Lamentations 4:7
What does Lamentations 4:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Lamentations 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Lamentations 4:7 means
The nobles are described in terms of purity and vigor—“purer than snow,” “whiter than milk,” with a healthy, ruddy complexion and a gemstone-like shine. These metaphors portray their former health, honor, and refinement. They once embodied the nation’s vitality and beauty. The point is not vanity but the steepness of the fall. A people who displayed vitality under God’s favor now appear ruined. The verse invites memory to deepen sorrow: the more splendid the past, the more shocking the present. Such recollection sharpens the recognition that blessing had been real—and thus that its loss is a covenant judgment, not a random decline.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Her holy ones were cleaner than snow, they were whiter than milk, their bodies were redder than corals, their form was as the sapphire:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Purer were her Nazarites than snow, Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, Of sapphire their form.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Zain. Her Nazarites were whiter than snow, purer than milk, more ruddy than the old ivory, fairer than the sapphire.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Her Nazarites were purer than snow, whiter than milk; they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their figure was as sapphire.
Context
Verse 7 reaches back to remember the nobles’ former brilliance, setting up an immediate contrast. After declaring Judah’s guilt greater than Sodom’s (verse 6), the lament again paints before-and-after pictures to drive its point home. This prepares for verse 8’s stark description of the same nobles now darkened and shriveled by famine. The pattern reinforces the central theme: privileged Jerusalem fell from a great height. The narrative is moving toward a crescendo of suffering in verses 9–10, after which the prophet will name the true cause behind it all—Jehovah’s wrath poured out (verse 11).
v.6For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her.
v.7This passage
v.8Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 144:12
When our sons shall be as plants grown up in their youth, And our daughters as corner-stones hewn after the fashion of a palace;
- Luke 1:15
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
- Judges 13:7
but he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb to the day of his death.
- Psalms 51:7
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
- Song of Solomon 5:10
My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand.
- 1 Samuel 16:12
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.
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.