It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22KJV
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Lamentations 3:22 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 3:22 mean?

Lamentations 3:22 says that the only reason the people are not completely destroyed is because of the LORD’s mercies and unfailing compassion. The verse highlights that God’s kindness and care do not run out, even in times of great trouble.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Jeremiah, expressing grief over Jerusalem’s destruction but also hope in God’s character. In the middle of deep suffering, this verse shifts the focus to God’s steady mercy, suggesting that survival itself is a sign of God’s ongoing compassion toward His people.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 3:22

  • "LORD'S" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God, emphasizing a covenant relationship. The use of Yahweh here reminds readers that the mercy comes from a God who has made promises to His people.
  • "mercies" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed): This word often means steadfast love or loyal kindness. It points to God’s faithful, committed love that continues even when people fail.
  • "consumed" (תָּמַם, tamam): This word means to be finished or brought to an end. The verse says the people are not “consumed,” stressing that God’s mercy is what keeps them from total destruction.
  • "compassions" (רַחֲמִים, raḥamim): This word refers to deep, tender feelings of care, like a parent’s love. It highlights the warmth and gentleness in God’s attitude.
  • "fail" (כָּלָה, kalah): This means to be used up or to end. The verse assures that God’s compassion does not run out, even when everything else seems lost.

Why Lamentations 3:22 matters

  • Lamentations 3:22 clarifies that even in the worst disasters, God’s loyal love and compassion have not disappeared, offering hope when circumstances seem hopeless.
  • The verse shifts the focus from suffering to God’s character, helping readers see that survival itself is evidence of God’s ongoing care.
  • In the context of Lamentations, which is full of sorrow and loss, this verse stands out as a turning point, reminding readers that God’s mercy is the reason for any hope or future.

Where else these words appear

“compassions” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
  • Nehemiah 9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
  • Isaiah 46:3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

“consumed” Hebrew H8552 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
  • Joshua 5:8 And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole.
  • Psalms 104:35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.