Lamentations 4:15 - “Go away!” they cried to them. “Unclean! Go away! Go away! Don’t touch! When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, “They can’t live here any more.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Lamentations 4:15" mean?
This verse from Lamentations 4:15 vividly depicts the utter rejection and isolation experienced by the Jewish people after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"“Go away!” they cried to them. “Unclean! Go away! Go away! Don’t touch!”" This describes the immediate, visceral reaction of people to the suffering Jewish refugees. The term "unclean" (likely referring to ritual impurity) is used metaphorically to express disgust, fear, and a desire to distance themselves from those who have experienced such tragedy. They are treated as outcasts and untouchables, not worthy of compassion or assistance. This could be due to the belief that their suffering was contagious, or as a sign of divine curse.
"When they fled away and wandered..." This emphasizes the state of homelessness and displacement of the Jewish people. They are forced to flee from place to place, constantly searching for refuge.
"...men said among the nations, “They can’t live here any more.”" This is the most devastating part of the verse. It reveals that the Jewish people have become so despised and unwanted that the surrounding nations no longer believe they have a right to exist among them. Their suffering and defeat are seen as evidence of their unworthiness and a justification for their expulsion. They are essentially stateless and without hope of finding a permanent home.
In summary, Lamentations 4:15 paints a picture of profound rejection, alienation, and dehumanization. It highlights the psychological and social consequences of war, exile, and national trauma. The Jewish people are not only physically displaced but also stripped of their dignity and denied the right to belong anywhere. This verse reflects the despair and hopelessness of a nation in ruins.
Lamentations 4:15 - “Go away!” they cried to them. “Unclean! Go away! Go away! Don’t touch! When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, “They can’t live here any more.”
What does "Lamentations 4:15" mean?
This verse from Lamentations 4:15 vividly depicts the utter rejection and isolation experienced by the Jewish people after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"“Go away!” they cried to them. “Unclean! Go away! Go away! Don’t touch!”" This describes the immediate, visceral reaction of people to the suffering Jewish refugees. The term "unclean" (likely referring to ritual impurity) is used metaphorically to express disgust, fear, and a desire to distance themselves from those who have experienced such tragedy. They are treated as outcasts and untouchables, not worthy of compassion or assistance. This could be due to the belief that their suffering was contagious, or as a sign of divine curse.
"When they fled away and wandered..." This emphasizes the state of homelessness and displacement of the Jewish people. They are forced to flee from place to place, constantly searching for refuge.
"...men said among the nations, “They can’t live here any more.”" This is the most devastating part of the verse. It reveals that the Jewish people have become so despised and unwanted that the surrounding nations no longer believe they have a right to exist among them. Their suffering and defeat are seen as evidence of their unworthiness and a justification for their expulsion. They are essentially stateless and without hope of finding a permanent home.
In summary, Lamentations 4:15 paints a picture of profound rejection, alienation, and dehumanization. It highlights the psychological and social consequences of war, exile, and national trauma. The Jewish people are not only physically displaced but also stripped of their dignity and denied the right to belong anywhere. This verse reflects the despair and hopelessness of a nation in ruins.