Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Parallel Translations
| Version | Text |
|---|---|
| KJV | “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” |
| NKJV | “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” |
| CEB | “Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” |
| NLT | “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” |
| ESV | “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” |
| WEB | “It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” |
Summary
In the middle of deep grief over Jerusalem’s destruction, the writer suddenly lifts his eyes to God’s character. These verses proclaim that God’s covenant love and compassion never run out. Each day brings fresh mercy— not because life is easy, but because God’s faithfulness is greater than our failure and suffering.
Immediate Context (Book + Nearby Verses)
- Setting: Lamentations is a collection of poetic laments after the fall of Jerusalem (586 BC), traditionally linked to Jeremiah.
- Nearby flow (3:1–21, 24–33): The speaker describes intense suffering and despair, yet in 3:21–24 he deliberately calls to mind God’s mercy, hope, and faithfulness before reflecting further on waiting and trusting in the Lord.
- Big idea: Even when judgment and loss are overwhelming, God’s covenant love and mercy provide a stubborn, living hope.
Key Terms / Word Study
- Steadfast love / great love (ḥesed): God’s loyal, covenant love; steadfast kindness that He has pledged to His people.
- Compassions (raḥămîm): Deep, tender mercy; often connected to parental or motherly compassion.
- New every morning: God’s mercies are not recycled; they are fresh, timely, and sufficient for each day’s trouble.
- Faithfulness (ʾĕmûnāh): Reliability, firmness, stability; God can be counted on even when everything else feels unstable.
Literary Features
- Acrostic structure: Lamentations 3 is an alphabetic acrostic poem; these verses sit near the center of the chapter, functioning as a turning point from despair to hope.
- Contrast: The darkness and affliction of 3:1–20 are contrasted with God’s unending compassion in 3:22–23.
- Repetition: “Never… never… every morning… great” emphasizes the ongoing, overflowing nature of God’s mercy.
Promise & Condition
- Promise: God’s steadfast love, compassion, and faithfulness do not cease—even in times of discipline and sorrow.
- Condition (implied): To experience hope, we must “call this to mind” (3:21) and anchor our hearts in who God is, not just in what we see.
- Note: This is less a “do this, get that” promise and more a declaration of God’s unchanging character in suffering.
Similar Verses
- Exodus 34:6–7 — The Lord reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, and abounding in love.
- Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
- Psalm 103:8–13 — God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.
- Micah 7:18–19 — God delights to show mercy and cast sins into the depths of the sea.
Cross-References
- Romans 5:8 — God demonstrates His love while we are still sinners.
- Ephesians 2:4–5 — Because of His great love and rich mercy, God makes us alive with Christ.
- 1 John 1:9 — God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse when we confess.
Themes & Doctrine
- God’s mercy is greater than our sin and circumstances.
- Hope can exist in the middle of lament, not just after it.
- God’s faithfulness is daily, continual, and inexhaustible.
Reflection & Application
- Head: What do these verses teach me about God’s character when life feels chaotic?
- Heart: Where do I feel “consumed,” and how can I bring that honestly before God?
- Hands: Each morning this week, pause to thank God for one “new mercy” you notice that day.
Prayer for This Verse
Merciful God, thank You that Your steadfast love never ceases and Your mercies are new every morning. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that I am not consumed, because Your compassion does not fail. Teach me to look for Your fresh mercy today and to rest in Your great faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Quotes by Authors / Ministers
- Matthew Henry: We should notice not only what is against us, but also what is still for us—that we are not consumed, but kept by God’s mercies.
- John Piper: “Today’s mercies are not designed to carry tomorrow’s burdens… today’s mercies are for today’s burdens.”
- Thomas O. Chisholm (via hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”): “Morning by morning new mercies I see.”
YouTube Sermons / Devotionals
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Lamentations 3:22–31 – Skip Heitzig Expository teaching on God’s faithfulness in this passage.
- What Lamentations 3:22–23 Means: His Mercies Are New Every Morning Short devotional on how these verses apply to daily life.
- God’s Faithfulness | Lamentations 3:22–23 Message focused on God’s unchanging faithfulness amid our failures.
- Great Is Your Faithfulness – Lamentations 3:22–23 Encouragement centered on the “great is Your faithfulness” refrain.
Voices from the Church
- Traditional note: Many study Bibles point out that this brief confession of hope sits like a bright jewel in the middle of intense lament, showing that faith can cling to God’s mercy even when circumstances look hopeless.
- Pastoral reflection: In seasons of discipline or loss, these verses invite us to rehearse God’s character out loud until hope begins to rise again.
Notes & FAQs
- Common Question: How can these hopeful words be true in such a dark book?
– Answer: They don’t deny the pain; they declare that pain is not the whole story. God’s mercy runs underneath and beyond the suffering. - Translation Note: Different versions bring out nuances of ḥesed as “great love,” “steadfast love,” “faithful love,” or “lovingkindness,” all highlighting God’s loyal covenant care.
- Pastoral Caution: Quoting this verse to others requires gentleness; it is meant to comfort the suffering, not to minimize their pain.
Resources
- Related Studies: Psalm 30:5, Psalm 103:8–13, Micah 7:18–19
- Recommended Reading: Devotional works or commentaries that focus on God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Romans 8:28 Iris Watercolor – Purpose & Promise Collection Beautiful faith-inspired designs from Our Bible Journey
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