Lamentations 4:21
What does Lamentations 4:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 4:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 4:21 means
Edom is told to rejoice while it can, dwelling in the land of Uz. But the “cup” of divine wrath will also reach it; intoxicated with judgment, Edom will be exposed and shamed. The taunt contains a warning: gloating over a brother’s fall invites God’s rebuke. Edom had long-standing enmity with Judah and took advantage of Jerusalem’s distress. Yet the Lord, who judged Judah, will not overlook Edom’s malice. The imagery of drunkenness and nakedness depicts unstoppable disgrace. God’s justice is impartial; He will discipline His people and also repay those who exult in their calamity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Rejoice 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Rejoice 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have joy and be glad, O daughter of Edom, living in the land of Uz: the cup will be given to you in your turn, and you will be overcome with wine and your shame will be seen.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Joy and rejoice, O daughter of Edom, Dwelling in the land of Uz, Even unto thee pass over doth a cup, Thou art drunk, and makest thyself naked.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Sin. Rejoice, and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Hus: to thee also shall the cup come, thou shalt be made drunk, and naked.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Rejoice and be glad, daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz: the cup shall pass also unto thee; thou shalt be drunken, and make thyself naked.
Context
After the despairing climax of verse 20, verse 21 turns unexpectedly to Edom, a neighboring foe known for hostility and gloating over Judah’s fall. This shift widens the frame from Judah’s suffering to God’s universal justice. It sets up the final contrast in verse 22: Zion’s punishment has a limit, while Edom’s judgment is still coming. The structure offers a glimmer of hope to Judah—not by denying her guilt, but by asserting that God’s dealings with nations are balanced and purposeful, and that the current humiliation will not be the final word for Zion.
v.20The 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.
v.21This passage
v.22The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: He will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will uncover thy sins.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Obadiah 1:1
The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning Edom: We have heard tidings from Jehovah, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.
- Ezekiel 25:6
For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because thou hast clapped thy hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of thy soul against the land of Israel;
- Micah 1:11
Pass away, O inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame: the inhabitant of Zaanan is not come forth; the wailing of Beth-ezel shall take from you the stay thereof.
- Obadiah 1:10
For the violence done to thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.
- Ezekiel 25:12
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
- Jeremiah 25:15
For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, unto me: Take this cup of the wine of wrath at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
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