Definition: Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Lamentations 1:8. It's a really powerful and complex verse, and it’s often misinterpreted. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms, aiming for clarity and understanding: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the devastating consequences of a serious sin and the resulting loss of honor and respect. Let’s unpack each part: “Lamentations 1:8” : This refers to a specific event in ancient Jerusalem – a significant period of grief and mourning following a terrible tragedy, likely involving the destruction of the Temple. It's a time of deep sorrow and regret. “Jerusalem hath grievously sinned…” : This is the core of the verse. “Grievously” means extremely , very badly , or deeply . It highlights that this wasn’t just a minor mistake; it was a profound wrong that caused immense pain. “…therefore she is removed:” This means Jerusalem, due to its sin, has been banished or exiled from its rightful place – the city itself. It's being cast out of its home. “all that honoured her despise her…” : This is a really important part. "Honoured" means respected and valued. The people who were once wealthy, powerful, and revered in Jerusalem are now disgusted with them. They feel shame and contempt for their actions. It's like they’ve lost their status and importance. “because they have seen her nakedness:” This is a very striking phrase. “Nakedness” means being open and exposed, revealing something vulnerable or shameful. The people are now seeing everything – the truth of their sin. It's like they’ve witnessed a terrible secret. “Yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.” : This is the most profound part. "Sigheth" means to grow or spread out. "Turneth backward" means to move away or reverse direction. This suggests that the sin has spread outwards from Jerusalem, causing it to decay and become desolate. It's like a plant that’s been damaged starts to wither and turn away from its former position. Putting it all together – A Possible Interpretation: The verse describes a situation where a terrible sin in Jerusalem leads to widespread shame and rejection. The people who were once respected have lost their favor, and the city itself is suffering because of their wrongdoing. The sin has spread, causing darkness and despair. Important Note: It's not about blame. The verse isn’t saying that Jerusalem deserves to be exiled. It's describing a consequence – a natural result of a terrible act. It focuses on the impact of the sin rather than assigning fault. Why is this a complex verse? The language is poetic and symbolic, making it challenging to fully grasp. It’s about repentance, loss, and the consequences of our actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Provide a different interpretation of the verse? Discuss its historical context (e.g., when it was written)?