In biblical literature, the term "plaint" refers to a lamentation or expression of sorrow, often articulated in the form of a complaint or plea to God. This concept is deeply rooted in the human experience of suffering and the quest for divine intervention or understanding. The plaint is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the struggles and faith of God's people.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament is replete with examples of plaints, particularly in the Psalms, where the psalmists frequently pour out their hearts to God in times of distress. These plaints often begin with a cry for help, followed by a description of the sufferer's plight, and conclude with an expression of trust in God's deliverance. For instance, in Psalm 142:1-2 , David writes, "I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him."

The Book of Job is another profound example of plaint in the Old Testament. Job's dialogues with his friends and his direct appeals to God are filled with expressions of anguish and confusion over his undeserved suffering. Job 7:11 captures this sentiment: "Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul."

Prophetic Literature

The prophets also employ plaints as they grapple with the sins of Israel and the impending judgments of God. The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, is a series of plaintive poems mourning the destruction of Jerusalem. Lamentations 3:39-40 reflects this tone: "Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of plaint is less prominent but still present. The Gospels record moments of Jesus expressing sorrow and lament, particularly over the spiritual state of Jerusalem. In Matthew 23:37 , Jesus laments, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!"

The Apostle Paul also touches on the theme of plaint in his epistles, acknowledging the sufferings of believers and encouraging them to find solace in Christ. In Romans 8:22-23 , Paul writes, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

Theological Significance

The plaint serves as a vital component of the biblical narrative, illustrating the depth of human emotion and the complexity of the relationship between God and His people. It underscores the reality of suffering in a fallen world while simultaneously pointing to the hope and redemption found in God's promises. Through plaints, believers are reminded of the importance of bringing their burdens before the Lord, trusting in His ultimate justice and mercy.1. (n.) Audible expression of sorrow; lamentation; complaint; hence, a mournful song; a lament.

2. (n.) An accusation or protest on account of an injury.

3. (n.) A private memorial tendered to a court, in which a person sets forth his cause of action; the exhibiting of an action in writing.

That a Very Contemplative List not Meddle Him with Active Life ...
... travail by herself, she sat full still and answered not with one word, nor shewed
not as much as a grumbling gesture against her sister for any plaint that she ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the seventeenth chapter.htm

Introduction.
... of many chords, through which the breath of God murmured, drawing forth wailing
and rejoicing, the clear ring of triumphant trust, the low plaint of penitence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

To the Honourable Mr Yorke.
... And hides behind its ardour to be seen. When in his courtiers' ears I pour
my plaint, 60. They drink it as the nectar of the great; ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the honourable mr yorke.htm

The Poets
... Thus: O dark, dark, dark, I still must say. Amid the blaze of gospel day,. is a
reminiscence of the wonderful plaint of the blinded giant in Samson Agonistes: ...
/.../the hymns of methodism in their literary relations/chapter iii the poets.htm

Chastisements.
... The sensitive nature of the psalmist winces under their heartless desertion
of him, and pours out its plaint in this pathetic lament. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... He pours out first his plaint of the foes, who are described as "many," and as saying
that, "There is no help for him in God," words which fully correspond to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

Other Arts Made Subservient to Idolatry. Lawful Means of Gaining a ...
... Pro Archia, i. tom. xp 10. Ed. Paris, 1817.]. [205] Qu??stum. Another reading
is "questum," which would require us to translate "plaint.". ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter viii other arts made subservient.htm

The Master.
... In that maiden's breast Sorrow and loneliness sank darkly down, Though the
blanch'd lips breathed out no boisterous plaint Of common grief.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/x the master.htm

Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. )
... The first verses are in curious parallel to Tchekov's remarkable plaint about his
own people and "the Russian disease" as he calls their failing: "Why do we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 oracles on the edge.htm

By Thine Own Hand the Gift was Given
... And from my Father's house I turned. II. O, hear my plaint, I cry to Thee; Be
pitiful, and pardon me,. For I have sinned; O, give me grace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns from the east/by thine own hand the.htm

Plaint (5 Occurrences)
... an action in writing. Multi-Version Concordance Plaint (5 Occurrences).
Psalms 55:2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in ...
/p/plaint.htm - 8k

Plains (31 Occurrences)

/p/plains.htm - 16k

Wander (43 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and
answer me: I wander about in my plaint, and I moan aloud, (DBY). ...
/w/wander.htm - 19k

Plaister (4 Occurrences)

/p/plaister.htm - 8k

Aloud (141 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and answer me:
I wander about in my plaint, and I moan aloud, (DBY). Psalms ...
/a/aloud.htm - 34k

Feeble (147 Occurrences)
... spirit. Selah. (YLT). Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted when he is feeble,
and before Jehovah poureth out his plaint. O Jehovah ...
/f/feeble.htm - 38k

Hosea (6 Occurrences)
... Instead of laying out his plaint in measured form, he ejaculates it in short, sharp
sentences, as the stabs of his people's sin pierce his heart. ...
/h/hosea.htm - 43k

Plaint: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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