For He does not willinglyThis phrase emphasizes God's character and His intentions towards humanity. It suggests that God does not take pleasure in causing pain or suffering. This aligns with other scriptures such as
Ezekiel 33:11, where God expresses that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Theologically, it reflects God's nature as compassionate and merciful, as seen in
Psalm 103:8, which describes Him as "slow to anger, abounding in love."
afflict or grieve
The terms "afflict" and "grieve" indicate actions that result in suffering or sorrow. In the context of Lamentations, these words are significant as they reflect the intense suffering experienced by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege and exile. Historically, this period was marked by destruction and despair, as recorded in2 Kings 25. Theologically, this suffering is often understood as a consequence of Israel's disobedience, yet it is not God's ultimate desire for His people. This is consistent withHebrews 12:10-11, which speaks of discipline as a means to produce righteousness and peace.
the sons of men.
This phrase refers to humanity in general, emphasizing the universal scope of God's compassion. It highlights that God's dealings with people are not arbitrary but are rooted in His love for all mankind. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ's sacrifice is described as being for all people (John 3:16). The phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity, as seen inRomans 8:20-21, where creation itself is described as being subjected to frustration in hope of eventual liberation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahTraditionally considered the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah was a prophet who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and expressed his sorrow and lament through this book.
2.
JerusalemThe city that was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the lamentations and sorrow expressed in this book.
3.
The Sons of MenA term referring to humanity in general, emphasizing the universal nature of human suffering and God's relationship with all people.
4.
Babylonian ExileThe event during which the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians, serving as the historical backdrop for the book of Lamentations.
5.
God's SovereigntyThe overarching theme in Lamentations, highlighting God's control and purpose even amidst suffering and judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Reluctance to AfflictGod does not take pleasure in human suffering. His actions are always purposeful and rooted in His love and justice.
Understanding Divine DisciplineJust as a loving parent disciplines a child, God’s afflictions are meant to guide us back to Him and foster spiritual growth.
Compassion in SufferingEven in times of hardship, we can trust in God’s compassion and mercy. He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Hope Amidst DespairLamentations teaches us that even in the darkest times, we can find hope in God’s character and promises.
The Purpose of TrialsTrials and afflictions can refine our faith, develop perseverance, and deepen our reliance on God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:33?
2.How does Lamentations 3:33 reveal God's character in dealing with human suffering?
3.What does "He does not willingly afflict" teach about God's intentions for us?
4.How can we find comfort in God's compassion during personal trials?
5.How does Lamentations 3:33 connect with Romans 8:28 on God's purpose?
6.How should understanding God's compassion influence our response to others' suffering?
7.What does Lamentations 3:33 reveal about God's character and intentions towards humanity?
8.How does Lamentations 3:33 align with the theme of suffering in the Bible?
9.Why does God allow suffering if He does not willingly afflict, as stated in Lamentations 3:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 3?
11.Does God love those in hell?
12.What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?
13.Does God love those in hell?
14.How do we reconcile Lamentations 3:31-33, where God claims not to afflict willingly, with the harsh judgments described throughout the Old Testament?What Does Lamentations 3:33 Mean
For He- The verse begins by fixing our attention on God Himself—“He.”
- Before any talk of suffering or sorrow, Scripture reminds us of the character of the LORD: “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail” (Lamentations 3:22).
- His nature is steady: “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion” (Exodus 34:6–7).
- Since the One acting is good, just, and compassionate (Psalm 145:8–9), we can trust whatever follows—even hard providence.
does not willingly- “Willingly” speaks of delight or preference; God’s heart inclination is not toward hurting His creation.
- “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? … Would I not prefer that he turn from his ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23).
- “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11).
- “The Lord … is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
- When hardship comes, it is never because God enjoys pain; it always serves a righteous, loving purpose that He may not immediately reveal.
afflict or grieve- Affliction and grief are real, but they are tools in a loving Father’s hands.
• They correct: “Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word” (Psalm 119:67).
• They discipline: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6).
• They refine: “For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will bring you back” (Isaiah 54:7–8).
- God may use pain, yet He always mixes it with mercy and aims at restoration.
the sons of men- This phrase embraces all humanity: every person bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
- “From one man He made every nation of men” (Acts 17:26).
- “The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made” (Psalm 145:9).
- No one is outside His concern; His dealings—whether comfort or correction—flow from absolute goodness toward every human being.
summaryLamentations 3:33 assures us that God’s baseline posture toward people is compassion, not cruelty. Though He may permit or send affliction, He never does so out of delight in suffering but for redemptive purposes—drawing hearts back, training in righteousness, and displaying faithful love that ultimately seeks our good and His glory.
(33)
Not . . .willingly.--Literally,
not from the heart,as being the centre of volition as well as emotion
Verse 33. -
Willingly; literally,
from his heart.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionHe does notלֹ֤א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nowillinglyמִלִּבּ֔וֹ(mil·lib·bōw)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreafflictעִנָּה֙(‘in·nāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6031:To be bowed down or afflictedor grieveוַיַּגֶּ֖ה(way·yag·geh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3013:To grievethe sonsבְנֵי־(bə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof men.אִֽישׁ׃(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male person
Links
Lamentations 3:33 NIVLamentations 3:33 NLTLamentations 3:33 ESVLamentations 3:33 NASBLamentations 3:33 KJV
Lamentations 3:33 BibleApps.comLamentations 3:33 Biblia ParalelaLamentations 3:33 Chinese BibleLamentations 3:33 French BibleLamentations 3:33 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:33 For he does not afflict willingly (Lam. La Lm)