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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 4:17 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/lamentations/4-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/25_Lam_04_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Lamentations 4:17 - The Distress of Zion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/4-17.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/4-17.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 17</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/4-16.htm" title="Lamentations 4:16">◄</a> Lamentations 4:17 <a href="/lamentations/4-18.htm" title="Lamentations 4:18">►</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 />Moreover, our eyes failed, looking in vain for help; from our towers we watched for a nation that could not save us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We looked in vain for our allies to come and save us, but we were looking to nations that could not help us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/lamentations/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Our eyes failed, ever watching vainly for help; in our watching we watched for a nation which could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/lamentations/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation <i>that</i> could not save <i>us</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/lamentations/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Still our eyes failed us, <i>Watching</i> vainly for our help; In our watching we watched For a nation <i>that</i> could not save <i>us.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/lamentations/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet our eyes failed, <i>Looking</i> for help was useless; At our observation point we have watched For a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Yet our eyes failed, Looking for help was useless; In our watching we have watched For a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/lamentations/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Yet our eyes failed; <i>Looking</i> for help was useless. In our watching we have watched For a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/lamentations/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yet our eyes were spent, <i>Looking</i> for help was vanity; In our watching we have watched For a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/lamentations/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[And as for us,] yet our eyes failed, Looking in vain for help. Watching [from the towers] we watched For a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/lamentations/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help; we watched from our towers for a nation that would not save us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/lamentations/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for assistance; we watched from our towers for a nation that refused to help. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/lamentations/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Our eyes do yet fail in looking for our vain help: In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/lamentations/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Our eyes became weary, hopelessly looking for help from a nation that could not save us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/lamentations/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Our eyes do yet fail in looking for our vain help; in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/lamentations/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"We are still straining our eyes, trying in vain to find help. We waited and waited for a nation that didn't save us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/lamentations/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For help that never came, we looked until we could look no longer. We kept waiting for help from a nation that had none to give. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/lamentations/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Our eyes failed, searching in vain for hope; we kept watching and looking for a nation that would not help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/lamentations/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/lamentations/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Our eyes continually failed us as we looked in vain for help. From our watchtowers we watched for a nation that could not rescue us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/lamentations/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Our eyes still fail, looking in vain for our help. In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/lamentations/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/lamentations/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Our eyes still fail, looking in vain for our help. In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/lamentations/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />While we exist—consumed are our eyes for our vain help, "" In our watchtower we have watched for a nation [that] does not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/lamentations/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> While we exist -- consumed are our eyes for our vain help, In our watch-tower we have watched for a nation that saveth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/lamentations/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Continuing, yet our eyes will fail, for our help in vain: in our watching we watched for a nation it will not save us.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/lamentations/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Ain. While we were yet standing, our eyes failed, expecting help for us in vain, when we looked attentively towards a nation that was not able to save. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/lamentations/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />AIN. While we were still standing, our eyes failed, expecting help for us in vain, when we looked attentively toward a nation that was not able to save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/lamentations/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Even now our eyes are worn out, searching in vain for help; From our watchtower we have watched for a nation unable to save. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/lamentations/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Our eyes failed, ever watching vainly for help; we were watching eagerly for a nation that could not save.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/lamentations/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The presence of the LORD has divided them; he will no more regard them; they did not respect the persons of priests, they did not have compassion on the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/lamentations/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Pe The Person of LORD JEHOVAH divided them, and he will not continue to gaze at them. Do not accept the persons of the Priests, and to the Elders do not show affection<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/lamentations/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As for us, our eyes do yet fail For our vain help; In our watching we have watched For a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/lamentations/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />PHE. While we yet lived our eyes failed, while we looked in vain for our help. TSADE. We looked to a nation that could not save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/lamentations/4-17.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=1238" 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">16</span>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="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ʿō·ḏē·nå̄h (Adv:: 1cp) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">All the while</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê·nū (N-cdc:: 1cp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">our eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: tiḵ·le·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fp) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">were failing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: hā·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">as we looked in vain</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5833.htm" title="5833: ‘ez·rā·ṯê·nū (N-fsc:: 1cp) -- Help, helper, assistance. Or mezrath; feminine of ezer; aid.">help.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6836.htm" title="6836: bə·ṣip·pî·yā·ṯê·nū (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cp) -- Lookout post. From tsaphah; watchfulness.">We watched</a> <a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: ṣip·pî·nū (V-Piel-Perf-1cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">from our towers</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: gō·w (N-ms) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">a nation</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.">that could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: yō·wō·ši·a‘ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">save us.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end drew near, our time ran out, for our end had come!…<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/37-7.htm">Jeremiah 37:7-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. / Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down. / This is what the LORD says: Do not deceive yourselves by saying, ‘The Chaldeans will go away for good,’ for they will not! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Isaiah 30:1-3</a></span><br />“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/29-6.htm">Ezekiel 29:6-7</a></span><br />Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. / When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-17</a></span><br />No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1-3</a></span><br />Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-36.htm">Jeremiah 2:36-37</a></span><br />How impulsive you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. / Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/14-3.htm">Hosea 14:3</a></span><br />Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Isaiah 20:5-6</a></span><br />Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. / And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/42-19.htm">Jeremiah 42:19-22</a></span><br />The LORD has told you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for sure that I have warned you today! / For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’ / For I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in all He has sent me to tell you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21</a></span><br />Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-3.htm">Psalm 146:3-4</a></span><br />Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. / When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a></span><br />Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-23.htm">Jeremiah 3:23</a></span><br />Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-15.htm">Ezekiel 17:15-18</a></span><br />But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ / ‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. / Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-8.htm">Isaiah 31:8-9</a></span><br />“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. / Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.</p><p class="hdg">our eyes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/1-19.htm">Lamentations 1:19</a></b></br> I called for my lovers, <i>but</i> they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/24-7.htm">2 Kings 24:7</a></b></br> And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Isaiah 20:5</a></b></br> And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.</p><p class="hdg">for a.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/4-11.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-13.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-51.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-19.htm">False.</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-6.htm">Help</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-35.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-41.htm">Nation</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-26.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-45.htm">Save</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-20.htm">Saveth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-9.htm">Towers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-10.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-10.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-14.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Vainly</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-47.htm">Wasting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-28.htm">Watched</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-27.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-27.htm">Watch-Tower</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/4-17.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-17.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/joel/1-17.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-8.htm">False.</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-14.htm">Help</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-1.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-3.htm">Nation</a> <a href="/daniel/6-27.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm">Save</a> <a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Saveth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-7.htm">Towers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-26.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/hosea/8-8.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/ezekiel/6-10.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Vainly</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-17.htm">Wasting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/10-2.htm">Watched</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-4.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-24.htm">Watch-Tower</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>Moreover, our eyes failed</b><br />The phrase "our eyes failed" conveys a deep sense of exhaustion and despair. In the Hebrew text, the word for "failed" is "כָּלָה" (kalah), which can mean to be at an end or to be consumed. This reflects the utter depletion of hope and strength among the people of Jerusalem. Historically, this period was marked by the Babylonian siege, where the inhabitants were physically and emotionally drained. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom instead of God.<p><b>looking in vain for help</b><br />The Hebrew word for "vain" is "שָׁוְא" (shav), which implies emptiness or falsehood. The people of Jerusalem were seeking assistance that was ultimately futile. This highlights the theme of misplaced trust, as they were looking for salvation from sources other than God. In a broader scriptural context, this serves as a reminder of the importance of placing our trust in God alone, as human solutions often fall short.<p><b>we watched from our towers</b><br />The imagery of "towers" suggests a place of vigilance and defense. In ancient cities, watchtowers were strategic points for observing approaching threats. The Hebrew word "מִגְדָּל" (migdal) is used here, emphasizing the proactive stance of the people. However, despite their watchfulness, their efforts were in vain. This can be seen as a call to spiritual vigilance, reminding believers to remain watchful in prayer and reliance on God, rather than solely on human defenses.<p><b>for a nation that could not save us</b><br />The phrase "a nation that could not save us" underscores the futility of relying on political alliances and foreign powers. Historically, Judah sought alliances with Egypt and other nations to counter Babylonian aggression, but these alliances proved ineffective. The Hebrew word for "save" is "יָשַׁע" (yasha), which means to deliver or rescue. This highlights the central biblical theme that true salvation comes only from the Lord. It serves as a poignant reminder that while nations and leaders may promise security, ultimate deliverance is found in God alone.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/lamentations/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">As for us . . .</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Still do our eyes waste away, looking for our vain help.</span><p><span class= "bld">In our watching.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">upon our watch-tower. </span>(Comp. <a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm" title="I will stand on my watch, and set me on the tower, and will watch to see what he will say to me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.">Habakkuk 2:1</a>.) The people of Judah are represented as looking out for the approach of an ally, probably Egypt (<a href="/jeremiah/37-7.htm" title="Thus said the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall you say to the king of Judah, that sent you to me to inquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.">Jeremiah 37:7</a>), and looking in vain.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/lamentations/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As for us, our eyes,</span> etc.; rather (correcting the reading of the first word), <span class="accented">Our eyes were still wasting away</span> (<span class="accented">as we looked</span>) <span class="accented">for our help in vain.</span> To the very last the Jews leaned on "that broken reed," Egypt (<a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a>); how vain that hope would be Jeremiah had already told them (<a href="/jeremiah/37-7.htm">Jeremiah 37:7, 8</a>). <span class="cmt_word">In our watching;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> earnestly and continually; <span class="accented">or, on our watchtower.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/lamentations/4-17.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">All the while</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹדֵ֙ינוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·ḏê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5751.htm">Strong's 5751: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינֵ֔ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were failing</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּכְלֶ֣ינָה</span> <span class="translit">(tiḵ·le·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as we looked in vain</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֑בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">help.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶזְרָתֵ֖נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ez·rā·ṯê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5833.htm">Strong's 5833: </a> </span><span class="str2">Help, helper, assistance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">We watched</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּצִפִּיָּתֵ֣נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṣip·pî·yā·ṯê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from our towers</span><br /><span class="heb">צִפִּ֔ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣip·pî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a nation</span><br /><span class="heb">גּ֖וֹי</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that] could not</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">save us.</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹשִֽׁעַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wō·ši·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm">OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:17 Our eyes do yet fail in looking (Lam. La Lm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/lamentations/4-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lamentations 4:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/lamentations/4-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Lamentations 4:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Lamentations 4:18" /></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>