Lamentations 4:10

KJV

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

KJV (with Strong's)

The hands {H3027} of the pitiful {H7362} women {H802} have sodden {H1310} their own children {H3206}: they were their meat {H1262} in the destruction {H7667} of the daughter {H1323} of my people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children; their children became their food when the daughter of my people was destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

American Standard Version

The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children; They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:10 vividly portrays the ultimate horror of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, depicting compassionate mothers driven by unimaginable famine to boil and consume their own children. This verse stands as a stark and agonizing testament to the depths of human desperation and the complete breakdown of natural affection and societal norms under the severe judgment brought upon the "daughter of my people" during the city's catastrophic destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Lamentations is a collection of five acrostic poems, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Each chapter serves as a lament, exploring different facets of the city's suffering, desolation, and the theological implications of God's judgment. Chapter 4, in particular, contrasts the former glory and beauty of Zion with its present degradation, focusing on the physical and moral collapse of its inhabitants. It describes the horrors of the siege, the starvation, and the shocking reversal of societal roles and natural order. Verse 10, with its graphic depiction of cannibalism, marks the horrifying climax of the famine's impact, underscoring the extreme suffering that has reduced people to unimaginable acts, directly following descriptions of the emaciated state of the nobles and the city's desolation in previous verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Lamentations 4:10 are set against the backdrop of the protracted Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC). This siege was a brutal and relentless military campaign designed to starve the city into submission. The walls of Jerusalem, once a symbol of divine protection, became a trap, cutting off all external food supplies. The resulting famine was so severe that it pushed the inhabitants to the brink of survival, leading to acts that defied all natural human instinct and cultural taboos, such as cannibalism. Such acts were not unprecedented in ancient siege warfare (e.g., the siege of Samaria in [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Cannibalism During Siege of Samaria")), but they represented the ultimate degradation and a direct fulfillment of the covenant curses warned about in the Mosaic Law for disobedience, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28:53-57](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53-57 - Prophecy of Cannibalism During Siege").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic tradition. It highlights the **Extreme Desperation and Suffering** that can befall a people under divine judgment, illustrating how famine can erode not only physical strength but also moral and familial bonds. The act of "pitiful women" (those naturally inclined to nurture) resorting to such an atrocity emphasizes the complete breakdown of societal norms and natural affection under duress, serving as a chilling example of the [dire consequences of famine and siege](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine, Sword, and Pestilence"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, presenting the horrific events as the direct and painful outcome of Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against God's covenant, fulfilling ancient warnings. Finally, it serves as a stark reminder of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating how God's warnings, even the most dreadful, are ultimately realized when His people refuse to repent and turn back to Him, echoing the warnings found in [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Leviticus 26:29 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sodden (Hebrew, _bâshal'_):** This primitive root means "to boil up," "to be done in cooking," or "to ripen." In this context, it refers to the act of boiling, indicating a deliberate and prepared, albeit horrific, method of consumption. The term emphasizes that this was not a spontaneous, frenzied act but a calculated, desperate measure for survival, highlighting the extreme and prolonged nature of the famine that necessitated such a gruesome preparation.
* **pitiful (Hebrew, _rachmânîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "womb" or "compassion," this word describes someone who is compassionate, tender, or merciful. The use of "pitiful women" (plural) creates a profound and agonizing **irony**. Those who are naturally endowed with the deepest capacity for nurturing and compassion—mothers—are driven by starvation to commit the most unnatural and horrifying act imaginable against their own offspring. This choice of word amplifies the tragedy and the depth of the suffering, showing how utterly desperate the situation had become.
* **meat (Hebrew, _bârâh'_):** This word, stemming from a root meaning "to select" or "to feed," refers to food or sustenance. Its use here starkly highlights the purpose of the horrific act: the children became a source of sustenance, a means of survival, in the face of absolute starvation. The term strips away any pretense of humanity from the act, reducing the children to mere provisions, underscoring the dehumanizing effect of extreme famine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the shocking subject and the agents of the act. The "hands" emphasize the active, deliberate participation of the women. The descriptor "pitiful women" (rachmaniyyot) provides a chilling contrast, highlighting the profound irony that those naturally most compassionate are driven to such an unnatural act. "Sodden" (boiled) indicates a prepared, rather than impulsive, consumption, revealing the depth of the famine and the calculated desperation.
* **"they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people."** This second clause clarifies the purpose and context of the act. The children became "meat," a source of sustenance, for their mothers. The phrase "in the destruction of the daughter of my people" grounds this horrifying event firmly within the broader catastrophe of Jerusalem's fall. "Daughter of my people" is a poetic personification of Judah/Jerusalem, emphasizing the collective suffering and the national tragedy that culminated in such individual horrors.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its harrowing message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as "pitiful women"—those typically characterized by compassion and tenderness—are driven to the most unnatural and cruel act imaginable: consuming their own children. This stark contrast amplifies the horror and the depth of the city's degradation. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a grotesque and unforgettable picture of cannibalism born of starvation, which serves to shock the reader and convey the unimaginable suffering. The phrase "daughter of my people" is an example of **Personification**, giving a human face to the collective suffering of Jerusalem and Judah. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Hyperbole** (though tragically literal in its historical context), serving to emphasize the absolute extremity of the famine and the judgment, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and morality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:10 stands as a grim testament to the profound consequences of a covenant people's persistent rebellion against God. It reveals the terrifying extent of divine judgment when warnings are ignored and grace is spurned. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in curse. While horrifying, the scene serves as a stark reminder that sin, left unaddressed, leads to spiritual and physical desolation, eroding the very fabric of humanity and society. It forces us to confront the reality of human depravity when stripped of divine restraint and provision, and the severity with which God can allow His people to experience the natural consequences of their choices, even to the point of breaking the most fundamental human bonds.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53-57](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53-57 - Prophecy of Cannibalism During Siege")
* [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Leviticus 26:29 - Consequences of Disobedience and Cannibalism")
* [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Cannibalism During Siege of Samaria")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:10, though depicting an ancient horror, offers timeless and profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the insidious nature of sin, reminding us that persistent rebellion against God's will can lead to devastating consequences, not just individually but communally. This verse challenges us to consider the fragility of societal order and human morality when divine guidance is abandoned, highlighting how easily extreme circumstances can strip away the veneer of civilization. It calls us to cultivate deep spiritual roots, to cling to God's word, and to seek repentance and renewal before desperation sets in. Furthermore, it prompts us to cultivate profound compassion for those suffering extreme hardship, recognizing the depths to which human beings can be pushed, and to pray for and work towards justice and provision in a world still plagued by famine and conflict. Even in the face of such bleakness, the broader message of Lamentations, particularly [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease"), reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning, offering hope for restoration even after the most severe judgments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and His patience with human sin?**
* **What does this extreme depiction of suffering reveal about the depths of human desperation and the breakdown of natural affection?**
* **In what ways might spiritual famine or complacency lead to a "destruction of the daughter of my people" in our own lives or communities today?**
* **How can the horror of this verse prompt greater compassion and action for those experiencing extreme suffering, famine, or conflict in the world?**

### FAQ
**Did this horrific act of cannibalism truly happen, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the verse is deeply symbolic of extreme suffering, biblical scholars and historical accounts confirm that acts of cannibalism did occur during prolonged sieges in the ancient Near East, including Jerusalem. The Book of Lamentations, written from the perspective of those who experienced the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, describes these events as literal occurrences. The prophet Jeremiah, or the author of Lamentations, presents this not as a metaphor but as a tragic reality that unfolded during the famine, a fulfillment of the dire warnings given in the Mosaic Law, such as in [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Prophecy of Cannibalism During Siege"). This verse, therefore, serves as a stark historical record of the ultimate desperation faced by the inhabitants.

**Why would God allow such a terrible thing to happen to His "people"?**

Answer: The Book of Lamentations presents these horrific events as the direct consequence of Judah's persistent and unrepentant sin and rebellion against God's covenant. For centuries, God had warned His people through prophets about the consequences of idolatry, injustice, and disobedience. The destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering within it, including acts like cannibalism, are portrayed not as arbitrary cruelty from God but as a severe, yet just, judgment for their repeated turning away from Him. It highlights God's holiness and His commitment to His covenant, even to the point of allowing His people to experience the full, devastating effects of their choices, as foretold in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The purpose was not annihilation but a severe discipline intended to lead to repentance and restoration, as hinted at in [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31-33 - The Lord Will Not Cast Off Forever").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:10 presents a harrowing scene of ultimate human depravity and suffering, a direct consequence of sin and divine judgment. Yet, within this profound darkness, the Christian faith finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The utter destitution and the horrific act of mothers consuming their children underscore the depth of humanity's fallen state and the severity of the curse that sin brings. This curse, which brought such unimaginable suffering upon the "daughter of my people," was ultimately borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. He, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became a curse for us, redeeming us from the very curse of the law that led to such devastation ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). The innocent suffered due to the sin of the many, a foreshadowing of the perfect, innocent Son of God suffering for the sins of all humanity. Through His sacrifice, Christ absorbed the full wrath of God's judgment, ensuring that those who put their faith in Him will never experience the ultimate spiritual famine or the destructive consequences of sin that Jerusalem endured ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). He offers true spiritual nourishment, the "bread of life," so that no one who comes to Him will ever hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thus, the despair of Lamentations 4:10 is ultimately swallowed up in the hope and redemption found in Christ, who promises a future where God will [wipe away every tear](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain") and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.

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

Lamentations 2:20

Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, [and] children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?

2 Kings 6:26

And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

2 Kings 6:29

So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Jeremiah 19:9

And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.

Ezekiel 5:10

Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds.

Lamentations 4:3

Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.