Lamentations 3:56

KJV

Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast heard {H8085} my voice {H6963}: hide {H5956} not thine ear {H241} at my breathing {H7309}, at my cry {H7775}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You heard my voice; don't close your ear at my sighs, at my cries.

Berean Standard Bible

You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.”

American Standard Version

Thou heardest my voice; hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:56 is a profound declaration of faith and a fervent plea from the prophet, traditionally Jeremiah, expressing his unwavering conviction that God hears his cries, even from the deepest pits of despair. It encapsulates the paradox of lament—a raw outpouring of suffering coupled with an enduring trust in divine attentiveness and intervention, serving as a powerful affirmation that God is intimately present in the midst of overwhelming affliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Lamentations is a collection of five poetic laments, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. The book vividly portrays the horrific suffering, desolation, and spiritual anguish of the people. Chapter 3, often considered the heart of the book, shifts from a corporate lament to a personal one, yet it speaks on behalf of the entire suffering nation. After detailing profound personal affliction and despair in the opening verses (e.g., [Lamentations 3:1-18](/lamentations/3-1 "Lamentations 3:1-18 - The Prophet's Personal Suffering")), the prophet makes a pivotal turn towards hope and God's enduring faithfulness, famously declaring, "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" ([Lamentations 3:22](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22 - God's Unfailing Mercies")). Lamentations 3:56 follows a series of verses describing the prophet's desperate prayer from extreme circumstances, specifically after crying out to God "out of the low dungeon" ([Lamentations 3:55](/lamentations/3-55 "Lamentations 3:55 - Crying from the Dungeon")), indicating a prayer offered from the most dire and confined situation. This verse serves as a culmination of his plea, affirming his belief in God's hearing ear.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian exile in 586 BC. This event marked the end of the Davidic monarchy, the destruction of the Temple (the center of Israelite worship and God's dwelling place), and the forced displacement of a significant portion of the population. For the Israelites, this was not merely a political or military defeat but a profound theological crisis, raising questions about God's covenant faithfulness and justice. The cultural practice of lament, deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern societies, provided a structured way to express grief, protest suffering, and appeal to the divine. Psalms of lament (e.g., [Psalm 137](/psalms/137 "Psalm 137 - By the Rivers of Babylon")) are abundant in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting a communal and individual tradition of bringing raw emotion and desperate pleas before God. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," embodies this tradition, articulating the collective trauma while also wrestling with his personal faith in a God who seemed to have abandoned His people.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:56 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Attentiveness**, affirming the foundational belief that God is not distant but actively listens to the cries of His people, even in their deepest distress. The declaration "Thou hast heard my voice" ([Lamentations 3:56](/lamentations/3-56 "Lamentations 3:56 - God Hears My Voice")) is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His compassionate nature. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Persistent Prayer**, demonstrating that even after an affirmation of God's hearing, there remains an ongoing, desperate need for His continued attention ("hide not thine ear"). This reflects a tenacious, unceasing form of prayer, even when hope seems dim or God's presence feels hidden. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Depth of Human Distress**, using the nuanced expressions "my breathing" and "my cry" to convey extreme anguish and desperation. This illustrates that God hears every form of human suffering, from the inarticulate groan to the fervent appeal. Finally, despite the overwhelming context of grief, the verse subtly carries a profound note of **Hope Amidst Suffering**, as the very act of praying and believing that God hears is an act of faith, affirming His capacity and willingness to intervene and bring relief.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This verb (H8085) signifies more than mere auditory perception; it denotes intelligent hearing, often implying attention, understanding, and even obedience or a readiness to respond. When applied to God, as here, it conveys His active engagement with the speaker's plea, indicating that He has not only perceived the sound but has also received and comprehended the message with a view toward action. The past tense "Thou hast heard" grounds the present plea in a history of divine responsiveness.
* **Breathing (Hebrew, _rᵉvâchâh'_):** This noun (H7309), derived from a root meaning "to breathe freely" or "to be spacious," can refer to "relief" or "respite." In this context, "my breathing" (or "my gasp," "my sigh") refers to a deep, often involuntary expression of distress—a groan, a gasp for air, or a sigh that emanates from the very core of one's being, signifying extreme anguish or the desperate need for relief. It represents the most inarticulate, foundational expression of suffering, a prayer uttered when words fail.
* **Cry (Hebrew, _shavʻâh'_):** This feminine noun (H7775) denotes a "hallooing" or a "crying" for help, an outcry, or a plea. Unlike "breathing," which suggests an internal or barely audible expression of distress, "my cry" signifies a more overt, conscious, and desperate appeal, a loud and explicit call for divine intervention. Together with "breathing," it encompasses the full spectrum of human supplication, from the silent, burdened spirit to the vocal, urgent appeal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast heard my voice":** This opening clause is a powerful declaration of past experience and present conviction. The prophet is not merely hoping that God *will* hear; he affirms that God *has* heard. This is an anchor of faith, a remembrance of God's past attentiveness that fuels the courage to continue praying in the present. It speaks to a personal relationship where the speaker knows God's character and responsiveness.
* **"hide not thine ear":** Despite the preceding affirmation, this phrase introduces an urgent petition. It is a plea for God to continue His attentiveness, not to turn away, become deaf, or conceal Himself from the petitioner's ongoing distress. This reflects the reality of human experience where, even after moments of felt divine presence, the weight of suffering can lead to a renewed longing for God's active engagement and visible intervention. It's an appeal for sustained, compassionate listening.
* **"at my breathing, at my cry":** This final phrase specifies the nature of the communication God is implored not to ignore. "My breathing" refers to the deep, perhaps inarticulate groans, sighs, or gasps that accompany profound suffering—the prayer of a soul overwhelmed to the point of being unable to form coherent words. "My cry" refers to the more explicit, vocal, and desperate appeals for help. The juxtaposition emphasizes that God is attentive to every level of human distress, from the most subtle, internal groan to the most overt and urgent outcry.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:56 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human attributes, specifically having an "ear" that can "hear" or "hide." This makes the divine accessible and relatable, emphasizing God's capacity for personal engagement with human suffering. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** through the pairing of "my breathing" and "my cry." This highlights the spectrum of human distress and prayer, from the inarticulate, internal groan to the explicit, vocal plea. This serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of God's attentiveness, suggesting that no expression of human suffering is too small or too profound for Him to hear. Furthermore, the structure moves from a statement of past **Affirmation** ("Thou hast heard") to a present **Petition** ("hide not thine ear"), creating a dynamic tension that reflects the ongoing struggle between faith and the reality of suffering, a common feature in biblical laments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:56 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's attentiveness and the efficacy of prayer, even in the direst circumstances. It affirms that God is not a distant deity but one who intimately engages with the suffering of His people, hearing not only their articulate petitions but also their deepest, unspoken groans. This verse anchors the hope that despite overwhelming evidence of desolation and divine judgment, a channel of communication with the Almighty remains open. It underscores that persistent prayer, born out of a desperate need, is a legitimate and necessary response to suffering, rooted in the conviction that God's character is one of compassion and responsiveness. The shift from a declaration of past hearing to a present plea highlights the ongoing human need for reassurance of God's presence and intervention, even when His response is not immediately apparent.

* [Psalm 116:1-2](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1-2 - God Hears My Voice")
* [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit's Intercession")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:56 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual lesson for believers navigating the complexities of life, especially in moments of deep distress or perceived divine silence. It reminds us that our access to God is not contingent on our eloquence, our emotional state, or even our understanding of His ways. God hears every form of human expression—from the barely audible sigh of a burdened heart to the most desperate, vocal cry for help. This truth empowers us to bring our whole selves, in all our brokenness and confusion, before Him. The prophet's plea, "hide not thine ear," is a model of persistent faith, teaching us to continue crying out even when answers are delayed or His presence feels distant. It is in this unwavering, honest engagement that our faith is refined, and our hope in God's ultimate faithfulness is sustained. This verse invites us to embrace prayer as our lifeline, a continuous dialogue with a God who is always attentive, always compassionate, and always ready to incline His ear to the cries of His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what circumstances do you find it most challenging to believe that God hears your voice?**
* **How might acknowledging God's past faithfulness, as the prophet does, strengthen your present prayers?**
* **What does it mean for you that God hears not just your conscious "cry" but also your inarticulate "breathing" or groans?**
* **How can you cultivate a more persistent and honest prayer life, even when God seems silent?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah ask God not to hide His ear if he already believes God has heard?**

Answer: This apparent paradox highlights the dynamic nature of faith and prayer in the midst of suffering. The declaration "Thou hast heard my voice" ([Lamentations 3:56](/lamentations/3-56 "Lamentations 3:56 - God Hears My Voice")) is an affirmation of past experience and a foundational conviction about God's character. However, the subsequent plea "hide not thine ear" reflects the ongoing human need for reassurance and the reality of persistent suffering. It's not a sign of doubt in God's ability to hear, but a desperate cry for His continued, active attentiveness and intervention in a present crisis. It acknowledges the human experience of feeling abandoned or unheard, even while clinging to the truth of God's faithfulness. This tension is common in biblical laments, where raw honesty about suffering coexists with deep theological trust (e.g., [Psalm 22:1-2](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1-2 - My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?")).

**What is the significance of "my breathing" and "my cry" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrases "my breathing" and "my cry" represent a spectrum of human distress and prayer, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's attentiveness. "My breathing" (Hebrew _rᵉvâchâh_) refers to a deep sigh, groan, or gasp—an involuntary, often inarticulate expression of profound anguish or the desperate need for relief. It signifies a prayer uttered when words fail, a burden so heavy it can only be expressed through the very act of breathing. "My cry" (Hebrew _shavʻâh_), on the other hand, refers to a more overt, conscious, and vocal appeal for help, a direct outcry. Together, they convey that God hears every form of human supplication, from the silent, internal groan of the spirit to the loud, urgent appeal, affirming that no expression of suffering is too small or too profound for His compassionate ear. This echoes the Spirit's intercession for us with "groanings which cannot be uttered" ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit's Intercession")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:56 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's experience of crying out from the "low dungeon" ([Lamentations 3:55](/lamentations/3-55 "Lamentations 3:55 - Crying from the Dungeon")) and his plea for God to hear his "breathing" and "cry" foreshadow the profound suffering and fervent prayers of Christ. In Gethsemane, Jesus, facing the agony of the cross, prayed with "strong crying and tears" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Tears")) and His sweat became "as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), a visceral manifestation of His "breathing" or deep anguish. On the cross, His cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), is the ultimate "cry" from the deepest pit of human and divine suffering. Jesus, as our great High Priest, is one who can "be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) because He Himself experienced the full spectrum of human suffering and despair, including the feeling of being unheard. Thus, when we cry out to God from our own "low dungeons," we do so through Christ, who not only understands our groans but also intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice ensure that the Father's ear is always open to the cries of those who come to Him through His Son, transforming the lament into a song of assured hope.

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

Job 34:28

So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

Psalms 55:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalms 6:8

¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Psalms 6:9

The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

Isaiah 38:5

Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Romans 8:26

¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.