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 4:16 The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/lamentations/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/25_Lam_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Lamentations 4:16 - The Distress of Zion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/4-16.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/4-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/4-15.htm" title="Lamentations 4:15">◄</a> Lamentations 4:16 <a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm" title="Lamentations 4:17">►</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 />The LORD himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. The priests are shown no honor, the elders no favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them, and he no longer helps them. People show no respect for the priests and no longer honor the leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/lamentations/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them; he will regard them no more; no honor was shown to the priests, no favor to the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/lamentations/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/lamentations/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The face of the LORD scattered them; He no longer regards them. <i>The people</i> do not respect the priests Nor show favor to the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/lamentations/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD has scattered them, He will not continue to look at them; They did not honor the priests, They did not favor the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD has scattered them, He will not continue to regard them; They did not honor the priests, They did not favor the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He will not continue to regard them. They did not honor the priests, They did not favor the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/lamentations/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The presence of Yahweh has eradicated them; He will not continue to look at them; They did not honor the priests; They did not favor the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/lamentations/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD scattered them [among the nations]; He will not continue to look after them. They did not honor the priests; They did not favor the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/lamentations/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. The priests are not respected; the elders find no favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/lamentations/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD Himself has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are not respected; the elders find no favor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/lamentations/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The anger of Jehovah hath scattered them; he will no more regard them: They respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/lamentations/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD is the one who sent them scattering, and he has forgotten them. No respect or kindness will be shown to the priests or leaders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/lamentations/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/lamentations/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them. He will no longer look favorably on them. They no longer respected the priests, nor did they honor their older leaders."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/lamentations/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD had no more concern for them; he scattered them himself. He showed no regard for our priests and leaders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/lamentations/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD himself separated them; he will do nothing more for them. They did not respect their own priests; they did not honor their elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/lamentations/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. They did not honor the priests; they did not show favor to the elders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/lamentations/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them; he will no more regard them. They did not respect the priests, they did not favor the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/lamentations/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/lamentations/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/lamentations/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh’s anger has scattered them. He will not pay attention to them any more. They didn’t respect the persons of the priests. They didn’t favor the elders. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/lamentations/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The face of YHWH has divided them, "" He does not add to behold them, "" They have not lifted up the face of priests, "" They have not favored [the] old and elderly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/lamentations/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The face of Jehovah hath divided them, He doth not add to behold them, The face of priests they have not lifted up, Elders they have not favoured.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/lamentations/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The face of Jehovah their portion; he will not add to look upon them: they accepted not the face of the priests, they compassionated not the old men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/lamentations/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Phe. The face of the Lord hath divided them, he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, neither had they pity on the ancient. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/lamentations/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />PHE. The face of the Lord has divided them. He will no longer respect them. They were not ashamed before the faces of the priests, nor did they take pity on the elderly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/lamentations/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD was their portion, but he no longer looks upon them. The priests are shown no regard, the elders, no mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/lamentations/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD himself has scattered them, he will regard them no more; no honor was shown to the priests, no favor to the elders.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/lamentations/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Our eyes have become dull waiting for help; our watchmen have watched in vain for a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/lamentations/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Ayin While we wait, our eyes grow dark because of our help! They gazed to gaze for nothing to a nation that does not save!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/lamentations/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The anger of the LORD hath divided them; He will no more regard them; They respected not the persons of the priests, They were not gracious unto the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/lamentations/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />AIN. The presence of the Lords <i>was</i> their portion; <i>but</i> he will not again look upon them: they regarded not the person of the priests, they pitied not the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/lamentations/4-16.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=1227" 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">15</span>“Go away! Unclean!” men shouted at them. “Away, away! Do not touch us!” So they fled and wandered. Among the nations it was said, “They can stay here no longer.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">The presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2505.htm" title="2505: ḥil·lə·qām (V-Piel-Perf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To be smooth, to apportion, separate. A primitive root; to be smooth; by implication to apportion or separate.">has scattered them;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5027.htm" title="5027: lə·hab·bî·ṭām (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3mp) -- To look. A primitive root; to scan, i.e. Look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care.">He regards them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yō·w·sîp̄ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">more.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: ḵō·hă·nîm (N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">The priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nā·śā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">are shown no honor;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: zə·qē·nīm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">find no</a> <a href="/hebrew/2603.htm" title="2603: ḥā·nā·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore.">favor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.…<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="/jeremiah/7-15.htm">Jeremiah 7:15</a></span><br />And I will cast you out of My presence, just as I have cast out all your brothers, all the descendants of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-20.htm">2 Kings 17:20</a></span><br />So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-17.htm">Hosea 9:17</a></span><br />My God will reject them because they have not obeyed Him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-30.htm">Jeremiah 6:30</a></span><br />They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-10.htm">Isaiah 63:10</a></span><br />But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-39.htm">Jeremiah 23:39</a></span><br />therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">2 Chronicles 36:16</a></span><br />But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/5-11.htm">Ezekiel 5:11</a></span><br />Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/15-1.htm">Jeremiah 15:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Isaiah 1:4</a></span><br />Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-43.htm">Matthew 21:43</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Romans 11:1</a></span><br />I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-35.htm">Luke 13:35</a></span><br />Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a></span><br />There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-20.htm">Romans 11:20-22</a></span><br />That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. / For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The anger of the LORD has divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders.</p><p class="hdg">anger.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Genesis 49:7</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> their anger, for <i>it was</i> fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Leviticus 26:33-39</a></b></br> And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-25.htm">Deuteronomy 28:25,64,65</a></b></br> The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth… </p><p class="hdg">he will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Psalm 106:44</a></b></br> Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Hebrews 8:9</a></b></br> Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.</p><p class="hdg">they respected</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Lamentations 5:12</a></b></br> Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/25-18.htm">2 Kings 25:18-21</a></b></br> And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/36-17.htm">2 Chronicles 36:17</a></b></br> Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave <i>them</i> all into his hand.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/30-19.htm">Add</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-11.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-11.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-15.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/jeremiah/47-7.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-12.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-2.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Favored</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-24.htm">Favoured</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-23.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-32.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-8.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-15.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-30.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-35.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-13.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-24.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-20.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-8.htm">Respected</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-1.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-10.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-19.htm">Watches</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/4-22.htm">Add</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-14.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-14.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-14.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-17.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/ezekiel/37-22.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-9.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-21.htm">Favored</a> <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Favoured</a> <a href="/joel/2-13.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-13.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-1.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-22.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-26.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-21.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Respected</a> <a href="/ezekiel/5-10.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/hosea/9-8.htm">Watches</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>The presence of the LORD has scattered them;</b><br>This phrase reflects the divine judgment upon the people of Judah. The scattering is a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry, as seen throughout the prophetic books. The presence of the LORD, which once dwelt in the temple in Jerusalem, is now a source of judgment rather than blessing. This scattering fulfills warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/9-16.htm">Jeremiah 9:16</a>) and is reminiscent of the curses for disobedience outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-64.htm">Deuteronomy 28:64</a>. The scattering also prefigures the dispersion of the Jewish people throughout history, including the Babylonian exile.<p><b>He regards them no more.</b><br>This indicates a withdrawal of God's favor and protection, a theme common in the prophetic literature when Israel turns away from God. It echoes the covenantal relationship where blessings are contingent upon obedience (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-17.htm">Deuteronomy 31:17-18</a>). The phrase suggests a period of divine silence and abandonment, similar to the experience of Jesus on the cross when He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (<a href="/matthew/27-46.htm">Matthew 27:46</a>), highlighting the seriousness of sin and separation from God.<p><b>The priests are shown no honor;</b><br>The priests, who were supposed to be mediators between God and the people, have lost their status and respect due to their own corruption and failure to uphold the law (<a href="/malachi/2.htm">Malachi 2:1-9</a>). This dishonor reflects the broader spiritual decay of the nation. In the New Testament, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for similar reasons (Matthew 23), and He is presented as the ultimate High Priest (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>), who perfectly mediates between God and humanity.<p><b>the elders find no favor.</b><br>Elders were leaders and decision-makers within the community, expected to guide with wisdom and justice. Their loss of favor indicates a breakdown in societal structure and governance, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/3.htm">Isaiah 3:1-5</a>, where the removal of leaders is a sign of judgment. This lack of favor can be contrasted with the New Testament church, where elders are called to shepherd the flock with integrity (<a href="/1_peter/5.htm">1 Peter 5:1-4</a>). The failure of these leaders underscores the need for righteous leadership, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the King of Kings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as actively involved in the judgment and scattering of His people due to their disobedience.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priests.htm">The Priests</a></b><br>Religious leaders in Israel responsible for maintaining the temple worship and teaching the law. Their dishonor signifies a breakdown in spiritual leadership.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a></b><br>Community leaders who were expected to provide wisdom and guidance. Their loss of favor indicates a societal collapse.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_judah.htm">The People of Judah</a></b><br>The recipients of God's judgment, scattered due to their persistent sin and rebellion against God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_babylonian_exile.htm">The Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>The historical context of Lamentations, where Judah was conquered, and its people were exiled by Babylon as a consequence of their unfaithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_judgment.htm">Divine Judgment</a></b><br>God's judgment is a direct response to persistent sin and rebellion. It serves as a reminder of His holiness and the seriousness of disobedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_accountability.htm">Leadership Accountability</a></b><br>Spiritual and community leaders are held to high standards. Their failure can lead to widespread consequences for the people they lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Sin has real and devastating consequences, not only spiritually but also socially and politically, as seen in the scattering and dishonor of Judah.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a></b><br>While Lamentations is a book of mourning, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who repent and return to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a></b><br>The scattering and dishonor serve as a call to repentance, urging believers to turn back to God and seek His favor.<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/what_questions_do_you_have_about_joel.htm">What questions do you have about Joel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_vocational_ministry.htm">What defines vocational ministry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_loneliness.htm">What does the Bible say about loneliness?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">The anger of the Lord.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">the face, </span>as the symbol of wrath.<p><span class= "bld">They respected not.</span>--The subject of the verbs has to be supplied. The enemies, or the heathen, or men in general, ceased to feel any reverence for the fugitive priests and elders.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/lamentations/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Hath divided them;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> hath scattered them, like "l will divide them in Jacob" (<a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Genesis 49:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/lamentations/4-16.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">The LORD Himself</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has scattered them;</span><br /><span class="heb">חִלְּקָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥil·lə·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2505.htm">Strong's 2505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to apportion, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He regards</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַבִּיטָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hab·bî·ṭām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5027.htm">Strong's 5027: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scan, look intently at, to regard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">more.</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסִ֖יף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sîp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The priests</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹהֲנִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḵō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are shown no honor,</span><br /><span class="heb">נָשָׂ֔אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·śā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">וּזְקֵנִ֖ים‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(ū·zə·qê·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">find no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">favor.</span><br /><span class="heb">חָנָֽנוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·nā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2603.htm">Strong's 2603: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/lamentations/4-16.htm">Lamentations 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/lamentations/4-16.htm">OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:16 The anger of Yahweh has scattered them (Lam. La Lm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/lamentations/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lamentations 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Lamentations 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:17" /></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>