Lamentations 4:5

KJV

They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that did feed {H398} delicately {H4574} are desolate {H8074} in the streets {H2351}: they that were brought up {H539} in scarlet {H8438} embrace {H2263} dunghills {H830}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People who once ate only the best lie dying in the streets; those who were raised wearing purple are clawing at piles of garbage.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps.

American Standard Version

They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: They that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:5 powerfully depicts the devastating reversal of fortune experienced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem during its destruction, contrasting their former lives of opulent luxury with their current state of abject destitution and profound humiliation. This verse serves as a poignant lament, illustrating the severe and indiscriminate consequences of divine judgment, where even the most privileged are stripped of all dignity and comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 is a stark and harrowing poetic account that zeroes in on the unimaginable suffering endured by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege and its aftermath in 586 BC. Unlike earlier chapters that might express hope or appeal to God, Chapter 4 is almost entirely focused on the raw, visceral pain and degradation. It systematically contrasts the past glory and privilege of the city and its people with their present misery, starvation, and public shame. Verse 5 specifically highlights the plight of the once-elite, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the catastrophe that spared no one, regardless of their former status. The chapter uses vivid imagery to underscore the depths of despair, from children starving to death to the defilement of princes and priests, culminating in the shocking reversal of fortune seen in this verse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, following years of Judah's rebellion against God and repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The siege itself was brutal, leading to widespread famine, disease, and cannibalism, as documented in historical accounts and within Lamentations itself (cf. [Lamentations 2:20](/lamentations/2-20 "Lamentations 2:20 - Cannibalism During the Siege") and [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Mothers Eating Their Children")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, "scarlet" was a highly prized and expensive dye, often associated with royalty, wealth, and high social standing (e.g., [Proverbs 31:22](/proverbs/31-22 "Proverbs 31:22 - The Virtuous Woman's Clothing")). To be "brought up in scarlet" signified a life of extreme privilege, comfort, and protection from hardship. Conversely, "streets" were public spaces, and "dunghills" (or ash heaps) were the lowest, most defiled places, where refuse and human waste were discarded. The public nature of their desolation and their association with such squalor would have been the ultimate symbol of humiliation and loss of honor in a shame-honor culture.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **Reversal of Fortune**, where the mighty are brought low, and the privileged are utterly debased. This theme underscores the **Transience of Earthly Wealth and Status**, demonstrating that no human comfort or social standing can withstand divine judgment. It also vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, serving as a stark fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The imagery of embracing "dunghills" powerfully conveys the theme of **Humiliation and Degradation**, highlighting the complete loss of dignity and societal standing. Finally, the verse implicitly speaks to the **Sovereignty of God** over human affairs, even in judgment, reminding the reader that all earthly kingdoms and comforts are subject to His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delicately (Hebrew, _maʻădân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "pleasure" or "delight," this word refers to a "delicacy" or "dainty" food, or abstractly, "pleasure" itself. It paints a picture of a life characterized by luxury, ease, and the enjoyment of the finest provisions, free from want or hardship. To "feed delicately" implies a habitual lifestyle of indulgence and abundance, far removed from the struggle for survival.
* **scarlet (Hebrew, _tôwlâʻ'_):** This term specifically refers to the crimson-grub, an insect from which a valuable and vibrant red dye was extracted. In ancient societies, cloth dyed with this "scarlet" was extremely expensive and a clear indicator of wealth, royalty, and high social status. To be "brought up in scarlet" means to have been raised in an environment of immense affluence, privilege, and protection, accustomed to the best of everything from birth.
* **dunghills (Hebrew, _ʼashpôth'_):** This word denotes a "heap of rubbish or filth," specifically an ash heap or refuse pile. It represents the absolute lowest and most squalid place imaginable, symbolizing extreme poverty, destitution, and utter societal abandonment. The act of "embracing" dunghills signifies not merely being near them, but being forced to lie among them, to find comfort or shelter there, indicating a complete and humiliating loss of all possessions, status, and dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets:"** This clause immediately establishes the stark contrast. "They that did feed delicately" refers to the wealthy, the elite, those accustomed to a life of luxury and fine dining. The verb "feed" (H398, _ʼâkal_) combined with "delicately" (H4574, _maʻădân_) emphasizes their former privileged lifestyle. Now, these same individuals are "desolate" (H8074, _shâmêm_), meaning stunned, devastated, or laid waste, a profound state of emptiness and despair. This desolation is experienced "in the streets" (H2351, _chûwts_), public thoroughfares where they are exposed to the gaze of others, signifying their public humiliation and utter lack of private refuge or comfort. Their former private luxury has been replaced by public destitution.
* **"they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills."** This second clause intensifies the reversal. "They that were brought up" (H539, _ʼâman_) implies a nurturing, fostering environment, specifically one of immense privilege, symbolized by "scarlet" (H8438, _tôwlâʻ_), the expensive, high-status fabric. These individuals, raised in the lap of luxury, are now forced to "embrace" (H2263, _châbaq_) "dunghills" (H830, _ʼashpôth_). The verb "embrace" is particularly poignant, suggesting a forced intimacy with the most vile and degraded of places. It's not just that they are *on* the dunghills, but they are clinging to them, perhaps for warmth, shelter, or simply as a place to die, representing the ultimate loss of dignity, comfort, and social standing.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional impact. The primary device is **Juxtaposition**, creating a stark and shocking contrast between the "delicately fed" and the "desolate in the streets," and between those "brought up in scarlet" and those forced to "embrace dunghills." This sharp contrast highlights the profound and tragic reversal of fortune. **Hyperbole** is also present in the vivid imagery, particularly "embrace dunghills," which, while perhaps literally true in some cases of extreme destitution, serves to exaggerate the depth of their degradation for dramatic effect. **Irony** pervades the verse, as those who once enjoyed the highest status are now reduced to the lowest, illustrating the bitter twist of fate. Finally, **Symbolism** is crucial: "scarlet" symbolizes wealth, status, and privilege, while "streets" symbolize public exposure and humiliation, and "dunghills" symbolize the ultimate squalor, defilement, and loss of human dignity. These symbols work together to convey the full horror of Jerusalem's fall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:5 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of divine judgment and the fleetingness of worldly security. It powerfully illustrates that God's justice is impartial, reaching even those who seem most insulated by wealth and privilege. The verse underscores the biblical principle that true security is not found in material possessions or social status, but in a right relationship with God. When a people persistently rebels against His covenant, even their most cherished comforts can be stripped away, revealing the fragility of all human constructs. This dramatic reversal of fortune is a solemn reminder of God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when it involves severe discipline. It calls believers to humility, to hold earthly treasures loosely, and to recognize that all blessings ultimately flow from and are subject to the will of the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences for Disobedience")
* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat: The Mighty Brought Low")
* [Job 2:8](/job/2-8 "Job 2:8 - Job's Humiliation on the Ash Heap")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:5 is a sobering mirror reflecting the fragility of human prosperity and the ultimate accountability of all people before God. It challenges us to examine the foundations of our own security and identity. If our sense of worth, comfort, or stability is primarily rooted in material possessions, social standing, or worldly achievements, this verse serves as a potent warning against such misplaced trust. It compels us to cultivate a heart of humility, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God and can be taken away. Furthermore, the vivid portrayal of destitution should stir within us profound compassion for those who are marginalized, impoverished, or suffering today, reminding us of our biblical call to care for the needy and to seek justice for the oppressed. It also serves as a stark reminder that even in times of prosperity, we must remain vigilant against pride and complacency, always seeking to honor God with our lives and resources.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "scarlet" or "delicacies" in my own life that I might be trusting in more than God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of wealth, poverty, and divine justice?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and dependence on God, regardless of my current circumstances?**
* **How should the suffering depicted here inform my compassion and actions towards those experiencing destitution today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "scarlet" in this verse?**

Answer: "Scarlet" (Hebrew: *tôwlâʻ*) was a highly prized and expensive dye in the ancient world, derived from a specific insect. Therefore, clothing dyed in scarlet was a symbol of immense wealth, luxury, and high social status, often worn by royalty, nobles, and the very rich. To be "brought up in scarlet" meant to have been raised in an environment of extreme privilege and affluence, accustomed to the finest things from birth. Its mention here starkly contrasts with the later image of "dunghills," emphasizing the dramatic and humiliating fall from grace experienced by Jerusalem's elite.

**What does it mean to "embrace dunghills"?**

Answer: To "embrace dunghills" (Hebrew: *châbaq ʼashpôth*) is a powerful and horrifying image. Dunghills (or ash heaps) were the common refuse piles outside ancient cities, places of filth, disease, and the lowest possible squalor. The verb "embrace" (H2263, *châbaq*) suggests a forced, intimate clinging, not merely being near, but lying down in or on these heaps. It signifies the ultimate loss of all possessions, shelter, and dignity, forcing the once-privileged to seek warmth, refuge, or even death in the most defiled and humiliating of places. It's a stark portrayal of absolute destitution and public shame, a complete reversal from their former lives of comfort and honor. This imagery is echoed in other biblical passages describing extreme degradation, such as [Job 2:8](/job/2-8 "Job 2:8 - Job Sits on an Ash Heap").

**Is this verse only about material wealth?**

Answer: While the verse uses vivid imagery of material wealth ("feed delicately," "scarlet") and poverty ("desolate in the streets," "dunghills"), its message extends beyond mere economics. It speaks to the broader concept of misplaced trust and the consequences of spiritual rebellion. The material comforts were a manifestation of their societal position and perceived security, which ultimately proved fleeting because their relationship with God was broken. The verse serves as a theological statement about divine judgment, the impermanence of all earthly security, and the profound humiliation that can result when a people turns away from the covenant of God. It is a warning against relying on any earthly thing—be it wealth, status, or power—instead of the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:5, with its stark portrayal of the privileged brought to utter desolation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy, but in the radical reversal of status embodied in Jesus Christ. While the verse laments the judgment on those who lived in luxury, Christ voluntarily embraced the lowest possible status, not as a consequence of sin, but as an act of redemptive love. The One who "did feed delicately" in the eternal glory of heaven, existing in the very "form of God" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Divine Nature")), chose to become "desolate in the streets" of human existence, taking on the "form of a servant" and being "born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He, who was "brought up in scarlet" in the sense of divine majesty and heavenly splendor, willingly "embraced dunghills" by identifying with the poor, the outcast, the sick, and the sinner, ultimately suffering the ultimate humiliation of the cross, a place of public shame and degradation, outside the city walls ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). His entire earthly ministry was a reversal of worldly expectations, as He declared that the "Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has No Home")). Through His voluntary descent from glory to the depths of human suffering and death, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the principle of the last being first, and the first being last, ultimately securing an eternal inheritance for those who trust in Him, an inheritance that no earthly catastrophe can ever diminish ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Our Sake")).

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

Amos 6:3

Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

Amos 6:7

Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luke 15:16

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

Deuteronomy 28:54

[So that] the man [that is] tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:

Deuteronomy 28:56

The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,

Luke 7:25

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.