Lamentations 3:13
What does Lamentations 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 3:13 means
The arrows strike to the innermost parts—his very reins, the seat of deepest feelings and vitality. This is suffering that reaches the core. It is more than external loss; it is inward pain, conviction, and grief. God’s discipline penetrates where human defenses cannot, exposing motives and breaking stubbornness. The verse recognizes that the wound is as much spiritual as circumstantial. While excruciating, such piercing is often how God prepares the heart to receive grace, for only a heart laid bare can grasp mercy and respond in humble faith to Jehovah’s steadfast love.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He hath caused the shafts of his quiver to enter into my reins.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He hath caused the shafts of his quiver to enter into my reins.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He has let loose his arrows into the inmost parts of my body.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He hath caused to enter into my reins The sons of His quiver.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He. He hath shot into my reins the daughters of his quiver.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.
Context
The archer’s arrows have now landed, completing the movement from external obstruction to internal penetration. Verses 14–16 will pivot to social humiliation—mockery, bitterness, and shame—showing that affliction affects every sphere. This panoramic portrayal of ruin makes the later hope in verses 21–24 feel like a miracle, since it will arise not from improved circumstances but from remembering unchanging truths about Jehovah.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 32:23
I will heap evils upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them:
- Job 41:28
The arrow cannot make him flee: Sling-stones are turned with him into stubble.
- Job 6:4
For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, The poison whereof my spirit drinketh up: The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Lamentations 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Lamentations 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Faithfulness
Faithfulness describes a person’s loyal and steadfast devotion to God, and also God’s unchanging, unfailing character.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Faithfulness of God
God’s faithfulness is a cornerstone of our hope, revealing His unwavering character and His commitment to His promises through all generations.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Mercy of God
God’s mercy is a profound aspect of His character, showing His compassionate love and steadfast faithfulness toward humanity
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Anniversary of a Loss
When the calendar remembers — verses for the day you can't forget.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.