Lamentations 3 36

Lamentations 3:36 kjv

To subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not.

Lamentations 3:36 nkjv

Or subvert a man in his cause? The Lord does not approve.

Lamentations 3:36 niv

to deprive them of justice? would not the Lord see such things?

Lamentations 3:36 esv

to subvert a man in his lawsuit, the Lord does not approve.

Lamentations 3:36 nlt

if they twist justice in the courts ?
doesn't the Lord see all these things?

Lamentations 3 verses

Lamentations 3 36 Meaning

This verse declares that all human actions and judgments are ultimately under God's sovereign oversight. No matter how a person tries to distort justice or act deceitfully, God is aware and will ultimately bring everything into alignment with His righteous will.

Lamentations 3 36 Context

Lamentations 3 is a powerful expression of personal suffering and deep sorrow, but it also contains affirmations of faith and hope amidst despair. The prophet Jeremiah, writing from a perspective of national calamity, reflects on God's justice and faithfulness. In the preceding verses, he has acknowledged God's hand in the suffering, but here, he pivots to the certainty of God's ultimate justice and the futility of human attempts to pervert it. This verse appears in a section that emphasizes God's enduring compassion and renewal, providing a foundation for trusting in His righteous judgment even when earthly circumstances seem unjust.

Lamentations 3 36 Word Analysis

• וְאִם־ (wə'im-)
  • "and if"
  • Connects this thought to the preceding one. It introduces a hypothetical or conditional situation.
• תַּעֲו֘וּ (ta‘ăwû)
  • "you pervert" or "you distort"
  • From the root עָוָה (āwâ), meaning to bend, to do wrong, to pervert, to commit iniquity.
  • Suggests twisting or corrupting something that is right.
  • In this context, it refers to corrupting justice, perverting what is fair and righteous.
• מִשְׁפָּט (mîšpāṭ)
  • "justice" or "judgment"
  • The core concept of fairness, right, and the administration of what is due.
  • Can refer to the legal process or the outcome of a judgment.
  • Here, it highlights the perversion of fairness and righteousness.
• לֹא־ (lō-)
  • "not"
  • A strong negation.
• יְהוָה (YHWH)
  • "the LORD"
  • The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship and commitment to His people.
  • Using God's name here is significant, indicating His active involvement.
• יַכְרִ֑י (yakrî)
  • "will defeat," "will overthrow," or "will decide."
  • This is the root word, from כָּרַע (kāra‘), meaning to bend the knee, to bow, to bring low, or to subject.
  • In some contexts, it can mean to defeat or to submit. Here, in relation to justice, it implies God will ultimately bring about the correct and righteous outcome, rendering human perversions ineffective. It suggests God will bring about the just conclusion, either by ruling out incorrect actions or by decisive judgment.
• יַכְרִ֑י (yakrî)
  • "knows" or "observes"
  • This reading is derived from several commentaries and is supported by the Septuagint (LXX) translation using οἶδεν (oiden - knows). This understanding fits the broader theme of God's omniscience. If the reading is from כָּרַע, then the meaning is more about God determining or ruling in a situation. However, the widely accepted and contextually strong understanding leans towards God's awareness.
• יוֹדֵעַ (yôdēa‘)
  • "He knows."
  • This Hebrew verb from the root יָדַע (yāḏa‘) means to know, to understand, to perceive.
  • It signifies divine omniscience and awareness.
  • The perfect form of the verb implies a continuous state of knowing.

Words/Group Analysis:

• "Though a man may distort justice": This phrase captures the essence of human fallenness and the persistent temptation to corrupt the fair administration of law or what is rightfully due. It points to the deceitfulness of the human heart in seeking unfair advantage or in manipulating systems for personal gain.
• "the Lord sees what is done": This is a profound statement of divine omniscience. It reassures that no injustice or distortion can escape God's notice. His gaze is unwavering, encompassing all human actions, intentions, and the very fabric of reality. It underscores that every act, however hidden or seemingly triumphant in its injustice, is known by the ultimate Judge.

Lamentations 3 36 Bonus Section

The underlying Hebrew verb related to "will defeat/decide/know" (yakri) carries a rich nuance. If interpreted as related to submission or bowing down, it suggests that human distortions of justice will ultimately be subdued or made to bow before God's own righteous decree. This theme resonates with other passages emphasizing that every knee will bow and every tongue confess to God (Philippians 2:10-11). The absolute certainty of God's knowledge ("He knows") highlights that His justice is not reactive but proactive and informed by perfect understanding.

Lamentations 3 36 Commentary

The verse serves as a powerful declaration of God's unfailing watchfulness and ultimate sovereignty over human affairs. Even when men act unjustly, perverting the righteous principles of justice, their actions are not hidden from God. He sees, He knows, and He will ultimately bring about His perfect judgment. This isn't a passive observation; it implies that God is not rendered powerless by human iniquity. He will "decide" or "overthrow" these distorted judgments, establishing His own perfect righteousness. This provides solace to the faithful, assuring them that ultimate justice resides with God, and that human schemes to subvert fairness are ultimately doomed to fail under His all-seeing eye.