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<!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 4:7 Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/lamentations/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/25_Lam_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Lamentations 4:7 - The Distress of Zion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires." /><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/4-7.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/4-7.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 7</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="/ad7.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/4-6.htm" title="Lamentations 4:6">◄</a> Lamentations 4:7 <a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm" title="Lamentations 4:8">►</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/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Our princes once glowed with health— brighter than snow, whiter than milk. Their faces were as ruddy as rubies, their appearance like fine jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/lamentations/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, the beauty of their form was like sapphire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/lamentations/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing <i>was</i> of sapphire:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/lamentations/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Her Nazirites were brighter than snow And whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, <i>Like</i> sapphire in their appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/lamentations/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They shined more than milk; They were more ruddy <i>in</i> body than pearls of coral, Their form <i>was like</i> lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy <i>in</i> body than corals, Their polishing <i>was</i> like lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/lamentations/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Her Nazirites were purer than snow; They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy <i>in</i> body than corals, Their polishing <i>was like</i> lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/lamentations/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Her princes were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk [in appearance]; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli (sapphire).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/lamentations/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, their appearance like lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/lamentations/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, their appearance like sapphire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/lamentations/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/lamentations/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The leaders of Jerusalem were purer than snow and whiter than milk; their bodies were healthy and glowed like jewels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/lamentations/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/lamentations/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Zion's princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk. Their bodies were more pink than coral. Their hair was like sapphires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/lamentations/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Our princes were undefiled and pure as snow, vigorous and strong, glowing with health. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/lamentations/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk. Their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their beards like the color of precious stones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/lamentations/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/lamentations/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Her consecrated ones were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies more ruddy than corals, their hair like lapis lazuli. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/lamentations/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance was like lapis lazuli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/lamentations/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/lamentations/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Her nobles were purer than snow. They were whiter than milk. They were more ruddy in body than rubies. Their polishing was like sapphire. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/lamentations/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Purer were her Nazarites than snow, "" Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, "" Of sapphire their form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/lamentations/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Purer were her Nazarites than snow, Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, Of sapphire their form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/lamentations/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Her consecrated ones were pure above snow, they were white above milk, they were red of body above pearls, their figure sapphire:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/lamentations/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Zain. Her Nazarites were whiter than snow, purer than milk, more ruddy than the old ivory, fairer than the sapphire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/lamentations/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />ZAIN. Her Nazirites were whiter than snow, shinier than milk, more ruddy than ancient ivory, more beautiful than sapphire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/lamentations/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Her princes were brighter than snow, whiter than milk, Their bodies more ruddy than coral, their beauty like the sapphire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/lamentations/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, their hair like sapphire.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/lamentations/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; their cheeks were more ruddy than rubies, and their form more beautiful than sapphires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/lamentations/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Zayin Her Nazarites were purer than snow and they were whiter than the milk of their flocks. Their bones are more red than red sardius, and their bodies are of sapphire<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/lamentations/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Her princes were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk, They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Their polishing was as of sapphire;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/lamentations/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />ZAIN. Her Nazarites were made purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were purified <i>as</i> with fire, their polishing was superior to sapphire stone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/lamentations/4-7.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=1128" 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/4.htm">The Distress of Zion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5139.htm" title="5139: nə·zî·re·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- One consecrated, devoted. Or nazir; from nazar; separate, i.e. Consecrated; hence an unpruned vine.">Her dignitaries</a> <a href="/hebrew/2141.htm" title="2141: zak·kū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be bright, clean or pure. A primitive root; to be transparent or clean.">were brighter</a> <a href="/hebrew/7950.htm" title="7950: miš·še·leḡ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Snow. From shalag; snow.">than snow,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6705.htm" title="6705: ṣa·ḥū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be dazzling. A primitive root; to glare, i.e. Be dazzling white.">whiter</a> <a href="/hebrew/2461.htm" title="2461: mê·ḥā·lāḇ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Milk. From the same as cheleb; milk.">than milk;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: ‘e·ṣem (N-fs) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">their bodies</a> <a href="/hebrew/119.htm" title="119: ’ā·ḏə·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be red. To show blood, i.e. Flush or turn rosy.">were more ruddy</a> <a href="/hebrew/6443.htm" title="6443: mip·pə·nî·nîm (Prep-m:: N-fp) -- Corals. Or paniy; from the same as pen; probably a pearl.">than rubies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1508.htm" title="1508: giz·rā·ṯām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- A cutting, separation. Feminine of gezer; the figure or person; also an inclosure.">their appearance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5601.htm" title="5601: sap·pîr (N-ms) -- A sapphire. From caphar; a gem, probably the sapphire.">like sapphires.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.…<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="/songs/5-10.htm">Song of Solomon 5:10</a></span><br />My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/1-15.htm">Daniel 1:15</a></span><br />And at the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who were eating the king’s food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a></span><br />So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2</a></span><br />And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-14.htm">Job 29:14</a></span><br />I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2</a></span><br />There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-14.htm">Revelation 7:14</a></span><br />“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Acts 6:15</a></span><br />All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-3.htm">Matthew 28:3</a></span><br />His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-3.htm">Mark 9:3</a></span><br />His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-29.htm">Luke 9:29</a></span><br />And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Genesis 39:6</a></span><br />So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a></span><br />Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a></span><br />Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:</p><p class="hdg">Nazarites</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2</a></b></br> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate <i>themselves</i> to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate <i>themselves</i> unto the LORD:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5,7</a></b></br> For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17</a></b></br> That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head; for I <i>have been</i> a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any <i>other</i> man.</p><p class="hdg">purer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a></b></br> And he sent, and brought him in. Now he <i>was</i> ruddy, <i>and</i> withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this <i>is</i> he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a></b></br> Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/144-12.htm">Psalm 144:12</a></b></br> That our sons <i>may be</i> as plants grown up in their youth; <i>that</i> our daughters <i>may be</i> as corner stones, polished <i>after</i> the similitude of a palace:</p><p class="hdg">their polishing.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-9.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-13.htm">Body</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Brighter</a> <a href="/mark/9-3.htm">Cleaner</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-15.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/job/28-18.htm">Coral</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Corals</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Figure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-16.htm">Form</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-1.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-22.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/amos/2-12.htm">Nazarites</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-6.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-4.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Polishing</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Purer</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-12.htm">Rubies</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">Ruddy</a> <a href="/job/28-16.htm">Sapphire</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-14.htm">Snow</a> <a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Whiter</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-20.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-11.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-11.htm">Body</a> <a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Brighter</a> <a href="/mark/9-3.htm">Cleaner</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-4.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-16.htm">Coral</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-16.htm">Corals</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Figure</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Form</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-20.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-6.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/amos/2-11.htm">Nazarites</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-12.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-24.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-11.htm">Polishing</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Purer</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-16.htm">Rubies</a> <a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Ruddy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Sapphire</a> <a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Snow</a> <a href="/mark/9-3.htm">Whiter</a><div class="vheading2">Lamentations 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/4-1.htm">Zion bewails her pitiful estate</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/4-13.htm">She confesses her sins</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/lamentations/4-21.htm">Edom is threatened and Zion comforted.</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Her dignitaries were brighter than snow</b><br>This phrase highlights the former glory and purity of Jerusalem's leaders. Snow, often used in Scripture to symbolize purity (<a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a>), suggests their moral and spiritual integrity before the fall. The leaders were once esteemed and respected, reflecting the nation's covenant relationship with God. This imagery contrasts sharply with their current state of degradation due to sin and judgment.<p><b>whiter than milk</b><br>Milk, a staple in the ancient Near Eastern diet, symbolizes nourishment and abundance. The comparison to milk suggests the leaders' previous state of health and vitality. This imagery also evokes the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (<a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Exodus 3:8</a>), indicating the blessings they once enjoyed under God's favor.<p><b>their bodies were more ruddy than rubies</b><br>The term "ruddy" implies a healthy, vibrant complexion, often associated with youth and vigor. Rubies, precious and rare, symbolize value and beauty. This description underscores the leaders' former physical and societal prominence. The use of rubies may also allude to the high priest's breastplate, which included precious stones (<a href="/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17-20</a>), suggesting their role in spiritual leadership.<p><b>their appearance like sapphires</b><br>Sapphires, known for their deep blue color, are associated with divine revelation and heavenly realms (<a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26</a>). This comparison indicates the leaders' former wisdom and insight, possibly reflecting their closeness to God. The sapphire's connection to the divine throne room suggests the leaders' role in representing God's authority on earth. This imagery serves as a stark contrast to their current fallen state, emphasizing the loss of divine favor and the consequences of turning away from God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/dignitaries_of_zion.htm">Dignitaries of Zion</a></b><br>The verse refers to the leaders or nobles of Jerusalem, who were once esteemed and held in high regard.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city of Jerusalem is the backdrop for the lament, representing the heart of Judah and the center of Jewish worship and culture.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fall_of_jerusalem.htm">The Fall of Jerusalem</a></b><br>The context of Lamentations is the aftermath of the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal event in Jewish history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fleeting_nature_of_earthly_glory.htm">The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Glory</a></b><br>The dignitaries' former beauty and splendor serve as a reminder that earthly status and appearance are temporary and can be lost due to sin and judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The contrast between the dignitaries' past and present state highlights the severe consequences of turning away from God and the resulting judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance_and_restoration.htm">The Call to Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>The imagery of purity and beauty can inspire believers to seek spiritual renewal and restoration through repentance and faith in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_inner_beauty.htm">The Value of Inner Beauty</a></b><br>While the dignitaries were once admired for their outward appearance, true beauty in God's eyes is found in a heart devoted to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_lamentations_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'purer_than_snow'_literal_or_poetic.htm">(Lamentations 4:7) Does describing princes as “purer than snow” reflect actual historical reality or poetic exaggeration? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_colors_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What do colors symbolize in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god's_character_inconsistent_in_numbers_12_9-10.htm">Does the harsh divine reaction in Numbers 12:9-10 conflict with other biblical portrayals of God's mercy, suggesting an inconsistency in the text's depiction of God's character?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_accept_sacrifices.htm">If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/lamentations/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Her Nazarites . . .</span>--The word has been rendered "princes" by some commentators, on the ground that it means literally those who are "separated" from their brethren (<a href="/genesis/49-26.htm" title="The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brothers.">Genesis 49:26</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/33-16.htm" title="And for the precious things of the earth and fullness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelled in the bush: let the blessing come on the head of Joseph, and on the top of the head of him that was separated from his brothers.">Deuteronomy 33:16</a>), whether by rank or by the vows of consecration. There is no reason, however, for abandoning the rendering of the Authorised version. The reference to the Nazarites in <a href="/context/amos/2-11.htm" title="And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O you children of Israel? said the LORD.">Amos 2:11-12</a> shows that they were prominent as a body during the history of the monarchy, and the drift of Jeremiah's mind, as seen in his admiration of the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35), shows that he was likely to think of them with reverence. The temperance, purity, cleanliness of such a body seem to have made them conspicuous among their fellows for an almost angelic beauty. (Comp. the interesting parallel of <a href="/daniel/1-15.htm" title="And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.">Daniel 1:15</a>.) They had the red and white complexion which was in the East the ideal of comeliness (<a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm" title="And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.">1Samuel 17:42</a>; Song <a href="/songs/5-10.htm" title="My beloved is white and ruddy, the most chief among ten thousand.">Song of Solomon 5:10</a>). Their "polishing" (better, <span class= "ital">their form</span>) was faultless, like that of a well cut sapphire. For "rubies" read <span class= "ital">coral.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/lamentations/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Her Nazarites;</span> rather, <span class="accented">her eminent ones</span> (just as Joseph is called <span class="accented">n'zir ekhav,"</span>eminent among his brethren"). The rendering of the Authorized Version is lexically possible, but is intrinsically improbable. The Nazarites constituted too small a portion of the Jewish people to receive so prominent a place in the elegy. <span class="cmt_word">Rubies</span>; rather, corals. <span class="cmt_word">Their polishing</span> was <span class="cmt_word">of sapphire;</span> literally, <span class="accented">their shape was</span> (<span class="accented">like</span>) <span class="accented">a sapphire.</span> But the point in which the sapphire is compared to the bodies of the princes is evidently not the outline of its form, but its gleaming brilliant appearance; so that the Authorized Version is substantially correct. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/lamentations/4-7.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">Her dignitaries</span><br /><span class="heb">נְזִירֶ֙יהָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(nə·zî·re·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5139.htm">Strong's 5139: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nazirite -- one consecrated, devoted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were brighter</span><br /><span class="heb">זַכּ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(zak·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2141.htm">Strong's 2141: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bright, clean or pure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than snow,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשֶּׁ֔לֶג</span> <span class="translit">(miš·še·leḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7950.htm">Strong's 7950: </a> </span><span class="str2">Snow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whiter</span><br /><span class="heb">צַח֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣa·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6705.htm">Strong's 6705: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glare, be dazzling white</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than milk;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחָלָ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥā·lāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2461.htm">Strong's 2461: </a> </span><span class="str2">Milk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their bodies</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶ֙צֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ṣem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were more ruddy</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֤דְמוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏə·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_119.htm">Strong's 119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flush, turn rosy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than rubies,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפְּנִינִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pə·nî·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6443.htm">Strong's 6443: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pearl</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their appearance</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּזְרָתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(giz·rā·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1508.htm">Strong's 1508: </a> </span><span class="str2">The figure, person, an inclosure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like sapphires.</span><br /><span class="heb">סַפִּ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(sap·pîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5601.htm">Strong's 5601: </a> </span><span class="str2">A gem, the sapphire</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm">OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow they (Lam. La Lm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/lamentations/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lamentations 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Lamentations 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:8" /></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>