Lam 3:19 | TNotes | STEP | 3:19 is bitter beyond words (or is wormwood and gall ): Wormwood is a plant with a bitter taste; here it represents the emotional intensity of inner agony (Prov 5:4 ; Rev 8:11 ). Gall is a poisonous plant that causes severe physical pain if eaten; it is a powerful symbol for extremely stressful emotions (Deut 29:18 ; Ps 69:21 ). The author seems to be at a dead end from which he cannot escape.

bProv 5:4►

cRev 8:11►

dDeut 29:18►

ePs 69:21►

‏ Lamentations 3:19

3:19 ^a is bitter beyond words (or is wormwood and gall): Wormwood is a plant with a bitter taste; here it represents the emotional intensity of inner agony (Prov 5:4 ^b; Rev 8:11 ^c). Gall is a poisonous plant that causes severe physical pain if eaten; it is a powerful symbol for extremely stressful emotions (Deut 29:18 ^d; Ps 69:21 ^e). The author seems to be at a dead end from which he cannot escape.