Lamentations 5:17

KJV

¶ For this our heart is faint; for these [things] our eyes are dim.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this our heart {H3820} is faint {H1739}; for these things our eyes {H5869} are dim {H2821}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why our hearts are sick; this is why our eyes grow dim -

Berean Standard Bible

Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim—

American Standard Version

For this our heart is faint; For these things our eyes are dim;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 5:17 profoundly articulates the deep, debilitating grief and despair that afflicted the people of Judah in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction. This verse serves as a poignant summary of the comprehensive physical and emotional toll exacted by the national catastrophe, illustrating how overwhelming sorrow can manifest as a profound internal weakening and a physical dimming of vitality and hope. It is a cry from the depths of a shattered community, reflecting a collective spirit and body overwhelmed by calamity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5:17 stands within the final chapter of the Book of Lamentations, a communal prayer of petition and lament. This chapter shifts from the individual laments and personified city of Jerusalem found in earlier chapters to a collective cry from the survivors, appealing directly to God for remembrance and restoration. The "this" and "these [things]" in verse 17 directly refer to the litany of devastating experiences detailed in the preceding verses of chapter 5, including the loss of inheritance, the oppression by foreign rulers, the starvation of children, the violation of women, and the general desolation that has befallen the once-proud nation [Lamentations 5:1-16](/lamentations/5-1 "Lamentations 5:1-16 - A Litany of Suffering"). The verse encapsulates the emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from this prolonged and intense suffering, serving as a climactic expression of their broken state before their final plea for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Lamentations is the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC by the Babylonian army, followed by the exile of its inhabitants. This event was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis for Israel, challenging their understanding of God's covenant, His presence in the Temple, and their identity as His chosen people. Culturally, the act of lament was a deeply ingrained and biblically sanctioned response to tragedy, reflecting a community's engagement with God in times of extreme distress. The "faint heart" and "dim eyes" would have been readily understood by an ancient audience as common physical manifestations of profound sorrow, starvation, and despair, reflecting a life force draining away. The desolation described was a direct consequence of their defeat, leading to widespread famine, disease, and the psychological trauma of displacement and subjugation.
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 5:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Profound Grief and Despair**, illustrating the debilitating effects of national tragedy on both the human spirit and body. The "faint heart" speaks to extreme emotional exhaustion, hopelessness, and a loss of courage, while "dim eyes" signify physical weakness, incessant weeping, or even a failure of spiritual vision due to overwhelming distress, echoing similar expressions of anguish found in passages like [Lamentations 2:11](/lamentations/2-11 "Lamentations 2:11 - Physical Anguish and Weeping"). Secondly, it highlights the **Physical Manifestation of Suffering**, emphasizing that intense emotional and spiritual pain often translates into tangible physical symptoms, underscoring the holistic impact of their calamity. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Lamentations consistently links this suffering to the **Consequences of Disobedience** to God's covenant, portraying the destruction as divine judgment upon Israel for their persistent sin and rebellion, a theme articulated from the very beginning of the book in [Lamentations 1:5](/lamentations/1-5 "Lamentations 1:5 - Consequences of Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word (H3820) refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions and feelings but also the will, intellect, and conscience. It is the seat of one's inner life and the center of decision-making. In this context, a "faint heart" signifies a complete collapse of courage, vitality, and inner strength, indicating a profound spiritual and emotional debilitation that affects the entire person.
* **faint (Hebrew, _dâveh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be sick," this word (H1739) conveys a sense of being languishing, weak, or withered. It describes a state of severe physical and emotional debility, often associated with debilitating illness or exhaustion. Here, it vividly portrays the utter powerlessness and exhaustion of the people, suggesting a profound internal sickness brought on by their overwhelming grief and suffering.
* **dim (Hebrew, _châshak'_):** This primitive root (H2821) means "to be dark" or "to grow dim," often implying a withholding of light or a fading of sight. In the context of "eyes are dim," it signifies a loss of visual acuity, often associated with weeping, age, or deep sorrow. Metaphorically, it can also suggest a loss of hope, clarity, or the ability to envision a future, reflecting a spiritual blindness or despair that accompanies their physical and emotional deterioration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this our heart is faint;":** The phrase "For this" points directly to the cumulative suffering and desolation detailed in the preceding verses of Lamentations 5. The "heart" (lêb) represents the core of their being—their courage, spirit, and inner strength. To be "faint" (dâveh) indicates a complete emotional and spiritual collapse, a profound weariness and hopelessness that has sapped all vitality. This is not merely sadness but a debilitating internal sickness, a deep-seated despair that renders them incapable of resilience or joy.
* **"for these [things] our eyes are dim.":** This clause reiterates the cause of their suffering ("for these things," referring again to the catalogue of miseries) and describes its physical manifestation. "Our eyes" (ʻayin) are the organs of sight, but also metaphorically represent perception, understanding, and hope. To be "dim" (châshak) means to be dark, obscure, or to lose clarity of vision. This can refer to literal physical weakness from starvation and weeping, but also to a metaphorical dimming of hope, a failure to see a way forward, or a profound sorrow that clouds their outlook, leaving them in a state of spiritual and emotional darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of suffering. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "heart is faint" and "eyes are dim" express similar ideas of debilitation, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of their distress. This is a form of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line echoes and intensifies the first. The verse also uses **Metonymy**, where "heart" stands for the entire inner being, including courage and spirit, and "eyes" for perception, vitality, and hope. The physical symptoms (faint heart, dim eyes) serve as **Imagery** that vividly portrays the internal and external effects of their profound grief. Furthermore, the description borders on **Hyperbole**, as the suffering is so extreme that it metaphorically drains the very life and light from the people, emphasizing the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of their national tragedy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:17 offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the human experience of profound suffering, articulating a biblical truth that deep emotional and spiritual pain often manifests physically. Theologically, it underscores the reality of God's judgment upon sin, as the suffering described is a direct consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Yet, even in this expression of utter despair, the act of lament itself is a theological statement—a turning to God in brokenness, acknowledging His sovereignty even in judgment, and implicitly appealing to His character for mercy. This verse reminds us that lament is a legitimate and necessary component of faith, providing a biblical framework for processing trauma and loss without denying the pain. It validates the physical and emotional toll that immense sorrow can take, inviting both empathy for the suffering and a sober reflection on the consequences of spiritual rebellion.

* [Psalm 6:7](/psalms/6-7 "Psalm 6:7 - David's Weeping and Anguish")
* [Psalm 137:1](/psalm/137-1 "Psalm 137:1 - The Exiles' Lament by the Rivers of Babylon")
* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant, Despised and Rejected")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 5:17 serves as a powerful reminder that grief is a holistic experience, affecting not only our emotions but also our physical well-being and spiritual outlook. In a world often quick to dismiss or minimize suffering, this verse validates the deep sorrow and physical toll that immense tragedy can inflict. It calls us to cultivate empathy for those who are experiencing profound loss, whether personal or collective, recognizing that their "faint hearts" and "dim eyes" are authentic indicators of their distress. For believers, it underscores the importance of honest lament before God, acknowledging our pain without pretense, and trusting that even in the darkest valleys, He is present. It challenges us to consider how our own spiritual health impacts our physical and emotional vitality, and conversely, how physical and emotional burdens can strain our faith. Ultimately, while this verse captures despair, the very act of voicing this lament within Scripture provides a pathway for hope, as it is a turning to God, implying a belief in His ultimate mercy and faithfulness, even when it is hard to see.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse resonate with your own experiences of profound grief or despair, whether personal or communal?**
* **In what ways do you observe emotional or spiritual distress manifesting physically in yourself or others?**
* **How can we, as individuals and communities, better validate and support those whose "hearts are faint" and "eyes are dim" due to suffering?**
* **What role does honest lament play in your spiritual life, and how might Lamentations 5:17 encourage a deeper practice of it?**

### FAQ
**What does "faint heart" signify in Lamentations 5:17?**

Answer: The "faint heart" signifies a profound and debilitating emotional and spiritual exhaustion. The Hebrew word for "heart" (_lêb_) encompasses the entire inner being, including feelings, will, intellect, and courage. To be "faint" (_dâveh_) means to be sick, languishing, or withered. Thus, a "faint heart" describes a complete collapse of courage, vitality, and inner strength, indicating a deep-seated despair and hopelessness that has sapped all life and resilience from the people. It's a comprehensive internal sickness brought on by overwhelming grief and suffering, reflecting a community utterly broken by calamity.

**How do "dim eyes" relate to the suffering described in this verse?**

Answer: "Dim eyes" in Lamentations 5:17 refers to a loss of clarity, both literally and metaphorically, due to intense suffering. Physically, it can be attributed to incessant weeping, starvation, or the general physical debilitation caused by prolonged distress. Metaphorically, it signifies a loss of hope, a failure to see a way forward, or a profound sorrow that clouds one's outlook. The Hebrew word for "dim" (_châshak_) means to be dark or obscure, suggesting a spiritual blindness or despair that accompanies their physical and emotional deterioration. It paints a picture of a people whose vision for the future has been obscured by the overwhelming darkness of their present circumstances.

**Is there any hope in Lamentations, despite the despair expressed in verses like 5:17?**

Answer: Yes, despite the profound despair articulated in verses like Lamentations 5:17, the book of Lamentations ultimately contains seeds of hope. While it is a book of deep sorrow and communal grief, the very act of lamenting is an expression of faith—a turning to God in brokenness, acknowledging His sovereignty even in judgment. The pivotal passage in [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - The Lord's Great Love and Compassions") explicitly states, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." This declaration, amidst the cries of anguish, reveals a foundational trust in God's enduring character, His faithfulness, and His unfailing compassion, offering a beacon of hope even in the darkest night of suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:17, with its poignant depiction of a faint heart and dim eyes brought on by overwhelming suffering, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the lament of Judah stemmed from the consequences of their sin, Christ, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily entered into the deepest human suffering, bearing the weight of the world's sin. His heart was truly "faint" in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He agonized to the point of sweating blood, crying out, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). His "eyes were dim" as He endured the physical brutalization, the scorn, and the spiritual darkness of the cross, where He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The prophet Isaiah foretold of the suffering servant, "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus' journey to the cross was the ultimate lament, where the light of the world was momentarily dimmed, and His heart was broken, not for His own sin, but for ours. Yet, through His suffering and death, He conquered sin and death, offering a new covenant of hope and restoration. His resurrection transforms the "dim eyes" of despair into eyes of faith, fixed on the "pioneer and perfecter of faith, Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). He is the one who ultimately wipes away every tear, ensuring that for those in Him, there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

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

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Psalms 6:7

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Lamentations 2:11

Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.

Job 17:7

Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members [are] as a shadow.

Isaiah 38:14

Like a crane [or] a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail [with looking] upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

Micah 6:13

Therefore also will I make [thee] sick in smiting thee, in making [thee] desolate because of thy sins.

Psalms 69:3

I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.