He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

LAMENTATIONS 3:30KJV
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Lamentations 3:30 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 3:30 mean?

Lamentations 3:30 describes a person willingly offering his cheek to someone who strikes him and being overwhelmed with insults. The verse paints a picture of accepting mistreatment and disgrace without resistance.

The speaker in Lamentations 3 is traditionally understood to be Jeremiah, expressing deep sorrow over Jerusalem’s suffering after its destruction. This verse comes in a section reflecting on enduring hardship and humiliation, possibly as a way of showing humility or repentance before God. The language is vivid, emphasizing the depth of shame and the willingness to bear it.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 3:30

  • "giveth" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to offer." Here, it highlights a voluntary act—the person is not just being struck, but is actively offering his cheek.
  • "cheek" (לֶחִי, lechi): This refers specifically to the side of the face, a sensitive and personal area, making the act of offering it to be struck a sign of deep submission or humility.
  • "smiteth" (נָכָה, nakah): This word means "to strike" or "to hit." It suggests real physical harm or insult, not just a symbolic act.
  • "full" (שָׂבַע, sava): This means "to be filled" or "to be satisfied." In this context, it emphasizes being completely overwhelmed or saturated with reproach.
  • "reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): This word means "disgrace" or "shame." The person is not just insulted once but is filled up with shame, showing the extent of the humiliation.

Why Lamentations 3:30 matters

  • Lamentations 3:30 helps clarify that the suffering described is not just physical but also deeply emotional and social, involving public shame.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Lamentations 3, where enduring hardship is seen as a response to God’s discipline, hinting at humility and patience in suffering.
  • This verse is sometimes linked to later teachings about non-retaliation and turning the other cheek, but in its original setting, it emphasizes the depth of Jerusalem’s humiliation and the willingness to accept it.

Where else these words appear

“cheek” Hebrew H3895 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 18:3 And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?
  • Isaiah 30:28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

“reproach” Hebrew H2781 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 30:23 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:
  • Psalms 71:13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
  • Jeremiah 31:19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

“full” Hebrew H7646 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
  • Psalms 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.