Devine Scripture

Lamentations 5:19

What does Lamentations 5:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Lamentations 5:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Lamentations 5:19 means

In the midst of ruins, they confess, “Thou, O Jehovah, abidest for ever; Thy throne is from generation to generation.” Earthly crowns fall (verse 16), but God’s throne does not. This is the anchor of hope: though circumstances change and judgments come, God remains sovereign and faithful to His purposes. By affirming His eternal reign, they implicitly say that their restoration does not depend on their strength but on His unchanging rule and mercy. This verse lifts the eyes from rubble to the Ruler, making room to ask why He seems distant and to beg Him to act consistent with His everlasting kingship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Thou, O Jehovah, abidest for ever; Thy throne is from generation to generation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Thou, O Lord, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Thou, O Jehovah, abidest for ever; Thy throne is from generation to generation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You, O Lord, are seated as King for ever; the seat of your power is eternal.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Thou, O Jehovah, to the age remainest, Thy throne to generation and generation.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But thou, O Lord, shalt remain for ever, thy throne from generation to generation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thou, Jehovah, dwellest for ever; thy throne is from generation to generation.

Context

Following the lowest lament over Zion’s desolation, verse 19 provides a theological pivot: God’s throne endures. This contrast prepares for the final petition and perplexity—why does God seem to forget, and will He turn them again? The next verses, 20–22, will weave questioning with plea, ending with a raw acknowledgment of wrath yet clinging to the hope implied in verse 19 and voiced in verse 21.

v.18For the mountain of Zion, which is desolate: The foxes walk upon it.

v.19This passage

v.20Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, Andforsake us so long time?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 9:7

    But Jehovah sitteth as king for ever: He hath prepared his throne for judgment;

  • 1 Timothy 1:17

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Hebrews 13:8

    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever.

  • Psalms 10:16

    Jehovah is King for ever and ever: The nations are perished out of his land.

  • Psalms 102:12

    But thou, O Jehovah, wilt abide for ever; And thy memorial name unto all generations.

  • Psalms 90:2

    Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

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