Lamentations 3 29

Lamentations 3:29 kjv

He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.

Lamentations 3:29 nkjv

Let him put his mouth in the dust? There may yet be hope.

Lamentations 3:29 niv

Let him bury his face in the dust? there may yet be hope.

Lamentations 3:29 esv

let him put his mouth in the dust ? there may yet be hope;

Lamentations 3:29 nlt

Let them lie face down in the dust,
for there may be hope at last.

Lamentations 3 verses

Lamentations 3 29 Meaning

When one has been afflicted, it is right and fitting to bear the yoke placed upon them. This implies a recognition of divine sovereignty and an acceptance of hardship as part of God's plan, often with a hope for eventual deliverance. It is an expression of humility and submission to the Lord’s will.

Lamentations 3 29 Context

Lamentations 3:29 follows verses that speak of enduring affliction in silence and recognizing God's hand in one's suffering (Lamentations 3:28). The preceding verses portray a deep sense of personal distress and despair due to Jerusalem's destruction and the resulting exile. Jeremiah, the likely author, reflects on the bitter experiences of his people. Within this immediate context of national catastrophe and personal anguish, the verse asserts that it is appropriate for one who has been afflicted to accept the burden placed upon them. This acceptance stems from an understanding of God's sovereign rights and His just dealings, even in the midst of judgment. The entire book of Lamentations chronicles the devastation of Jerusalem and the suffering of its inhabitants, but it also contains passages of profound faith and hope amidst the ruins.

Lamentations 3 29 Word analysis

• "Good" (Hebrew: טוֹב, tov) - Means good, pleasant, agreeable, right, proper, beneficial. In this context, it signifies that bearing the yoke is not only permissible but commendable and ultimately for one's benefit.
• "For man" (Hebrew: גֶּבֶר, gever) - Refers to a strong man, a mighty man, or mankind in general. Here, it emphasizes the fittingness for any individual to accept their lot.
• "To bear" (Hebrew: שֶׂאת, se'et) - Implies carrying, bearing, supporting, enduring, or lifting. It speaks to the active endurance of the burden.
• "The yoke" (Hebrew: עֹל, ol) - Refers to a wooden yoke, typically placed on the neck of oxen to share a load. Figuratively, it represents submission, burden, hardship, or service. In Jeremiah's context, it signifies the oppressive rule and judgment of God or the severe hardship brought upon the nation.
• "In his youth" (Hebrew: בְּנַעֲרָו, bəna'arāw) - Indicates the time of early life, adolescence, or young manhood. The implication is that enduring hardship early on can shape character and prepare one for future challenges, making it a formative and therefore "good" experience.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Good for man to bear": This phrase encapsulates the idea of beneficial suffering. It suggests that facing difficulties, especially in one's formative years, is not inherently negative but can be a means of spiritual and character development.
• "The yoke in his youth": This collocation highlights the context of early life and the acceptance of submission and hardship. It links youth with the discipline that comes from carrying burdens, setting the stage for greater resilience and spiritual maturity.

Lamentations 3 29 Bonus section

The concept of bearing a yoke is deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing servitude, submission, and carrying a burden. In biblical theology, God is often depicted as both the one who can impose a yoke of judgment and the one who offers His own yoke of service, which brings rest. This verse contributes to the overall theme in Lamentations of finding hope and meaning even in extreme suffering by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and the potential for positive transformation through tribulation. The wisdom here aligns with Stoic philosophy in acknowledging what one cannot change and accepting one’s lot, but it is grounded in a personal, covenantal God, rather than an impersonal fate.

Lamentations 3 29 Commentary

The verse teaches a vital principle of spiritual maturity: accepting the hardships and disciplines that life, and specifically God, assigns. The "yoke" represents the burdens, challenges, and even subjugation one might face. The phrase "in his youth" suggests that learning to bear such difficulties early on is a preparation and a valuable lesson. It is described as "good" because it cultivates patience, humility, and dependence on God, leading to a deeper understanding of His ways and strengthening one's character. This isn't masochism, but a recognition that God, in His wisdom, permits or ordains these trials for our ultimate good and sanctification, preparing us for His purposes. Just as a young ox learns to bear a yoke for productive work, believers are called to accept their appointed trials to grow in righteousness. Christ Himself embodied this, taking on the "yoke" of suffering for humanity, and inviting us to take His yoke, which is easy and His burden, which is light (Matthew 11:30), in contrast to the heavy yokes imposed by sin and a fallen world.