Surely my soul remembersThis phrase reflects the deep introspection and memory of past afflictions and sufferings. In the context of Lamentations, the author, traditionally believed to be Jeremiah, is recalling the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile. This remembrance is not just a mental exercise but a profound spiritual experience. The act of remembering is significant in the Hebrew tradition, often associated with covenantal faithfulness (
Deuteronomy 8:2). The soul's remembrance here can be seen as a call to acknowledge past sins and the consequences that followed, aligning with the broader biblical theme of repentance and reflection (
Psalm 42:4).
and is humbled within me.
The humility expressed here is a response to the soul's remembrance of suffering and sin. This humility is not merely an emotional state but a recognition of one's position before God. In the biblical context, humility is often associated with repentance and a turning back to God (2 Chronicles 7:14). The phrase suggests a breaking down of pride and self-reliance, leading to a dependence on God's mercy. This humility is a precursor to the hope and renewal that follows in the subsequent verses ofLamentations 3, where the steadfast love and faithfulness of God are highlighted. The humbling of the soul is a necessary step in the process of restoration and redemption, themes central to the message of the prophets and the New Testament teachings on grace (James 4:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahTraditionally attributed as the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet." He lamented the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.
2.
JerusalemThe city that faced destruction by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., which is the backdrop for the book of Lamentations.
3.
Babylonian ExileThe period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, leading to deep sorrow and reflection, as expressed in Lamentations.
Teaching Points
The Power of RemembranceRemembering past afflictions can lead to humility and reliance on God. Reflect on how God has brought you through difficult times.
Humility Before GodTrue humility involves recognizing our limitations and God's sovereignty. Allow your soul to be humbled as you remember God's past faithfulness.
The Role of SufferingSuffering can be a tool for spiritual growth. Embrace the lessons learned through trials and let them draw you closer to God.
Hope in DespairEven in the darkest times, there is hope. Trust in God's promises and His ability to restore and renew.
Community in LamentShare your burdens with fellow believers. The community can provide support and encouragement during times of lament.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:20?
2.How can Lamentations 3:20 guide us in remembering God's past faithfulness?
3.What role does recalling past afflictions play in spiritual growth and maturity?
4.How does Lamentations 3:20 connect with Philippians 4:8 on focusing thoughts?
5.How can we apply the lesson of remembrance in Lamentations 3:20 today?
6.In what ways does recalling hardships strengthen our reliance on God's promises?
7.What is the historical context of Lamentations 3:20?
8.How does Lamentations 3:20 reflect the theme of suffering and hope?
9.What theological message is conveyed in Lamentations 3:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3?
11.What defines Christian leadership?
12.What does the Bible say about being angry with God?
13.Does the despair expressed in Job 3 contradict later biblical accounts (e.g., James 5:11) that describe Job as patient and steadfast?
14.How can Job's complaint in Job 3 align with a just and sovereign God, if he questions the value of his own birth?What Does Lamentations 3:20 Mean
Surely• “Surely” conveys an unshakable certainty; there is no doubt that what follows is true.
• The writer does not merely hope his soul will remember—he states it as a fact, reflecting absolute trust in God’s unerring Word (Numbers 23:19;Psalm 27:13).
• This confidence anchors the lament with the assurance that even painful memories fit within God’s faithful dealings.
My soul• The focus narrows to the deepest part of the person—the inner being, not just thoughts or emotions (Psalm 42:11;Mark 8:36).
• By owning the experience (“my”), Jeremiah highlights personal responsibility before the Lord.
• Scripture consistently calls each believer to engage God on a heart level (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Remembers• The act of remembering is deliberate: he brings past afflictions to mind (Lamentations 3:19) yet does so under God’s sovereignty.
• Biblical remembrance often stirs faith: “I will remember the works of the LORD” (Psalm 77:11).
• God commands His people to remember His dealings so they walk humbly and obediently (Deuteronomy 8:2).
• Healthy spiritual memory refuses to gloss over suffering but sees it through God’s redemptive lens.
And is humbled• True remembrance of sin, suffering, and divine discipline produces humility, not despair (James 4:6–10).
• Humility positions the soul to receive grace: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).
• A contrite heart values God’s mercy more than personal comfort (Psalm 51:17).
• In humiliation, the soul ceases striving and quietly submits to the Lord’s righteous dealings.
Within me• The humbling takes place internally, confirming that genuine repentance is an inside job (Jeremiah 20:9).
• This inward work aligns the believer’s spirit with God’s Spirit (Romans 7:22;Ephesians 3:16).
• External circumstances may remain bleak, but the heart learns rest and hope—setting the stage for the next verse’s declaration, “Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope” (Lamentations 3:21).
SummaryLamentations 3:20 shows a soul that surely, personally, and deliberately remembers past affliction, allowing that memory to humble the heart before God. This inward humbling is God-ordained, producing readiness for restored hope and renewed trust in His unwavering faithfulness.
(20)
My soul hath . . .--The verb, as in
Lamentations 3:17, may be either in the second person or the third; the former gives,
Thou wilt surely remember that my soul is humbled.Psalm 42:4 supports the Authorised version.
Verse 20. -
My soul, etc. This rendering is difficult. In the next verse we read, "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope," which seems inconsistent with ver. 20 as given in the Authorized Version. An equally grammatical and still more obvious translation is,
Thou (
O God!)
wilt surely remember, for my soul is bowed down within me. The latter part of the line is a reminiscence of
Psalm 42:5, at least, if the text be correct, for the closing words do not cohere well with the opening ones. The Peshito (Syriac) has, "Remember, and revive [literally, 'cause to return'] my soul within me," which involves a slightly different reading of one word. But more tempting than any other view of the meaning is that of Bickell, though it involves a correction and an insertion, "My soul remembereth well and meditateth on thy faithfulness."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Surelyזָכ֣וֹר(zā·ḵō·wr)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 2142:To mark, to remember, to mention, to be malemy soulנַפְשִֽׁי׃(nap̄·šî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionremembersתִּזְכּ֔וֹר(tiz·kō·wr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2142:To mark, to remember, to mention, to be maleand is humbledוְתָשׁ֥וֹחַ(wə·ṯā·šō·w·aḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7743:To sink downwithin me.עָלַ֖י(‘ā·lay)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
Links
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OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:20 My soul still remembers them and (Lam. La Lm) 
