Topical Encyclopedia The term "lamented" in the biblical context refers to the expression of deep sorrow, mourning, or regret, often in response to loss, sin, or divine judgment. Lamentation is a significant theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the human experience of suffering and the quest for divine intervention and comfort.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, lamentation is prominently featured in the Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. This book is a series of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Hebrew word for lament, "qinah," is used to describe these mournful songs or dirges. Lamentations 1:1-2 begins with a vivid depiction of Jerusalem's desolation: "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow. The princess among the provinces has become a slave. She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks." Lamentation is also seen in the Psalms, where the psalmists often cry out to God in times of distress. Psalm 13:1-2 captures this sentiment: "How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day?" Prophets and Lamentation The prophets frequently lamented over the sins of Israel and the impending judgment of God. For instance, in Joel 1:13 , the prophet calls for lamentation: "Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, for the grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God." New Testament Context In the New Testament, lamentation is less prominent but still present. Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, expressing sorrow for the city's rejection of Him and the coming judgment. In Matthew 23:37 , Jesus says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" The Apostle Paul also speaks of lamentation in the context of godly sorrow leading to repentance. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 , he writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Cultural and Theological Significance Lamentation in the Bible serves as a powerful expression of the human condition, acknowledging the reality of suffering and the need for divine intervention. It is both a personal and communal act, often involving rituals such as fasting, wearing sackcloth, and weeping. Theologically, lamentation is an act of faith, as it turns to God in times of distress, seeking His mercy and deliverance. The practice of lamentation underscores the importance of honesty before God, allowing believers to bring their deepest pains and struggles to Him. It also highlights the hope of restoration and redemption, as lamentation often transitions into praise and trust in God's faithfulness and promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp. & p. p.) of Lament.2. (a.) Mourned for; bewailed. Strong's Hebrew 5091. nahah -- to wail, lament... 5090b, 5091. nahah. 5092 . to wail, lament. Transliteration: nahah Phonetic Spelling: (naw-haw') Short Definition: lamented. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/5091.htm - 6k 2980. yabab -- to cry in a shrill voice 5594. saphad -- to wail, lament 3362. Yoqneam -- a city of Canaan Library Inconstancy Lamented. How Much Then is it to be Lamented, as Well as Impossible to be ... Three Decisive Steps Repentance and victory How the People Raised a Sedition against Archelaus, and How He ... The Wide Range of God's Grace The Cruelty of the Idumeans when they were Gotten into the Temple ... Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... Methodist Book Concern The Life of Mr. James Wood. Thesaurus Lamented (19 Occurrences)...Lamented (19 Occurrences). Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. ... /l/lamented.htm - 12k Mourned (54 Occurrences) Lament (44 Occurrences) Chanted (4 Occurrences) Lamentation (45 Occurrences) Wailed (11 Occurrences) Buried (125 Occurrences) Samuel (129 Occurrences) Lamentations (6 Occurrences) Dung (27 Occurrences) Resources What is a lament in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy can't I stop sinning? Please help! | GotQuestions.org What was the mark that God put on Cain (Genesis 4:15)? | GotQuestions.org Lamented: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lamented (19 Occurrences)Matthew 11:17 Luke 23:27 Acts 8:2 Genesis 50:10 Judges 5:28 1 Samuel 6:19 1 Samuel 7:2 1 Samuel 25:1 1 Samuel 28:3 2 Samuel 1:17 2 Samuel 3:33 2 Chronicles 35:25 Isaiah 3:26 Isaiah 19:8 Jeremiah 16:4 Jeremiah 16:6 Jeremiah 25:33 Ezekiel 27:32 Ezekiel 32:16 Subtopics Related Terms |