Who’s Is?

Of what can any living mortal, or any man, complain in view of his sins?   Lamentations 3:39  NASB

Living mortal/ man – On the face of it, this translation doesn’t make a lot of sense.  Do the terms for “living mortal” and “man” delineate two different classes of being?  If they do, as suggested by the “or,” then what are these two groups?  Aren’t “living mortals” also “men”?  Do we have two different classifications of sinners?  The problem with this translation is the introduction of the word “or.”  It isn’t in the Hebrew text.  Here’s the Chabad translation:

Why should a living man complain? A man for his sins. 

Notice that without the “or” we have two related thoughts about the same subject, namely, all living persons.  The second phrase is typical Hebrew, repeating the initial idea for emphasis.  But perhaps there’s a bit more to this.  Looking at the Hebrew vocabulary we find that the first term, “living mortal” is really ʾādām ḥay, that is, all living persons.  But the second term is different.  It’s geber.  This adds some color to the ubiquitous category “all men.”  geber isn’t just any man.  geber is the strong man, the warrior, the one most expected to be wise, powerful, and true.  “The Hebrew root is commonly associated with warfare and has to do with the strength and vitality of the successful warrior.”^[1]

It is not surprising that in such a society God was often depicted as a warrior. God is the true prototype of the mighty man, and if an earthly warrior’s deeds are recounted, how much more should God’s be. Thus the psalmists recount God’s mighty acts (106:8; 145:4, 11, 12; etc.) and in various places those attributes which a warrior-king might be expected to possess—wisdom, might, counsel and understanding—are attributed par excellence to God (Job 12:13; Prov 8:14). Isaiah (9:6; cf. 10:21) indicates that these will be the attributes of the Coming King, whose name is the Mighty God as well as the Prince of Peace, but he also makes it plain that justice and righteousness will accompany his might (cf. Ps 89:13–14 [H 14–15]).^[2]

In other words, the author of Lamentations is telling the audience that no man has a right to complain to God, not even those who appear to be most God-like.  Perhaps he had the story of Job in mind.  

This brings us to a significant confrontation.  Have you complained?  Have you ever challenged God’s hand among human beings asking for an explanation of apparent injustice?  Have you ever suggested that God is somehow responsible for your suffering—and He needs to do something to fix it!  Complaining is a common behavior.  Maybe it needs to be rethought.

Topical Index: complain, sin, ʾādām ḥay, mankind, geber, warrior, Lamentations 3:39