Lamentations 5:3

3 We are children without fathers, our mothers are like 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 Keep in mind, O Lord, what has come to us: take note and see our shame.

2 Our heritage is given up to men of strange lands, our houses to those who are not our countrymen.

3 We are children without fathers, our mothers are like widows.

4 We give money for a drink of water, we get our wood for a price.

5 Our attackers are on our necks: overcome with weariness, we have no rest.