Lamentations 3:40 kjv
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Lamentations 3:40 nkjv
Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD;
Lamentations 3:40 niv
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.
Lamentations 3:40 esv
Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!
Lamentations 3:40 nlt
Instead, let us test and examine our ways.
Let us turn back to the LORD.
Lamentations 3 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lam 3:40 | Let us test and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD. | Lamentations |
| Deut 4:29 | But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find him, if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. | Deuteronomy |
| Psa 139:23-24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! | Psalms |
| Jer 3:22 | “Return, O faithless Israel, declares the LORD; I will not look upon you in anger, for I am merciful, and I will not keep my anger forever. | Jeremiah |
| Hos 14:1-2 | Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the LORD; say to him, “Take away all iniquity; accept that which is good, and we will render for us the fruit of our lips.” | Hosea |
| Joel 2:12-13 | Yet even now, declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he may change his mind and relent. | Joel |
| Acts 3:19 | Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. | Acts |
| Acts 17:30 | The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. | Acts |
| Luke 15:10 | Just so, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. | Luke |
| Heb 12:1 | Therefore let us also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. | Hebrews |
| 1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. | 1 John |
| James 4:8 | Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. | James |
| 2 Chron 12:12 | and because he humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned from him, so that he did not destroy him completely. Moreover, there were good things found in Judah. | 2 Chronicles |
| 2 Chron 19:3 | Nevertheless, good things are found in you, for you have taken away the Asherahs out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God. | 2 Chronicles |
| Jer 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, that you may be saved. How long will your evil thoughts lodge within you? | Jeremiah |
| Prov 28:13 | Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. | Proverbs |
| Rom 7:23 | but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. | Romans |
| Gal 5:17 | For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things that you want to do. | Galatians |
| Matt 5:3 | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | Matthew |
| Rom 3:23 | for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. | Romans |
Lamentations 3 verses
Lamentations 3 40 Meaning
The verse emphasizes the necessity of self-examination and a return to God. It highlights that thorough inspection of one's ways and a sincere turning back to the LORD is the path to spiritual restoration. This involves discerning one's actions and confessing them, leading to reconciliation with God.
Lamentations 3 40 Context
Lamentations chapter 3 is a profound expression of sorrow and lamentation, attributed to Jeremiah, detailing the immense suffering of Judah during the Babylonian conquest. The prophet is experiencing personal anguish but also speaks on behalf of the nation, reflecting on their sins and God's righteous judgment. This verse appears amidst a section where Jeremiah describes his personal distress and suffering due to sin and God's discipline. He transitions from dwelling on the severity of God's hand to a call for a deliberate, introspective approach to rectify the situation. The historical context is one of national catastrophe, destruction of Jerusalem, and exile, underscoring the seriousness of sin and the need for genuine repentance.
Lamentations 3 40 Word Analysis
H5604 (Heba'abed): This word, meaning "let us prove," "let us test," or "let us examine," signifies a rigorous and thorough inspection.
H1870 (Dorch): Translated as "way" or "path," it refers not just to a physical journey but to one's conduct, actions, and overall manner of life.
H7725 (Shuva): From the root meaning "to return," this is a strong imperative, "turn yourselves back" or "return." It implies a turning away from wrong and a turning toward God.
H3068 (Yehovah): The proper name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing the personal and covenantal relationship being addressed.
"Let us test and examine our ways": This is a call for self-reflection, probing one's inner life and outward behavior. It's not a superficial glance but a deep investigation.
"and turn back to the LORD": This phrase conveys a twofold movement: a renunciation of the sinful paths followed and a conscious redirection toward God. It signifies a repentant turning.
Lamentations 3 40 Bonus Section
The imperative in Hebrew for "turn back" (Shuva) is a Hiphil infinitive construct, indicating God's active enablement of this return for those who sincerely seek Him, despite the fallen human condition. This concept echoes the New Testament emphasis on the Spirit's role in enabling repentance (e.g., Acts 5:31; 2 Timothy 2:25). The entire book of Lamentations is a backdrop that shows the devastating consequences of turning away from God. Therefore, this verse is not just an individual plea but a national directive rooted in the profound understanding of sin's penalty and God's enduring mercy.
Lamentations 3 40 Commentary
This verse encapsulates the essence of genuine repentance: introspection followed by decisive action. It highlights that spiritual well-being begins with an honest assessment of one's life, searching for any sin or deviation from God's path. The call to "test and examine" implies a process of discernment, bringing our conduct into the light of God's word. The imperative to "turn back to the LORD" underscores that confession and self-examination must lead to a demonstrable change in direction. This returning is a pivotal act of obedience and trust, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His gracious invitation to renewed fellowship. It signifies a commitment to reorient one's entire life towards God, marked by humility and a desire for reconciliation.
- Practical Usage Example: When facing persistent struggles or a sense of spiritual dryness, the believer is encouraged to pause, pray for divine insight, and honestly evaluate their daily choices and underlying motivations, then actively seek God’s forgiveness and guidance to realign their path with His will.