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All her gateways are desolate, her priests groan, her young women grieve, and she is in bitter anguish. <a href="/nlt/lamentations/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> The roads to Jerusalem are in mourning, for crowds no longer come to celebrate the festivals. The city gates are silent, her priests groan, her young women are crying— how bitter is her fate! <a href="/esv/lamentations/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> The roads to Zion mourn, for none come to the festival; all her gates are desolate; her priests groan; her virgins have been afflicted, and she herself suffers bitterly. <a href="/bsb/lamentations/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to her appointed feasts. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her maidens grieve, and she herself is bitter with anguish. <a href="/kjv/lamentations/1.htm">King James Bible</a> The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness. <a href="/nkjv/lamentations/1.htm">New King James Version</a> The roads to Zion mourn Because no one comes to the set feasts. All her gates are desolate; Her priests sigh, Her virgins are afflicted, And she is in bitterness. <a href="/nasb_/lamentations/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The roads of Zion are in mourning Because no one comes to an appointed feast. All her gates are deserted; Her priests groan, Her virgins are worried, And as for Zion herself, it is bitter for her. <a href="/nasb/lamentations/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> The roads of Zion are in mourning Because no one comes to the appointed feasts. All her gates are desolate; Her priests are groaning, Her virgins are afflicted, And she herself is bitter. <a href="/nasb77/lamentations/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The roads of Zion are in mourning Because no one comes to the appointed feasts. All her gates are desolate; Her priests are groaning, Her virgins are afflicted, And she herself is bitter. <a href="/lsb/lamentations/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The roads of Zion are in mourning Because no one comes to the appointed times. All her gates are desolate; Her priests are sighing, Her virgins are grieving, And she herself is bitter. <a href="/amp/lamentations/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The roads to Zion are in mourning Because no one comes to the appointed feasts. All her gates are desolate; Her priests are groaning, Her virgins are grieved and suffering, And she suffers bitterly. <a href="/csb/lamentations/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the appointed festivals. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her young women grieve, and she herself is bitter. <a href="/hcsb/lamentations/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the appointed festivals. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her young women grieve, and she herself is bitter. <a href="/asv/lamentations/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn assembly; All her gates are desolate, her priests do sigh: Her virgins are afflicted, and she herself is in bitterness. <a href="/cev/lamentations/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The roads to Zion mourn because no one travels there to celebrate the festivals. The city gates are deserted; priests are weeping. Young women are raped; Zion is in sorrow! <a href="/erv/lamentations/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn assembly; all her gates are desolate, her priests do sigh: her virgins are afflicted, and she herself is in bitterness. <a href="/gwt/lamentations/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The roads to Zion are deserted. No one comes to the annual festivals. No one passes through any of its gates. Its priests are groaning. Its young women are made to suffer. Zion is bitter. <a href="/gnt/lamentations/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> No one comes to the Temple now to worship on the holy days. The young women who sang there suffer, and the priests can only groan. The city gates stand empty, and Zion is in agony. <a href="/isv/lamentations/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> The roads that lead to Zion are in mourning, because no one travels to the festivals. All her gates are desolate; her priests are moaning. Her young women are grieving, and she is bitter. <a href="/msb/lamentations/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to her appointed feasts. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her maidens grieve, and she herself is bitter with anguish. <a href="/net/lamentations/1.htm">NET Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn because no one travels to the festivals. All her city gates are deserted; her priests groan. Her virgins grieve; she is in bitter anguish! <a href="/nheb/lamentations/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to the solemn assembly; all her gates are desolate, her priests groan: her virgins are afflicted, and she herself is in bitterness. <a href="/wbt/lamentations/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness. <a href="/web/lamentations/1.htm">World English Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to the solemn assembly. All her gates are desolate. Her priests sigh. Her virgins are afflicted, and she herself is in bitterness. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/lamentations/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The ways of Zion are mourning, "" Without any coming at the appointed time, "" All her gates are desolate, her priests sigh, "" Her virgins are afflicted—and she has bitterness. <a href="/ylt/lamentations/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The ways of Zion are mourning, Without any coming at the appointed time, All her gates are desolate, her priests sigh, Her virgins are afflicted -- and she hath bitterness. <a href="/slt/lamentations/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The ways of Zion mourn from none coming to the appointment: all her gates being desolated: her priests groaning, her virgins grieved, and it is bitterness to her.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/lamentations/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Daleth. The ways of Sion mourn, because there are none that come to the solemn feast: all her gates are broken down: her priests sigh: her virgins are in affliction, and she is oppressed with bitterness. <a href="/cpdv/lamentations/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> DALETH. The pathways of Zion mourn, because there are none who approach for the solemnity. All her gates are destroyed. Her priests groan. Her virgins are filthy. And she is overwhelmed with bitterness. <a href="/nabre/lamentations/1.htm">New American Bible</a> The roads to Zion mourn, empty of pilgrims to her feasts. All her gateways are desolate, her priests groan, Her young women grieve; her lot is bitter. <a href="/nrsvce/lamentations/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the festivals; all her gates are desolate, her priests groan; her young girls grieve, and her lot is bitter.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/lamentations/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The ways of Zion mourn because none come to the solemn feasts; all her gates are desolate; her priests sigh, her virgins are humbled? and she is in bitterness. <a href="/hpbt/lamentations/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Daleth The ways of Zion are in mourning for lack of those coming to the feast. All her gates are deserted, and her Priests groan, and her virgins are humiliated, and she has made herself bitter<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/lamentations/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The ways of Zion do mourn, Because none come to the solemn assembly; All her gates are desolate, Her priests sigh; Her virgins are afflicted, And she herself is in bitterness. <a href="/sep/lamentations/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> DALETH. The ways of Sion mourn, because there are none that come to the feast: all her gates are ruined: her priests groan, her virgins are led captive, and she is in bitterness in herself. <a href="/parallel/lamentations/1-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKrWuOkEqzQ?start=43" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/lamentations/1.htm">How Lonely Lies the City</a> …3Judah has gone into exile under affliction and harsh slavery; she dwells among the nations but finds no place to rest. All her pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of her distress. 4<a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar·ḵê (N-cpc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">The roads</a> <a href="/hebrew/6726.htm" title="6726: ṣî·yō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in Jer., also a name for Jer. The same as tsiyuwn; Tsijon, a mountain of Jerusalem.">to Zion</a> <a href="/hebrew/57.htm" title="57: ’ă·ḇê·lō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- Mourning. From 'abal; lamenting.">mourn,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: mib·bə·lî (Prep-m:: Adv) -- From balah; properly, failure, i.e. Nothing or destruction; usually without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.">because no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·’ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/4150.htm" title="4150: mō·w·‘êḏ (N-ms) -- Appointed time, place, or meeting. ">to her appointed feasts.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">All</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: šə·‘ā·re·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">her gates</a> <a href="/hebrew/8074.htm" title="8074: šō·w·mê·mîn (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be desolated or appalled. A primitive root; to stun, i.e. Devastate or stupefy.">are deserted;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: kō·hă·ne·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">her priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/584.htm" title="584: ne·’ĕ·nā·ḥîm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To sigh, groan. A primitive root; to sigh.">groan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1330.htm" title="1330: bə·ṯū·lō·ṯe·hā (N-fpc:: 3fs) -- Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to separate; a virgin; sometimes a bride; also a city or state.">her maidens</a> <a href="/hebrew/3013.htm" title="3013: nū·ḡōṯ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To suffer. A primitive root; to grieve.">grieve,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hî (Conj-w:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">and she herself</a> <a href="/hebrew/4751.htm" title="4751: mar- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- Bitter, bitterness. Or marah; from marar; bitter; also bitterness, or bitterly.">is bitter with anguish.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> 5Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease. For the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions. Her children have gone away as captives before the enemy.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/64-10.htm">Isaiah 64:10-11</a> Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. / Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. <a href="/jeremiah/14-2.htm">Jeremiah 14:2</a> “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. <a href="/jeremiah/52-13.htm">Jeremiah 52:13-14</a> He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. / And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down all the walls around Jerusalem. <a href="/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6</a> “I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant. <a href="/2_kings/25-9.htm">2 Kings 25:9-10</a> He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. / And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Psalm 74:3-8</a> Turn Your steps to the everlasting ruins, to everything in the sanctuary the enemy has destroyed. / Your foes have roared within Your meeting place; they have unfurled their banners as signs, / like men wielding axes in a thicket of trees ... <a href="/ezekiel/7-20.htm">Ezekiel 7:20-22</a> His beautiful ornaments they transformed into pride and used them to fashion their vile images and detestable idols. Therefore I will make these into something unclean for them. / And I will hand these things over as plunder to foreigners and loot to the wicked of the earth, who will defile them. / I will turn My face away from them, and they will defile My treasured place. Violent men will enter it, and they will defile it. <a href="/micah/3-12.htm">Micah 3:12</a> Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. <a href="/joel/1-9.htm">Joel 1:9-13</a> Grain and drink offerings have been cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests are in mourning, those who minister before the LORD. / The field is ruined; the land mourns. For the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, and the oil fails. / Be dismayed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers, over the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. ... <a href="/hosea/2-11.htm">Hosea 2:11</a> I will put an end to all her exultation: her feasts, New Moons, and Sabbaths—all her appointed feasts. <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37-38</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. <a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a> As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ... <a href="/mark/13-1.htm">Mark 13:1-2</a> As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!” / “Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” <a href="/matthew/24-1.htm">Matthew 24:1-2</a> As Jesus left the temple and was walking away, His disciples came up to Him to point out its buildings. / “Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” <a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a> Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.ways<a href="/lamentations/2-6.htm">Lamentations 2:6,7</a> And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest… <a href="/lamentations/5-13.htm">Lamentations 5:13</a> They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood.<a href="/isaiah/24-4.htm">Isaiah 24:4-6</a> The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish… all her gates<a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Lamentations 2:9</a> Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.<a href="/jeremiah/9-11.htm">Jeremiah 9:11</a> And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.<a href="/jeremiah/10-22.htm">Jeremiah 10:22</a> Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.her priests<a href="/lamentations/1-11.htm">Lamentations 1:11,12,18-20</a> All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile… <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Lamentations 2:10,11,19-21</a> The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, and keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground… <a href="/isaiah/32-9.htm">Isaiah 32:9-14</a> Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/22-16.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-43.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/jeremiah/47-7.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-9.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-51.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-2.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-17.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-24.htm">Breathing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-62.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-24.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-19.htm">Dragged</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-39.htm">Feasts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-58.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Gateways</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-10.htm">Grieve</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-52.htm">Groan</a> <a href="/jeremiah/45-3.htm">Groaning</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-1.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-51.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-13.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-6.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-31.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-38.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-36.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-15.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-7.htm">Sigh</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-20.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-29.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Suffers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-47.htm">Time</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-4.htm">Virgins</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-55.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-35.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/1-5.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-7.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-15.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-10.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-5.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-14.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-5.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-8.htm">Breathing</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-13.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-18.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-11.htm">Dragged</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-6.htm">Feasts</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-18.htm">Gateways</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-33.htm">Grieve</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-11.htm">Groan</a> <a href="/ezekiel/26-15.htm">Groaning</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-8.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-10.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-10.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-8.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-5.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-19.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-9.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-22.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-11.htm">Sigh</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-15.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-5.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-7.htm">Suffers</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-20.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-18.htm">Virgins</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-13.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-9.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-6.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Lamentations 1</div>1. <a href="/lamentations/1-1.htm">The miseries of Jerusalem and of the Jews lamented</a> 12. <a href="/lamentations/1-12.htm">The attention of beholders demanded to this unprecedented case</a> 18. <a href="/lamentations/1-18.htm">The justice of God acknowledged, and his mercy supplicated.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The roads to Zion mourn The imagery of mourning roads reflects the desolation and abandonment of Jerusalem, also known as Zion. In ancient times, roads leading to a city were bustling with travelers, especially during religious festivals. The roads to Zion, which once carried pilgrims to the temple for worship and celebration, now lie empty. This desolation is a direct result of the Babylonian conquest and exile, as described in <a href="/2_kings/25.htm">2 Kings 25</a>. The mourning of the roads symbolizes the loss of spiritual and communal life in Jerusalem.because no one comes to her appointed feasts The appointed feasts refer to the major Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, which were times of pilgrimage and celebration (Leviticus 23). These feasts were central to Jewish religious life, serving as reminders of God's covenant and deliverance. The absence of pilgrims highlights the spiritual decline and the interruption of worship due to the Babylonian exile. This situation fulfills the warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah about the consequences of Israel's disobedience (<a href="/jeremiah/25-8.htm">Jeremiah 25:8-11</a>).All her gates are deserted City gates in ancient times were places of social and economic activity, as well as locations for legal proceedings and community gatherings (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-2</a>). The deserted gates of Jerusalem signify the collapse of its social structure and the breakdown of community life. This desolation is a physical manifestation of the city's spiritual and moral decay, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Isaiah 3:26</a>.her priests groan The priests, who were responsible for leading worship and maintaining the temple rituals, are now left without their primary function. Their groaning reflects the loss of their role and the spiritual desolation of the people. This lamentation echoes the broader theme of priestly failure and the need for a faithful high priest, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).her maidens grieve The maidens, often representing the future and hope of a community, are now in mourning. Their grief symbolizes the loss of joy and the bleak prospects for the next generation. This imagery is consistent with the broader biblical theme of lament over the consequences of sin and the hope for eventual restoration, as seen in the promises of future joy and redemption in <a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a>.and she herself is bitter with anguish Jerusalem is personified as a woman in deep sorrow, reflecting the collective suffering of the people. This bitterness and anguish are the result of the city's destruction and the people's exile, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of judgment for covenant unfaithfulness (<a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Deuteronomy 28:15-68</a>). The personification of Jerusalem as a grieving woman also foreshadows the New Testament depiction of the church as the bride of Christ, who experiences suffering but is ultimately redeemed and restored (<a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a> Refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural center of the Jewish people, often symbolizing the presence of God among His people. 2. <a href="/topical/a/appointed_festivals.htm">Appointed Festivals</a> These are the religious feasts commanded by God in the Law of Moses, such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, which were times of pilgrimage and celebration. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gates.htm">Gates</a> The city gates of Jerusalem, which were once bustling with activity and trade, now stand empty and desolate. 4. <a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a> The religious leaders responsible for conducting worship and sacrifices in the temple, now mourning the loss of their duties and the destruction of the temple. 5. <a href="/topical/m/maidens.htm">Maidens</a> Young women of Jerusalem, representing the future and hope of the community, now grieving the loss of their city and its traditions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> The desolation of Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls us to examine our own lives and repent from sin to avoid spiritual desolation. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_worship_and_community.htm">The Importance of Worship and Community</a> The mourning over the loss of festivals and community gatherings highlights the importance of corporate worship and fellowship. We should cherish and actively participate in our church communities. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_desolation.htm">Hope in Desolation</a> Even in the midst of despair, there is hope. The mourning roads to Zion remind us that God’s promises remain, and restoration is possible through Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_leaders.htm">The Role of Spiritual Leaders</a> The groaning of the priests underscores the vital role of spiritual leaders in guiding and comforting their communities, especially in times of crisis. <a href="/topical/e/empathy_and_support_for_the_grieving.htm">Empathy and Support for the Grieving</a> The grief of the maidens calls us to be empathetic and supportive to those who are mourning, offering comfort and hope through the love of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_lamentations_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 1</a> <a href="/q/what_questions_do_you_have_about_joel.htm">What questions do you have about Joel?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_lamentations_4_13_align_with_communal_guilt.htm">(Lamentations 4:13) How does blaming prophets and priests for the downfall align or conflict with other biblical teachings on communal guilt?</a> <a href="/q/isaiah_3_25-26__align_with_judah's_history.htm">Isaiah 3:25-26: How do the predicted devastations align (or conflict) with known historical or archaeological data on warfare and destruction in ancient Judah?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_chr_24_and_2_kgs_12_differ.htm">Why does the account of Joash's temple restoration in 2 Chronicles 24 seem to conflict with the version in 2 Kings 12 regarding the funds and methods used?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/lamentations/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) The ways of Zion do mourn.--The words paint what we may call the religious desolation of Jerusalem. The roads leading to it, the "gates" by which it was entered, were no longer thronged with pilgrims and worshippers. "Virgins" are joined with "priests" as taking part in the hymns and rejoicing processions of the great festivals (<a href="/exodus/15-20.htm" title="And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.">Exodus 15:20</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-25.htm" title="The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with tambourines.">Psalm 68:25</a>; <a href="/context/judges/21-19.htm" title="Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.">Judges 21:19-21</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/31-13.htm" title="Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.">Jeremiah 31:13</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/lamentations/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - The ways of Zion do mourn. The reads leading to Jerusalem, usually so thronged with pilgrims, are desolate and "mourn" (comp. ch. 2:8 and <a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Isaiah 3:26</a>; <a href="/isaiah/14-31.htm">Isaiah 14:31</a>). All her gates are desolate. No one goes in or out of Jerusalem, and there is no concourse of citizens in the shady recess of the gates. The virgins are afflicted. So <a href="/zephaniah/3-18.htm">Zephaniah 3:18</a>. The sorrow was on account of the cessation of the festival, in the music of which they took a leading part (comp. <a href="/psalms/68-25.htm">Psalm 68:25</a>). <a href="/commentaries/lamentations/1-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The roads דַּרְכֵ֨י (dar·ḵê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action to Zion צִיּ֜וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6726.htm">Strong's 6726: </a> Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem mourn, אֲבֵל֗וֹת (’ă·ḇê·lō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_57.htm">Strong's 57: </a> Lamenting because no one מִבְּלִי֙ (mib·bə·lî) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as comes בָּאֵ֣י (bā·’ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to her appointed feasts. מוֹעֵ֔ד (mō·w·‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4150.htm">Strong's 4150: </a> Appointed time, place, or meeting All כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every her gates שְׁעָרֶ֙יהָ֙ (šə·‘ā·re·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate are deserted; שֽׁוֹמֵמִ֔ין (šō·w·mê·mîn) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8074.htm">Strong's 8074: </a> To stun, devastate, stupefy her priests כֹּהֲנֶ֖יהָ (kō·hă·ne·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest groan, נֶאֱנָחִ֑ים (ne·’ĕ·nā·ḥîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_584.htm">Strong's 584: </a> To sigh, groan her maidens בְּתוּלֹתֶ֥יהָ (bə·ṯū·lō·ṯe·hā) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1330.htm">Strong's 1330: </a> A virgin, sometimes, a bride grieve, נּוּג֖וֹת‪‬ (nū·ḡō·wṯ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3013.htm">Strong's 3013: </a> To grieve and she herself וְהִ֥יא (wə·hî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is bitter with anguish. מַר־ (mar-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> Bitter, bitterness, bitterly <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/lamentations/1-4.htm">Lamentations 1:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-4.htm">OT Prophets: Lamentations 1:4 The ways of Zion do mourn because (Lam. La Lm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/lamentations/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lamentations 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lamentations 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/lamentations/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Lamentations 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Lamentations 1:5" /></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>