Thou hast heard their reproach, O LORD, and all their imaginations against me;

LAMENTATIONS 3:61KJV
Know the Bible

Lamentations 3:61 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 3:61 mean?

Lamentations 3:61 says that God has heard the insults and harmful thoughts that others have spoken and plotted against the writer. The verse is a direct appeal to God, acknowledging that nothing said or planned in secret escapes His attention.

In this verse, the speaker is traditionally understood to be Jeremiah, expressing his suffering during Jerusalem’s destruction. He is talking to the LORD (the personal name for God, shown as "O LORD" in the verse), describing how others have mocked and schemed against him. The verse highlights the speaker’s trust that God is fully aware of every word and intention, even those meant to harm.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 3:61

  • heard (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means more than just physically hearing; it often carries the sense of paying attention or taking notice. The verse emphasizes that God is not ignoring the speaker’s troubles.
  • reproach (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): This word refers to insults, shame, or disgrace. The speaker is not just facing private pain but public humiliation.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenant name for God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting a close and direct relationship.
  • imaginations (מְזִמּוֹת, mezimmot): This word means schemes, plots, or plans, often with a negative or malicious intent. The verse points out that God knows not just what is said, but also the hidden motives and plans behind the words.

Why Lamentations 3:61 matters

  • Lamentations 3:61 reassures readers that God is aware of both open insults and secret plots, even when others seem to get away with wrongdoing.
  • The verse connects personal suffering to the larger story of Jerusalem’s fall, showing that the pain of individuals is not overlooked by God.
  • By naming both "reproach" and "imaginations," the verse highlights that God sees both the outward actions and the inner motives of people, offering comfort to those who feel misunderstood or attacked.

Where else these words appear

“imaginations” Hebrew H4284 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
  • Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

“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.