Lamentations 3:32-34

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Lamentations 3:32 tn Heb “Although he has caused grief.” The word “us” is added in the translation.
2. Lamentations 3:32 tn Heb “He will have compassion.” The words “on us” are added in the translation.
3. Lamentations 3:32 tc The Kethib preserves the singular form חַסְדּוֹ (khasdo, “his kindness”), also reflected in the LXX and Aramaic Targum. The Qere reads the plural form חֲסָדָיו (khasadayv, “his kindnesses”), which is reflected in the Latin Vulgate.
4. Lamentations 3:33 tn Heb “he does not afflict from his heart.” The term לֵבָב (levav, “heart”) preceded by the preposition מִן (min) most often describes one’s initiative or motivation, e.g. “of one’s own accord” (Num 16:28; 24:13; Deut 4:9; 1 Kings 12:33; Neh 6:8; Job 8:10; Isa 59:13; Ezek 13:2, 17). It is not God’s internal motivation to bring calamity and trouble upon people.
5. Lamentations 3:33 tn Heb “sons of men.”
6. Lamentations 3:34 tn Heb “prisoners of earth/land.” The term אֶרֶץ (ʾerets) may refer to (1) the earth, (2) a country, or (3) the promised land in particular (as well as other referents). “Earth” is chosen here since the context presents God’s general principles in dealing with humanity. Given the historical circumstances, however, prisoners from the land of Israel are certainly in the background.