Lamentations 3:31
What does Lamentations 3:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 3:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 3:31 means
A solid reason for submissive endurance: the Lord will not cast off forever. Divine rejection is not the last word. Judgment has a term; mercy has no end. This truth guards the heart from despair when discipline is prolonged. It means God’s covenant commitment remains, even when His face is hidden. The verse balances the earlier sense of abandonment with promise. For the humbled, hope is justified: the same Jehovah who seemed an enemy will again show Himself a friend. Therefore, it is right to wait, repent, and bear the yoke, knowing that restoration is part of His plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the Lord will not cast off for ever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the Lord will not cast off for ever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the Lord does not give a man up for ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For the Lord doth not cast off to the age.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Caph. For the Lord will not cast off for ever.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the Lord will not cast off for ever;
Context
After counsel to accept reproach, the text provides its theological basis. Verse 32 will affirm that though God causes grief, He will have compassion according to His great lovingkindnesses. Verse 33 will add that He does not afflict from His heart. This cluster reveals the heart of God behind discipline, anchoring the practical exhortations (vv. 25–30) in God’s steadfast character.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 12:22
For Jehovah will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it hath pleased Jehovah to make you a people unto himself.
- Psalms 77:7
Will the Lord cast off for ever? And will he be favorable no more?
- Micah 7:18
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness.
- Psalms 103:8
Jehovah is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.
- Isaiah 54:7
For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
- Isaiah 57:16
For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls that I have made.
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