Ekhah 5:3

3 We are yetomim and fatherless, immoteinu are like almanot.

Ekhah 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.

Ekhah 5:3 In-Context

1 Remember, Hashem, what is come upon us; consider, and behold our reproach.

2 Our nachalah is turned over to zarim, our batim (houses) to foreigners.

3 We are yetomim and fatherless, immoteinu are like almanot.

4 We must pay kesef for our own mayim; our wood is sold unto us.

5 Our necks are under persecution; we are weary, and have no rest.