Lamentations 4:7

KJV

Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing [was] of sapphire:

KJV (with Strong's)

Her Nazarites {H5139} were purer {H2141} than snow {H7950}, they were whiter {H6705} than milk {H2461}, they were more ruddy {H119} in body {H6106} than rubies {H6443}, their polishing {H1508} was of sapphire {H5601}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Her princes were purer than snow; they were whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than pink pearls, as beautiful as sapphires.

Berean Standard Bible

Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.

American Standard Version

Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:7 offers a poignant lament, vividly contrasting the past splendor and purity of Jerusalem's most consecrated and prominent citizens, metaphorically depicted as "Nazarites," with their present state of degradation and suffering. The verse recalls a time when these individuals radiated with vibrant health, moral integrity, and spiritual devotion, their physical beauty likened to the most precious gems, thereby setting a stark backdrop for the ensuing descriptions of famine, disease, and defilement that befell the city during the Babylonian siege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations is a collection of five poetic laments mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 4, in particular, focuses on the horrific physical and social consequences of the siege, detailing the suffering of the people, from the highest to the lowest. This verse serves as a crucial point of contrast, establishing the former glory and ideal state of Jerusalem's inhabitants before plunging into the grim reality of their current misery described in subsequent verses, such as the emaciated state of the nobles in [Lamentations 4:8](/lamentations/4-8 "Lamentations 4:8 - Nobles' Appearance Changed"). The poetic structure emphasizes the depth of the fall by first highlighting the height from which they fell, making the subsequent descriptions of their suffering all the more impactful.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the devastating siege and subsequent fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, an event that marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The "Nazarites" mentioned here likely refer not only to individuals who had taken the specific Nazarite vow (as outlined in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite")), but also, in this poetic context, to the most noble, consecrated, or spiritually dedicated members of society—those who represented the ideal of Judah's purity and strength. The descriptions of physical beauty, health, and preciousness (snow, milk, rubies, sapphire) would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience that valued such attributes as signs of blessing and divine favor, making their loss all the more tragic in the context of famine and disease.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Lamentations and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Lost Glory and Beauty**, vividly portraying an ideal state of health, vitality, and moral purity that has been tragically forfeited due to sin and divine judgment. This sets up a profound **Stark Contrast** between past splendor and present desolation, a recurring motif throughout the book, as seen in the opening lament over Jerusalem's desolation in [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "How Lonely Sits the City"). Furthermore, by invoking "Nazarites," the text evokes the theme of **Purity and Consecration**, symbolizing a time when Jerusalem, or at least its dedicated individuals, lived in a state of spiritual separation and devotion to God, emphasizing the ideal that was once present but now severely compromised. The verse implicitly points to the **Consequences of Disobedience** and the severity of God's judgment, which brought about such a dramatic reversal of fortune, a theme prevalent in prophetic warnings like those found in [Jeremiah 2](/jeremiah/2 "Israel's Idolatry and Unfaithfulness"), where Israel is rebuked for forsaking God, the fountain of living waters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nazarites (Hebrew, _nâzîyr'_):** From the root meaning "separate," these individuals were consecrated to the Lord through a special vow (Numbers 6). In this poetic context, while it may refer to literal Nazarites, it more broadly symbolizes the finest, most consecrated, or spiritually dedicated members of Jerusalem's society—those who embodied an ideal of purity and devotion. Their degradation highlights the complete collapse of the nation's spiritual and physical well-being.
* **purer (Hebrew, _zâkak'_):** This primitive root signifies being transparent or clean, physically or morally. Here, it emphasizes an ideal state of pristine cleanliness and moral integrity, suggesting an unblemished quality that was once characteristic of Jerusalem's elite, now tragically lost.
* **ruddy (Hebrew, _ʼâdam'_):** This term means "to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy; be (dyed, made) red (ruddy)." It denotes a vibrant, healthy complexion, indicative of robust health and vitality. In ancient cultures, a ruddy complexion was a sign of beauty and strength, contrasting sharply with the pallor of sickness and starvation described later in the chapter.
* **polishing (Hebrew, _gizrâh'_):** This word refers to "the figure or person (as if cut out); also an inclosure (as separated); polishing, separate place." In the context of precious stones, it denotes a refined finish or exquisite cut. It implies a state of perfection, brilliance, and high value, suggesting that the very essence or appearance of these individuals was once as meticulously crafted and flawless as a cut gemstone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Her Nazarites were purer than snow,"**: This clause establishes an initial standard of extreme purity and brilliance, comparing the consecrated individuals of Jerusalem to the pristine, unblemished quality of fresh snow. It speaks to both their physical cleanliness and, more significantly, their spiritual and moral untaintedness in an idealized past.
* **"they were whiter than milk,"**: Reinforcing the theme of purity and beauty, this simile adds another layer, emphasizing a radiant, healthful complexion. Milk, a symbol of nourishment and purity, further highlights the ideal physical state and perhaps the inner moral integrity of these individuals.
* **"they were more ruddy in body than rubies,"**: This vivid comparison highlights their robust health and vitality. "Ruddy" suggests a healthy, flushed complexion, while "rubies" (or pearls, as some translations suggest, from H6443 *pânîyn*) signify immense value, deep color, and brilliance. This imagery conveys a sense of vibrant life and preciousness, indicating a peak of physical well-being and beauty.
* **"their polishing [was] of sapphire:"**: This final clause describes their exquisite appearance and refined nature, likening their "polishing" or perhaps their very "figure" to the deep, brilliant blue of sapphire. Sapphire, a highly prized gem, symbolizes royal dignity, divine favor, and flawless perfection, suggesting that their very being was once as precious and perfectly formed as this stone.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:7 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the dramatic contrast between past glory and present desolation. **Simile** is prominently used, comparing the Nazarites' purity to "snow" and "milk," and their ruddy complexion to "rubies," while their overall refinement is likened to "sapphire." These comparisons evoke images of pristine beauty, vibrant health, and immense value. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the Nazarites' former beauty and perfection to emphasize the profound depth of their subsequent fall. The entire verse functions as a form of **Juxtaposition**, implicitly setting up a stark contrast with the grim descriptions of suffering that follow in the chapter, making the subsequent verses all the more impactful. Finally, **Symbolism** is at play with "Nazarites" representing not just literal vow-takers but the ideal spiritual and physical state of Jerusalem's elite, and the precious stones symbolizing their intrinsic worth, beauty, and the divine favor they once enjoyed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. By depicting Jerusalem's consecrated elite in such glorious terms, the prophet highlights the immense privilege and blessing that was once theirs, rooted in their special relationship with God. The subsequent loss of this radiant beauty and vitality is a stark illustration of how deeply sin and disobedience can degrade a people, both physically and spiritually. It underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to a nation that has forsaken its covenant obligations, turning from the source of true life and beauty. This verse implicitly teaches that true beauty and flourishing are ultimately tied to spiritual purity and faithfulness to God, and that their absence leads to decay and desolation.

* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Washed Whiter than Snow")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:7 is a powerful mirror for both individuals and communities, prompting us to examine our own spiritual state. The verse's lament over lost glory serves as a poignant reminder that outward appearances, material wealth, or even past spiritual achievements are transient if not rooted in ongoing faithfulness and purity before God. It challenges us to consider the "polishing" of our own lives—are we cultivating a character that reflects God's beauty and holiness, or are we allowing spiritual complacency and compromise to erode our vitality? The dramatic fall of Jerusalem's elite from radiant health and consecration to degradation warns against the deceptive nature of sin, which promises freedom but delivers bondage and decay. This passage calls us to a renewed commitment to purity, both inward and outward, recognizing that true flourishing comes from a devoted walk with God, and that deviation from His path inevitably leads to a loss of spiritual vibrancy and a diminished reflection of His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my life or my community's life currently reflect the "purity" and "radiance" described in this verse, and what might be hindering it?**
* **How does the contrast between past glory and present suffering in Lamentations 4:7 challenge my understanding of God's justice and the consequences of sin?**
* **In what ways might I be neglecting my "consecration" or "separation" to God, and what steps can I take to restore that devotion?**
* **How does this verse prompt me to re-evaluate what I consider true beauty and worth, shifting my focus from the transient to the eternal?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "Nazarites" mentioned in Lamentations 4:7, and why are they significant here?**

Answer: In a literal sense, "Nazarites" (Hebrew: *nâzîyr*) were individuals who took a special vow of separation to the Lord, as detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"). This vow involved abstaining from wine, not cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies, symbolizing a heightened level of dedication and purity. In Lamentations 4:7, while it could refer to actual Nazarites, the term is likely used in a broader, poetic sense to represent the most noble, consecrated, and spiritually ideal members of Jerusalem's society. Their former radiant health and purity, described in vivid terms, symbolize the peak of Judah's spiritual and physical well-being before its catastrophic fall. Their inclusion emphasizes the complete and tragic reversal of fortune, as even the most dedicated and outwardly perfect among them succumbed to the widespread suffering.

**What is the significance of the precious stones and natural elements used to describe the Nazarites' appearance?**

Answer: The comparisons to "snow," "milk," "rubies," and "sapphire" are highly significant. "Snow" and "milk" symbolize pristine purity, whiteness, and natural beauty, suggesting an unblemished and healthful state. "Rubies" (or pearls, depending on interpretation) convey a sense of deep, vibrant color, immense value, and robust health, indicating a ruddy, vital complexion. "Sapphire," a highly prized and beautiful gemstone, represents flawless perfection, brilliance, and perhaps even a connection to divine glory (as sapphire is often associated with God's throne, e.g., [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - The Throne of God")). Together, these elements create a cumulative image of extraordinary beauty, health, value, and refinement. Their use in this verse serves to heighten the tragic contrast with the subsequent verses, which describe the emaciated, blackened, and defiled state of the very same people, emphasizing the devastating impact of God's judgment.

**How does Lamentations 4:7 relate to the broader message of the book of Lamentations?**

Answer: Lamentations 4:7 is pivotal in establishing the profound depth of Jerusalem's fall. The book of Lamentations is a dirge, a mournful song over the destruction of the city and the suffering of its people. This verse, by vividly portraying the former glory, purity, and beauty of Jerusalem's elite, creates a stark and heartbreaking contrast with the current state of degradation, starvation, and defilement described throughout Chapter 4 (e.g., [Lamentations 4:8-10](/lamentations/4-8-10 "Lamentations 4:8-10 - The Suffering of Jerusalem's Children")). This dramatic juxtaposition amplifies the tragedy and the severity of God's judgment, underscoring the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant. It reminds the reader of what was lost and emphasizes the complete reversal of fortune, making the lament all the more poignant and impactful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:7, with its lament over lost purity, beauty, and consecration, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in Jesus Christ. The "Nazarites" of Judah, representing an ideal of human purity and devotion, ultimately failed, leading to the desolation described. However, Jesus is the true and perfect "Nazarite," the One "separated" and consecrated to God in an absolute sense, not by a temporary vow but by His very nature and mission (cf. [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Christ, a Holy, Blameless High Priest")). While the people of Jerusalem lost their radiant health and beauty due to sin, Christ, though without blemish Himself, willingly took on the ugliness of sin and suffering, becoming "more marred than any man" (cf. [Isaiah 52:14](/isaiah/52-14 "The Suffering Servant")). His body, unlike the "ruddy" and healthy Nazarites, was broken and bruised for our transgressions. Through His perfect sacrifice, He offers a new and eternal "polishing"—a spiritual cleansing that makes us "purer than snow" (cf. [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Sins as White as Snow")) and "whiter than milk," not based on our own fleeting human efforts, but on the precious blood of the Lamb (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed by Precious Blood")). He restores not merely a physical beauty, but a spiritual glory, transforming those who were defiled by sin into His own image, reflecting His divine splendor (cf. [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "Transformed into His Image")). In Christ, the lost glory lamented in Lamentations is not just remembered but eternally regained and surpassed.

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 51:7

¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Song Of Solomon 5:10

My beloved [is] white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

Psalms 144:12

That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [that] our daughters [may be] as corner stones, polished [after] the similitude of a palace:

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

Numbers 6:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate [themselves] to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate [themselves] unto the LORD:

Numbers 6:21

This [is] the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, [and of] his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside [that] that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

Judges 13:5

For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.