19 I (A)called to my lovers, but they deserted me;
My (B)priests and my elders perished in the city
While they sought food to (C)restore their [a]strength themselves.
20 See, Lord, for I am in distress;
My [b](D)spirit is greatly troubled;
My heart is overturned within me,
For I have been very (E)rebellious.
In the street the sword has made women childless;
In the house it is like death.
21 They have heard that I (F)groan;
There is no one to comfort me,
All my enemies have heard of my disaster;
They are (G)joyful that You have done it.
Oh, that You would bring the day which You have proclaimed,
So that they will become (H)like me.

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Footnotes

  1. Lamentations 1:19 Lit soul
  2. Lamentations 1:20 Lit inward parts are in ferment

19 “I called to my allies(A)
    but they betrayed me.
My priests and my elders
    perished(B) in the city
while they searched for food
    to keep themselves alive.

20 “See, Lord, how distressed(C) I am!
    I am in torment(D) within,
and in my heart I am disturbed,(E)
    for I have been most rebellious.(F)
Outside, the sword bereaves;
    inside, there is only death.(G)

21 “People have heard my groaning,(H)
    but there is no one to comfort me.(I)
All my enemies have heard of my distress;
    they rejoice(J) at what you have done.
May you bring the day(K) you have announced
    so they may become like me.

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