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Lamentations 3:5

He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

Lamentations 3:5 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Lamentations describes the speaker feeling besieged and surrounded by bitterness and suffering. The imagery of being "builded against" and "compassed with gall and travail" paints a picture of being trapped and overwhelmed by hardship and affliction. The word "builded" implies a deliberate and intentional act of constructing obstacles and barriers against the speaker, while "gall" symbolizes bitterness and "travail" denotes difficult and painful experiences. Overall, this verse conveys a sense of being surrounded by oppressive forces and enduring immense suffering. It serves as a reflection of the challenges and struggles that many people face in their lives, highlighting the feelings of being overwhelmed and trapped by adversities. As part of the book of Lamentations, this verse captures the deep sorrow and lamentation of the speaker, expressing their anguish and despair in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail" from the book of Lamentations can be understood in the context of God's judgment and discipline. The act of God building against the speaker can be seen as a metaphor for the hardships and challenges that God allows to come into their life. The word "gall" used in this verse refers to bitterness or poison, suggesting that the speaker feels overwhelmed by the suffering they are experiencing. The word "travail" points to the intense suffering and labor that the speaker is enduring. This verse reflects the idea that sometimes God allows difficult circumstances to come into our lives in order to refine and strengthen us, much like how gold is purified in fire. It is a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, God is still sovereign and working all things together for our good.

Lamentations 3:5 in other translations

American Standard Version

He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

World English Bible

He has built against me, and surrounded me with gall and travail.

Douay-Rheims

Beth. He hath built round about me, and he hath compassed me with gall, and labour.

Geneva Bible (1599)

He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall, and labour.