What does Lamentations 2:21 mean?
"The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied." - Lamentations 2:21
The verse Lamentations 2:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied."
This verse is part of the book of Lamentations, which is a collection of poetic laments or mournful songs that express deep sorrow and grief over the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The book is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, who weeps bitterly over the tragedy that has befallen his people.
The context of the verse can be found in the preceding verses, where the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people are vividly described. The city is depicted as a desolate place where the young and the old lie in the streets, having fallen victim to the sword. The mention of virgins and young men being slain conveys a sense of the loss of innocence and potential, as well as the decimation of the future generation of the Israelites.
The verse attributes the destruction and the loss of life to the anger of God. It speaks of God as the one who has slain the people "in the day of thine anger" and "killed, and not pitied." This suggests a divine judgment or punishment for the sins of the people, which has resulted in such devastation.
One of the key themes in this verse is the suffering and loss experienced by the people of Jerusalem. The imagery of the young and the old lying in the streets, as well as the mention of virgins and young men being slain, underscores the magnitude of the tragedy. The verse conveys a sense of profound grief and lamentation over the devastation and the death of so many individuals.
Another prominent theme is the divine judgment and anger of God. The verse portrays God as the one responsible for the destruction and loss of life, as a result of His anger. This reflects the biblical understanding of God as a just and righteous judge, who punishes sin and disobedience.
The verse also conveys a sense of abandonment and despair. The people of Jerusalem have been left to suffer the consequences of their actions, with no one to show them pity or mercy. This reflects a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness in the face of such overwhelming calamity.
Moreover, the verse serves as a lamentation, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the devastation and loss of life. It reflects the psalmist's plea for God to hear his cry, see his tears, and have mercy on him in his time of trouble.
Symbolically, the fallen virgins and young men can be seen as representing the purity and potential of the Israelite people, which has been tragically cut short. The image of the young and the old lying in the streets also symbolizes the complete devastation and desolation of the city.
In conclusion, Lamentations 2:21 is a poignant and lamenting verse that captures the profound suffering and grief of the people of Jerusalem in the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest. It portrays a vivid picture of the devastation and loss of life, while also conveying a sense of divine judgment and the overwhelming despair of the people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for divine mercy and restoration.
Have questions about Lamentations 2:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Lamentations 2:21 Artwork
Lamentations 2:21 - "The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied."
"The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, and not pitied." - Lamentations 2:21
Lamentations 2:1
Lamentations 2:1
Lamentations 2:1
Lamentations 2:1 He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth;
Lamentations 3:21 - "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."
Lamentations 5:21 - "Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old."
Lamentations 2:1 - "How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!"
Lamentations 2:1 He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; He has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger.
2 Chronicles 35:25 - "¶ And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations."
Lamentations 2:1 He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; He has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger.
Lamentations 2:1 He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; He has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger.
"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." - Lamentations 3:21
Lamentations 5:2 - "Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens."
Lamentations 3:2 - "He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light."
Lamentations 4:21 - "¶ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked."
Lamentations 3:21-23 - "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Judges 21:2 - "And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;"
How the Lord has covered Daughter Zion with the cloud of his anger! He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger. Lamentations 2:1
How the Lord has covered Daughter Zion with the cloud of his anger! He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger. Lamentations 2:1
How the Lord has covered Daughter Zion with the cloud of his anger! He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger. Lamentations 2:1
Ezekiel 2:10 - "And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe."
Lamentations 2:5 - "The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation."
Ezekiel 27:2 - "Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;"
"He has brought her kingdom and its princes down to the ground in dishonor." Lamentations 2:2
Lamentations 4:2 - "The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!"
"He has brought her kingdom and its princes down to the ground in dishonor." Lamentations 2:2
Lamentations 1:21 - "They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"