Lamentations 4:6

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

For the punishment of the iniquity {H5771} of the daughter {H1323} of my people {H5971} is greater {H1431} than the punishment {H2403} of the sin of Sodom {H5467}, that was overthrown {H2015} as in a moment {H7281}, and no hands {H3027} stayed {H2342} on her.

For the offense of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of S'dom, which was overthrown in an instant, without a hand to help her.

The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her.

For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her.

Lamentations 4:6 presents a powerful and somber comparison, asserting that the suffering endured by Jerusalem and its people was even more severe than the fate of Sodom. This verse encapsulates the prophet's profound grief and the shocking extent of divine judgment against Judah for their prolonged unfaithfulness.

Context

The book of Lamentations is a poignant elegy written in the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC. Chapter 4 vividly describes the horrific conditions of the siege, the resulting famine, and the utter desolation of a once-glorious city. The comparison to Sodom in this verse is not merely rhetorical; it highlights the unprecedented nature of Judah's punishment. Sodom's destruction, as recorded in Genesis 19:24, was swift and definitive, a paradigm of divine wrath. However, Judah's judgment involved a prolonged period of agonizing siege, starvation, and eventual exile, a drawn-out suffering that the prophet deemed "greater" in its intensity and duration.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Judgment: The central message is that Judah's "punishment of the iniquity" surpassed even the catastrophic overthrow of Sodom. This implies that Judah's sin, given their unique covenant relationship with God and the greater spiritual light they possessed, was more egregious in God's eyes, leading to a more painful and protracted consequence.
  • Nature of Divine Retribution: Sodom's judgment was "as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her," signifying an immediate, complete, and unpreventable divine act. In contrast, Judah's judgment involved a slow, agonizing decline marked by siege, famine, and eventually exile, a drawn-out suffering that underscores the depth of their deserved punishment.
  • Consequences of Covenant Breaking: This verse implicitly teaches about the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and apostasy, especially for a people chosen by God. Despite being His "daughter," Judah faced a judgment that reflected the gravity of their rebellion against the very God who had delivered and sustained them. This aligns with the principle that to whom much is given, much is required.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "iniquity" used for Judah is 'avon, which often denotes not just a single sin but a state of perversity, guilt, and the punishment that results from it. This suggests a deep-seated moral corruption that had permeated the nation. For Sodom, the word chatta'ah (sin) is used, which typically means "missing the mark." While both are serious, the choice of 'avon for Judah underscores the profound and ingrained nature of their rebellion against God's established laws and covenant.

Practical Application

Lamentations 4:6 serves as a powerful warning about the seriousness of sin, particularly for those who have received God's revelation and blessings. It reminds us that God's justice is not only real but also proportionate to the knowledge and opportunities given. The agony of Jerusalem's fall highlights the painful consequences of prolonged spiritual negligence and disobedience. For believers today, this verse is a call to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to living faithfully according to God's Word, acknowledging that accountability increases with privilege and understanding.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 19:25

    And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

  • Luke 10:12

    But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

  • Luke 12:47

    And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

  • Ezekiel 16:48

    [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

  • Ezekiel 16:50

    And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good].

  • Matthew 11:23

    And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

  • Matthew 11:24

    But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

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