Lamentations 4:1-10 ▼

1 How is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed! The hallowed stones are poured out At the head of every street.

2 The precious sons of Zion, Comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, The work of the hands of the potter!

3 Even the jackals draw out the breast, They give suck to their young ones; The daughter of my people is become cruel, Like the ostriches in the wilderness.

4 The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth To the roof of his mouth for thirst; The young children ask bread, And none breaketh it unto them.

5 They that did feed on dainties Are desolate in the streets; They that were brought up in scarlet Embrace dunghills.

6 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater Than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands fell upon her.

7 Her princes were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk, They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Their polishing was as of sapphire;

8 Their visage is blacker than a coal; They are not known in the streets; Their skin is shrivelled upon their bones; It is withered, it is become like a stick.

9 They that are slain with the sword are better Than they that are slain with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, For want of the fruits of the field.

10 The hands of women full of compassion Have sodden their own children; They were their food In the destruction of the daughter of my people.