Lamentations 4:22

Translation
King James Version
The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.
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KJV (with Strong's)
The punishment of thine iniquity H5771 is accomplished H8552, O daughter H1323 of Zion H6726; he will no more H3254 carry thee away into captivity H1540: he will visit H6485 thine iniquity H5771, O daughter H1323 of Edom H123; he will discover H1540 thy sins H2403.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Your offenses, daughter of Tziyon, are atoned for; he will keep you in exile no longer. Your offenses, daughter of Edom, he will punish; he will expose your sins.
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Berean Standard Bible
O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.
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American Standard Version
The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: He will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will uncover thy sins.
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World English Bible Messianic
The punishment of your iniquity is accomplished, daughter of Zion; he will no more carry you away into captivity: He will visit your iniquity, daughter of Edom; he will uncover your sins.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Thy punishment is accomplished, O daughter Zion: he will no more carie thee away into captiuitie, but he will visite thine iniquitie, O daughter Edom, he wil discouer thy sinnes.
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Young's Literal Translation
Completed is thy iniquity, daughter of Zion, He doth not add to remove thee, He hath inspected thy iniquity, O daughter of Edom, He hath removed thee because of thy sins!
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See also
Isaiah 40:2Jeremiah 50:20Psalms 137:7Jeremiah 46:27Jeremiah 46:28Lamentations 4:21Malachi 1:4
In the KJVVerse 20,443 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Lamentations 4:22 marks a profound theological and narrative turning point within the book, shifting from the deep anguish and lament over Jerusalem's destruction to a powerful declaration of divine justice and future hope. This pivotal verse proclaims a definitive end to the period of severe punishment for "daughter of Zion" (Judah), assuring them that their captivity is accomplished and will not be repeated. Simultaneously, it foretells an impending and certain judgment upon "daughter of Edom," a nation historically hostile to Israel, whose hidden sins would be fully exposed and visited by God. The verse encapsulates God's sovereign control over nations, demonstrating His righteous discipline for His covenant people and His unwavering retribution against their adversaries.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Lamentations 4:22 serves as a crucial hinge within the book of Lamentations. Chapters 1-4 are predominantly characterized by intense grief, vivid descriptions of suffering, and profound lament over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 4, in particular, graphically details the horrors of the siege, the resulting famine, the societal collapse, and the humiliation of Judah's leaders, contrasting the past glory of Zion with its present desolation. The preceding verses lament the suffering of the children, the defilement of the priests, and the desperate plight of the populace. Amidst this deep despair and the culmination of Judah's suffering, verse 22 introduces a sudden, albeit brief, glimmer of hope and a prophetic declaration of future justice. This shift moves the focus from Zion's present suffering to the certainty of its eventual restoration and, strikingly, the impending judgment of its enemies, providing a vital theological anchor that assures the remnant their suffering is not endless and that God remains just and sovereign.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for Lamentations 4:22 is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the devastating destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This catastrophic event marked the end of the Davidic monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma for the Israelites. "Daughter of Zion" is a poetic personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, representing the covenant people of God who endured the consequences of their unfaithfulness. "Daughter of Edom" refers to the nation of Edom, located southeast of Judah, whose people were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Despite this familial connection, Edom maintained a long-standing animosity towards Israel, often exploiting their misfortunes. Historical and prophetic texts, such as Psalm 137:7 and the entire book of Obadiah, condemn Edom for their active participation in Jerusalem's downfall, their gloating over Judah's suffering, and their plundering of the city. This verse, therefore, speaks to a deeply felt need for divine justice against a historical oppressor who reveled in Judah's pain and acted contrary to familial and covenantal expectations.

  • Key Themes: Lamentations 4:22 powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes present throughout the prophetic literature and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Justice and Retribution. God's justice is revealed in a dual manner: He disciplines His own people for their covenant unfaithfulness, but this discipline has a set duration and purpose, designed for their ultimate good. Concurrently, He holds other nations accountable for their wickedness, especially when they act with malice and cruelty against His chosen people. This is a consistent theme, as seen in prophecies against nations in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of Hope and Restoration for Judah. The declaration that Judah's punishment is "accomplished" and that they will "no more carry thee away into captivity" signals a future beyond the exile, aligning with God's covenant promises of restoration and return, famously articulated in Jeremiah 29:10. Finally, it highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty and the Unveiling of Hidden Sins. God is ultimately in control of historical events, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations. Edom's "sins" would be "discovered," emphasizing that no wrongdoing, however concealed or seemingly overlooked, escapes God's omniscient gaze and righteous judgment, a truth echoed in Proverbs 15:3.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • iniquity (Hebrew, ʻâvôn', H5771): This word (H5771) encompasses the meaning of perversity, moral evil, and the guilt or punishment associated with sin. For "daughter of Zion," it refers to the spiritual rebellion and covenant unfaithfulness that led to their divine chastisement and exile. For "daughter of Edom," it denotes their malicious actions, pride, and active participation in Judah's downfall. The term thus signifies both the offense itself and its inevitable consequences.
  • accomplished (Hebrew, tâmam', H8552): This verb (H8552) means to complete, finish, or bring to an end, whether in a good or bad sense. When applied to Zion's iniquity, it signifies that the designated period of divine discipline has reached its full, predetermined conclusion. It implies a sense of finality and fulfillment of a divine decree concerning the duration of their suffering, paving the way for a new phase.
  • visit (Hebrew, pâqad', H6485): This versatile verb (H6485) can mean to visit with friendly intent (to care for or oversee) or, as in this context, with hostile intent (to punish or judge). When God "visits" Edom's iniquity, it unequivocally signals a divine reckoning, a judicial inspection leading to punitive action against their wrongdoing. It implies active intervention to hold them accountable for their deeds.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion;": This clause delivers a profound message of hope and divine mercy for Judah. "Daughter of Zion" (Jerusalem/Judah) has endured severe suffering due to its "iniquity" (sin and its consequences, including the Babylonian captivity). The declaration that this punishment is "accomplished" signifies that the period of divine discipline has reached its divinely appointed end. This is not a cessation of God's justice, but a fulfillment of His predetermined plan for their chastisement, paving the way for restoration and a new chapter in their covenant relationship.
  • "he will no more carry thee away into captivity:": This provides a concrete promise of liberation and security for Judah. It means that the exile in Babylon would be the last major national captivity of this specific kind, where the nation was uprooted and dispersed as a direct consequence of covenant breaking leading to national dissolution. While there would be subsequent periods of foreign domination, this promise points to a future of continued national identity and eventual return to their land, signifying a permanent shift in God's dealing with them concerning such comprehensive national judgment.
  • "he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom;": This marks a stark contrast and a decisive shift in divine focus from Judah to its oppressor. While Zion's punishment is ending, Edom's is beginning. "Daughter of Edom" represents the nation that rejoiced in Judah's downfall and actively participated in their oppression. God will "visit" their "iniquity," meaning He will actively intervene to inspect and judge their wrongdoing. This "visitation" is punitive, signaling the impending divine reckoning for their historic hostility and recent cruelty towards Judah.
  • "he will discover thy sins.": This final clause emphasizes the certainty and totality of Edom's judgment. To "discover" sins means to uncover, reveal, or expose them. Edom's hidden malice, pride, and unrighteous actions, which they might have thought concealed or unpunished, would be fully brought to light by God. This public unveiling precedes and justifies the divine judgment that would befall them, ensuring that their punishment is seen as righteous and deserved, leaving no doubt about the basis for God's action.

Literary Devices

Lamentations 4:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. Personification is evident in the direct address to "O daughter of Zion" and "O daughter of Edom," imbuing these nations with human characteristics and allowing for a deeply personal and emotionally resonant prophetic pronouncement. The verse is structured with clear parallelism and pronounced antithesis, sharply juxtaposing the fate of Zion with that of Edom. The first half of the verse declares an end to Zion's suffering and captivity, while the second half announces the beginning of Edom's judgment and the exposure of their sins. This creates a powerful contrast that highlights God's balanced justice: mercy and restoration for His disciplined people, and righteous retribution for their oppressors. The phrase "he will discover thy sins" also functions as a form of foreshadowing, hinting at the future judgment and public exposure of Edom's wickedness, which is more fully detailed in other prophetic books. The overall tone shifts dramatically from the deep lament characteristic of the preceding verses to a confident declaration of divine decree, employing prophetic pronouncement to convey certainty and unwavering authority.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Lamentations 4:22 profoundly illustrates the multifaceted nature of God's justice and His sovereign control over human history. It reveals that divine discipline, though painful, is purposeful and has a definite end for His covenant people, designed not for annihilation but for purification and restoration. Concurrently, it affirms that God is the righteous judge of all nations, holding even those who seem to prosper in their wickedness fully accountable for their actions, particularly when they oppose His people or His divine purposes. This dual declaration provides both comfort to the afflicted and a solemn warning to the unrepentant, demonstrating that God's moral order will ultimately prevail and that no sin, whether of His people or their adversaries, escapes His omniscient gaze and righteous judgment.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Lamentations 4:22 offers profound lessons for believers today, providing both comfort in suffering and a call to righteous living. Firstly, it reminds us that God's discipline in our lives, while often painful and difficult, is not without purpose or without end. Just as Zion's punishment was "accomplished" and had a divinely appointed limit, so too our trials and periods of spiritual refining have a redemptive goal, designed to conform us to the image of Christ. This truth encourages perseverance through suffering, knowing that God is actively working to bring about our good and His glory, and that our present afflictions are temporary. Secondly, the verse provides immense comfort in the certainty of divine justice. In a world where evil often seems to triumph and the wicked appear to prosper, this passage assures us that God sees every hidden sin and will ultimately bring all injustice to light. This truth should inspire us to trust in God's perfect timing and righteous judgment, rather than seeking personal vengeance or despairing at the apparent success of the ungodly. Finally, it calls us to self-examination, prompting us to consider if we, like Edom, harbor any hidden malice, rejoice in the misfortunes of others, or allow unconfessed sins to fester, and to repent, seeking God's mercy rather than His judgment.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does understanding God's purposeful discipline for Zion encourage you in your own times of suffering or spiritual struggle?
  • In what ways might you be tempted to gloat over the misfortunes of others, or to harbor hidden sins, and how does Edom's fate serve as a warning?
  • How does the promise of God's ultimate justice for all nations strengthen your faith and provide hope in a world filled with pervasive injustice?

FAQ

What does "daughter of Zion" represent in this verse?

Answer: "Daughter of Zion" is a poetic and metaphorical term used throughout the Old Testament to refer to Jerusalem and its inhabitants, symbolizing the covenant people of God, Judah. In Lamentations, it represents the devastated city and its exiled people, enduring the consequences of their sin and God's judgment. The address signifies God's direct communication with His people, even in their broken state, highlighting His continued relationship and ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Why is Edom singled out for judgment alongside Zion's restoration?

Answer: Edom is singled out due to its long history of animosity towards Israel and, specifically, its malicious actions during Jerusalem's fall. Instead of offering aid or compassion to their Israelite kin (descendants of Jacob), Edom actively participated in plundering Jerusalem and gloated over its destruction, as detailed in Obadiah 1:10-14. This behavior violated the principles of kinship and hospitality, and more importantly, it demonstrated a profound disregard for God's chosen people. God's judgment on Edom underscores His righteous indignation against those who actively oppose or rejoice in the suffering of His people, reinforcing His sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to defending His covenant purposes.

Does "he will no more carry thee away into captivity" mean Israel will never suffer again?

Answer: This phrase specifically refers to the end of the Babylonian exile as a definitive period of national judgment and forced removal from the land due to covenant unfaithfulness. While the Jewish people would experience subsequent periods of foreign domination (e.g., Persian, Greek, Roman rule) and even a later diaspora, the promise signifies that the specific, comprehensive, and divinely ordained "captivity" of the Babylonian era, which dismantled their national and religious structures, would not be repeated in the same manner. It points to a future where God's covenant faithfulness would ensure their continued existence and eventual return to the land, even amidst future challenges. It does not promise an absence of all future suffering, but an end to this particular, severe form of national punishment and a guarantee of their ultimate preservation as a people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Lamentations 4:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The declaration that "The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion" resonates deeply with the finished work of Christ on the cross. Humanity, like Zion, was under the just sentence of God's wrath due to its "iniquity" and "sins." However, Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bore the full "punishment of our iniquity" (Isaiah 53:5-6), accomplishing a perfect atonement that brings a definitive end to the spiritual captivity of sin for all who believe. Through His sacrifice, believers are "no more carried away into captivity" by the power of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2 and John 8:36), experiencing true freedom and liberation. Furthermore, the promise that God "will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins" points to Christ's dual role as both Savior and ultimate Judge. While He came first as Savior, He will return to "visit" the world in righteous judgment, exposing all hidden sins and bringing final retribution upon all unrighteousness and those who reject His saving grace (Revelation 20:12-15 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Thus, Christ is both the one who accomplishes the end of our just punishment and the one who perfectly executes divine justice upon all who oppose God's kingdom.

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Commentary on Lamentations 4 verses 21–22

David's psalms of lamentation commonly conclude with some word of comfort, which is as life from the dead and light shining out of darkness; so does this lamentation here in this chapter. The people of God are now in great distress, their aspects all doleful, their prospects all frightful, and their ill-natured neighbours the Edomites insult over them and do all they can to exasperate their destroyers against them. Such was their violence against their brother Jacob (Oba 1:10), such their spleen at Jerusalem, of which they cried, Rase it, rase it, Psa 137:7. Now it is here foretold, for the encouragement of God's people,

I. That an end shall be put to Zion's troubles (Lam 4:22): The punishment of they iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion! not the fulness of that punishment which it deserves, but of that which God has designed and determined to inflict, and which was necessary to answer the end, the glorifying of God's justice and the taking away of their sin. The captivity, which is the punishment of thy iniquity, is accomplished (Isa 40:2), and he will no longer keep thee in captivity; so it may be read, as well as, he will no more carry thee into captivity; he will turn again thy captivity and work a glorious release for thee. Note, The troubles of God's people shall be continued no longer than till they have done their work for which they were sent.

II. That an end shall be put to Edom's triumphs. It is spoken ironically (Lam 4:21): "Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom! go on to insult over Zion in distress, till thou hast filled up the measure of thy iniquity. Do so; rejoice in thy own present exemption from the common fate of thy neighbours." This is like Solomon's upbraiding the young man with his ungoverned mirth (Ecc 11:9): "Rejoice, O young man! in thy youth; rejoice, if thou canst, when God comes to reckon with thee, and that he will do ere long. The cup of trembling, which it is now Jerusalem's turn to drink deeply of, shall pass through unto thee; it shall go round till it comes to be thy lot to pledge it." Note, This is a good reason why we should not insult over any who are in misery, because we ourselves also are in the body, and we know not how soon their case may be ours. But those who please themselves in the calamities of God's church must expect to have their doom, as aiders and abettors, with those that are instrumental in those calamities. The destruction of the Edomites was foretold by this prophet (Jer 49:7. etc.), and the people of God must encourage themselves against their present rudeness and insolence with the prospect of it. 1. It will be a shameful destruction: "The cup that shall pass unto thee shall intoxicate thee" (and that is shame enough to any man); "thou shalt be drunken, quite infatuated, and at thy wits' end, shalt stagger in all thy counsels and stumble in all thy enterprises, and then, as Noah when he was drunk, thou shalt make thyself naked and expose thyself to contempt." Note, Those who ridicule God's people will justly be left to themselves to do that, some time or other, by which they will be made ridiculous. 2. It will be a righteous destruction. God will herein visit thy iniquity and discover thy sins; he will punish them, and, to justify himself therein, he will discover them, and make it to appear that he has just cause thus to proceed against them. Nay, the punishment of the sin shall so exactly answer the sin that it shall itself plainly discover it. Sometimes God does so visit the iniquity that he that runs may read the sin in the punishment. But, sooner or later, sin will be visited and discovered, and all the hidden works of darkness brought to light.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 21–22. Public domain.
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Thomas AquinasAD 1274
Here in Verse 22 the Jews are consoled. And first, as to their liberation. As said: "The punishment of your iniquity, O daughter of Zion": as purged by punishment.

Then: "he will keep you in exile no longer." That is, for past sins, providin~.. you do not repeat such sins. As Isaiah 40:2 declares: "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned."

Secondly, (the Jews are Comforted) by even the punishment of their enemies. As Verse 22 concludes: "but your iniquity, O daughter of Edom, he will punish ." That is, like a judge, or as one questioning- the very claims: "He will uncover your sins." Namely, showing them through punishments. As Jeremiah 49:8 says: "for I will bring, the calarnnity of Esau upon him, the time when I will punish him."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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