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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 4:9 Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/lamentations/4-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/25_Lam_04_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Lamentations 4:9 - The Distress of Zion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/4-9.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/4-9.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 9</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="/ad1.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/4-8.htm" title="Lamentations 4:8">◄</a> Lamentations 4:9 <a href="/lamentations/4-10.htm" title="Lamentations 4:10">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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 />Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger. Starving, they waste away for lack of food from the fields.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/lamentations/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Happier were the victims of the sword than the victims of hunger, who wasted away, pierced by lack of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/lamentations/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>They that be</i> slain with the sword are better than <i>they that be</i> slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for <i>want of</i> the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/lamentations/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Those</i> slain by the sword are better off Than <i>those</i> who die of hunger; For these pine away, Stricken <i>for lack</i> of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/lamentations/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>off</i> are those killed by the sword Than those killed by hunger; For they waste away, stricken By the lack of the produce of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Better are those slain with the sword Than those slain with hunger; For they pine away, being stricken For lack of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Better are those slain with the sword Than those slain with hunger; For they pine away, being stricken For lack of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/lamentations/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better are those pierced through with the sword Than those pierced through with hunger; For their <i>life</i> flows away, being stricken For lack of the produce of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/lamentations/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Those killed with the sword Are more fortunate than those killed with hunger; For the hungry pine <i>and</i> ebb away, For the lack of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/lamentations/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those slain by the sword are better off than those slain by hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/lamentations/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those slain by the sword are better off than those slain by hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/lamentations/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/lamentations/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Being killed with a sword is better than slowly starving to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/lamentations/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger; for these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/lamentations/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who were killed with swords are better off than those who are dying from starvation. Those who were stabbed bled to death. The others are dying because there is nothing in the fields to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/lamentations/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who died in the war were better off than those who died later, who starved slowly to death, with no food to keep them alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/lamentations/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who die by the sword are better off than those who die from starvation, who slowly waste away like those pierced through for lack of food from the fields.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/lamentations/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/lamentations/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who died by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, those who waste away, struck down from lack of food. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/lamentations/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger; those who waste away, pierced through, for lack of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/lamentations/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/lamentations/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger; for these pine away, stricken through, for lack of the fruits of the field. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/lamentations/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better have been the pierced of a sword "" Than the pierced of famine, "" For these flow away, pierced through, "" Without the increase of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/lamentations/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better have been the pierced of a sword Than the pierced of famine, For these flow away, pierced through, Without the increase of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/lamentations/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Those wounded by the sword were good above those wounded by famine: these will flow away, being thrust through from the produce of the field.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/lamentations/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Teth. It was better with them that were slain by the sword, than with them that died with hunger: for these pined away being consumed for want of the fruits of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/lamentations/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />TETH. It was better for those slain by the sword, than for those put to death by famine. For these waste away, being consumed by the sterility of the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/lamentations/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better for those pierced by the sword than for those pierced by hunger, Better for those who bleed from wounds than for those who lack food. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/lamentations/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Happier were those pierced by the sword than those pierced by hunger, whose life drains away, deprived of the produce of the field.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/lamentations/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Those who were slain by the sword are better than those who are slain with hunger; for these pine away, like those who are wounded and thrown in the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/lamentations/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Teth The slain of the sword are better than those killed by famine, for they waste away like those who are wounded and are thrown out in a field<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/lamentations/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They that are slain with the sword are better Than they that are slain with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, For want of the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/lamentations/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />TETH. The slain with the sword were better than they that were slain with hunger: they have departed, pierced through from <i>want of</i> the fruits of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/lamentations/4-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKrWuOkEqzQ?start=1152" 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">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. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2491.htm" title="2491: ḥal·lê- (N-mpc) -- Pierced, polluted. From chalal; pierced; figuratively, polluted.">Those slain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥe·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">by the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">are</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇîm (Adj-mp) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better off</a> <a href="/hebrew/2491.htm" title="2491: mê·ḥal·lê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Pierced, polluted. From chalal; pierced; figuratively, polluted.">than those who die</a> <a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: rā·‘āḇ (N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">of hunger,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: še·hêm (Pro-r:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/2100.htm" title="2100: yā·zū·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To flow, gush. A primitive root; to flow freely, i.e. to have a flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow.">waste away,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1856.htm" title="1856: mə·ḏuq·qā·rîm (V-Pual-Prtcpl-mp) -- To pierce, pierce through. A primitive root; to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile.">pierced with pain</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: śā·ḏāy (N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">because the fields</a> <a href="/hebrew/8570.htm" title="8570: mit·tə·nū·ḇōṯ (Prep-m:: N-fpc) -- Fruit, produce. From nuwb; produce.">lack produce.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.…<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="/deuteronomy/28-53.htm">Deuteronomy 28:53-57</a></span><br />Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you. / The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, / refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/19-9.htm">Jeremiah 19:9</a></span><br />I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/5-10.htm">Ezekiel 5:10</a></span><br />As a result, fathers among you will eat their sons, and sons will eat their fathers. I will execute judgments against you and scatter all your remnant to every wind.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-28.htm">2 Kings 6:28-29</a></span><br />Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’ / So we boiled my son and ate him, and the next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him.’ But she had hidden her son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/26-29.htm">Leviticus 26:29</a></span><br />You will eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-18.htm">Jeremiah 14:18</a></span><br />If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/52-6.htm">Jeremiah 52:6</a></span><br />By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/25-3.htm">2 Kings 25:3</a></span><br />By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-20.htm">Isaiah 9:20</a></span><br />They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-26.htm">Isaiah 49:26</a></span><br />I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-7.htm">Matthew 24:7</a></span><br />Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-11.htm">Luke 21:11</a></span><br />There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Revelation 6:8</a></span><br />Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-8.htm">Revelation 18:8</a></span><br />Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Mark 13:8</a></span><br />Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-39.htm">Leviticus 26:39</a></b></br> And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/24-23.htm">Ezekiel 24:23</a></b></br> And your tires <i>shall be</i> upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-10.htm">Ezekiel 33:10</a></b></br> Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins <i>be</i> upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?</p><p class="hdg">pine away.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/26-13.htm">Better</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-3.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-32.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-12.htm">Die</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-6.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-33.htm">Field</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-49.htm">Flow</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-5.htm">Food</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-20.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-32.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Happier</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-19.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-19.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-43.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/35-19.htm">Lack</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-4.htm">Need</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-13.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-12.htm">Pine</a> <a href="/psalms/90-9.htm">Pined</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-43.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/songs/4-6.htm">Slowly</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-26.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-21.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-16.htm">Victims</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-22.htm">Want</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-3.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/15-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-2.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm">Die</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-10.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Field</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-23.htm">Flow</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-8.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-40.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Happier</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-10.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/ezekiel/5-16.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-6.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-17.htm">Lack</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-10.htm">Need</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-7.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-17.htm">Pine</a> <a href="/psalms/90-9.htm">Pined</a> <a href="/ezekiel/6-4.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-2.htm">Slowly</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-9.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-29.htm">Victims</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-17.htm">Want</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Waste</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/lamentations/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Those slain by the sword</b><br />The phrase "those slain by the sword" refers to individuals who have died in battle or through acts of violence. In the Hebrew context, the sword is often a symbol of war and divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "sword" is "חֶרֶב" (chereb), which frequently appears in the Old Testament as an instrument of God's judgment. Historically, being slain by the sword was considered a quicker and more honorable death compared to the slow suffering of famine. This reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the belief that a swift death was preferable to prolonged suffering.<p><b>are better off</b><br />The expression "are better off" suggests a comparison of conditions, indicating that one state is preferable to another. In the context of Lamentations, this phrase underscores the severity of the suffering experienced by those who die of famine. The Hebrew root for "better" is "טוֹב" (tov), which generally means good or pleasant. Here, it is used ironically to highlight the extreme distress of famine, suggesting that even the violent death by the sword is a mercy compared to the drawn-out agony of starvation.<p><b>than those who die of famine</b><br />"Those who die of famine" refers to individuals who perish due to a lack of food. Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often seen as a consequence of sin or a tool of divine punishment. The Hebrew word for "famine" is "רָעָב" (ra'av), which conveys not only physical hunger but also a spiritual desolation. In the historical context of Lamentations, the city of Jerusalem was under siege, leading to severe food shortages. This phrase highlights the intense suffering and desperation faced by the inhabitants during this time.<p><b>who waste away</b><br />The phrase "who waste away" describes the physical deterioration and gradual decline of those suffering from famine. The Hebrew word "מָזוּב" (mazuv) implies a wasting disease or a draining away of life. This imagery evokes a sense of helplessness and inevitability, as the body slowly succumbs to starvation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the frailty of human life and the devastating impact of prolonged deprivation.<p><b>pierced with pain</b><br />"Pierced with pain" conveys the acute and relentless suffering experienced by those dying of famine. The Hebrew word "דָּקַר" (dakar) means to pierce or stab, often used metaphorically to describe intense emotional or physical pain. This vivid imagery emphasizes the excruciating nature of famine, likening it to being repeatedly stabbed. It reflects the deep anguish and torment that accompany such a slow and painful death.<p><b>because the fields lack produce</b><br />The phrase "because the fields lack produce" identifies the cause of the famine: the failure of the land to yield crops. The Hebrew word for "fields" is "שָׂדֶה" (sadeh), and "produce" is "תְּבוּאָה" (tevuah), which refers to the harvest or yield of the land. This lack of produce signifies not only a physical scarcity but also a spiritual barrenness, as the land, often seen as a blessing from God, fails to provide sustenance. In the historical context, this could be attributed to the siege of Jerusalem, where agricultural activities were disrupted, leading to widespread hunger and despair.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/lamentations/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">For want of . . .</span>--The italics indicate the difficulty of the sentence. Literally the clause stands, <span class= "ital">from the fruits of the field, </span>and it has been explained by some as referring to those that died in battle, <span class= "ital">stricken through while yet there were fruits, i.e., </span>not doomed to perish slowly from hunger. The construction of <a href="/psalms/109-24.htm" title="My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh fails of fatness.">Psalm 109:24</a>, however, "faileth of fatness"--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>for want of fatness--gives a sufficient support to the Authorised version.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/lamentations/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span>-The miserable condition just now described maintains a sad pre-eminence even when compared with the fate of the slain in battle. And why! <span class="cmt_word">For these pine away</span> (literally, <span class="accented">melt away</span>)<span class="a<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/lamentations/4-9.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">Those slain</span><br /><span class="heb">חַלְלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥal·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pierced, polluted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the sword</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶ֔רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ḥe·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">better off</span><br /><span class="heb">טוֹבִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·w·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than those who die</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥal·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pierced, polluted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of hunger,</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> </span><span class="str2">Famine, hunger</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣הֵ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(še·hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">waste away,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָז֙וּבוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yā·zū·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2100.htm">Strong's 2100: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flow freely, to have a, flux, to waste away, to overflow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pierced with pain</span><br /><span class="heb">מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḏuq·qā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1856.htm">Strong's 1856: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stab, to starve, to revile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because the fields</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂדָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(śā·ḏāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> </span><span class="str2">Field, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lack produce.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתְּנוּבֹ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(mit·tə·nū·ḇōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8570.htm">Strong's 8570: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fruit, produce</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/lamentations/4-9.htm">OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:9 Those who are killed with the sword (Lam. La Lm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lamentations 4:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/lamentations/4-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Lamentations 4:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:10" /></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>