Lamentations 1:22

Old Testament Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Lamentations 1:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Let all their wickedness come before thee; And do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Let all their wickedness come before thee; And do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.
Lamentations 1:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Lamentations 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22Let all their wickedness come before thee; And do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let all their wickedness come before thee, etc.] The Targum adds, “in the day of the great judgment;” but it seems to refer to present time, at least to the time fixed by the Lord for their ruin; and which the church imprecates, not from a spirit of revenge, but from a holy zeal for the glory of God; desiring that the wickedness of her enemies might be remembered by the Lord, so as to punish them in righteous judgment for the same: and do unto them as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions; she owns that what was done to her was for her sins, and therefore could not charge God with injustice; only she desires the same might be done to her enemies, who were equally guilty: some…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Such prayers against foes are lawful, if the foe be an enemy of God, and if our concern be not for our own personal feeling, but for the glory of God and the welfare of His people. come before thee--so Rev 16:19, "Babylon came in remembrance before God" (compare Psa 109:15). Next: Lamentations Chapter 2”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“all their: Neh 4:4, Neh 4:5; Psa 109:14, Psa 109:15, Psa 137:7-9; Jer 10:25, Jer 18:23, Jer 51:35; Luk 23:31; Rev 6:10 my heart: Lam 1:13, Lam 5:17; Isa 13:7; Jer 8:18; Eph 3:13 Next: Lamentations Chapter 2”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification