It may be that there is a connection in the poet’s mind between the political alliances with Egypt and Assyria in verse 6 and the recollection of the sins of bygone fathers in this verse. Those belonging to a previous generation had sinned but were no longer alive to suffer for their sins. So, in accordance with the principles expressed in Exodus 20.5, their descendants were suffering for their sins.

In the light of Exodus 20.5; Jeremiah 16.10-13; 31.29-30; and Ezekiel 18, it is unlikely that the fathers are the immediate fathers of the survivors, who were either killed or are now in exile in Babylonia, although this cannot be ruled out. Most likely Our fathers means “Our ancestors” (Good News Translation), those who lived before us. And are no more is a phrase which means they are no longer living, or they are now dead.

Bear their iniquities means “bear the burden of their sins” or “suffer the punishment for their sins.” In some languages it may be necessary to say, for example, “We suffer now because they sinned” or “They sinned and now we suffer because of their sins.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on Lamentations. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .