Their heart cried unto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night: give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease.
LAMENTATIONS 2:18KJVWhat does Lamentations 2:18 mean?
Lamentations 2:18 describes the deep sorrow of Jerusalem’s people, urging the city’s wall—symbolizing its protection and identity—to weep without stopping, pleading with the Lord for mercy and not to rest from mourning. The verse calls for unending tears and vigilance, highlighting the desperate grief over Jerusalem’s destruction.
The verse is set during the aftermath of Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon. The speaker, likely the prophet Jeremiah, addresses the city itself (“O wall of the daughter of Zion”), urging continual lamentation as a sign of repentance and grief. The “apple of thine eye” refers to something precious and vulnerable, emphasizing the need to keep watch and not let sorrow or prayer cease.
The Hebrew behind Lamentations 2:18
- “Heart” (לֵב, lev; H3820): This word points to the deep, inner feelings of the people, showing that their sorrow is heartfelt and not just outward.
- “Wall” (חוֹמָה, ḥomah; H2346): The wall represents the city’s strength and security, now called to mourn as if it were alive, underlining Jerusalem’s total devastation.
- “Apple” (בַּת, bat; H1323) of “eye” (עַיִן, ayin; H5869): This phrase means the most sensitive or cherished part of the eye, stressing how precious Jerusalem is and how important it is to keep watch and not let sorrow end.
Why Lamentations 2:18 matters
- The verse shows that grief over Jerusalem’s destruction is not just emotional but should be expressed openly and persistently, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
- Calling the wall to weep personifies the city, making the loss feel more personal and communal, not just individual.
- The mention of the “apple of thine eye” highlights the vulnerability and value of Jerusalem, connecting the city’s suffering to something deeply treasured and worth protecting.