1
How is the gold become dim! [how] is the most pure gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
2
The precious sons of Tziyon, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
3
Even the jackals draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: The daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
4
The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst: The young children ask bread, and no man breaks it to them.
5
Those who did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: Those who were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
6
For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sedom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid on her.
7
Her Nazirites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sappir.
8
Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin cleaves to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
9
Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.
10
The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children; They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
11
The LORD has accomplished his wrath, he has poured out his fierce anger; He has kindled a fire in Tziyon, which has devoured the foundations of it.