Lamentations 4:9

KJV

[They that be] slain with the sword are better than [they that be] slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for [want of] the fruits of the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that be slain {H2491} with the sword {H2719} are better {H2896} than they that be slain {H2491} with hunger {H7458}: for these {H1992} pine away {H2100}, stricken {H1856} through for want of the fruits {H8570} of the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those slain by the sword are better off than those who are dying from hunger; since these waste away as if pierced through, for lack of food from the fields.

Berean Standard Bible

Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.

American Standard Version

They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 4:9 vividly portrays the horrific suffering endured by Jerusalem's inhabitants during the Babylonian siege, asserting that a swift death by the sword was mercifully preferable to the prolonged, agonizing demise caused by starvation. This verse encapsulates the profound despair and the extreme severity of God's judgment, highlighting how the slow, wasting away of the body due to famine inflicted a more torturous and degrading end than immediate violence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 4:9 is situated within the fourth chapter of the book of Lamentations, a poignant acrostic poem that mourns the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. This chapter starkly contrasts the city's former glory with its present desolation, focusing intensely on the physical and moral degradation resulting from the prolonged siege and subsequent famine. The verses immediately preceding Lamentations 4:9 (e.g., [Lamentations 4:7-8](/lamentations/4-7-8 "Lamentations 4:7-8 - The Degraded Nobles")) lament the physical deterioration of the once-noble princes and nobles, whose once-radiant appearance has become unrecognizable due to the ravages of hunger. Following this verse, [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - The Horror of Cannibalism") describes the ultimate horror of mothers resorting to cannibalism, further emphasizing the extreme conditions that rendered death by starvation so dreadful. The entire chapter cumulatively builds a devastating picture of despair, underscoring the profound suffering of God's people under divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations 4:9 is the brutal Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which culminated in the city's destruction in 586 BC. Ancient siege warfare was a devastating tactic, designed to break a city's will through prolonged blockade, effectively cutting off all supplies. Famine was thus a deliberate and horrific weapon, often leading to widespread disease, cannibalism, and a slow, agonizing death for the besieged population. The cultural understanding of the time also viewed such calamities not merely as random tragedies but as direct divine judgment, a consequence of the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience to the Mosaic covenant, as explicitly warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:52-57](/deuteronomy/28-52-57 "Deuteronomy 28:52-57 - Curses of the Covenant"). The suffering described in Lamentations 4:9 was therefore understood within this covenantal framework as the terrifying fulfillment of God's warnings against apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Lamentations. Firstly, it underscores **the Unimaginable Horror of Famine**, portraying it as a more dreadful fate than a violent death, thereby emphasizing the extreme physical and psychological torment it inflicted. Secondly, it highlights the **Severity of Divine Judgment**, illustrating the dire consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. The described suffering is a tangible manifestation of God's righteous wrath against sin, fulfilling prophecies found in books like [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine and Sword as Judgment"). Thirdly, the verse conveys a profound **Depth of Despair**, where the will to live is so eroded by agony that death becomes a welcome release. This despair reflects the complete breakdown of societal order and human dignity under the weight of prolonged suffering, a theme echoed throughout the book, particularly in its cries for divine mercy amidst overwhelming sorrow, as seen in [Lamentations 5:21-22](/lamentations/5-21-22 "Lamentations 5:21-22 - A Prayer for Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From H2491, meaning "pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted; kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded." In this verse, it refers to those who have met a violent end, specifically by the sword. The term emphasizes the finality and often the profanity or defilement associated with such a death, contrasting it sharply with the slow, degrading process of starvation.
* **better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, meaning "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun... also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful..." Here, it functions as a comparative adverb, "better," indicating a stark preference. The use of "better" in such a grim context underscores the extreme nature of the suffering. It's not that death by sword is inherently good, but that it is comparatively "good" or "preferable" to the alternative, revealing the ultimate nadir of human endurance.
* **pine away (Hebrew, _zûwb'_):** From H2100, meaning "to flow freely (as water)... figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow; flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run." This word vividly describes the slow, debilitating process of starvation, where the body literally "flows away" or wastes away due to lack of nourishment. It paints a picture of prolonged agony, a gradual dissolution of life, which is presented as more horrific than a sudden, violent end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[They that be] slain with the sword are better than [they that be] slain with hunger:"** This opening clause establishes a chilling and counter-intuitive comparison. It posits that a swift, decisive death by a weapon is a more desirable fate than the slow, torturous demise inflicted by starvation. The repetition of "slain" emphasizes that both outcomes are forms of death, but the *manner* of dying is the crucial distinction. This statement is a profound expression of utter despair, where death itself is not the worst outcome, but rather the prolonged agony and degradation preceding it.
* **"for these pine away, stricken through for [want of] the fruits of the field."** This second clause provides the horrific rationale for the comparison. "These" refers to those dying by hunger. "Pine away" vividly describes the gradual, agonizing physical deterioration as the body consumes itself, losing all vitality and substance. The phrase "stricken through for [want of] the fruits of the field" uses powerful imagery, suggesting that the very *absence* of food acts as a piercing weapon, inflicting a slow, internal wound that leads to death. It highlights the direct and devastating cause of their suffering: the complete lack of sustenance, a direct and brutal consequence of the siege.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 4:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its harrowing message. **Juxtaposition** is central, starkly contrasting death by the sword with death by hunger, forcing the reader to confront the horrifying reality that one form of death could be preferable to another. **Hyperbole** is also present, as the statement that death by sword is "better" is an extreme exaggeration designed to emphasize the unimaginable agony of starvation. It's not literally "good" to die by the sword, but the comparison underscores the ultimate nadir of human suffering. Furthermore, **Metaphor** is used in "stricken through for want of the fruits of the field," where the absence of food is personified as a weapon that "pierces" or "wounds" the starving, illustrating the internal, consuming nature of famine's assault on the body. The verse also contains a profound sense of **Irony**, as the very act of living becomes a prolonged torture, making death a form of release, a tragic inversion of the natural human instinct for survival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 4:9 serves as a stark theological commentary on the devastating consequences of covenant disobedience and the nature of divine judgment. It reveals the terrifying extent to which God's warnings against sin, articulated in the Mosaic Law, could be fulfilled. The suffering described is not arbitrary but is understood as a direct result of Israel's persistent rebellion, highlighting God's justice and holiness. Yet, even in this profound despair, the book of Lamentations, and by extension this verse, implicitly points to the enduring hope in God's steadfast love and compassion, which are never fully consumed (cf. [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "The Lord's Mercies Endure")). The verse forces us to confront the reality of a fallen world where sin brings about immense suffering, while also implicitly calling for a turning back to the source of life and provision.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Famine, Sword, and Pestilence")
* [Ezekiel 5:10](/ezekiel/5-10 "The Horrors of Siege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 4:9 is a profoundly unsettling verse, yet it offers vital avenues for reflection and application in our contemporary world. It compels us to confront the raw reality of human suffering, particularly that caused by famine and conflict, which continue to plague many parts of the globe. This verse should cultivate in us a deep sense of empathy and compassion for those who experience such extreme deprivation, moving us beyond mere sympathy to active engagement in alleviating suffering through prayer, advocacy, and practical aid. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the preciousness of basic provisions often taken for granted. The verse, within its broader biblical context, also underscores the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion and the importance of living in faithful obedience to God. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of spiritual complacency or disobedience, recognizing that while physical famine may not be our immediate threat, spiritual hunger and a turning away from God can lead to a different, yet equally devastating, form of "pining away." Ultimately, it calls us to gratitude for God's provision and to a renewed commitment to seeking His will and extending His mercy to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of "good" and "bad" in the face of extreme suffering?**
* **What responsibilities do we have, as those who are often well-fed, towards those who "pine away" from hunger and conflict today?**
* **In what ways might we, in a spiritual sense, "pine away" if we neglect our spiritual nourishment from God's Word and presence?**

### FAQ
**Why is death by sword considered "better" than death by hunger in this verse?**

Answer: The verse highlights the extreme agony and degradation associated with dying from starvation. Death by the sword, while violent and tragic, is swift and decisive, offering an immediate end to suffering. In contrast, death by hunger is a prolonged, agonizing process where the body slowly wastes away, leading to immense physical pain, mental anguish, and a complete loss of dignity. The comparison underscores the horrific nature of famine during the Babylonian siege, making a quick death appear merciful by comparison. This sentiment reflects the profound despair of the besieged inhabitants of Jerusalem, who had reached the absolute limit of human endurance.

**Does this verse imply God is cruel or uncaring?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply God is cruel or uncaring. Instead, it vividly portrays the devastating consequences of Israel's persistent disobedience to God's covenant. Throughout the Old Testament, God warned His people that if they turned away from Him, they would face severe judgments, including famine and siege (e.g., [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Consequences of Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Curses of the Covenant")). Lamentations is a lament over the fulfillment of these warnings, acknowledging God's righteous judgment while also expressing profound sorrow and a yearning for His mercy (cf. [Lamentations 3:32-33](/lamentations/3-32-33 "God's Compassion Endures")). The suffering is a testament to the gravity of sin and God's holiness, not His indifference.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 4:9, with its raw depiction of human suffering and the preference for a swift, violent death over the slow agony of starvation, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "slain with the sword" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the violent death that Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly endured on the cross, a death that was swift and decisive, yet bore the full weight of humanity's sin (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Christ's Atoning Suffering")). He was "pierced for our transgressions," taking upon Himself the judgment that should have been ours. More deeply, the "pining away" from hunger, representing the slow, spiritual death caused by separation from God, is overcome by Christ. He declared Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering Himself as the spiritual sustenance that prevents humanity from "pining away" in spiritual famine. Through His sacrifice, He not only conquered the physical death that the sword brings but also the spiritual death and alienation that lead to the soul's slow decay. His resurrection ensures that those who trust in Him will never truly "pine away," but will have [eternal life](/john/11-25 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") and abundant provision, ultimately leading to a new heavens and new earth where there will be no more hunger, sorrow, or death (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Sorrow")).

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

Ezekiel 24:23

And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

Leviticus 26:39

And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

Ezekiel 33:10

¶ Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins [be] upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?

Jeremiah 16:4

They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; [but] they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.