Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Lamentations 1:21. It's a really powerful and sad passage about suffering and despair. Here's my explanation in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is expressing deep sorrow and frustration at the unfairness of life and the lack of support when you’re facing hardship. The speaker feels utterly alone and hopeless. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "They have heard that I sigh..." – This isn't a happy sigh; it’s a weary, frustrated sigh. It means they know about your problems, troubles, and pain. They’re aware of what you’re going through. "[there is] none to comfort me:" – This emphasizes the complete lack of help available to you. There's no one who understands, empathizes with, or offers solace. You are utterly alone in your suffering. "All mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done [it]:" – This is a crucial part. The speaker accuses those who oppose them – perhaps people who are causing problems for them – of celebrating your misfortune. They’re saying, “You did this! You're enjoying it!” It suggests a sense of vindictiveness or a feeling that their actions are somehow beneficial to them. "Thou wilt bring the day [that] thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me." – This is the most poignant part. The speaker is saying: “You will eventually end this suffering. You will eventually bring an end to these troubles, and when that happens, your problems will be similar to mine.” What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the experience of suffering – hardship, loss, disappointment, or injustice. It’s about feeling utterly abandoned and powerless in the face of adversity. It’s a lament for a lost cause, a hopeless situation, and a feeling that everything is falling apart. Context: Lamentations 1:21 is part of a longer story within the book of Lamentations – a collection of poems expressing deep sorrow and despair about the destruction of Israel during the time of King Zedekiah. It’s a lament for the loss of a beloved city and people, highlighting the profound pain of suffering. In short, this verse captures the feeling of being utterly alone in your struggles and experiencing a sense of injustice. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss the themes within Lamentations 1:21 (like the theme of hopelessness)?