Lamentations 3:64

KJV

Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

Render {H7725} unto them a recompence {H1576}, O LORD {H3068}, according to the work {H4639} of their hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Repay them, ADONAI, as their deeds deserve.

Berean Standard Bible

You will pay them back what they deserve, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.

American Standard Version

Thou wilt render unto them a recompense, O Jehovah, according to the work of their hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:64 presents a fervent and direct plea to the Lord for divine justice against those who have inflicted suffering. Emerging from a context of profound national and personal anguish, the verse expresses a deep-seated human longing for God to intervene and bring about a just recompense, ensuring that the consequences for malicious actions are meted out by the ultimate arbiter of righteousness. It is a cry for vindication, trusting in God's character as the righteous judge who sees all deeds and will act accordingly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Lamentations is a poignant collection of five poetic laments, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 3 stands out within this sorrowful collection, offering a unique blend of personal suffering, profound despair, and a remarkable pivot towards hope and God's enduring faithfulness (e.g., [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies")). However, even amidst this glimmer of hope, the speaker's personal experience of affliction and persecution is acutely felt. Verses [Lamentations 3:59-63](/lamentations/3-59 "Lamentations 3:59-63 - The Lord Sees Their Vengeance") immediately precede verse 64, detailing the cruel insults, injustices, and malicious schemes perpetrated by the enemies, setting the stage for this impassioned prayer for God to "render unto them a recompence." The plea is not a sudden outburst but a culmination of the deep-seated pain and injustice described.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces in 586 BC, followed by the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the Jewish people. This event was not merely a military defeat but a theological crisis, as it challenged the people's understanding of God's covenant promises and His presence among them. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, understood justice as a fundamental attribute of God, often expressed through the concept of "lex talionis" (law of retaliation) where punishment fit the crime (e.g., [Exodus 21:23-25](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23-25 - Eye for an Eye")). While this verse is a prayer to God, it resonates with the cultural expectation that divine justice would ultimately prevail, especially against those who had committed heinous acts of oppression and desecration. The plea reflects the desperate situation of a people who had no earthly recourse against their powerful oppressors.

* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 3:64 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice**, highlighting God's immutable character as the righteous judge who sees all deeds and will ultimately bring about perfect justice. This is not a human call for vengeance but a confident appeal to the Lord's sovereignty and moral order. Closely related is the principle of **Retribution According to Deeds**, encapsulated in the phrase "according to the work of their hands," which underscores the biblical concept that actions have consequences and that God will justly repay individuals based on their conduct, a principle echoed throughout wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 24:12 - God Rewards According to Deeds")). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Vindication of the Oppressed**. For those suffering profound injustice, this prayer represents a legitimate and deeply human cry for God to intervene, to right severe wrongs, and to uphold the righteous, providing a spiritual outlet for anguish and a foundation for hope that God will act on their behalf.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Render (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This word (H7725) is a primitive root meaning "to turn back," "return," "restore," or "requite." In this context, it carries the sense of turning back or giving back what is due, implying a just and proportionate act of recompense. It is not merely a request for punishment but for a fitting response or return for actions taken.
* **recompence (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):** Derived from the root "gamal" (to deal out, to ripen), this noun (H1576) signifies "treatment," "an act (of good or ill)," or "requital." It denotes a just return or reward, whether positive (benefit) or negative (desert, deserving punishment). Here, it specifically refers to the deserved outcome for the wicked deeds committed, emphasizing a divine balancing of the scales.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness. By addressing God as "LORD" (Jehovah), the psalmist appeals to God's covenant character, implying that the one who made promises and established justice will surely act to uphold His righteous order and vindicate His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Render unto them a recompence, O LORD,"**: This opening clause is a direct, impassioned petition to God. The verb "Render" (shûwb) signifies a demand for a just return or requital. The phrase "unto them" refers to the oppressors and enemies who have caused such suffering, as detailed in the preceding verses. The address "O LORD" (Jehovah) is crucial, indicating that the plea is not for human vengeance but for divine intervention, appealing to God's sovereign authority and His character as the ultimate righteous judge. It is a surrender of the desire for retribution into God's capable hands.
* **"according to the work of their hands."**: This second clause specifies the basis upon which the recompense is sought. "The work of their hands" (ma'aseh y'deihem) refers to the totality of their actions, deeds, schemes, and the cruelties they perpetrated. The word "work" (maʻăseh, H4639) denotes an "action" or "transaction," while "hands" (yâd, H3027) often signifies "power," "means," or "agency." Thus, the phrase collectively represents their deliberate and active oppression. The request is that the divine recompense be perfectly proportionate and just, directly corresponding to the nature and extent of their wicked deeds.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:64 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its fervent plea. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or inanimate entity, in this case, God ("O LORD"). This device intensifies the emotional impact, making the prayer feel immediate, personal, and profoundly earnest. There is also an implicit form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("according to the work of their hands") expands upon or completes the thought of the first clause ("Render unto them a recompence, O LORD"). While not a strict repetition, it clarifies the *basis* for the requested recompense. Furthermore, the phrase "work of their hands" uses **Metonymy**, where "hands" stand in for the actions or deeds performed by the oppressors, emphasizing the tangible and deliberate nature of their wickedness. The entire verse functions as a **Plea** or **Imprecation**, a formal curse or prayer for harm to come upon one's enemies, but crucially, it is directed to God for divine execution, not human.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:64 powerfully articulates a foundational biblical truth: God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring all deeds to account. This verse does not advocate for personal vengeance, which is explicitly forbidden for believers in the New Testament, but rather expresses a deep trust in God's perfect justice. It acknowledges the legitimate human cry for wrongs to be righted, especially when suffering under severe oppression. The principle that God will "render... according to the work of their hands" resonates throughout Scripture, affirming divine sovereignty over human actions and their consequences. It assures the afflicted that their suffering is seen by a just God who will, in His perfect timing and manner, execute righteous judgment, ensuring that no injustice goes unaddressed in the cosmic order.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - For You Render to Each According to His Work")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, Never Avenge Yourselves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:64 offers a profound lens through which to understand the human experience of injustice and the divine response to it. For those who have suffered deeply at the hands of others, this verse provides a legitimate outlet for their anguish, allowing them to bring their cries for justice directly to God. It reminds us that while we are called to forgive and to not take vengeance into our own hands, we are not required to deny the reality of injustice or to suppress our longing for righteousness to prevail. Instead, we are invited to entrust our hurts, our desire for recompense, and the fate of our oppressors into the hands of the Lord, who alone is perfectly just and capable of administering true retribution. This act of surrender can be incredibly liberating, freeing us from the burden of bitterness and the futility of personal retaliation, while simultaneously strengthening our faith in God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to justice. It offers comfort, assurance, and a steadfast hope that all wrongs will eventually be made right by the divine Judge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse help us understand the tension between a human desire for justice and the biblical call to forgiveness?**
* **In what ways can entrusting our desire for recompense to God free us from bitterness or the temptation of personal vengeance?**
* **What comfort does it offer to know that God sees and will ultimately address all injustice, even when we do not see immediate earthly consequences?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Is Lamentations 3:64 advocating for believers to seek personal vengeance against their enemies?

Answer: No, this verse is not advocating for personal vengeance. Instead, it is a fervent prayer directed *to God*, asking Him to render justice. The distinction is crucial: the prophet is not taking matters into his own hands or encouraging others to do so. He is appealing to the Lord, the ultimate and righteous Judge, to act according to His perfect will and timing. The Bible consistently teaches against personal retaliation (e.g., [Proverbs 20:22](/proverbs/20-22 "Proverbs 20:22 - Do Not Say, 'I Will Repay Evil'")), reserving vengeance for God alone, as famously stated in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine; I Will Repay, Says the Lord")). This verse in Lamentations is a model for how to process deep hurt and injustice by bringing it before the divine court.

**Question?** How does this Old Testament plea for recompense align with the New Testament emphasis on love for enemies and forgiveness?

Answer: While there appears to be a tension, these concepts are not mutually exclusive but represent different facets of God's character and human responsibility. The New Testament commands to love enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) and forgive those who wrong us ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgiving One Another")) primarily address the *disposition of the believer's heart*. They call us to release bitterness, hatred, and the desire for personal retribution. However, this does not negate God's role as the righteous judge. Lamentations 3:64 reminds us that God *will* bring about ultimate justice. The New Testament affirms this future judgment (e.g., [2 Thessalonians 1:6-8](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 - God's Righteous Judgment")). So, while we forgive and love, we simultaneously trust that God will justly deal with all unrighteousness, ensuring that His moral order is upheld. The plea in Lamentations is a recognition of God's sovereign right and duty to administer justice, not a contradiction of the call to personal mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:64, a fervent plea for divine recompense according to the work of wicked hands, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the prophet sought retribution for the enemies' deeds, Christ Himself became the ultimate recipient of the "work of hands"—the cruel, unjust actions of humanity that led to His crucifixion ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Delivered Up by the Predetermined Plan")). Yet, in a divine paradox, His suffering was not merely an act of injustice but the very means by which God's perfect justice and boundless mercy converged. On the cross, Jesus bore the recompense for the "work of our hands"—our sins—satisfying the righteous demands of God's law ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God Presented Christ as a Propitiation")). He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), receiving the judgment we deserved so that we might receive the grace we did not. Furthermore, Christ is 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")), and at His glorious return, He will indeed "render unto them a recompence" according to their deeds ([Revelation 20:12-13](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12-13 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, the cry for justice in Lamentations is ultimately answered in Christ, both in His atoning sacrifice for sin and in His future role as the righteous King who will establish perfect justice and bring all things to account.

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

Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

Jeremiah 11:20

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

2 Timothy 4:14

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

Jeremiah 50:29

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 18:6

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.