Lamentations 3:37
What does Lamentations 3:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 3:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 3:37 means
Who can decree and see it accomplished if Jehovah has not commanded? The implied answer is no one. This asserts God’s absolute sovereignty. Human plans, boasts, or threats have no ultimate power apart from His will. For sufferers, this truth is stabilizing: enemies act only within God’s permission. For the arrogant, it is humbling: they cannot establish their word against God’s. In exile and ruin, the people must see beyond human agents to the Most High’s purpose. Such vision turns fear of man into fear of God, a key step toward repentance and hope.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who is able to say a thing, and give effect to it, if it has not been ordered by the Lord?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who <FI>is<Fi> this--he hath said, and it is, <FI>And<Fi> the Lord hath not commanded <FI>it<Fi> ?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Mem. Who is he that hath commanded a thing to be done, when the Lord commandeth it not?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who is he that saith, and there cometh to pass, what the Lord hath not commanded?
Context
After condemning injustice, the text elevates God’s rule over all outcomes. Verse 38 will underline that both calamity and good come from the Most High’s mouth. Then verse 39 will draw a practical conclusion: the living should not complain but accept discipline for sin. This theological frame supports the call that follows to self-examination and renewal (vv. 40–41).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.
- Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
- Psalms 33:9
For he spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
- Daniel 4:35
and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
- Romans 9:15
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.
- Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man’s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.
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