Lamentations 4:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:6 vividly contrasts the devastating judgment upon Jerusalem with the paradigmatic destruction of Sodom, asserting that the suffering inflicted upon "the daughter of my people" for their iniquity was profoundly greater. This verse encapsulates the prophet's anguish over the unprecedented severity and prolonged agony of Judah's punishment, highlighting the depth of their corporate sin and the righteous, yet terrifying, nature of divine retribution against a covenant people who had strayed far from God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 is a poignant lament that graphically details the horrific conditions experienced by Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege and its aftermath. Following chapters that describe the city's desolation (Chapter 1), God's active role in the destruction (Chapter 2), and the prophet's personal suffering and hope (Chapter 3), Chapter 4 shifts to a stark description of the physical and moral degradation of the inhabitants. It portrays the once-noble citizens reduced to starvation, the rich and poor suffering equally, and the unimaginable acts of cannibalism. Verse 6 specifically draws a comparison to Sodom, a biblical archetype of swift and complete divine judgment, to emphasize the unparalleled nature of Jerusalem's prolonged agony, suggesting that their punishment was more protracted and severe than even that infamous destruction. The verse serves to underscore the depth of Judah's fall and the extremity of God's righteous anger.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces in 586 BC, culminating in the destruction of the city walls, the Temple, and the exile of its people. This event was a profound theological crisis for Israel, as Jerusalem was considered the dwelling place of God and the Davidic dynasty was thought to be eternal. Culturally, the comparison to Sodom (see [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")) would have resonated deeply with the audience. Sodom's destruction was a well-known example of immediate, overwhelming divine wrath against extreme wickedness. By claiming Jerusalem's punishment was "greater," the prophet implies that Judah's sin, despite their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and the greater spiritual light they possessed, was even more offensive in God's eyes, leading to a more agonizing and drawn-out consequence of siege, famine, and eventual exile, rather than a swift annihilation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Unparalleled Judgment**, asserting that the suffering endured by Judah surpassed even the catastrophic overthrow of Sodom. This implies a greater accountability for a people who had received God's law and covenant, aligning with the principle found in [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given") that "to whom much is given, much will be required." Another theme is the **Consequences of Covenant Breaking**, illustrating the severe repercussions of persistent disobedience and apostasy 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. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Nature of Divine Retribution**, contrasting Sodom's instantaneous destruction ("as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her") with Jerusalem's prolonged, agonizing decline, emphasizing that God's justice can manifest in various forms, each perfectly suited to the nature of the offense. The reference to Sodom's fate is a common prophetic motif for extreme judgment, as seen in [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - Sodom and Gomorrah as a Warning") and [Isaiah 1:9-10](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9-10 - Israel Like Sodom and Gomorrah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) denotes perversity, moral evil, and often carries the connotation of guilt and the punishment that results from it. Unlike a single transgression, `ʻâvôn` suggests a deep-seated moral corruption, a twistedness of character and action that has become habitual. For Judah, this implies a pervasive state of rebellion and guilt that had accumulated over generations, leading to their profound suffering.
* **greater (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** Derived from H1431, this verb means to be (causatively make) large in various senses, including in intensity or degree. When applied to punishment, it signifies an exceeding, magnified, or more severe outcome. The prophet uses `gâdal` to assert that Jerusalem's suffering was not merely comparable to Sodom's but quantitatively and qualitatively more intense and prolonged, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of their judgment.
* **overthrown (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** This primitive root (H2015) means to turn about or over, implying a complete reversal, change, or overturning. In the context of Sodom, it vividly describes a sudden, total, and irreversible destruction, where the city was literally turned upside down or annihilated. The contrast with Jerusalem's drawn-out siege highlights the distinct manner of divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom":** This clause establishes the central, shocking comparison. The "daughter of my people" is a tender, yet tragic, reference to Jerusalem or Judah, highlighting God's former intimate relationship with them. The term "iniquity" (H5771, `ʻâvôn`) for Judah suggests a deep-seated, pervasive moral perversity and the consequent guilt and punishment, implying a more profound and ingrained rebellion against God's covenant than the "sin" (H2403, `chaṭṭâʼâh`, meaning "missing the mark") attributed to Sodom. The assertion that Judah's punishment is "greater" signifies not just a different kind of judgment, but one of superior intensity, duration, and agony, emphasizing the profound weight of their accumulated transgressions.
* **"that was overthrown as in a moment":** This describes the nature of Sodom's judgment. The word "overthrown" (H2015, `hâphak`) conveys a complete and violent reversal or destruction. The phrase "as in a moment" (H7281, `regaʻ`) stresses the sudden, instantaneous, and decisive nature of Sodom's annihilation. This serves as a stark contrast to Jerusalem's protracted suffering, which involved a long siege, famine, and slow degradation before its ultimate fall.
* **"and no hands stayed on her":** This final phrase underscores the divine, unhindered nature of Sodom's destruction. "No hands" (H3027, `yâd`) implies no human intervention, no struggle, no delay, and no lingering presence to inflict further pain or even offer aid. It was a direct, swift, and complete act of God. For Jerusalem, however, there were human "hands" involved—the Babylonians—and a prolonged, agonizing process, which in the prophet's view made their suffering more severe than Sodom's instantaneous end. The lack of "staying" (H2342, `chûwl`, meaning to writhe, wait, or tarry) further emphasizes the immediate and unpreventable nature of Sodom's fate.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. **Juxtaposition** is central, creating a direct and shocking comparison between the fate of Jerusalem and that of Sodom. This contrast highlights the unprecedented nature of Judah's suffering by measuring it against a well-known biblical paradigm of divine judgment. The phrase "greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom" functions as a form of **hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration intended to emphasize the extreme and agonizing extent of Jerusalem's desolation and the depth of their deserved punishment. While Sodom's destruction was immediate and total, Jerusalem's was a drawn-out agony of siege, famine, and slow death, which the prophet deemed more severe. Furthermore, the use of "daughter of my people" is a poignant example of **personification**, giving Jerusalem a human identity that evokes a sense of intimacy and betrayal, making the judgment all the more tragic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:6 profoundly underscores the theological principle of greater accountability for those who have been given greater revelation and privilege. Israel, as God's chosen people, entered into a unique covenant relationship with Him, receiving His law, prophets, and presence. Their persistent rebellion and "iniquity" (a deeper, more pervasive sin than Sodom's "sin") therefore incurred a judgment of unparalleled severity. This verse teaches that divine justice is not arbitrary but proportionate, and that the consequences of spiritual infidelity are magnified for those who have known God intimately. It serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness demands a response from His people, and failure to uphold the covenant leads to dire, even unimaginable, consequences. The prolonged agony of Jerusalem's fall, in contrast to Sodom's swift end, illustrates God's complex and multifaceted nature of judgment, which can be both immediate and mercifully swift, or agonizingly drawn out to reflect the depth of the offense and to serve as a profound lesson.

* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - Greater Accountability")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Eternal Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:6 stands as a sobering testament to the gravity of sin, particularly for those who have been recipients of God's grace, revelation, and blessings. It challenges us to confront the reality that spiritual privilege brings increased responsibility. The agonizing fate of Jerusalem, deemed worse than Sodom's, serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency, prolonged disobedience, and the gradual erosion of faithfulness. For believers today, this verse calls for a profound humility and a vigilant self-examination, prompting us to consider whether our lives truly reflect the covenant relationship we have with God through Christ. It reminds us that God's justice is real and that persistent rebellion against His revealed will, especially from within His own household, carries severe consequences. This verse compels us to take sin seriously, to cultivate a heart of repentance, and to live in active obedience, recognizing the immense privilege of knowing God and the solemn accountability that accompanies it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, as a believer, be prone to spiritual complacency, presuming upon God's grace while neglecting obedience?**
* **How does the concept of "greater accountability" (as seen in Jerusalem's fate) shape my understanding of my own spiritual walk and responsibilities?**
* **What specific "iniquities" (deep-seated patterns of sin or perversity) in my life or community might be inviting God's corrective discipline?**
* **How can the severity of Jerusalem's judgment motivate me to a deeper commitment to repentance and faithful living?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jerusalem's punishment considered 'greater' than Sodom's?**

Answer: The prophet declares Jerusalem's punishment "greater" not necessarily in terms of ultimate annihilation (Sodom was completely destroyed), but in its nature and duration. Sodom's judgment was "as in a moment," swift and complete. Jerusalem, however, endured a prolonged, agonizing siege marked by famine, cannibalism, disease, and slow death, followed by exile. The suffering was drawn out, excruciating, and deeply humiliating. Furthermore, Jerusalem's sin was seen as more egregious because they were God's covenant people, who had received His law and prophets. Their "iniquity" (H5771, `ʻâvôn`), implying pervasive perversity and guilt, was viewed as a deeper betrayal than Sodom's "sin" (H2403, `chaṭṭâʼâh`, missing the mark). Thus, their greater light and privilege led to a more severe and protracted judgment.

**What does "no hands stayed on her" mean regarding Sodom's destruction?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the direct, unhindered, and instantaneous nature of God's judgment upon Sodom. "No hands stayed on her" (H3027, `yâd` for hands; H2342, `chûwl` for stayed/tarried) means there was no human intervention, no lingering struggle, no one to offer aid or even prolong the agony. The destruction was a swift, complete, and divine act, without any human agency to delay or mitigate it. This contrasts sharply with Jerusalem's fate, which involved a prolonged siege by human armies (the Babylonians) and a drawn-out period of suffering before the final destruction.

**How does this verse relate to God's love and mercy?**

Answer: While Lamentations 4:6 focuses on the severity of divine judgment, it implicitly underscores God's holiness and justice, which are extensions of His character, including His love. God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent sin and covenant breaking. For a people He loved and chose, His discipline, though severe, was intended to bring them to repentance and restore their relationship with Him (as seen in [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31-33 - God's Compassion Endures")). The very depth of the punishment reflects the depth of the betrayal of a loving God. It highlights that God's love does not negate His justice; rather, it makes His justice all the more profound when His beloved people turn away.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:6, with its stark portrayal of unparalleled judgment for pervasive "iniquity," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The verse laments the overwhelming "punishment of the iniquity" of God's people, a punishment that exceeded even the paradigm of Sodom's destruction. This profound concept of a people bearing the full weight of their sin points directly to Christ, who, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the "iniquity" of us all. While Jerusalem suffered a temporal, physical judgment, Christ endured the eternal, spiritual judgment for humanity's sin on the cross. The "punishment" that was due to us, the "daughter of my people" in a spiritual sense, was laid upon Him (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, the ultimate "overthrow" of sin and death occurred, not "as in a moment" of destruction for us, but as a decisive victory that brings reconciliation and peace. Where "no hands stayed on her" for Sodom's judgment, Christ willingly offered His hands to be pierced, taking upon Himself the full wrath of God, so that those who believe in Him face "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Thus, the terrifying reality of judgment in Lamentations foreshadows the glorious truth that Christ absorbed the full measure of divine wrath, offering a path to redemption from the very "iniquity" that brought such devastation upon Jerusalem.

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

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.