Translation commentary on Lamentations 3:32

Though he cause grief: that is, “He may cause someone to suffer” or “… bring people sorrow.” The positive side of his character is he will have compassion, that is, “He will be merciful.” (This is the expression Good News Translation has transferred to verse 31.)

According to the abundance must often be expressed as a clause of reason; for example, “because his steadfast love is so great…” or “because he loves people so much….” For steadfast love see the discussion in verse 22.

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Lamentations 3:32

3:32a Even if He causes grief,

He/Yahweh might bring suffering.
-or-
Even if he makes us suffer (God’s Word)

3:32b He will show compassion

But he will also show loving concern. (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
he will have compassion, (God’s Word)

3:32c according to His abundant loving devotion.

How great his faithful love is! (NIRV)
-or-
because his steadfast love is so great.

3:32a-c (combined)

He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong. (GNTD)

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