Lamentations 3:37
 Lamentations 3:37 
New International Version (©2011)
Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?

New Living Translation (©2007)
Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission?

English Standard Version (©2001)
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it?

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
Who is there who speaks and it happens, unless the Lord has ordained it?

International Standard Version (©2012)
Who can command, and it happens, without the Lord having ordered it?

NET Bible (©2006)
Whose command was ever fulfilled unless the Lord decreed it?

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Who was it who spoke and it came into being? It was the Lord who gave the order.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
Who is he that says, and it comes to pass, when the Lord commands it not?

American King James Version
Who is he that said, and it comes to pass, when the Lord commands it not?

American Standard Version
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

Douay-Rheims Bible
Mem. Who is he that hath commanded a thing to be done, when the Lord commandeth it not?

Darby Bible Translation
Who is he that saith, and there cometh to pass, what the Lord hath not commanded?

English Revised Version
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

Webster's Bible Translation
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

World English Bible
Who is he who says, and it comes to pass, when the Lord doesn't command it?

Young's Literal Translation
Who is this -- he hath said, and it is, And the Lord hath not commanded it?

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:37-41 While there is life there is hope; and instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what we complain of, is far less than our sins deserve. We should complain to God, and not of him. We are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people's ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers. If inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we mock God, and deceive ourselves.


Pulpit Commentary

Verses 37-54. - EXHORTATION TO REPENTANCE; RENDERED, LAMENTATION. Verses 37, 38. - True, God does not desire our misfortunes. But equally true is it that they do not happen without his express permission (comp. Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6). Verse 37. - That saith, and it cometh to pass (comp. Psalm 33:9; Genesis 1:3, etc.).


Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass?.... Or, "who that says this shall be, and it cometh to pass?" or, "who is he that saith this shall come to pass?" (i) this, or that, or the other thing, he wills and desires, and his heart is set upon:

when the Lord commandeth it not? has not willed and decreed it, but determined the contrary; for nothing escapes his knowledge and foreknowledge; or can resist his will; or control his power; or frustrate his councils, and counterwork his designs; whatever schemes men form to get riches, obtain honour, do mischief to others, prolong life to themselves, and perpetuate their names to posterity, being contrary to the purpose of God, never succeed; whenever they do succeed in any of the above instances, it is because God has commanded, or he has determined, it should be so; as in the instances of Joseph's brethren, in their usage of him; and of the Jews, in the crucifixion of Christ, Proverbs 16:9. The Targum is,

"who is the man that saith, and evil is done in the world; but because they have done what was not commanded from the mouth of the Lord?''

(i) So some in Gataker.


Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

37-39. Who is it that can (as God, Ps 33:9) effect by a word anything, without the will of God?


Lamentations 3:37 Parallel Commentaries

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God's Justice
37Who is he that said, and it comes to pass, when the Lord commands it not? 38Out of the mouth of the most High proceeds not evil and good? 39Why does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? …

Psalm 33:9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Jeremiah 23:32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the LORD. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the LORD.