Lamentations 4:4

KJV

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

The tongue {H3956} of the sucking child {H3243} cleaveth {H1692} to the roof of his mouth {H2441} for thirst {H6772}: the young children {H5768} ask {H7592} bread {H3899}, and no man breaketh {H6566} it unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tongue of the baby at the breast sticks to the roof of its mouth from thirst; young children are begging for bread, but no one is giving them any.

Berean Standard Bible

The nursing infant’s tongue clings in thirst to the roof of his mouth. Little children beg for bread, but no one gives them any.

American Standard Version

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: The young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:4 presents a heart-wrenching tableau of extreme suffering in besieged Jerusalem, focusing on the most vulnerable members of society: its children. The verse vividly portrays infants so parched their tongues adhere to their mouths, and young children desperately pleading for food that no one can provide, underscoring the utter breakdown of social order and the devastating consequences of famine and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 forms a distinct poetic unit within the book, shifting from the general lament of chapters 1-3 to a more specific and graphic depiction of Jerusalem's suffering during and immediately after the Babylonian siege. This chapter contrasts the city's former glory and the privileged status of its inhabitants with their current degradation and starvation. Verse 4 specifically follows descriptions of the nobility's emaciated appearance (v. 1-2) and the cruelty of even jackals compared to the people (v. 3), intensifying the horror by focusing on the suffering of innocent children, thereby amplifying the tragedy and the depth of the city's fall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Lamentations grieves the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC by the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, following a prolonged siege (as detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Siege and Fall of Jerusalem")). This siege, lasting over a year, led to catastrophic famine, disease, and even cannibalism, as recorded in historical accounts and prophetic warnings. Culturally, the inability to provide for one's children, especially infants, represented the ultimate societal collapse and a profound violation of deeply ingrained communal and familial responsibilities. The image of children begging for bread highlights the complete absence of resources and the utter destitution that had befallen a city once known for its prosperity and divine protection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Lamentations. It exemplifies the theme of **Extreme Suffering and Desolation**, portraying the physical agony of starvation and dehydration to its most unbearable degree, particularly among the innocent. It underscores the **Vulnerability of the Innocent**, as the suffering of "sucking children" and "young children" highlights the indiscriminate nature of the catastrophe and the profound injustice of their plight. Furthermore, it serves as a stark illustration of the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, aligning with the prophetic warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Warnings of Siege and Cannibalism") regarding the horrors of siege and famine as divine judgment for persistent rebellion against God's law. The complete lack of provision also speaks to the theme of **Divine Abandonment** (from the perspective of the suffering people), where even basic human compassion seems to have vanished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** From H3956. This word refers to the physical organ, but can also be used figuratively for speech or language. Here, its literal function for tasting and speaking is tragically rendered useless, highlighting the extreme physical distress of the child. The tongue, which normally facilitates nourishment, is instead a sign of severe deprivation.
* **cleaveth (Hebrew, _dâbaq'_):** From H1692. This primitive root means to cling, adhere, or stick fast. It conveys an intense, inseparable bond. In this context, it vividly describes the physiological effect of extreme dehydration, where the tongue is literally glued to the palate, emphasizing the agonizing dryness and the desperate need for water.
* **thirst (Hebrew, _tsâmâʼ'_):** From H6772. This term denotes both literal and figurative thirst. Here, it is undeniably literal, pointing to the acute lack of water that is causing the infants such distress. It is a fundamental human need, and its absence signifies a catastrophic level of suffering.
* **ask (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** From H7592. This verb means to inquire, request, or even demand. It suggests a desperate plea, not a casual request. The young children are not merely wanting bread; they are "asking" with the urgency of survival, highlighting their profound hunger and helplessness.
* **breaketh (Hebrew, _pâras'_):** From H6566. This root means to break apart, disperse, or spread out. In the context of bread, it refers to the act of breaking a loaf to share it, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern hospitality. The phrase "no man breaketh it unto them" therefore signifies not only the absence of food but also the complete breakdown of communal compassion and the inability or unwillingness of anyone to share, even with starving children.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst:"** This clause paints a visceral image of extreme dehydration. "Sucking child" (ʻôwlêl, H5768) refers to an infant, utterly dependent on a nursing mother. The "cleaving" (dâbaq, H1692) of the tongue to the "roof of his mouth" (chêk, H2441, palate) due to "thirst" (tsâmâʼ, H6772) indicates a level of physical distress so severe that the most basic bodily functions are impaired. It highlights the agony of the most vulnerable, unable to even cry out effectively.
* **"the young children ask bread,"** This second clause shifts focus to slightly older children, still highly dependent, who are capable of verbalizing their need. They "ask" (shâʼal, H7592) for "bread" (lechem, H3899), the staple of life. This direct request underscores their desperate hunger and the universal human need for sustenance, making their plight relatable and pitiable.
* **"[and] no man breaketh [it] unto them."** This final clause delivers the devastating blow. The phrase "no man breaketh [it] unto them" (pâras, H6566) signifies not merely a scarcity of bread, but a complete absence of anyone willing or able to provide, even a crumb. It speaks to the utter destitution and the collapse of societal compassion, where the most basic act of charity—sharing food with starving children—is impossible or neglected. This highlights the horrific extent of the famine and the moral decay brought about by the siege.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of profound suffering. **Imagery** is central, creating a vivid and disturbing picture of infants with parched tongues and children begging for food. This sensory detail evokes deep empathy and horror in the reader. The use of **Synecdoche** is evident in "the tongue of the sucking child," where the tongue represents the entire suffering infant, emphasizing the specific and agonizing symptom of dehydration. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, appealing directly to the reader's emotions by focusing on the innocent and helpless victims of the famine. The stark contrast between the children's desperate need and the absolute inability or unwillingness of "no man" to provide creates a powerful sense of **Irony** and tragic despair, highlighting the complete breakdown of human society and compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the severity of divine judgment and the consequences of national sin. It illustrates that God's covenant curses, warned about extensively in the Pentateuch, are not idle threats but are fulfilled with devastating precision when His people persist in rebellion. The suffering of the innocent, particularly children, is a harrowing testament to the widespread impact of corporate sin and the depth of God's righteous indignation against idolatry and injustice. Yet, even in this bleak portrayal, there is an implicit call to compassion and a recognition of the fundamental human need for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The verse forces us to confront the reality of suffering in a fallen world and to consider our responsibility to those in dire need, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Horrors of Siege and Cannibalism")
* [Jeremiah 14:15-16](/jeremiah/14-15 "Jeremiah 14:15-16 - Prophecy of Famine and Sword")
* [Isaiah 3:1-2](/isaiah/3-1 "Isaiah 3:1-2 - Removal of Leaders and Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:4 is a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence and the profound impact of societal breakdown, whether from natural disaster, war, or the consequences of sin. It compels us to look beyond our comfort and consider those who suffer silently, especially the most vulnerable. The image of children begging for bread that no one can provide should stir our hearts to action, prompting us to be agents of God's compassion and provision in a world still marred by hunger and injustice. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we complacent in our abundance while others starve? Do we recognize the spiritual hunger around us, and are we willing to share the "bread of life"? This verse also serves as a sobering caution against spiritual apathy and disobedience, reminding us that there are real, often devastating, consequences when a people turn away from God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suffering of innocent children in this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways might I be called to extend compassion and practical help to those experiencing extreme need in my community or globally?**
* **What "thirst" or "hunger" do I perceive in the spiritual landscape around me, and how can I "break bread" (spiritually or physically) to meet those needs?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Jerusalem's desolation regarding the consequences of societal or personal disobedience to God?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible describe such horrific suffering, especially involving children?**

Answer: The Bible, particularly in prophetic and wisdom literature like Lamentations, often uses vivid and graphic descriptions of suffering to underscore the severity of sin and the profound consequences of rebellion against God's covenant. These passages are not meant to glorify suffering but to serve as a stark warning and a testament to the depth of divine judgment. They also express the raw grief and despair of the people, allowing readers throughout history to empathize with the pain of those who experienced such calamities. By focusing on the most vulnerable, like the "sucking child" and "young children" in [Lamentations 4:4](/lamentations/4-4 "Lamentations 4:4 - Children's Suffering in Siege"), the text emphasizes the indiscriminate and devastating reach of famine and war, highlighting the complete breakdown of societal order and the tragic loss of innocence. This portrayal aims to evoke repentance, compassion, and a deeper understanding of God's holiness and justice.

**What is the significance of "no man breaketh it unto them" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "no man breaketh [it] unto them" is profoundly significant because it highlights not only the extreme scarcity of food but also the complete collapse of communal compassion and the breakdown of social structures. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing bread was a fundamental act of hospitality and care, especially towards the vulnerable. The Hebrew word for "breaketh" (pâras, H6566) implies the act of breaking a loaf to distribute it. Therefore, this statement signifies that the famine was so severe, and the people so destitute or hardened, that even this most basic act of charity—providing sustenance to starving children—was impossible or neglected. It paints a picture of utter desolation where even the strongest human bonds are strained to the breaking point, and the most innocent are left to perish without aid. It underscores the depth of the judgment and the complete absence of hope and provision in besieged Jerusalem, a stark contrast to the divine provision seen in passages like [Psalm 145:15](/psalm/145-15 "Psalm 145:15 - God Provides for All").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Lamentations 4:4 graphically depicts the consequences of sin and the depths of human suffering, it also subtly points forward to the ultimate provision and compassion found in Jesus Christ. The desperate hunger and thirst of the children in Jerusalem foreshadow the spiritual hunger and thirst of humanity for righteousness and salvation. Just as no man could "break bread" for the starving children, humanity was utterly incapable of providing for its own spiritual sustenance or deliverance from the consequences of sin. This desperate need is met in Christ, who declared Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), promising that those who come to Him will never hunger, and those who believe in Him will never thirst. He is also the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") that quenches the deepest spiritual thirst. Unlike the bleak scene in Lamentations, where no one offers aid, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep, providing ultimate nourishment and eternal life. His sacrifice on the cross, where He endured unimaginable suffering and thirst (as recorded in [John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst on the Cross")), perfectly identifies with the agony of the perishing, offering a compassionate response where none was found in Jerusalem's darkest hour. Through Him, the brokenness of humanity is healed, and true sustenance is found.

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 22:15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

Lamentations 2:11

Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.

Lamentations 2:12

They say to their mothers, Where [is] corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.

Lamentations 1:11

All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.

Matthew 7:9

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Matthew 7:11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.