Lamentations 3:29

Translations

Modern

Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope.

Traditional

He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.

Literal

Let him put in the dust his mouth; perhaps there is hope!

Latin

Ponet in pulvere os suum, si forte sit spes.

Original

Hebrew

English

Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope.

Notes

Lamentations 3:29–30

In the ancient Near East, lying face down in the dust showed submission (Genesis 17:1–3; Leviticus 9:24; Joshua 7:6; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Kings 18:39; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Matthew 17:5–6).
To turn the other cheek shows a willingness to submit rather than fight back. Jesus likely had this verse in mind when he taught his disciples to accept persecution (Matthew 5:39).
This response shows trust that God rules over all things, even over suffering.

Lamentations 3:22–33

God's love and faithfulness never end. Just as God was faithful in judging Jerusalem for their sins, he will be faithful in restoring those who return to him.

Lamentations 3:1–66

In this chapter, the author mourns what has happened (Lamentations 3:1–20, 48–54). In this chapter, the author mourns what has happened (Lamentations 3:21–25). He explains how God’s people should respond (Lamentations 3:26–47). Finally, he calls out to the Lord in prayer (Lamentations 3:55–66).

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Justice Retribution

Related verses

Job 40:4
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
Jeremiah 31:17
So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.
Luke 15:18–19
I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Romans 3:19
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Job 42:5–6
My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.
2 Chronicles 33:12
And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers.
Jonah 3:9
Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.”
Joel 2:14
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
Ezekiel 16:63
…so that when I make atonement for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your disgrace, declares the Lord GOD.”

Glossary

Acrostic Lamentations, Book of Poetry, Biblical

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning

Lamentations 3:29

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Glossary?

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