Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli. New Living Translation Our princes once glowed with health— brighter than snow, whiter than milk. Their faces were as ruddy as rubies, their appearance like fine jewels. English Standard Version Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, the beauty of their form was like sapphire. Berean Standard Bible Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires. King James Bible Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: New King James Version Her Nazirites were brighter than snow And whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Like sapphire in their appearance. New American Standard Bible Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They shined more than milk; They were more ruddy in body than pearls of coral, Their form was like lapis lazuli. NASB 1995 Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli. NASB 1977 Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli. Legacy Standard Bible Her Nazirites were purer than snow; They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli. Amplified Bible Her princes were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk [in appearance]; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli (sapphire). Christian Standard Bible Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, their appearance like lapis lazuli. Holman Christian Standard Bible Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, their appearance like sapphire. American Standard Version Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire. Contemporary English Version The leaders of Jerusalem were purer than snow and whiter than milk; their bodies were healthy and glowed like jewels. English Revised Version Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire: GOD'S WORD® Translation Zion's princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk. Their bodies were more pink than coral. Their hair was like sapphires. Good News Translation Our princes were undefiled and pure as snow, vigorous and strong, glowing with health. International Standard Version Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk. Their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their beards like the color of precious stones. NET Bible Her consecrated ones were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies more ruddy than corals, their hair like lapis lazuli. New Heart English Bible Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance was like lapis lazuli. Webster's Bible Translation Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHer dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires. World English Bible Her nobles were purer than snow. They were whiter than milk. They were more ruddy in body than rubies. Their polishing was like sapphire. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionPurer were her Nazarites than snow, "" Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, "" Of sapphire their form. Young's Literal Translation Purer were her Nazarites than snow, Whiter than milk, ruddier of body than rubies, Of sapphire their form. Smith's Literal Translation Her consecrated ones were pure above snow, they were white above milk, they were red of body above pearls, their figure sapphire: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleZain. Her Nazarites were whiter than snow, purer than milk, more ruddy than the old ivory, fairer than the sapphire. Catholic Public Domain Version ZAIN. Her Nazirites were whiter than snow, shinier than milk, more ruddy than ancient ivory, more beautiful than sapphire. New American Bible Her princes were brighter than snow, whiter than milk, Their bodies more ruddy than coral, their beauty like the sapphire. New Revised Standard Version Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, their hair like sapphire. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHer Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; their cheeks were more ruddy than rubies, and their form more beautiful than sapphires. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Zayin Her Nazarites were purer than snow and they were whiter than the milk of their flocks. Their bones are more red than red sardius, and their bodies are of sapphire OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Her princes were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk, They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Their polishing was as of sapphire; Brenton Septuagint Translation ZAIN. Her Nazarites were made purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were purified as with fire, their polishing was superior to sapphire stone. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Distress of Zion…6The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her. 7Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires. 8But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.… Cross References Song of Solomon 5:10 My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. Daniel 1:15 And at the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. 1 Samuel 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. Job 29:14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. Matthew 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Revelation 7:14 “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Acts 6:15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Matthew 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. Mark 9:3 His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. Luke 9:29 And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. Genesis 39:6 So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Treasury of Scripture Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: Nazarites Numbers 6:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: Judges 13:5,7 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines… Judges 16:17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. purer 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 144:12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: their polishing. Jump to Previous Appearance Beauty Bodies Body Brighter Cleaner Consecrated Coral Corals Figure Form Holy Milk Nazarites Nobles Ones Polishing Princes Purer Rubies Ruddy Sapphire Snow WhiterJump to Next Appearance Beauty Bodies Body Brighter Cleaner Consecrated Coral Corals Figure Form Holy Milk Nazarites Nobles Ones Polishing Princes Purer Rubies Ruddy Sapphire Snow WhiterLamentations 4 1. Zion bewails her pitiful estate13. She confesses her sins 21. Edom is threatened and Zion comforted. Her dignitaries were brighter than snow This phrase highlights the former glory and purity of Jerusalem's leaders. Snow, often used in Scripture to symbolize purity (Isaiah 1:18), suggests their moral and spiritual integrity before the fall. The leaders were once esteemed and respected, reflecting the nation's covenant relationship with God. This imagery contrasts sharply with their current state of degradation due to sin and judgment. whiter than milk their bodies were more ruddy than rubies their appearance like sapphires Persons / Places / Events 1. Dignitaries of ZionThe verse refers to the leaders or nobles of Jerusalem, who were once esteemed and held in high regard. 2. Jerusalem The city of Jerusalem is the backdrop for the lament, representing the heart of Judah and the center of Jewish worship and culture. 3. The Fall of Jerusalem The context of Lamentations is the aftermath of the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal event in Jewish history. Teaching Points The Fleeting Nature of Earthly GloryThe dignitaries' former beauty and splendor serve as a reminder that earthly status and appearance are temporary and can be lost due to sin and judgment. The Consequences of Sin The contrast between the dignitaries' past and present state highlights the severe consequences of turning away from God and the resulting judgment. The Call to Repentance and Restoration The imagery of purity and beauty can inspire believers to seek spiritual renewal and restoration through repentance and faith in Christ. The Value of Inner Beauty While the dignitaries were once admired for their outward appearance, true beauty in God's eyes is found in a heart devoted to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Lamentations 4:7?2. How does Lamentations 4:7 illustrate the consequences of turning away from God? 3. What can we learn about God's judgment from Lamentations 4:7's description? 4. How does Lamentations 4:7 connect to the theme of purity in Scripture? 5. How can we apply Lamentations 4:7 to maintain spiritual purity today? 6. What does Lamentations 4:7 teach about the fleeting nature of earthly beauty? 7. What does Lamentations 4:7 reveal about the historical context of Jerusalem's suffering? 8. How does Lamentations 4:7 reflect the theme of lost glory and beauty? 9. Why are the Nazarites described as "purer than snow" in Lamentations 4:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Lamentations 4? 11. (Lamentations 4:7) Does describing princes as “purer than snow” reflect actual historical reality or poetic exaggeration? 12. What do colors symbolize in the Bible? 13. Does the harsh divine reaction in Numbers 12:9-10 conflict with other biblical portrayals of God's mercy, suggesting an inconsistency in the text's depiction of God's character? 14. If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)? What Does Lamentations 4:7 Mean Her dignitaries were brighter than snowThe verse first paints a picture of Judah’s leading men—once easily recognized for lives that were as conspicuous in purity as new-fallen snow. • Purity: Snow signals spotless cleanness (Psalm 51:7, “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow”). • Visibility: Their godly reputation stood out in the city just as snow reflects sunlight (Daniel 12:3; Matthew 5:14-16). • Literal memory: Before the siege, these nobles actually looked healthy, well-groomed, and dignified; Jeremiah recalls it so no one forgets how far they have now fallen (see the stark contrast in Lamentations 4:8). whiter than milk Milk adds the idea of nourishment and untainted freshness. • Wholeness: “His teeth whiter than milk” (Genesis 49:12) celebrated complete well-being; so with Jerusalem’s leaders. • Life-giving influence: Just as milk sustains an infant (1 Peter 2:2), their former leadership once sustained the people with righteous counsel. • Moral unblemishedness: Their decisions were expected to be unadulterated by corruption or idolatry (Proverbs 16:12). their bodies were more ruddy than rubies A healthy, red complexion spoke of vigor and priceless worth. • Robust health: David was described as “ruddy, with a handsome appearance” (1 Samuel 16:12). These men likewise radiated vitality. • Rare value: Rubies symbolized something almost beyond price (Proverbs 3:15). Jerusalem’s nobles had been regarded as treasures among God’s people. • Covenant blessing: Good health had been promised for obedience (Deuteronomy 7:15); their former ruddy glow testified that God’s favor had once rested on them. their appearance like sapphires Sapphire imagery lifts the description to regal and even heavenly beauty. • Royal dignity: Thrones are pictured as sapphire in Ezekiel 1:26, pointing to majesty. • Heavenly reflection: Under God’s feet was “something like a pavement of sapphire” (Exodus 24:10), so these men once mirrored heavenly standards on earth. • Deep, enduring worth: The rich blue of sapphire suggests depth and constancy, qualities leadership should embody (1 Corinthians 15:58). summary Lamentations 4:7 looks back to a time when Judah’s leaders literally shone with health, moral integrity, and God-given honor—pure as snow, nourishing as milk, vibrant as rubies, majestic as sapphires. The vivid memories heighten the tragedy that follows in verse 8, where sin and judgment leave them unrecognizable. The verse therefore reminds us that righteous standing before God is both visible and precious—and that turning from Him swiftly erodes even the brightest glory. (7) Her Nazarites . . .--The word has been rendered "princes" by some commentators, on the ground that it means literally those who are "separated" from their brethren (Genesis 49:26; Deuteronomy 33:16), whether by rank or by the vows of consecration. There is no reason, however, for abandoning the rendering of the Authorised version. The reference to the Nazarites in Amos 2:11-12 shows that they were prominent as a body during the history of the monarchy, and the drift of Jeremiah's mind, as seen in his admiration of the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35), shows that he was likely to think of them with reverence. The temperance, purity, cleanliness of such a body seem to have made them conspicuous among their fellows for an almost angelic beauty. (Comp. the interesting parallel of Daniel 1:15.) They had the red and white complexion which was in the East the ideal of comeliness (1Samuel 17:42; Song Song of Solomon 5:10). Their "polishing" (better, their form) was faultless, like that of a well cut sapphire. For "rubies" read coral. . . . Verse 7. - Her Nazarites; rather, her eminent ones (just as Joseph is called n'zir ekhav,"eminent among his brethren"). The rendering of the Authorized Version is lexically possible, but is intrinsically improbable. The Nazarites constituted too small a portion of the Jewish people to receive so prominent a place in the elegy. Rubies; rather, corals. Their polishing was of sapphire; literally, their shape was (like) a sapphire. But the point in which the sapphire is compared to the bodies of the princes is evidently not the outline of its form, but its gleaming brilliant appearance; so that the Authorized Version is substantially correct.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Her dignitariesנְזִירֶ֙יהָ֙ (nə·zî·re·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 5139: Nazirite -- one consecrated, devoted were brighter זַכּ֤וּ (zak·kū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2141: To be bright, clean or pure than snow, מִשֶּׁ֔לֶג (miš·še·leḡ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7950: Snow whiter צַח֖וּ (ṣa·ḥū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6705: To glare, be dazzling white than milk; מֵחָלָ֑ב (mê·ḥā·lāḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2461: Milk their bodies עֶ֙צֶם֙ (‘e·ṣem) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame were more ruddy אָ֤דְמוּ (’ā·ḏə·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 119: Flush, turn rosy than rubies, מִפְּנִינִ֔ים (mip·pə·nî·nîm) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6443: A pearl their appearance גִּזְרָתָֽם׃ (giz·rā·ṯām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1508: The figure, person, an inclosure like sapphires. סַפִּ֖יר (sap·pîr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5601: A gem, the sapphire Links Lamentations 4:7 NIVLamentations 4:7 NLT Lamentations 4:7 ESV Lamentations 4:7 NASB Lamentations 4:7 KJV Lamentations 4:7 BibleApps.com Lamentations 4:7 Biblia Paralela Lamentations 4:7 Chinese Bible Lamentations 4:7 French Bible Lamentations 4:7 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow they (Lam. 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