Lamentations 5:3

3 We are orphans without a father. 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 "Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. Take a look at our disgrace!

2 "The land we inherited has been turned over to strangers. Our homes have been turned over to foreigners.

3 We are orphans without a father. Our mothers are like widows.

4 We have to pay to drink our own water. We have to pay to chop our own wood.

5 [Our enemies] are breathing down our necks. We are worn out [and] not permitted to rest.