Lamentations 3:22
What does Lamentations 3:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 3:22 means
He affirms that only Jehovah’s many lovingkindnesses have kept the people from total annihilation. God’s compassions do not fail, even under judgment. The word speaks of covenant mercy—loyal, steadfast love that persists not because of human worth but because of God’s character. This recognition reframes suffering: though severe, it is not final or absolute. The same God who disciplined has also preserved a remnant. This truth anchors the soul. Hope is not in improved circumstances but in the certainty that God’s merciful heart has not been exhausted, and He will yet show compassion according to His steadfast love.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is through the Lord's love that we have not come to destruction, because his mercies have no limit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The kindnesses of Jehovah! For we have not been consumed, For not ended have His mercies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Heth. The mercies of the Lord that we are not consumed: because his commiserations have not failed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890It is of Jehovah's loving-kindness we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not;
Context
This is the content of the hope recalled in verse 21. Verse 23 will expand it: these compassions are renewed every morning and grounded in God’s great faithfulness. Together, these declarations form the theological center of the chapter. From here, the tone shifts from pure lament to trust and instruction about waiting and submission to God’s saving purposes (vv. 24–33).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 20:21
But the children rebelled against me; they walked not in my statutes, neither kept mine ordinances to do them, which if a man do, he shall live in them; they profaned my sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.
- Ezekiel 20:13
But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they rejected mine ordinances, which if a man keep, he shall live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
- Malachi 3:6
For I, Jehovah, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.
- Ezra 9:13
And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such a remnant,
- Psalms 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
- Nehemiah 9:31
Nevertheless in thy manifold mercies thou didst not make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
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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.
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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
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