The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

LAMENTATIONS 3:25KJV
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Lamentations 3:25 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 3:25 mean?

Lamentations 3:25 says that the LORD is good to those who wait for Him and to those who seek Him. This verse highlights that God responds with goodness to people who patiently trust and actively look for Him, even in hard times.

The speaker is likely the prophet Jeremiah, writing during a time of deep suffering after Jerusalem’s destruction. In the middle of grief and loss, Jeremiah expresses hope that God’s character remains good toward those who do not give up on Him but continue to seek and wait for His help.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 3:25

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God’s covenant relationship with His people. Using this name here points to God’s faithfulness even in times of judgment.
  • good (טוֹב, tov): This word means more than just morally good; it often carries the sense of kindness, generosity, and beneficial action. The verse assures that God’s nature is to do good for those who turn to Him.
  • wait (קָוָה, qavah): This word means to hope or to look eagerly, not just to pass time. It suggests an active, trusting expectation, not passive resignation.
  • soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word refers to the whole person or inner being, not just a spiritual part. The verse is about a person’s deepest self seeking God.
  • seeketh (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This means to search out, inquire, or pursue with intention. It shows that God responds to those who earnestly look for Him, not just casually.

Why Lamentations 3:25 matters

  • Lamentations 3:25 clarifies that waiting for God is not about doing nothing; it is about hopeful expectation and active seeking, even when circumstances are difficult.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s goodness is not automatic for everyone but is especially directed toward those who genuinely seek Him and trust Him through hardship.
  • In the wider context of Lamentations, this verse stands out as a moment of hope and faith in the middle of sorrow, reminding readers that God’s character does not change even when life is painful.