Translations
Modern
Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.
Traditional
They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.
Literal
Better are those slain by the sword than those dying of hunger, who waste away from the piercing of produce the field.
Latin
Melius fuit occisis gladio quam interfectis fame, quoniam isti extabuerunt consumpti a sterilitate terræ.
Original
Hebrew
English
Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.
Notes
Long sieges result in a serious lack of food. Even if people could get to the fields, they would find the crops destroyed or harvested to feed the soldiers.
Although God’s people still experience his judgment, they will soon experience restoration.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Acrostic Famine Food and Food Preparation Lamentations, Book of Poetry, Biblical