Lamentations 4:1
How the gold has grown dim, how the pure gold is changed! The holy stones lie scattered at the head of every street.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse paints a picture of utter devastation, not just of gold and stones, but potentially of the people themselves, as the "holy stones" scattered in the streets are a powerful metaphor for the once-precious people of Zion now lying broken and forgotten. This highlights how the destruction was not just of buildings, but of the very spiritual and societal fabric of their nation.
The prophet is describing the utter devastation of Jerusalem and its temple after a brutal siege, contrasting the city's former glory with its current ruin. This lament marks the beginning of the fourth elegy, which will further explore the terrible consequences of Judah's sins through vivid imagery of their fallen state and God's judgment. The verse sets the stage by lamenting the desecration of sacred things, whether literal treasures or beloved people, now scattered and disgraced in the streets.
Jerusalem, once a city of dazzling beauty and sacred devotion, is now a picture of ruin. What happened to its brilliance?
The prophet Jeremiah uses powerful imagery to describe the devastating loss Jerusalem experienced. He compares the city's former glory to 'gold' and 'pure gold' that has become dim and changed. This isn't just about literal riches.
A City Transformed
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Lamentations 4:1 is available in the Sola app.
The 'holy stones' of Jerusalem are no longer in their sacred place. Where did they end up, and what does this signify?
The phrase 'stones of the sanctuary' (or 'holy stones') is particularly poignant. It evokes the precious, consecrated materials of the temple, but also carries a deeper meaning.
From Revered to Ruined
Understand the original words
zahav · Hebrew Noun
Refers to physical gold, but symbolically represents splendor, wealth, purity, and the precious status of Israel or the Temple before God.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to items dedicated to the service of God or objects marked by God's presence; here it likely signifies the people of God or the elite, reflecting their once-sanctified status.
This verse paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem's utter devastation after its fall to Babylon. The 'gold' and 'stones of the sanctuary' likely refer both to the literal treasures of the Temple and, more profoundly, to the precious people of Jerusalem – its leaders, its nobles, its devout – now scattered and disgraced in the streets, a stark contrast to their former glory.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens, including Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marks a significant loss of leadership and wealth for Judah.
c. 589-587 BC— this verse
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem, leading to widespread famine and suffering. The city is eventually breached and destroyed.
587/586 BC
Destruction of the Temple
Nebuzaradan, captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, destroys the First Temple in Jerusalem, plundering its treasures and scattering its sacred objects.
c. 586 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, Nebuchadnezzar deports the remaining population, except for the poorest, to Babylon, effectively ending the kingdom of Judah.
This passage echoes the imagery of Lamentations 4:1, where material wealth and sacred objects become worthless and are scattered, signifying a profound loss of God's favor and protection.
Isaiah 1:22This verse directly critiques the corruption of precious elements, comparing rulers to 'dross' and 'wine mixed with water,' which aligns with the theme of 'gold grown dim' and 'pure gold changed' in Lamentations 4:1, highlighting moral decay.
Matthew 24:2Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem's temple, where 'not one stone here will be left on another,' directly referencing the scattering of the 'stones of the sanctuary' mentioned in Lamentations 4:1 and the devastating end of God's dwelling place on earth.
Zechariah 9:16This prophecy speaks of God's people being like 'jewels in a crown,' a beautiful and sacred image that contrasts sharply with the 'stones of the sanctuary' being scattered in the street, underscoring the tragic fall from grace and preciousness.
clarkeLamentations 4:1: "How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street."
How is the gold become dim - The prophet contrasts, in various affecting instances, the wretched circumstances of the Jewish nation, with the flourishing state of their affairs in former times. Here they are compared to gold, זהב zahab, native gold from the mine, which, contrary to its nature, is become dim, is tarnished; and even the fine, t…
pooleLamentations 4:1: "How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street."
Zion bewaileth her misery, confesseth her sins, Lamentations 4:1-6 . Miseries of the chief ones; women who killed and dressed their own children, Lamentations 4:7-12 . The sin of the false prophets and priests; their vain hope, Lamentations 4:13-19 . Their king taken prisoner, Lamentations 4:20 . Edom is threatened, and Zion comforted, Lamenta…
The verse paints a picture of utter devastation, not just of gold and stones, but potentially of the people themselves, as the "holy stones" scattered in the streets are a powerful metaphor for the once-precious people of Zion now lying broken and forgotten. This highlights how the destruction was not just of buildings, but of the very spiritual and societal fabric of their nation.
The prophet is describing the utter devastation of Jerusalem and its temple after a brutal siege, contrasting the city's former glory with its current ruin. This lament marks the beginning of the fourth elegy, which will further explore the terrible consequences of Judah's sins through vivid imagery of their fallen state and God's judgment. The verse sets the stage by lamenting the desecration of sacred things, whether literal treasures or beloved people, now scattered and disgraced in the streets.
The prophet is describing the utter devastation of Jerusalem and its temple after a brutal siege, contrasting the city's former glory with its current ruin. This lament marks the beginning of the fourth elegy, which will further explore the terrible consequences of Judah's sins through vivid imagery of their fallen state and God's judgment. The verse sets the stage by lamenting the desecration of sacred things, whether literal treasures or beloved people, now scattered and disgraced in the streets.
"How the gold has grown dim, how the pure gold is changed! The holy stones lie scattered at the head of every street." — The verse paints a picture of utter devastation, not just of gold and stones, but potentially of the people themselves, as the "holy stones" scattered in the streets are a powerful metaphor for the o…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
