Lamentations 5:5

KJV

Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest.

KJV (with Strong's)

Our necks {H6677} are under persecution {H7291}: we labour {H3021}, and have no rest {H5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The yoke is on our necks; we are persecuted; we toil to exhaustion but are given no rest.

Berean Standard Bible

We are closely pursued; we are weary and find no rest.

American Standard Version

Our pursuers are upon our necks: We are weary, and have no rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 5:5 powerfully encapsulates the profound suffering and ceaseless oppression experienced by the Jewish people following the destruction of Jerusalem and their subsequent exile. The verse vividly portrays a state of utter subjugation and relentless toil, where the nation is depicted as bearing an unbearable burden without any respite, highlighting their deep physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion under the hand of their adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 5 serves as the concluding chapter of this poignant book, functioning as a collective prayer or lament from the perspective of the suffering remnant. It transitions from the prophet's personal lament (Chapters 1-4) to a communal cry for restoration, detailing the widespread misery, humiliation, and desolation that has befallen the nation. Verses immediately preceding Lamentations 5:5 describe the loss of inheritance, the plight of orphans and widows, and the desperate search for food, setting the stage for the physical and spiritual oppression highlighted in this verse. The final verses of the chapter continue the plea for God's remembrance and restoration, underscoring the deep despair and yearning for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The imagery of "necks under persecution" evokes the ancient practice of placing a yoke on animals or captives to signify servitude and forced labor, a common form of subjugation in the ancient Near East. The people of Judah, once a sovereign nation, were now conquered, many led into exile, and those remaining faced severe hardship and oppression. The "labour" without "rest" reflects the harsh reality of forced servitude, tribute, and the constant threat of violence or further displacement, a stark contrast to the Sabbath rest and peace promised in their covenant with God. This period marked a profound national trauma, fulfilling the warnings of covenant curses found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Lamentations 5:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and its Consequences**, as the suffering is understood as a direct result of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. The verse also highlights **Relentless Oppression and Servitude**, portraying the complete loss of national sovereignty and personal freedom. Furthermore, it speaks to the profound **Absence of Peace and Rest**, a condition antithetical to the shalom God desires for His people. This deprivation of rest is a powerful symbol of their broken covenant relationship and the profound disruption of their lives, echoing the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah, who frequently spoke of the coming judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Necks (Hebrew, _tsavvâʼr'_):** This word refers to the back of the neck, specifically as the part on which burdens are bound, or where a yoke is placed. In this context, it powerfully symbolizes subjugation, servitude, and the crushing weight of oppression. The image of the "neck" being "under persecution" implies a constant bowing down, a state of being perpetually burdened, and lacking the freedom to lift one's head.
* **Persecution (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to run after," "to chase," or "to pursue," often with hostile intent. Here, it conveys a relentless, unceasing hounding by enemies, leaving no escape or relief. It's not merely an occasional attack but a continuous state of being pursued and harassed, emphasizing the pervasive nature of their suffering.
* **Labour (Hebrew, _yâgaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to gasp," "to be exhausted," "to tire," or "to toil." It describes strenuous, wearying work that leads to physical and mental depletion. The active participation in this "labour" underscores the forced nature of their existence, where every effort contributes to their exhaustion rather than their well-being.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to settle down," "to cease," or "to be quiet." It encompasses physical repose, cessation from work, and a state of peace or security. The declaration "have no rest" highlights the complete absence of peace, security, or relief from their arduous toil, signifying a profound disruption of their lives and a deprivation of a fundamental human need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Our necks [are] under persecution":** This clause vividly portrays the physical and emotional burden endured by the people. The "necks" symbolize their very being, their dignity, and their capacity for freedom, now metaphorically yoked and subjected to constant pursuit and oppression. It speaks to a state of complete subjugation, where the enemy's hostile intent is not merely occasional but a persistent, crushing reality that leaves them no room to breathe or stand upright.
* **"we labour, [and] have no rest":** This second clause describes the practical consequence of their persecution: ceaseless, exhausting toil without any cessation or relief. It highlights the profound weariness and the absence of peace or security in their daily lives. The lack of "rest" is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, signifying a complete disruption of the rhythms of life and a deep longing for the peace that God's presence provides.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 5:5 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey the depth of suffering. The phrase "Our necks [are] under persecution" is a potent **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, evoking the image of a heavy yoke placed upon an animal, representing complete subjugation and forced labor. This imagery is further enhanced by the concept of "persecution" (Hebrew _râdaph_), which implies relentless pursuit, leaving no escape or respite. The contrast between "labour" and "no rest" creates a stark **Antithesis**, emphasizing the ceaseless and exhausting nature of their existence. The entire verse functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of their toil and lack of rest to underscore the extreme conditions they faced, making their plea for divine intervention all the more desperate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 5:5 powerfully articulates a foundational theological truth: the consequences of covenant disobedience. The suffering described is not random but a direct result of Israel's turning away from God, fulfilling the warnings of the Mosaic Law. Yet, even in this profound despair, the act of lament itself is a theological statement, acknowledging God's sovereignty even over judgment and appealing to His mercy. The absence of rest also points to a deeper spiritual longing for the shalom (peace, wholeness, rest) that is ultimately found only in God's presence and covenant faithfulness. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of human fragility and the ultimate need for divine intervention and restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - The Yoke of Iron")
* [Psalm 69:26](/psalms/69-26 "Psalm 69:26 - Persecution of the Afflicted")
* [Isaiah 40:28-31](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28-31 - God Gives Power to the Faint")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 5:5 speaks to the universal human experience of overwhelming burden, relentless pressure, and the desperate need for rest. While rooted in a specific historical context of national judgment and exile, its cry resonates with anyone who feels continually pursued by life's demands, weighed down by responsibilities, or exhausted by circumstances beyond their control. This verse validates the reality of such suffering, reminding us that it is not unbiblical to acknowledge profound weariness and the absence of peace. For us today, it calls for deep empathy for those in oppressive situations, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It also prompts us to consider where we seek our rest. In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of true rest—not just physical cessation, but a deep spiritual peace that transcends our circumstances. It encourages us to bring our exhaustion and burdens before God, just as the lamenter did, trusting in His ultimate capacity to provide solace and relief.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "under persecution" or experience relentless pressure without rest?**
* **How does the imagery of a "yoke" resonate with your current burdens or responsibilities?**
* **Where do you typically seek rest and relief, and how does this compare to the spiritual rest offered by God?**
* **How can this verse deepen your empathy for those experiencing chronic oppression, forced labor, or severe burnout in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What does "Our necks are under persecution" mean in a literal sense?**

Answer: Literally, this phrase describes a state of extreme subjugation and oppression. The "neck" is the part of the body upon which a yoke is placed for forced labor, or where a captive might be bound. Thus, to have one's neck "under persecution" means to be constantly pursued, harassed, and forced into burdensome labor or servitude by an enemy, with no opportunity to escape or stand freely. It paints a picture of continuous, crushing pressure and lack of freedom, much like an animal perpetually under a heavy yoke.

**How does "we labour, and have no rest" relate to the biblical concept of rest?**

Answer: This phrase highlights a profound deprivation of the biblical concept of rest, or _shalom_. From creation, God established a rhythm of work and rest (e.g., [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")). The Sabbath was a foundational covenant sign for Israel, emphasizing God's provision and their dependence on Him, not ceaseless toil. The absence of rest in Lamentations 5:5 signifies a complete disruption of this divine order, a consequence of their broken covenant with God. It speaks to a life devoid of peace, security, and the spiritual renewal that true rest provides, contrasting sharply with the promise of rest found in God's presence (e.g., [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Leads Me Beside Still Waters")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 5:5, with its poignant cry of relentless toil and absence of rest, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The suffering depicted—the neck under persecution, the ceaseless labor, the lack of rest—is a profound echo of humanity's condition under the burden of sin and the curse of the Fall. Humanity, estranged from God, labors under the weight of its own futility, striving for peace and rest it cannot achieve. Jesus, however, invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising to give them rest (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He himself bore the ultimate yoke of suffering and persecution, enduring the cross to break the power of sin and death, thereby offering true spiritual rest to those who believe. His finished work provides not merely a temporary respite, but an eternal Sabbath rest for the people of God (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), a rest from the futile labors of self-salvation and the crushing weight of condemnation. In Christ, the persecuted find refuge, the laborers find rest for their souls, and the burdened find their yoke made easy and their burden light (cf. [Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "My Yoke Is Easy")).

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

Nehemiah 9:36

Behold, we [are] servants this day, and [for] the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we [are] servants in it:

Nehemiah 9:37

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.

Lamentations 1:14

The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, [and] come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into [their] hands, [from whom] I am not able to rise up.

Jeremiah 27:11

But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

Jeremiah 27:12

¶ I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

Jeremiah 27:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Deuteronomy 28:48

Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.