Lamentations 4 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Lamentations 4 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
ASV How is the gold become dim! [how] is the most pure gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
WEB How the gold has become dim! The most pure gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
YLT How is the gold become dim, Changed the best--the pure gold? Poured out are stones of the sanctuary At the head of all out-places.
DRB Aleph. How is the gold become dim, the finest colour is changed, the stones of the sanctuary are scattered in the top of every street?
DBY How is the gold become dim! the most pure gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary poured out at the top of all the streets!
GNV How is the golde become so dimme? the most fine golde is changed, and the stones of the Sanctuarie are scattered in the corner of euery streete.
LSB How dark the gold has become, How the pure gold has changed! The sacred stones are poured out At the head of every street.
Verse 2
KJV The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
ASV The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
WEB The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
YLT The precious sons of Zion, Who are comparable with fine gold, How have they been reckoned earthen bottles, Work of the hands of a potter.
DRB Beth. The noble sons of Sion, and they that were clothed with the best gold: how are they esteemed as earthen vessels, the work of the potter's hands?
DBY The sons of Zion, so precious, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
GNV The noble men of Zion coparable to fine golde, howe are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, euen the worke of the handes of the potter!
LSB The precious sons of Zion, Weighed against fine gold, How they are regarded as earthen jars, The work of a potter’s hands!
Verse 3
KJV Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
ASV Even the jackals draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: The daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
WEB Even the jackals offer their breast. They nurse their young ones. But the daughter of my people has become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
YLT Even dragons have drawn out the breast, They have suckled their young ones, The daughter of my people is become cruel, Like the ostriches in a wilderness.
DRB Ghimel. Even the sea monsters have drawn out the breast, they have given suck to their young: the daughter of my people is cruel, like the ostrich in the desert.
DBY Even the jackals offer the breast, they give suck to their young; the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
GNV Euen the dragons draw out the breastes, and giue sucke to their yong, but the daughter of my people is become cruell like the ostriches in the wildernesse.
LSB Even jackals offer the breast; They nurse their young; But the daughter of my people has become cruel Like ostriches in the wilderness.
Verse 4
KJV The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.
ASV The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: The young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.
WEB The tongue of the nursing child clings to the roof of his mouth for thirst. The young children ask bread, and no one breaks it for them.
YLT Cleaved hath the tongue of a suckling unto his palate with thirst, Infants asked bread, a dealer out they have none.
DRB Daleth. The tongue of the sucking child hath stuck to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the little ones have asked for bread, and there was none to break it unto them.
DBY The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst; the young children ask bread, no man breaketh it unto them.
GNV The tongue of the sucking childe cleaueth to the roofe of his mouth for thirst: the yong children aske bread, but no man breaketh it vnto them.
LSB The tongue of the nursing baby cleaves To the roof of its mouth because of thirst; The infants ask for bread, But no one breaks it for them.
Verse 5
KJV They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
ASV They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: They that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
WEB Those who ate delicacies are desolate in the streets. Those who were brought up in purple embrace dunghills.
YLT Those eating of dainties have been desolate in out-places, Those supported on scarlet have embraced dunghills.
DRB He. They that were fed delicately have died in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet have embraced the dung.
DBY They that fed delicately are desolate in the streets; they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dung-hills.
GNV They that did feede delicately, perish in the streetes: they that were brought vp in skarlet, embrace the dongue.
LSB Those who ate delicacies Are desolate in the streets; Those reared in crimson Embrace ash pits.
Verse 6
KJV For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.
ASV For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her.
WEB For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown as in a moment. No hands were laid on her.
YLT And greater is the iniquity of the daughter of my people, Than the sin of Sodom, That was overturned as <FI>in<Fi> a moment, And no hands were stayed on her.
DRB Vau. And the iniquity of the daughter of my people is made greater than the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment, and hands took nothing in her.
DBY And the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the reward of the sin of Sodom, which was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were violently laid upon her.
GNV For the iniquitie of the daughter of my people is become greater then the sinne of Sodom, that was destroyed as in a moment, and none pitched campes against her.
LSB So the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands whirled toward her.
Verse 7
KJV Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:
ASV Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.
WEB Her nobles were purer than snow. They were whiter than milk. They were more ruddy in body than rubies. Their polishing was like sapphire.
YLT Purer were her Nazarites than snow, Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, Of sapphire their form.
DRB Zain. Her Nazarites were whiter than snow, purer than milk, more ruddy than the old ivory, fairer than the sapphire.
DBY Her Nazarites were purer than snow, whiter than milk; they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their figure was as sapphire.
GNV Her Nazarites were purer then the snowe, and whiter then ye milke: they were more ruddie in bodie, then the redde precious stones; they were like polished saphir.
LSB Her Nazirites were purer than snow; They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli.
Verse 8
KJV Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
ASV Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
WEB Their appearance is blacker than a coal. They are not known in the streets. Their skin clings to their bones. It is withered. It has become like a stick.
YLT Darker than blackness hath been their visage, They have not been known in out-places, Cleaved hath their skin unto their bone, It hath withered--it hath been as wood.
DRB Heth. Their face is now made blacker than coals, and they are not known in the streets: their skin hath stuck to their bones, it is withered, and is become like wood.
DBY Their visage is darker than blackness, they are not known in the streets; their skin cleaveth to their bones, it is withered, it is become like a stick.
GNV Nowe their visage is blacker then a cole: they can not knowe them in the streetes: their skinne cleaueth to their bones: it is withered like a stocke.
LSB Their form is blacker than soot; They are not recognized in the streets; Their skin is shriveled on their bones; It is withered, it has become like wood.
Verse 9
KJV They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.
ASV They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.
WEB Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for lack of the fruits of the field.
YLT Better have been the pierced of a sword Than the pierced of famine, For these flow away, pierced through, Without the increase of the field.
DRB Teth. It was better with them that were slain by the sword, than with them that died with hunger: for these pined away being consumed for want of the fruits of the earth.
DBY The slain with the sword are happier than the slain with hunger; for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.
GNV They that be slaine with the sword are better, then they that are killed with hunger: for they fade away as they were striken through for the fruites of the fielde.
LSB Better are those pierced through with the sword Than those pierced through with hunger; For their life flows away, being stricken For lack of the produce of the field.
Verse 10
KJV The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
ASV The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children; They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
WEB The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children. They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
YLT The hands of merciful women have boiled their own children, They have been for food to them, In the destruction of the daughter of my people.
DRB Jod. The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
DBY The hands of pitiful women have boiled their own children: they were their meat in the ruin of the daughter of my people.
GNV The hands of the pitifull women haue sodden their owne children, which were their meate in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
LSB The hands of compassionate women Boiled their own children; They became food for them Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Verse 11
KJV The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.
ASV Jehovah hath accomplished his wrath, he hath poured out his fierce anger; And he hath kindled a fire in Zion, which hath devoured the foundations thereof.
WEB Yahweh has accomplished his wrath. He has poured out his fierce anger. He has kindled a fire in Zion, which has devoured its foundations.
YLT Completed hath Jehovah His fury, He hath poured out the fierceness of His anger, And he kindleth a fire in Zion, And it devoureth her foundations.
DRB Caph. The Lord hath accomplished his wrath, he hath poured out his fierce anger: and he hath kindled a fire in Sion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.
DBY Jehovah hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, which hath consumed the foundations thereof.
GNV The Lord hath accomplished his indignation: he hath powred out his fierce wrath, he hath kindled a fire in Zion, which hath deuoured the foundations thereof.
LSB Yahweh has spent His wrath; He has poured out His burning anger; And He has kindled a fire in Zion Which has devoured its foundations.
Verse 12
KJV The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.
ASV The kings of the earth believed not, neither all the inhabitants of the world, That the adversary and the enemy would enter into the gates of Jerusalem.
WEB The kings of the earth didn’t believe, neither did all the inhabitants of the world, that the adversary and the enemy would enter into the gates of Jerusalem.
YLT Believe not did the kings of earth, And any of the inhabitants of the world, That come would an adversary and enemy Into the gates of Jerusalem.
DRB Lamed. The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world would not have believed, that the adversary and the enemy should enter in by the gates of Jerusalem.
DBY The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should enter into the gates of Jerusalem.
GNV The Kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world would not haue beleeued that the aduersarie and the enemie should haue entred into the gates of Ierusalem:
LSB The kings of the earth did not believe, Nor did any of the inhabitants of the world, That the adversary and the enemy Could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
Verse 13
KJV For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,
ASV [It is] because of the sins of her prophets, [and] the iniquities of her priests, That have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her.
WEB It is because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, That have shed the blood of the just in the middle of her.
YLT Because of the sins of her prophets, The iniquities of her priests, Who are shedding in her midst the blood of the righteous,
DRB Mem. For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her.
DBY [It is] for the sins of her prophets, [and] the iniquities of her priests, who have shed the blood of the righteous in the midst of her.
GNV For the sinnes of her Prophets, and the iniquities of her Priests, that haue shed the blood of the iust in the middes of her.
LSB Because of the sins of her prophets And the iniquities of her priests, Who have shed in her midst The blood of the righteous;
Verse 14
KJV They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.
ASV They wander as blind men in the streets, they are polluted with blood, So that men cannot touch their garments.
WEB They wander as blind men in the streets. They are polluted with blood, So that men can’t touch their garments.
YLT They have wandered naked in out-places, They have been polluted with blood, Without <FI>any<Fi> being able to touch their clothing,
DRB Nun. They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they were defiled with blood: and when they could not help walking in it, they held up their skirts.
DBY They wandered about blind in the streets; they were polluted with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.
GNV They haue wandred as blinde men in the streetes, and they were polluted with blood, so that they would not touch their garments.
LSB They wandered, blind, in the streets; They were defiled with blood So that no one could touch their garments.
Verse 15
KJV They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there.
ASV Depart ye, they cried unto them, Unclean! depart, depart, touch not! When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, They shall no more sojourn [here].
WEB “Go away!” they cried to them. “Unclean! Go away! Go away! Don’t touch! When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, “They can’t live here any more.”
YLT `Turn aside--unclean,' they called to them, `Turn aside, turn aside, touch not,' For they fled--yea, they have wandered, They have said among nations: `They do not add to sojourn.'
DRB Samech. Depart you that are defiled, they cried out to them: Depart, get ye hence, touch not: for they quarrelled, and being removed, they said among the Gentiles: He will no more dwell among them.
DBY They cried unto them, Depart! Unclean! Depart! depart, touch not! When they fled away, and wandered about, it was said among the nations, They shall no more sojourn [there].
GNV But they cried vnto them, Depart, ye polluted, depart, depart, touch not: therefore they fled away, and wandered: they haue sayd among the heathen, They shall no more dwell there.
LSB “Depart! Unclean!” they cried of themselves. “Depart, depart, do not touch!” So they fled and wandered; Men among the nations said, “They shall not continue to sojourn with us.”
Verse 16
KJV The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.
ASV The anger of Jehovah hath scattered them; he will no more regard them: They respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders.
WEB Yahweh’s anger has scattered them. He will not pay attention to them any more. They didn’t respect the persons of the priests. They didn’t favor the elders.
YLT The face of Jehovah hath divided them, He doth not add to behold them, The face of priests they have not lifted up, Elders they have not favoured.
DRB Phe. The face of the Lord hath divided them, he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, neither had they pity on the ancient.
DBY The face of Jehovah hath divided them; he will no more regard them. They respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the aged.
GNV The anger of the Lord hath scattered them, he will no more regard them: they reuerenced not the face of the Priestes, nor had compassion of the Elders.
LSB The presence of Yahweh has eradicated them; He will not continue to look at them; They did not honor the priests; They did not favor the elders.
Verse 17
KJV As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.
ASV Our eyes do yet fail [in looking] for our vain help: In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.
WEB Our eyes still fail, looking in vain for our help. In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.
YLT While we exist--consumed are our eyes for our vain help, In our watch-tower we have watched for a nation <FI>that<Fi> saveth not.
DRB Ain. While we were yet standing, our eyes failed, expecting help for us in vain, when we looked attentively towards a nation that was not able to save.
DBY Our eyes still failed for our vain help; in our watching, we have watched for a nation that did not save.
GNV Whiles we waited for our vaine helpe, our eyes failed: for in our waiting we looked for a nation that could not saue vs.
LSB Yet our eyes were spent, Looking for help was vanity; In our watching we have watched For a nation that could not save.
Verse 18
KJV They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
ASV They hunt our steps, so that we cannot go in our streets: Our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
WEB They hunt our steps, so that we can’t go in our streets. Our end is near. Our days are fulfilled, for our end has come.
YLT They have hunted our steps from going in our broad-places, Near hath been our end, fulfilled our days, For come hath our end.
DRB Sade. Our steps have slipped in the way of our streets, our end draweth near: our days are fulfilled, for our end is come.
DBY They hunted our steps, that we could not go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
GNV They hunt our steppes that we cannot goe in our streetes: our ende is neere, our dayes are fulfilled, for our ende is come.
LSB They hunted our steps So that we could not walk in our open squares; Our end drew near, Our days were finished, For our end had come.
Verse 19
KJV Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
ASV Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heavens: They chased us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
WEB Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky. They chased us on the mountains. They set an ambush for us in the wilderness.
YLT Swifter have been our pursuers, Than the eagles of the heavens, On the mountains they have burned <FI>after<Fi> us, In the wilderness they have laid wait for us.
DRB Coph. Our persecutors were swifter than the eagles of the air: they pursued us upon the mountains, they lay in wait for us in the wilderness.
DBY Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heavens; they chased us hotly upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
GNV Our persecuters are swifter then the eagles of the heauen: they pursued vs vpon the mountaines, and layed waite for vs in the wildernes.
LSB Our pursuers were swifter Than the eagles of the sky; They hotly pursued us on the mountains; They waited in ambush for us in the wilderness.
Verse 20
KJV The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
ASV The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
WEB The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Yahweh, was taken in their pits; of whom we said, under his shadow we will live among the nations.
YLT The breath of our nostrils--the anointed of Jehovah, Hath been captured in their pits, of whom we said: `In his shadow we do live among nations.'
DRB Res. The breath of our mouth, Christ the Lord, is taken in our sins: to whom we said: Under thy shadow we shall live among the Gentiles.
DBY The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
GNV The breath of our nostrels, the Anoynted of the Lord was taken in their nets, of whome we sayde, Vnder his shadowe we shalbe preserued aliue among the heathen.
LSB The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Yahweh, Was captured in their pits, Of whom we had said, “Under his shadow We shall live among the nations.”
Verse 21
KJV 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.
ASV Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz: The cup shall pass through unto thee also; thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
WEB Rejoice and be glad, daughter of Edom, that dwells in the land of Uz. The cup will pass through to you also. You will be drunken, and will make yourself naked.
YLT Joy and rejoice, O daughter of Edom, Dwelling in the land of Uz, Even unto thee pass over doth a cup, Thou art drunk, and makest thyself naked.
DRB Sin. Rejoice, and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Hus: to thee also shall the cup come, thou shalt be made drunk, and naked.
DBY Rejoice and be glad, daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz: the cup shall pass also unto thee; thou shalt be drunken, and make thyself naked.
GNV Reioyce and be glad, O daughter Edom, that dwellest in the lande of Vz, the cuppe also shall passe through vnto thee: thou shalt be drunken and vomit.
LSB Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, Who inhabits the land of Uz; But the cup will pass on to you as well; You will become drunk and make yourself naked.
Verse 22
KJV The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.
ASV The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: He will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will uncover thy sins.
WEB The punishment of your iniquity is accomplished, daughter of Zion. He will no more carry you away into captivity. He will visit your iniquity, daughter of Edom. He will uncover your sins.
YLT Completed <FI>is<Fi> thy iniquity, daughter of Zion, He doth not add to remove thee, He hath inspected thy iniquity, O daughter of Edom, He hath removed <FI>thee<Fi> because of thy sins!
DRB Thau. Thy iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Sion, he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he hath visited thy iniquity, O daughter of Edom, he hath discovered thy sins.
DBY The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity. He will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.
GNV Thy punishment is accomplished, O daughter Zion: he will no more carie thee away into captiuitie, but he will visite thine iniquitie, O daughter Edom, he wil discouer thy sinnes.
LSB The punishment of your iniquity has come to an end, O daughter of Zion; He will exile you no longer. But He will punish your iniquity, O daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins!