Lamentations 1:11
All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.
Lamentations 1:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Lamentations depicts a scene of desperation and suffering. The people of Jerusalem are in dire need, as they sigh and seek bread, showing their hunger and desperation. They have been forced to give up their precious possessions in exchange for food just to survive. The plea to the Lord for help is heartfelt and desperate, asking Him to see their plight and have compassion. The speaker acknowledges their own lowly state, proclaiming, "for I am become vile." This verse serves as a cry for mercy and assistance in a time of great need, highlighting the pain and suffering experienced by the people in this biblical passage. Through these powerful words, the message of hardship and the plea for divine intervention are conveyed, showing the importance of relying on faith and seeking help in times of struggle.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from the book of Lamentations, there are several theological implications that can be extracted. The phrase "All her people sigh, they seek bread" highlights the desperate situation of the people, emphasizing their hunger and need for sustenance. This can be interpreted not only in a physical sense but also as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment. The subsequent line, "they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul," suggests a sacrificial act made by the people to provide for themselves, symbolizing the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for their spiritual well-being. The plea to God, "see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile," reflects a deep sense of humility and recognition of one's own unworthiness. This verse prompts reflection on the themes of human suffering, sacrifice, and dependence on God for sustenance, both physically and spiritually.
Lamentations 1:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
All her people sigh, they seek bread; They have given their pleasant things for food to refresh the soul: See, O Jehovah, and behold; for I am become abject.
World English Bible
All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for food to refresh the soul: look, Yahweh, and see; for I am become abject.
Douay-Rheims
Caph. All her people sigh, they seek bread: they have given all their precious things for food to relieve the soul: see, O Lord, and consider, for I am become vile.
Geneva Bible (1599)
All her people sigh and seeke their bread: they haue giuen their pleasant thinges for meate to refresh the soule: see, O Lord, and consider: for I am become vile.