Lamentations 5:3

3 We are become orphans without a father: our mothers are as 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 is come upon us: consider and behold our reproach.

2 Our inheritance is turned to aliens: our houses to strangers.

3 We are become orphans without a father: our mothers are as widows.

4 We have drunk our water for money: we have bought our wood.

5 We were dragged by the necks, we were weary and no rest was given us.