The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.

LAMENTATIONS 4:20KJV
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Lamentations 4:20 (KJV)

What does Lamentations 4:20 mean?

Lamentations 4:20 describes how the people of Jerusalem saw their king—the "anointed of the LORD"—as their very life and protection, but he was captured by their enemies, leaving them vulnerable and scattered among foreign nations. The verse mourns the loss of their leader, whom they believed would shelter them even in exile.

The speaker is likely the prophet Jeremiah, expressing the collective grief of Jerusalem after its fall to Babylon. The "breath of our nostrils" refers to the king, probably Zedekiah, who was seen as essential to the nation's survival. The verse paints a picture of deep despair: the people had hoped to survive under their king's "shadow" even among the "heathen" (foreign nations), but his capture dashed those hopes.

The Hebrew behind Lamentations 4:20

  • "breath" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word often means "spirit" or "life-breath." Calling the king the "breath of our nostrils" shows how vital he was to the people's sense of life and hope.
  • "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This term means "anointed one" and refers to the king as God's chosen leader. It highlights the special role the king played in God's plan for Israel.
  • "shadow" (צֵל, tzel): In Hebrew poetry, "shadow" often means protection or refuge. The people believed they would find safety under the king's care, even in exile.
  • "heathen" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word means "nations" or "peoples," usually referring to non-Israelite nations. The verse emphasizes the sorrow of having to live among foreigners without their king's protection.

Why Lamentations 4:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the people's hope was not just in their city or temple, but in their God-appointed king, whose loss felt like losing the very breath of life.
  • It highlights the deep sense of vulnerability and abandonment the people felt after Jerusalem's fall, showing how much they depended on their leader for security.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Lamentations: the devastation of exile and the shattering of everything the people thought would keep them safe, including their king.

Where else these words appear

“pits” Hebrew H7825 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • Psalms 18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

“shadow” Hebrew H6738 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Psalms 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
  • Isaiah 30:2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

“taken” Hebrew H3920 · used in 112 verses

  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 9:45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.
  • Psalms 59:12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.