Lamentations 4:20
What does Lamentations 4:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 4:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 4:20 means
The “breath of our nostrils,” the “anointed of Jehovah,” refers to the Davidic king whose life was seen as vital to the nation’s survival. His capture—caught “in their pits”—signals the final collapse of Judah’s earthly shelter. Hopes that life might continue “under his shadow” among the nations prove empty. The monarchy, meant to protect, is powerless under judgment. This exposes the limits of human saviors and presses the people to reckon with God as their only true refuge. In the wider biblical story, the failure of the earthly anointed deepens the longing for a faithful, everlasting King—a hope ultimately fulfilled in the greater Son of David.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Our breath of life, he on whom the holy oil was put, was taken in their holes; of whom we said, Under his shade we will be living among the nations.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The breath of our nostrils--the anointed of Jehovah, Hath been captured in their pits, of whom we said: `In his shadow we do live among nations.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Res. The breath of our mouth, Christ the Lord, is taken in our sins: to whom we said: Under thy shadow we shall live among the Gentiles.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Jehovah, was taken in their pits; of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
Context
Verse 20 is the climax of human collapse: after failed leaders, alliances, and flights, even the anointed king is taken. With the monarchy fallen, the lament pivots outward in verse 21 to address Edom’s gloating. The structure moves from inward loss to external taunting, then to a promise of justice. The capture of the king sets the stage for God’s declaration that while Judah has reached the end of her earthly props, her story is not over. Judgment on Edom and a limit to Zion’s punishment will be announced next.
v.19Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heavens: They chased us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
v.20This passage
v.21Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz: The cup shall pass through unto thee also; thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 12:13
My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare; and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.
- Genesis 2:7
And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- 2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Jehovah’s anointed?
- 2 Samuel 18:3
But the people said, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but thou art worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that thou be ready to succor us out of the city.
- Lamentations 2:9
Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: Her king and her princes are among the nations where the law is not; Yea, her prophets find no vision from Jehovah.
- 1 Samuel 26:16
This thing is not good that thou hast done. As Jehovah liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept watch over your lord, Jehovah’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his head.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Lamentations 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Lamentations 4.
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.