the atrocities they endured during the prolonged siege, the ravages of famine, and the subsequent brutal destruction and exile—is the specific and overwhelming reason for the prophet's heartbreak. This highlights the particular vulnerability of women in ancient warfare and underscores the widespread, all-encompassing nature of the suffering that permeated every segment of Jerusalem's population, making their plight a potent symbol of the city's complete desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:51 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the prophet's deep anguish and the overwhelming nature of the tragedy. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "Mine eye affecteth mine heart," where the eye, a physical organ of sight, is given the agency to "affect" or "pain" the heart, which represents the emotional and spiritual core of the prophet's being. This emphasizes the direct, forceful, and almost autonomous impact of visual stimuli on his inner state. The phrase also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "eye" stands for the act of seeing or witnessing the devastation, and "heart" stands for the entire emotional, spiritual, and volitional being of the prophet. The intensity of the verb "affecteth" (from `ʻâlal`, implying a thorough, even abusive or maltreating, impact) borders on **Hyperbole**, underscoring the overwhelming and unbearable nature of the prophet's grief; the suffering is so immense that it feels like a physical assault on his very soul. Furthermore, "all the daughters of my city" serves as a poignant **Synecdoche**, where a part (the women and girls, often the most vulnerable and dishonored in defeat) represents the whole population of Jerusalem, highlighting their particular vulnerability while simultaneously encompassing the widespread devastation that afflicted everyone in the fallen city.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:51 offers profound theological and thematic connections, particularly to the biblical understanding of empathy, the grievous cost of sin, and the compassionate nature of God. The prophet's visceral pain at the sight of his people's suffering, especially the vulnerable "daughters of his city," mirrors a divine empathy often attributed to God Himself. While God is just in His judgment and allows consequences for disobedience, the Scriptures consistently portray Him as deeply moved by the suffering of His people, even when that suffering is a direct result of their unfaithfulness. This verse underscores that true lament involves not just personal sorrow but a deep, empathetic connection to the pain of others, especially those most afflicted by the consequences of sin and brokenness in the world. It calls believers to cultivate a heart that is not desensitized to human suffering but is genuinely affected by it, leading to a compassionate response that reflects the very heart of God for His creation.

* [Judges 10:16](/judges/10-16 "Judges 10:16 - God's Compassion for Israel's Misery")
* [Psalm 119:136](/psalms/119-136 "Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of Tears for Transgression")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Weeping with Those Who Weep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:51 serves as a powerful and challenging invitation to cultivate a heart of profound empathy and compassion in a world too often numb to suffering. The prophet's experience compels us to move beyond mere observation of the pain around us and to allow it to genuinely "affect" our hearts, stirring us from passive awareness to active sorrow and genuine concern. In an age saturated with images of distress and tragedy, it is alarmingly easy to become desensitized to human suffering. This verse reminds us that true spiritual maturity and a Christ-like character involve allowing our eyes to inform and wound our hearts, fostering a deep, visceral connection to the plight of the vulnerable, the broken, and the oppressed. It calls us to weep with those who weep, to feel the weight of injustice and sorrow, and to allow that profound feeling to stir us to prayer, intercession, and tangible acts of mercy and justice, thereby reflecting the very heart of God for His creation and His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific forms of suffering in your local community or the broader world are you currently witnessing, and how are you intentionally allowing them to "affect" your heart rather than becoming desensitized?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a community of faith, be called to lament and grieve over the consequences of sin, injustice, and brokenness in our society, much like the prophet did?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper, more visceral empathy for the vulnerable and afflicted lead to more meaningful action, intercession, and compassionate engagement in your life and ministry?**

### FAQ
**What does "Mine eye affecteth mine heart" truly mean in Lamentations 3:51?**

Answer: This phrase means that what the prophet sees with his eyes profoundly and painfully impacts his innermost being, his soul or heart. The Hebrew word for "affecteth" (H5953, _ʻâlal_) implies a deep, even wounding or maltreating, impact. It's not just a casual observation but a visceral experience where the sight of intense suffering causes overwhelming emotional distress and grief, reaching the very core of his being. It highlights the deep, unavoidable connection between sensory input and a profound, often agonizing, emotional response, particularly in the face of overwhelming tragedy and desolation.

**Who are "all the daughters of my city" and why are they specifically highlighted in this lament?**

Answer: "All the daughters of my city" refers to the women and girls of Jerusalem. They are specifically highlighted because, in ancient Near Eastern warfare, women were particularly vulnerable to the most horrific atrocities during a city's fall, including starvation, violence, rape, and enslavement. Such acts brought immense shame, dishonor, and suffering upon the entire community. By focusing on their plight, the prophet emphasizes the depth and universality of the devastation that befell Jerusalem, underscoring the complete humiliation and destruction of the city and its people. This specific mention amplifies the pathos of the lament, as their suffering was often seen as the ultimate symbol of a city's utter ruin, as also lamented in [Lamentations 1:18](/lamentations/1-18 "Lamentations 1:18 - Jerusalem's Rebellion and Suffering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:51, with its raw depiction of the prophet's empathetic suffering and profound anguish over the pain of his people, finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The prophet's heart is "affected" by the suffering of the "daughters of his city," a powerful foreshadowing of the perfect and divine empathy embodied by the Son of God. Jesus, the [Man of Sorrows](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Jesus, Man of Sorrows"), was not merely a detached observer of human suffering but was consistently and deeply moved by it, often to the point of tears. We see His heart profoundly "affected" when He wept over Jerusalem, knowing its impending destruction due to its rejection of God ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), or when He grieved deeply at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew He would raise him from the dead ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). His divine compassion was not a mere sentiment but a powerful, driving force that led Him to bear the ultimate suffering on the cross. There, He took upon Himself the full consequences of humanity's sin, which was the very root cause of the suffering lamented in Lamentations. Through His crucifixion, Jesus became the ultimate "Daughter of Zion" in a spiritual sense, bearing the full weight of God's just judgment for sin, so that all who believe might find redemption, comfort, and healing from their own sorrows ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ Bears Our Griefs and Sorrows")). His suffering was not merely observed but profoundly experienced, making Him the perfect High Priest who can truly sympathize with our weaknesses and afflictions, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

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

Luke 19:41

¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

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 4:19

¶ My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Jeremiah 4:21

How long shall I see the standard, [and] hear the sound of the trumpet?

Jeremiah 14:18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

Jeremiah 11:22

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: