Lamentations 5:3

3 We are like orphans with no 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, Lord, what happened to us. Look and see our disgrace.

2 Our land has been turned over to strangers; our houses have been given to foreigners.

3 We are like orphans with no father; our mothers are like widows.

4 We have to buy the water we drink; we must pay for the firewood.

5 Those who chase after us want to catch us by the neck. We are tired and find no rest.