Lamentations 5:3

3 We have become fatherless, our mothers are widows.

Lamentations 5:3 in Other Translations

3 We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows.

3 We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are like widows.

3 We are orphaned and fatherless. Our mothers are widowed.

3 Orphans we are, not a father in sight, and our mothers no better than widows.

3 We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are widows.

Lamentations 5:3 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 5:3

We are orphans and fatherless
In every sense; in a natural sense, their fathers having been cut off by the sword, famine, or pestilence; in a civil sense, their king being taken from them; and in a religious sense, God having forsaken them for their sins: our mothers [are] as widows;
either really so, their husbands being dead; or were as if they had no husbands, they not being able to provide for them, protect and deferred them. The Targum adds,

``whose husbands are gone to the cities of the sea, and it is doubtful whether they are alive.''

Some understand this politically, of their cities being desolate and defenceless.

Lamentations 5:3 In-Context

1 Remember, LORD, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace.

2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to foreigners.

3 We have become fatherless, our mothers are widows.

4 We must buy the water we drink; our wood can be had only at a price.

5 Those who pursue us are at our heels; we are weary and find no rest.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 22:24; Jeremiah 15:8; S Jeremiah 18:21