By the time verse 57 is spoken, the poet has regained his confidence that God has heard him, and he is no longer conscious of a barrier blocking his prayers, as he was in verse 44.

Thou didst come near: come near translates a verb meaning approach, advance, and so suggests coming close in distance or space from the speaker’s point of view. A parallel usage is found in Psalm 145.18: “The LORD is near to all who call upon him.” Good News Translation translates “You answered me,” which gives the meaning. When translates what is literally “in the day.”

Most translations accept Do not fear as direct address. In verses 56 and 57, as at many other places where direct discourse may be used, the translator must decide if direct or indirect speech is the more natural. Some languages, particularly with verbs of communication, show a preference for direct speech. Where the language accepts both, the translator must decide which form is better, on the basis of style and impact on the reader.

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 .