14 They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.
English Standard Version
14 They wandered, blind, through the streets; they were so defiled with blood that no one was able to touch their garments.
The Message
14 These prophets and priests blindly grope their way through the streets, grimy and stained from their dirty lives, Wasted by their wasted lives, shuffling from fatigue, dressed in rags.
New King James Version
14 They wandered blind in the streets; They have defiled themselves with blood, So that no one would touch their garments.
New Living Translation
14 They wandered blindly through the streets, so defiled by blood that no one dared touch them.
Nothing ripens a people more for ruin, nor fills the measure faster, than the sins of priests and prophets. The king himself cannot escape, for Divine vengeance pursues him. Our anointed King alone is the life of our souls; we may safely live under his shadow, and rejoice in Him in the midst of our enemies, for He is the true God and eternal life.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 4:14
Commentary on Lamentations 4:13-20
(Read Lamentations 4:13-20)
Nothing ripens a people more for ruin, nor fills the measure faster, than the sins of priests and prophets. The king himself cannot escape, for Divine vengeance pursues him. Our anointed King alone is the life of our souls; we may safely live under his shadow, and rejoice in Him in the midst of our enemies, for He is the true God and eternal life.