Lamentations 4:8

KJV

Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their visage {H8389} is blacker {H2821} than a coal {H7815}; they are not known {H5234} in the streets {H2351}: their skin {H5785} cleaveth {H6821} to their bones {H6106}; it is withered {H3001}, it is become like a stick {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now their faces are blacker than coal; in the streets they go unrecognized. Their skin has shriveled over their bones and become as dry as a stick.

Berean Standard Bible

But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.

American Standard Version

Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:8 offers a harrowing depiction of the extreme physical degradation and social anonymity experienced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege and its devastating aftermath. It vividly portrays the effects of severe famine and disease, where faces are discolored and unrecognizable, and bodies are reduced to skeletal frames, emphasizing the profound suffering and complete loss of human dignity that accompanied divine judgment upon Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4 is a stark and somber dirge, contrasting the former glory and prosperity of Jerusalem with its current state of utter desolation. This chapter, in particular, focuses on the physical and social consequences of the siege, painting a grim picture of starvation, cannibalism, and the suffering of all societal strata, from children to nobles. Verse 8 fits squarely within this lament, serving as a visceral detail of the widespread physical decay that has afflicted the once-privileged residents, setting the stage for further descriptions of the city's collapse and the prophet's plea for divine intervention later in the book, particularly in [Lamentations 5](/lamentations/5 "Lamentations 5 - A Prayer for Restoration"). The immediate verses leading up to this, such as [Lamentations 4:7](/lamentations/4-7 "Lamentations 4:7 - The Nobles' Former Radiance"), lament the plight of the nobles, whose once radiant appearance has been utterly defiled, making the description in verse 8 a continuation and intensification of this theme of radical transformation due to suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Lamentations are rooted in the historical reality of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction in 586 BC. This period was marked by extreme deprivation, as the city was cut off from supplies, leading to widespread famine and disease. The "streets" (`H2351 chûwts`) mentioned were the public spaces where people would typically gather, conduct business, and be recognized. For individuals to be "not known" in these familiar settings underscores the severity of their physical alteration and the breakdown of social order. The suffering was understood by the prophets as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, fulfilling the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant, particularly in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49-57 "Deuteronomy 28:49-57 - Curses for Disobedience"). The cultural understanding of divine judgment for national sin was deeply ingrained, making the physical suffering a tangible manifestation of God's righteous wrath.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Lamentations. Firstly, it highlights the **severity of divine judgment** against a rebellious people, demonstrating the tangible and horrific consequences of turning away from God. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **profound suffering and degradation**, showing how famine and disease stripped individuals of their physical health, dignity, and even their identity. The once-recognizable faces of Jerusalem's inhabitants are now so disfigured by starvation that they are "not known," emphasizing a complete loss of social standing and personal recognition. Thirdly, it speaks to the **fulfillment of prophecy**, as the conditions described were precisely what had been warned about for generations if Israel continued in disobedience, as seen in the prophetic books of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel"). The verse thus serves as a grim testament to the gravity of covenant breaking and the faithfulness of God in executing both His promises and His warnings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Visage (Hebrew, _tôʼar'_):** From `H8389`, this word refers to "outline, i.e., figure or appearance." In this context, it emphasizes the outward, visible aspect of a person—their face or overall form. The verse highlights how this outward appearance, once perhaps a mark of beauty or nobility, has been utterly transformed and disfigured by extreme suffering, rendering it unrecognizable.
* **Known (Hebrew, _nâkar'_):** From `H5234`, this primitive root means "to scrutinize, i.e. look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with." The negative phrasing "they are not known" signifies a profound loss of recognition and identity. Their physical state is so altered that even those who once knew them cannot identify them in the public squares, underscoring their complete dehumanization and social isolation.
* **Withered (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** From `H3001`, this primitive root means "to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)." Applied to human skin, it vividly describes the loss of moisture, elasticity, and substance due to extreme emaciation. The skin has shriveled and become dry, a stark indicator of severe dehydration and starvation, further emphasizing the advanced state of physical decay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their visage is blacker than a coal":** This clause paints a vivid picture of extreme physical deterioration. The "visage" (face/appearance) is described as "blacker than a coal," which could imply a combination of severe dehydration, dirt, exposure, and perhaps the effects of disease or gangrene, leading to a dark, discolored, and almost charred appearance. It signifies a profound departure from a healthy, living complexion.
* **"they are not known in the streets":** This phrase highlights the social and personal tragedy of the famine. The physical disfigurement is so extreme that individuals, once familiar figures in their community, are now unrecognizable even in public spaces where they would typically be seen and acknowledged. This speaks to a complete loss of identity, dignity, and communal recognition, underscoring the dehumanizing impact of their suffering.
* **"their skin cleaveth to their bones":** This powerful imagery conveys the severity of emaciation. "Cleaveth" (`H6821 tsâphad`) means to adhere tightly or stick fast. The absence of flesh due to starvation means the skin is stretched tautly over the skeletal frame, with no intervening muscle or fat. It is a graphic depiction of extreme starvation, where the body has consumed all its reserves.
* **"it is withered, it is become like a stick":** This final clause reiterates and intensifies the description of emaciation and decay. "Withered" (`H3001 yâbêsh`) further emphasizes the dried-up, shriveled state of the skin. The comparison to "a stick" (`H6086 ʻêts`) is a stark metaphor for the skeletal thinness of their limbs, devoid of any flesh, leaving them as mere brittle objects. This simile powerfully communicates the complete loss of vitality and the near-death state of the sufferers.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:8 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a horrifying visual of suffering through vivid descriptions such as "blacker than a coal" and "skin cleaveth to their bones." The verse employs powerful **Simile** by comparing the emaciated bodies to "a stick," which immediately conjures an image of extreme thinness and lifelessness. This **Hyperbole** (if interpreted as an exaggeration for effect, though it may have been literal in extreme famine) underscores the unimaginable depth of the suffering. The overall tone is one of profound **Pathos**, evoking deep pity and sorrow for the victims. The stark contrast between their former state (implied by the shock of their current appearance) and their present degradation also suggests a form of **Irony**, where the once-proud citizens are reduced to unrecognizable shadows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:8 is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corporate sin and divine judgment. The physical degradation described is not merely a natural disaster but is presented within the biblical framework as a direct outcome of Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant. This verse vividly illustrates the fulfillment of the curses pronounced in the Law for disobedience, serving as a tangible manifestation of God's holiness and justice. While difficult to read, it underscores the gravity of sin and the faithfulness of God to His warnings, even as it evokes profound empathy for the suffering. It compels us to consider the seriousness of our own spiritual state and the potential for spiritual "withering" when we turn away from the life-giving source of God's Word.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curses of Famine and Servitude")
* [Jeremiah 14:18](/jeremiah/14-18 "Jeremiah 14:18 - The Prophet's Lament over Famine and Sword")
* [Ezekiel 5:10](/ezekiel/5-10 "Ezekiel 5:10 - The Horror of Cannibalism in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:8 forces us to confront the raw reality of human suffering, particularly when it stems from a broken relationship with God. It serves as a potent reminder that sin has tangible, often horrific, consequences, not just spiritually but also physically and socially. For believers today, this passage calls for profound empathy for those experiencing extreme deprivation due to war, famine, or injustice, prompting us to compassionate action and prayer. Beyond the physical, it invites introspection into our own spiritual health: are we spiritually nourished, or are we allowing neglect and sin to cause our souls to "wither" and become unrecognizable to our true, Christ-redeemed identity? This verse, though grim, ultimately points us to the absolute necessity of repentance and reliance on God's sustaining grace, reminding us that true life and flourishing come only from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic imagery of Lamentations 4:8 challenge your understanding of God's justice and the consequences of sin?**
* **In what ways might spiritual neglect or disobedience manifest as "withering" or "unrecognizability" in a believer's life today?**
* **What is your responsibility, as a follower of Christ, to those who are experiencing extreme physical or social suffering in our world?**

### FAQ

**Why is the description of suffering in Lamentations 4:8 so graphic?**

Answer: The graphic nature of the description serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it conveys the absolute severity of the divine judgment and the horrific reality of the Babylonian siege, emphasizing the profound physical and social devastation. It is meant to evoke deep sorrow and lament. Secondly, it underscores the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given to Israel regarding the consequences of their persistent rebellion against God's covenant, particularly the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The vivid imagery ensures that the audience grasps the full weight of their unfaithfulness and the justice of God's actions. It is a raw, unvarnished portrayal of the wages of sin.

**Was this suffering purely a punishment for sin, or were there other factors?**

Answer: From the biblical perspective presented in Lamentations and other prophetic books, the suffering endured by Jerusalem was indeed understood as a direct consequence of Judah's corporate sin and covenant breaking. The text frames it as divine judgment, a disciplinary act from God to bring His people to repentance and to uphold His righteous character. While famine and siege are natural occurrences in warfare, the *intensity* and *specific fulfillment* of prior warnings are attributed to God's sovereign hand. However, it's also important to note that suffering in the Bible is complex; not all suffering is a direct punishment for individual sin, but in the context of Lamentations, the national calamity is explicitly linked to national apostasy, as seen in [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Shame").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Lamentations 4:8 vividly portrays the physical and social degradation resulting from God's judgment upon a sinful people, it also foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the Messiah, who would bear the full weight of humanity's sin. Just as the people of Jerusalem were "not known in the streets" due to their disfigurement, Isaiah prophesied of a Servant whose "visage was so marred, more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men" ([Isaiah 52:14](/isaiah/52-14 "Isaiah 52:14 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly entered into the ultimate state of "unrecognizability" through His crucifixion, enduring not only physical torture but also spiritual abandonment as He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His body was broken, His skin "cleaved to His bones" on the cross, and He was "withered" in agony, all to redeem those whose spiritual visage was blackened by sin and who were alienated from God. Through His suffering, which far surpassed that of Jerusalem, Christ offers a new identity and recognition in the Father's presence, transforming those who were "not known" into beloved children ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")). He is the ultimate "stick" that brings forth life, the tree of life whose sacrifice reverses the curse and offers spiritual nourishment to a withered humanity ([Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life")).

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 102:3

For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.

Psalms 102:5

By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.

Lamentations 5:10

Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.

Job 30:30

My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.

Psalms 119:83

¶ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; [yet] do I not forget thy statutes.

Job 19:20

My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.

Job 2:12

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.