The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.

LAMENTATIONS 4:16KJV
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Lamentations 4:16 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 4:16 mean?

Lamentations 4:16 describes how the LORD’s anger has scattered the people, and He no longer watches over them; even the priests and elders, who once had respect and favor, are now disregarded by everyone. The verse shows the complete breakdown of respect for leadership and the sense of abandonment felt by the people.

In this verse, the writer (traditionally thought to be Jeremiah) is mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people after the Babylonian conquest. The verse highlights that God’s anger (because of the people’s sins) has led to a situation where the usual social order is overturned—priests and elders, who were once honored, are now ignored, and God’s protective care is withdrawn.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 4:16

  • "anger" (פָּנִים, panim): This word literally means "face," and in this context, it often refers to the expression of God’s anger or presence turned against the people, showing a personal withdrawal.
  • "divided" (חָלַק, chalaq): This word means "to divide" or "to scatter." It underlines the idea that the people are not just suffering but have been actively scattered by God’s judgment.
  • "regard" (נָבַט, nabat): This word means "to look at" or "to pay attention to." The verse says God will no longer "regard" them, emphasizing a complete withdrawal of His attention or care.
  • "respected" (נָשָׂא, nasa): This word means "to lift up" or "to show favor." The people are no longer "lifting up the face" of the priests, a Hebrew way of saying they no longer show them honor or respect.

Why Lamentations 4:16 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the suffering and chaos are not just the result of foreign invasion but are seen as a direct result of God’s anger and judgment, making the tragedy feel even more profound.
  • By mentioning priests and elders, the verse shows that no one is exempt from the consequences—not even the most respected leaders—highlighting the total collapse of the community’s structure.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Lamentations: the deep sorrow and sense of loss when God’s presence and favor are withdrawn, and the usual sources of guidance and stability are gone.

Where else these words appear

“divided” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
  • Proverbs 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

“regard” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
  • Isaiah 22:11 Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.

“favoured” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 102:14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.