OET interlinear LAM 4:17

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-pronouns

עֵינֵ֔י⁠נוּ

eyes_of,our

In this verse, the writer shifts from speaking about the people of Jerusalem in the third person (as in verses 1–16) to speaking in the first-person plural, identifying himself with them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could note this shift or make it natural in your language.

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

עוֹדֵ֙ינוּ֙ תִּכְלֶ֣ינָה עֵינֵ֔י⁠נוּ אֶל

(Some words not found in UHB: עוד,ינה failed eyes_of,our to/towards help_of,our Abel in,watchtower_of,our watched to/towards nation not save )

Here the writer is using Our eyes to represent the act of watching and hoping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [We still grew weary looking for]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

עֶזְרָתֵ֖⁠נוּ הָ֑בֶל

help_of,our Abel

Here the writer is speaking of the help they hoped for as if it were a vapor, something that appears but quickly vanishes. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [our help was worthless] or [our help amounted to nothing]