Lamentations 3:35 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 3:35 mean?

Lamentations 3:35 describes the act of denying someone justice or fairness in the presence of God, warning that turning aside a person's rightful claim is a serious wrongdoing. The verse highlights that such injustice does not escape the notice of the "most High," meaning God Himself.

In this part of Lamentations, the speaker (traditionally understood as Jeremiah) is reflecting on the suffering of Jerusalem after its destruction. The verse is part of a section reminding readers that God sees every act of injustice, especially when people are wronged or oppressed. It stresses that even in times of great suffering, God is attentive to how people are treated.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 3:35

• "aside" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to turn, bend, or divert. Here, it refers to diverting or turning aside what is rightfully due to someone, emphasizing an active choice to deny justice.
• "right" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means justice, judgment, or legal right. In this context, it points to what is fair or just for a person, not just a general sense of right and wrong.
• "man" (גֶּבֶר, gever): This term often refers to a man in the sense of an individual, sometimes with a nuance of strength or vulnerability. It highlights that the injustice is done to a real, specific person.
• "face" (פָּנִים, panim): This word means face or presence. The phrase "before the face of the most High" stresses that the injustice is done openly, in God's sight.
• "High" (עֶלְיוֹן, Elyon): This is a title for God, meaning "Most High." It underscores God's supreme authority and His role as the ultimate judge who sees all.

Why Lamentations 3:35 matters

• Lamentations 3:35 clarifies that God is not distant or indifferent when people are treated unfairly; every act of injustice is done "before His face."
• The verse connects personal suffering and social justice, showing that God cares about both the pain of individuals and the fairness of how they are treated.
• In the wider passage, this verse reassures those who feel powerless or wronged that their situation is seen by God, even when human systems fail them.