How is the result of Jerusalem’s sin described?

The word therefore points to the consequence of her sin. It can also be translated as on account of that. The result of Jerusalem’s sin is described in the remainder of Lamentations 1:8. There are mainly two consequences described further in the verse: She became (1) filthy and (2) despise[d].

1. The expression she became filthy means that she became and remained impure. This impurity can signify a few things:

1. The menstrual impurity of women as described in Leviticus 12:1–8 and Leviticus 25:1–55.

2. From the root of this word, it may also mean, she wanders.

3. When the expression turns her face away is taken into account, it may mean that she has become a mockery, an object of derision.

4. The filthiness may also refer to sexual impurity and immorality. This idea connects to the reference to her nakedness later in the verse.

The option of mockery refers to the previous verse, while the option of impurity (a & d) refers to the description following, which makes it more probable.¹ Jerusalem is personified as an unclean woman, which is connected to the second description, namely, of her being despised.

2. Because of her sin, all who honoured her previously now despise her. The expression they have seen her nakedness is an expression of utter contempt for Jerusalem. Exposure of one’s naked body was, especially to the ancient Israelites, an immeasurable shame (see Ezekiel 16:37; Hosea 2:3). Therefore, Jerusalem groans and turns her face away. There is nothing else that she can do. The overall idea is that of utter shame brought upon the land and its people because of their sin against God.