Definition: All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Lamentations 2:15. It's a really powerful and sad passage about a devastating loss. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Woman is Hurt: The verse tells us that a woman named Jerusalem was brutally attacked and severely injured by a man. This is the central event of the verse. People Pass By: It describes a scene where people are walking past, looking at the scene. The Man’s Words – A Cruel Assessment: The man then says something incredibly harsh: “Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?” What it Means – Layers of Interpretation: Here's a breakdown of the different possible interpretations and the emotional weight of the verse: 1. A Mocking and Disrespectful View: The most straightforward interpretation is that the man’s words are filled with mockery and disdain. He’s not seeing Jerusalem as beautiful or joyous; he’s mocking her suffering. It suggests a deeply hurtful and disrespectful attitude. 2. Focus on the Suffering: The verse highlights the immense pain and suffering caused by this man's actions. He’s essentially saying, “You are destroying beauty and joy! You are causing devastation!” It emphasizes the impact of his behavior. 3. A Sense of Loss and Grief: There’s a strong sense of loss and grief conveyed here. The woman is described as "the daughter of Jerusalem," implying she represents something precious – perhaps hope, faith, or even beauty itself. The man's words are like a devastating blow to her spirit. 4. A Warning About Judgment: It can be read as a warning about the consequences of disrespect and cruelty. The man’s actions are judged to be “the perfection of beauty” – suggesting they are fundamentally flawed and destructive. Overall Tone & Feeling: The verse evokes a strong sense of sadness, anger, and perhaps even despair. It speaks of profound loss and the devastation caused by injustice. It’s a moment of intense pain and a lament for what has been lost. In short, Lamentations 2:15 is a heartbreaking scene where a man’s words inflict a deep wound on a woman representing beauty and joy, prompting a sense of sorrow and judgment. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example: Would you like me to explain the historical context of this passage? Are you interested in exploring different theological interpretations of this verse (e.g., its connection to themes of justice)?