Lamentations 3:27

Old Testament Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Lamentations 3:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Lamentations 3:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Lamentations 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“[It is] good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.] Either the yoke of the commandments, as the Targum; or of correction, as Aben Ezra; of afflictions, as fatherly chastisements; both senses may be retained. It is good to bear the yoke of the moral law, or the commandments of God, as they are in the hands of Christ, a rule of walk and conversation; a yoke obliging all mankind, and especially saints; it is the duty of all to submit their necks to this yoke; it is but their reasonable service to love the Lord their God, and their neighbour as themselves; as must be judged by all but sons of Belial, who are without this yoke, having cast it off; and especially it is “good” to bear the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“yoke--of the Lord's disciplinary teaching (Psa 90:12; Psa 119:71). CALVIN interprets it, The Lord's doctrine (Mat 11:29-30), which is to be received in a docile spirit. The earlier the better; for the old are full of prejudices (Pro 8:17; Ecc 12:1). Jeremiah himself received the yoke, both of doctrine and chastisement in his youth (Jer 1:6-7).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In these three verses, each beginning in the Hebrew with the word good, we have first the fundamental idea that Yahweh Himself is good, and if good to all, then especially is He so to those who being in adversity can yet wait in confidence upon His mercy. Lamentations 3:26 And quietly wait - literally, “and be in silence,” i. e. abstain from all complaining. Lamentations 3:27 The yoke - Or, a “yoke.” By bearing a yoke in his youth, i. e. being called upon to suffer in early age, a man learns betimes the lesson of silent endurance, and so finds it more easy to be calm and patient in later years. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bear - Quietly and patiently to bear what afflictions God will please to lay upon us. And if God tame us when young, by his word or by his rod, it is an unspeakable advantage. Lamentations 3:28”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“bear: Psa 90:12, Psa 94:12, Psa 119:71; Ecc 12:1; Mat 11:29, Mat 11:30; Heb 12:5-12 Lamentations 3:28”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification