Lamentations 3:36 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 3:36 mean?

Lamentations 3:36 says that the Lord does not approve when someone tries to overturn or undermine another person’s case or rights. The verse makes clear that God is not pleased when justice is twisted against someone.

In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about the suffering of Jerusalem after its destruction. Here, he reflects on God’s character, reminding the people that God does not support injustice or the wrongful treatment of others, even in times of judgment or hardship.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 3:36

• "subvert" (עָוַת, avath): This word means to twist, bend, or pervert, especially in the sense of turning justice aside. It highlights the idea of deliberately making something unjust.
• "cause" (רִיב, riv): This word refers to a legal dispute, complaint, or case. It shows that the verse is talking about matters of justice and fairness, not just personal disagreements.
• "approveth" (רָאָה, ra’ah): This word means to see, look at, or regard. In this context, it carries the sense that the Lord does not even look favorably or pay approving attention to such actions.

Why Lamentations 3:36 matters

• The verse corrects any idea that God is indifferent to injustice, even when people are suffering for their sins; God’s standards of fairness remain unchanged.
• Lamentations 3:36 fits into a section where Jeremiah is affirming God’s goodness and justice, even in the midst of national disaster, reminding readers that God’s character is consistent.
• The verse emphasizes that God’s disapproval is not just about actions, but about the heart behind twisting justice, showing that God cares deeply about how people are treated.