Lamentations 4:15

KJV

They cried unto them, Depart ye; [it is] unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn [there].

KJV (with Strong's)

They cried {H7121} unto them, Depart {H5493} ye; it is unclean {H2931}; depart {H5493}, depart {H5493}, touch {H5060} not: when they fled away {H5132} and wandered {H5128}, they said {H559} among the heathen {H1471}, They shall no more {H3254} sojourn {H1481} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Keep away! Unclean!" people shout at them, "Keep away! Away! Don't touch us!"They flee, to wander here and there; but no nation allows them to stay.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go away! Unclean!” men shouted at them. “Away, away! Do not touch us!” So they fled and wandered. Among the nations it was said, “They can stay here no longer.”

American Standard Version

Depart ye, they cried unto them, Unclean! depart, depart, touch not! When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, They shall no more sojourn here.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:15 vividly portrays the extreme social ostracism and profound defilement experienced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem, particularly its leaders, during the aftermath of the city's destruction. Driven out by cries of "unclean," they were forced to wander aimlessly, ultimately facing the devastating consensus among foreign nations that they would never again be permitted to dwell in their homeland, a stark testament to the severity of divine judgment and the complete loss of their national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 is a poignant elegy, contrasting Jerusalem's past glory with its present desolation, focusing on the horrific suffering inflicted by the Babylonian siege and its aftermath (586 BC). The chapter details the starvation of children, the moral decay of once-noble leaders, and the widespread despair. Verse 15 specifically shifts focus from the physical suffering to the social and spiritual degradation of the people, particularly those who were once revered but are now utterly rejected. It follows a description of the moral corruption of priests and prophets in [Lamentations 4:13-14](/lamentations/4-13 "Lamentations 4:13-14 - Corruption of Priests and Prophets"), implying that the "unclean" status in verse 15 is a direct consequence of their sin, leading to their expulsion and wandering. The verse serves as a climactic expression of the utter humiliation and loss of place for the remnant of Judah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army in 586 BC, culminating in the exile of the Judean population. Culturally, the concept of "unclean" (Hebrew: *ṭâmêʼ*) was deeply embedded in Israelite law and society, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases")). Ritual impurity could arise from various sources (contact with dead bodies, certain diseases, specific bodily discharges) and required separation from the community and the sanctuary until purification rites were performed. To be declared "unclean" was to be ritually and socially ostracized. Applying this term to the people, especially leaders, underscored their profound moral and spiritual defilement in the eyes of God and even their fellow citizens, leading to their expulsion, mirroring the fate of lepers who had to cry "Unclean, unclean!" ([Leviticus 13:45](/leviticus/13-45 "Leviticus 13:45 - The Law for a Leper")). The "heathen" or "nations" (Hebrew: *gôwyim*) refer to the surrounding Gentile peoples, whose acknowledgment of Judah's permanent exile further cemented their humiliation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating the severe consequences of persistent national sin and covenant unfaithfulness, as warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The explicit declaration of "unclean" underscores the theme of **Defilement and Moral Corruption**, particularly among those who should have been spiritually pure, like the priests and prophets mentioned in [Lamentations 4:13](/lamentations/4-13 "Lamentations 4:13 - The Sins of Prophets and Priests"). Furthermore, the forced "wandering" and the declaration that they would "no more sojourn there" emphasize the tragic theme of **Exile and Loss of Homeland**, a central punishment for Israel's disobedience, leading to a profound **Loss of Identity and Security**. The verse encapsulates the spiritual, social, and physical devastation wrought by God's righteous wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This word (H2931) signifies a state of ritual and moral defilement. Originating from a root meaning "foul in a religious sense," it describes something or someone polluted, infamous, or defiled. In this context, it transcends mere ritual impurity to denote a deep spiritual and moral corruption, particularly among the leaders and people of Jerusalem, rendering them abhorrent in the eyes of God and their peers. The cry "it is unclean" functions as a public declaration of their utter unworthiness and a command for immediate separation.
* **Depart (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** Appearing three times in rapid succession (H5493), this primitive root means "to turn off," "to remove," or "to withdraw." The repetition emphasizes the urgency, vehemence, and absolute nature of the expulsion. It conveys a desperate plea or command to leave, highlighting the intense repulsion felt towards the "unclean" individuals and their forced banishment from any place of rest or belonging.
* **Sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This primitive root (H1481) means "to turn aside from the road for a lodging," or "to dwell as a guest." It implies a temporary residence or a state of being a stranger. The phrase "They shall no more sojourn [there]" among the heathen signifies a tragic and permanent loss of their dwelling place and national identity. It indicates that even in foreign lands, there was no place for them to settle, reinforcing their perpetual state of wandering and exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They cried unto them, Depart ye; [it is] unclean; depart, depart, touch not:"** This opening clause depicts a scene of intense public shaming and expulsion. "They" likely refers to the remaining inhabitants or perhaps even the foreign conquerors, while "them" refers to the defiled individuals, perhaps the corrupt priests and prophets (as suggested by [Lamentations 4:13-14](/lamentations/4-13 "Lamentations 4:13-14 - The Sins of the Prophets and Priests")). The repeated cries of "Depart!" and the declaration "it is unclean" are harsh condemnations, forcing immediate separation due to perceived ritual and moral pollution. The command "touch not" underscores the severity of their defilement, akin to the untouchable status of lepers.
* **"when they fled away and wandered,"** This phrase describes the immediate and desperate consequence of the public outcry. The ostracized individuals are forced to flee, not to a specific destination, but into a state of aimless "wandering." This depicts their utter homelessness, vulnerability, and lack of refuge, a direct result of their rejection and defilement.
* **"they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn [there]."** This final clause reveals the devastating permanence of their exile and loss of identity. "They" refers to the exiled Judeans themselves, who, having fled and wandered, hear or internalize the verdict of the "heathen" (foreign nations). The consensus among these Gentiles is that the Judeans will never again be able to settle or find a permanent home in their land. This signifies the complete destruction of their national existence and the finality of God's judgment, leaving them without a place to belong.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of profound suffering and rejection. **Repetition** is prominently used with the thrice-repeated "depart," creating a sense of urgency, vehemence, and inescapable expulsion. This rhetorical device amplifies the intensity of the rejection and the absolute nature of the command to leave. **Metonymy** or **Symbolism** is evident in the application of "unclean" to people. While *ṭâmêʼ* traditionally refers to ritual impurity of objects or physical conditions, here it is applied to the moral and spiritual state of the people, symbolizing their profound defilement in God's sight due to their sins. This transforms a ceremonial term into a moral indictment. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as those who were once the chosen people, set apart by God, are now themselves declared "unclean" and cast out, losing their distinctive identity and place among the nations. The verse's stark imagery evokes a powerful sense of **Pathos**, drawing the reader into the deep sorrow and humiliation of the exiled people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:15 is a stark theological statement on the consequences of corporate sin and the severity of divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that persistent rebellion against God's covenant leads to spiritual defilement and ultimately, separation from His presence and promises. The declaration of "unclean" is not merely a social ostracism but a reflection of their spiritual state, demonstrating that sin makes one abhorrent in the eyes of a holy God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's holiness demands purity, and His justice ensures that disobedience carries profound and lasting consequences, including the loss of one's divinely appointed place and identity. The desolation described is a direct fulfillment of the curses pronounced in the covenant for unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word, both in blessing and in judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64-65](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Prophecy of Scattering and Restlessness")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Sin Separates from God")
* [Ezekiel 36:17-18](/ezekiel/36-17 "Defilement of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:15 offers a sobering reflection on the destructive power of sin, not just individually, but corporately, and its capacity to lead to profound spiritual and social alienation. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which God views defilement, whether ritual, moral, or spiritual. For contemporary believers, this verse serves as a potent warning about the consequences of compromising truth, embracing corruption, or allowing spiritual apathy to fester within a community or nation. It calls us to a radical pursuit of purity and holiness, recognizing that our actions, both personal and collective, have far-reaching implications for our standing before God and our witness to the world. Just as Judah lost its home and identity due to unfaithfulness, so too can sin lead to a loss of spiritual vitality, purpose, and communion with God. It compels us to repent, to seek restoration, and to live in a manner that honors God's holiness, ensuring that we do not become "unclean" in His sight, cut off from His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might individual or corporate sin lead to a sense of spiritual "uncleanliness" or separation from God today?**
* **How does the concept of being "unclean" in this verse relate to the New Testament call for believers to be holy and set apart?**
* **What are the "heathen" or external voices in our lives or society that might declare us "unfit to sojourn" if we abandon our core spiritual identity?**
* **How can we actively pursue spiritual purity and avoid the kind of moral decay that led to Judah's judgment?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "they" who cried "Depart ye; [it is] unclean" in this verse?**

Answer: The identity of "they" is debated among scholars, but the context of Lamentations 4, particularly [Lamentations 4:13-14](/lamentations/4-13 "Lamentations 4:13-14 - Sins of Priests and Prophets"), suggests it refers to the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem, or perhaps even the foreign conquerors, who are expressing extreme repulsion towards those deemed morally and ritually defiled. It's likely directed at the corrupt priests, prophets, and leaders whose sins brought about the city's destruction, as they were perceived as the source of the "uncleanliness" that led to divine judgment.

**What is the significance of being called "unclean" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, "unclean" (Hebrew: *ṭâmêʼ*) signified a state of ritual impurity that rendered a person unfit for worship or participation in community life, often requiring separation (see [Leviticus 13:45](/leviticus/13-45 "Leviticus 13:45 - The Leper's Cry")). In Lamentations 4:15, while it echoes the ritual sense, it primarily carries a profound moral and spiritual meaning. It implies that the people, especially their leaders, had become so morally corrupt and spiritually defiled by their sins that they were abhorrent in God's eyes and therefore cast out from their land and community. It's a declaration of their utter unworthiness and the severity of God's judgment upon their apostasy.

**What does it mean that "They shall no more sojourn [there]" among the heathen?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the devastating and perceived permanent loss of the Judeans' homeland and national identity. "Sojourn" (Hebrew: *gûwr*) implies dwelling as a guest or temporary resident. The "heathen" (Hebrew: *gôwyim*) are the foreign nations among whom the Judeans were exiled. The statement means that even these foreign nations recognized the finality of Judah's displacement; there was no expectation or permission for them to settle or return to their land. It underscores the completeness of their exile and the profound humiliation of being a people without a home, a direct consequence of God's judgment and a fulfillment of covenant curses found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:64-65](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64-65 - Scattering Among Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:15, with its harrowing depiction of defilement, rejection, and homelessness, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the people of Judah were declared "unclean" due to their sin and cast out, Jesus, the Holy One of God, willingly became "unclean" for us. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), taking upon Himself the ultimate defilement of humanity's sin so that we might be made righteous. He was "departed" from, rejected by His own people, and cast out of the city to suffer outside the gate ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), fulfilling the imagery of the ostracized and defiled. Unlike the wandering Judeans who found no place to "sojourn," Jesus, though having "no place to lay His head" during His earthly ministry ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head")), ultimately established a new, eternal dwelling place for His people. Through His sacrifice, He cleanses us from all defilement ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by His Blood")), making us pure and acceptable before God, enabling us to "sojourn" eternally in His presence, no longer outcasts but beloved children and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with 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

Leviticus 13:45

And the leper in whom the plague [is], his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.

Leviticus 13:46

All the days wherein the plague [shall be] in him he shall be defiled; he [is] unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp [shall] his habitation [be].