Matthew Poole and continuators on Lamentations 3:39

39 Wherefore doth a living man complain ? a man for the punishment of his sins ?

This verse admits of various senses, caused from the various interpretation of the Hebrew word which we translate complain, which also signifies to mourn or grieve, so some render it; why doth a living man grieve or vex himself? but the word is noted most generally to signifie complaining or murmuring.

The word also which we translate Sin, sometimes signifieth that oblique act which we call sin; and those who interpret the former word grieve or vex, thus understand the word translated sin, supplying some such words as these, Let him mourn for his sin? why doth he mourn for his afflictions and plagues, let him rather spend his Tears upon his sins. But the word also signifies the guilt of sin, or obligation to death, which it layeth men under, sin lieth at the door, Gen. 4.7. so also Gen. 20.9. and also any punishment brought upon men for sin, Gen. 4.13. where we translate it punishment. This sense our translators follow. The Prophet then in the person of the Iews, checks himself in his complaints for their punishments from the consideration, that nothing had befallen them, but what was the just reward of their sins.

Marginal references: Prov. 19.3.; Or, murmur.