Lamentations 3:25
What does Lamentations 3:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 3:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 3:25 means
He states a general truth learned in affliction: Jehovah proves good to those who wait for Him and seek Him. Waiting is not passivity; it is active trust and pursuit. The goodness promised is God Himself—His favor, presence, and timely help—not necessarily immediate change of circumstances. This verse encourages patience shaped by desire for God more than for relief. It dignifies the waiting soul: what seems like inactivity is actually the path where God’s kindness is found. Such a perspective sustains faith when deliverance tarries, because the seeker is assured that seeking Jehovah is never in vain.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is good to those who are waiting for him, to the soul which is looking for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Good <FI>is<Fi> Jehovah to those waiting for Him, To the soul <FI>that<Fi> seeketh Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Teth. The Lord is good to them that hope in him, to the soul that seeketh him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.
Context
From personal trust, the text turns to instruction for the community. Verse 26 will specify that it is good to hope and quietly wait for Jehovah’s salvation, strengthening the call to patient endurance. Verse 27 will add that early discipline is beneficial. Together, these verses sketch a way of living between ruin and restoration: seeking God, waiting on Him, and submitting to His training.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 19:3
Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast put away the Asheroth out of the land, and hast set thy heart to seek God.
- Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look unto Jehovah; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Jehovah searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. If thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
- 2 Chronicles 15:2
and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Jehovah is with you, while ye are with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
- Psalms 40:1
I waited patiently for Jehovah; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
- Psalms 37:34
Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way, And he will exalt thee to inherit the land: When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
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