1. Lamentations 1:9 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What is the meaning of the expression “Her uncleanness was in her skirts”?

Lamentations 1:9 (NEG79)

9 La souillure était dans les pans de sa robe, et elle ne songeait pas à sa fin; Elle est tombée d'une manière étonnante, et nul ne la console. Vois ma misère, ô Eternel! Quelle arrogance chez l'ennemi!

The symbolic language of filth[iness] and nakedness (Lamentations 1:8) continues. This expression indicates a woman’s impurity caused by menstrual blood or uncleanness caused by idolatry and violence (see also Jeremiah 2:22–23,Jeremiah 2:34; Lamentations 4:13–14).1 The impurity clung to her, she cannot get rid of it, and it is out in the open for all to see.2 This expression reiterates the seriousness of Jerusalem’s sin.