CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Lamentations 3:10 He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/lamentations/3-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/25_Lam_03_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Lamentations 3:10 - Jeremiah's Afflictions" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/lamentations/3-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/lamentations/3-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/lamentations/">Lamentations</a> > <a href="/lamentations/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/lamentations/3-9.htm" title="Lamentations 3:9">◄</a> Lamentations 3:10 <a href="/lamentations/3-11.htm" title="Lamentations 3:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/lamentations/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/lamentations/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/lamentations/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He has hidden like a bear or a lion, waiting to attack me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/lamentations/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/lamentations/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/lamentations/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He <i>was</i> unto me <i>as</i> a bear lying in wait, <i>and as</i> a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/lamentations/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He <i>has been</i> to me a bear lying in wait, <i>Like</i> a lion in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/lamentations/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is to me <i>like</i> a bear lying in wait, <i>Like</i> a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/lamentations/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He is to me like a bear lying in wait, Like a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/lamentations/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He is to me like a bear lying in wait, <i>Like</i> a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/lamentations/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He is to me like a bear lying in wait, <i>Like</i> a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/lamentations/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He is to me like a bear lying in wait, And like a lion [hiding] in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/lamentations/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is a bear waiting in ambush, a lion in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/lamentations/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is a bear waiting in ambush, a lion in hiding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/lamentations/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He is unto me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/lamentations/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God was like a bear or a lion waiting in ambush for me; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/lamentations/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He is unto me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/lamentations/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He is like a bear waiting to ambush me, like a lion in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/lamentations/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He waited for me like a bear; he pounced on me like a lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/lamentations/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He is like a bear that lies in wait for me, a lion in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/lamentations/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/lamentations/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />To me he is like a bear lying in ambush, like a hidden lion stalking its prey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/lamentations/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He is to me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/lamentations/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He was to me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/lamentations/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He is to me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in hiding. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/lamentations/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A bear lying in wait He [is] to me, "" A lion in secret hiding places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/lamentations/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A bear lying in wait He is to me, A lion in secret hiding-places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/lamentations/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He is to me a bear lying in wait, a lion in secret places.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/lamentations/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Daleth. He is become to me as a bear lying in wait: as a lion in secret places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/lamentations/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />DALETH. He has become to me like a bear lying in ambush, like a lion in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/lamentations/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He has been a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/lamentations/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/lamentations/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He has been to me as a wolf lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/lamentations/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Daleth For a wolf was lying in wait for me and a lion in a secret place<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/lamentations/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He is unto me as a bear lying in wait, As a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/lamentations/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />he has troubled me, <i>as</i> a she-bear lying in wait: he is to me <i>as</i> a lion in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/lamentations/3-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKrWuOkEqzQ?start=750" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/lamentations/3.htm">Jeremiah's Afflictions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>He has barred my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1677.htm" title="1677: dōḇ (N-ms) -- A bear. Or dowb; from dabab; the bear.">is a bear</a> <a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: ’ō·rêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">lying in wait,</a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: ʾar·yēh (N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">a lion</a> <a href="/hebrew/4565.htm" title="4565: bə·mis·tā·rîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- A secret place, hiding place. From cathar; properly, a concealer, i.e. A covert.">hiding in ambush.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>He forced me off my path and tore me to pieces; He left me without help.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Hosea 13:7-8</a></span><br />So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a></span><br />Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/3-8.htm">Amos 3:8</a></span><br />The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/10-16.htm">Job 10:16</a></span><br />Should I hold my head high, You would hunt me like a lion, and again display Your power against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a></span><br />He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Isaiah 38:13</a></span><br />I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-25.htm">Ezekiel 22:25</a></span><br />The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12</a></span><br />like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">2 Samuel 17:10</a></span><br />Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12</a></span><br />The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-2.htm">Revelation 13:2</a></span><br />The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He was to me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.</p><p class="hdg">unto</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/10-16.htm">Job 10:16</a></b></br> For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Isaiah 38:13</a></b></br> I reckoned till morning, <i>that</i>, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day <i>even</i> to night wilt thou make an end of me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14</a></b></br> For I <i>will be</i> unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, <i>even</i> I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue <i>him</i>.</p><p class="hdg">in secret</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a></b></br> He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12</a></b></br> Like as a lion <i>that</i> is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/52-17.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-10.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-23.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-6.htm">Places</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-10.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-22.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-50.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/3-27.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/nahum/3-11.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-6.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-18.htm">Places</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-16.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-24.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-25.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Lamentations 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/3-1.htm">The prophet bewails his own calamities</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">By the mercies of God, he nourishes his hope</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">He acknowledges God's justice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">55. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/3-55.htm">He prays for deliverance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">64. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/3-64.htm">And vengeance on his enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/lamentations/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/lamentations/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/lamentations/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He is a bear lying in wait</b><br>This phrase uses the imagery of a bear, a powerful and fearsome creature, to describe the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's judgment. In the context of Lamentations, the author, traditionally believed to be Jeremiah, is expressing the intense suffering and desolation experienced by the people of Jerusalem following the Babylonian conquest. The bear lying in wait suggests a sense of impending danger and the inevitability of divine retribution. This imagery is consistent with other biblical references to bears as symbols of strength and ferocity, such as in <a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a>, where bears are agents of divine judgment. The use of a bear also reflects the unpredictability and suddenness of God's actions, emphasizing the need for repentance and reliance on His mercy.<p><b>a lion hiding in ambush</b><br>The lion is another powerful symbol, often associated with both majesty and terror. In ancient Near Eastern culture, lions were seen as symbols of both kingship and destruction. Here, the lion hiding in ambush conveys the idea of a calculated and deliberate act of judgment. This imagery is reminiscent of other biblical passages where God is likened to a lion, such as <a href="/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14</a> and <a href="/amos/3-8.htm">Amos 3:8</a>, where the lion's roar signifies the certainty of God's word and His impending action. The ambush suggests a strategic and unavoidable confrontation, highlighting the seriousness of the people's sin and the certainty of divine justice. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of justice and redemption through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a>, symbolizing His authority and power to overcome sin and death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>- The city that has been destroyed by the Babylonians, serving as the backdrop for the lamentations and expressions of grief found in this book.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>- The event during which the people of Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_discipline.htm">Understanding God's Discipline</a></b><br>The imagery of God as a bear and a lion reflects His role in disciplining His people. It is crucial to recognize that divine discipline, though painful, is an expression of God's love and desire for our repentance and growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Reality of Divine Judgment</a></b><br>The verse serves as a reminder of the reality of God's judgment. Just as a lion or bear is powerful and fearsome, so is God's judgment on sin. This should lead us to a healthy fear of the Lord and a commitment to live righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_amidst_suffering.htm">Hope Amidst Suffering</a></b><br>While the imagery is daunting, it is part of a larger context where Jeremiah also speaks of hope and God's faithfulness. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God’s ultimate purpose is restoration and redemption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>The depiction of God as a predator in hiding should prompt self-examination and repentance. It is a call to turn away from sin and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_lamentations_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_feel_abandoned_if_god_is_with_you.htm">Why do you feel abandoned when God is with you?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_lamentations_4_10_literal_or_hyperbole.htm">(Lamentations 4:10) Is the claim that mothers cooked their children historically accurate or a hyperbolic contradiction of a loving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_job_see_god_as_ruthless.htm">In Job 10:16, why does Job perceive God as a ruthless adversary when other parts of the Bible portray Him as compassionate?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/c._s._lewis__bio,_books,_facts.htm">What are C. S. Lewis's biography, books, and facts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/lamentations/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">As a bear . . . as a lion.</span>--The figure found in <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm" title="I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the lobe of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.">Hosea 13:8</a>; <a href="/amos/5-19.htm" title="As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.">Amos 5:19</a>, is specially characteristic of Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm" title="The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make your land desolate; and your cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.">Jeremiah 4:7</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm" title="Why a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goes out there shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.">Jeremiah 5:6</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm" title="Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?">Jeremiah 49:19</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm" title="Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan to the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?">Jeremiah 50:44</a>). We are reminded of Dante (<span class= "ital">Inferno, </span>i. 31-51). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/lamentations/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - Was; rather, <span class="accented">is.<span class="cmt_word"></span> As a bear</span>...as <span class="cmt_word">a lion</span>. The comparison of the enemy to a lion is not uncommon; see <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm">Jeremiah 4:7</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a> (see note); 49:19; 1:44; <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12</a>; <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Job 10:16</a>. The bear is only once mentioned in such a context (<a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Hosea 13:8</a>). The two latter passages may possibly have been in the mind of the writer, as Jehovah is in both the subject of the comparison. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/lamentations/3-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He</span><br /><span class="heb">הוּא֙</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a bear</span><br /><span class="heb">דֹּ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(dōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1677.htm">Strong's 1677: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lying in wait,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹרֵ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_693.htm">Strong's 693: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie in wait</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a lion</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲרִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in hiding.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִסְתָּרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mis·tā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4565.htm">Strong's 4565: </a> </span><span class="str2">A secret place, hiding place</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/lamentations/3-10.htm">OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:10 He is to me as a bear (Lam. La Lm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/lamentations/3-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lamentations 3:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lamentations 3:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/lamentations/3-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Lamentations 3:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Lamentations 3:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>