Jeremiah

Jeremiah front

Introduction to Jeremiah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Jeremiah

Yahweh calls Jeremiah to be a prophet (1:1-19)
Yahweh will judge and punish Judah (2:1-29:32)
- Judah called to repent of spiritual adultery (2:1–6:30)
- Judah judged for its false religion (7:1–10:16)
- Jeremiah stands between Yahweh and his people (11:1–20:19)
- Jeremiah confronts his people (21:1–29:32)
Yahweh promises to restore Judah (30:1-33:26)
- Yahweh will bring the people of Judah back to their land (30:1–24)
- Yahweh will create a new covenant with them (31:1–40)
- The people will come back (32:1–44)
- Kings descended from David will rule again (33:1–26)
Jeremiah suffers (34:1-45:5)
- Before Yahweh punishes Judah (34:1–36:32)
- While Yahweh punishes Judah (37:1–39:18)
- After Yahweh punishes Judah (40:1–45:5)
Yahweh will judge and punish the nations (46:1-51:64)
- Egypt (46:1–28)
- Philistia (47:1–28)
- Moab (48:1–47)
- Ammon (49:1–6)
- Edom (49:7–22)
- Damascus (49:23–27)
- Kedar (49:28–33)
- Elam (49:34–39)
- Babylonia (50:1–51:64)
Jerusalem captured and destroyed (52:1–34)

What is the Book of Jeremiah about?

The Book of Jeremiah gives the prophesies of a priest named Jeremiah. It also tells how Jeremiah suffered in different ways while he prophesied.

Jeremiah began prophesying about 626 B.C. After the death of King Josiah, many groups of people in Israel opposed Jeremiah. Some of these people wanted to depend on Egypt to protect the nation. Others were idol worshipers. They hated Jeremiah for denouncing their gods. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

During the reign of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah prophesied about the temple of Yahweh. King Jehoiakim received some of these prophecies in writing and burned the document. The next king, Zedekiah, put Jeremiah in prison when he told the king to surrender to Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia invaded Judah in 597 B.C. He conquered Jerusalem in 587 B.C. He offered Jeremiah housing and money if Jeremiah would go to Babylon. But Jeremiah remained in Jerusalem to help the few Jews left there.

Shortly after that, Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar had chosen to be governor over Judah, was murdered. Some Jewish rebels captured Jeremiah and took him to Egypt. Those rebels went to Egypt to be protected there rather than to live under Nebuchadnezzar’s rule. Jeremiah may have died soon after being taken to Egypt. But while in Egypt he prophesied that the Babylonians would invade and conquer Egypt.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The traditional title of this book is “The Book of Jeremiah” or just “Jeremiah.” Translators may also call it the “The Book about Jeremiah” or “What the Prophet Jeremiah Said.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Book of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah was a priest and a prophet living in Judah. He spoke the prophesies in the Book of Jeremiah. A friend named Baruch wrote down many of the prophecies as Jeremiah spoke them to him.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the new covenant that is presented in the Book of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah introduced a “new covenant” between Yahweh and Israel (chapter 31). Yahweh would “write this covenant on the hearts” of the people. This means that the covenant would be a part of the people instead of just written on stone or paper. The people would obey the new covenant with all their heart. (See: covenant)

What relationship do Jeremiah’s prophecies have to the other nations besides Israel?

Much of the Old Testament before this time is only about the nation of Israel. But Jeremiah also spoke of how Yahweh would judge other nations of the world. Yahweh would also punish the other nations for their wicked deeds. (See: judge, judgment and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Are the events in the Book of Jeremiah told in the order that they actually happened?

Many of the events in the Book of Jeremiah are not told in the order that they actually happened. Instead, the various prophecies appear to be arranged by topic.

Why does the Book of Jeremiah refer to this prophet as “he” or “him”?

Many times in the book, the author refers to Jeremiah as “Jeremiah” or “he.” This is unusual if Jeremiah wrote the book. The reason this occurs is perhaps because Baruch, Jeremiah’s secretary, wrote down some parts of the book. Translators should keep the words “Jeremiah” and “he.”

Jeremiah 1

Jeremiah 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:4-10.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jeremiah appointed as prophet

God chose Jeremiah to be his prophet and although many powerful people would be against him, God promised to protect him. This chapter emphasizes that Jeremiah was chosen by God to be his prophet. (See: appoint, appointed, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and promise, promised)

Northern kingdom

This was not a reference to the northern kingdom of Israel; it had already been conquered. It was a reference to a kingdom located north of Judah, that is, to Babylon. The Babylonian armies would attack Judah and conquer it.

Opposition

The people were supposed to listen to God’s prophet. When he prophesied, they should have repented. Instead, they persecuted Jeremiah. (See: repent, repentance)

Jeremiah 1:1

Alternate translation: “Jeremiah son of Hilkiah. Jeremiah was one of the priests”

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the land that belongs to the tribe of Benjamin”

Jeremiah 1:2

This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to him. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave messages to him” or “Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Here “in the days of” is an idiom that refers to the time when a king reigned. Alternate translation: “when Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah” (See: Idiom)

The word “thirteenth” is the ordinal form of “13.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Josiah’s reign”

Jeremiah 1:3

The word “eleventh” is the ordinal form of “11.”(See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “The word of Yahweh also came”

Here “in the days of” is an idiom that refers to the time when a king reigned. Alternate translation: “when Johoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah” (See: Idiom)

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of July and the first part of August on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This refers to the rule of Zedekiah. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the reign of Zedekiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It can be stated clearly that they were taken to Babylon. Alternate translation: “when the army of Babylon took the people of Jerusalem away as prisoners” or “when the army of Babylon took the people of Jerusalem as prisoners to Babylon” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 1:4

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 1:5

Alternate translation: “shaped you”

This can also be expressed without referring to the womb. Alternate translation: “before you were born”

Jeremiah 1:6

Here “Ah” shows Jeremiah’s fear of doing what God has said.

Jeremiah may have been exaggerating to show his fear of speaking in public. Alternate translation: “I do not know how to speak in public” or “I do not know how to make announcements to people” (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 1:8

Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of the people I will send you to speak to”

The word “this” refers to what Yahweh just said in verses 7 and 8.

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 1:9

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor representing Yahweh giving Jeremiah special authority to speak. Alternate translation: “Then it was as though Yahweh touched my mouth” or (2) Jeremiah was seeing a vision and Yahweh actually did this as a symbolic act of giving Jeremiah authority to speak. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh touched my mouth with his hand” (See: Metaphor and Symbolic Action)

This phrase represents giving Jeremiah his message. Alternate translation: “I have given you my message for you to speak to the people” or “I have enabled you to tell the people my message” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 1:10

Jeremiah would do these things to various nations by saying that they would happen.

He would uproot, break down, destroy and overthrow some nations, and he would build and plant other nations.

God speaks of Jeremiah destroying the nations by what he says as if the nations were plants and he were to pull them up out of the ground. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah uses these words, which mean almost the same thing, to show that this will certainly happen. (See: Doublet)

God speaks of Jeremiah causing nations to become strong as if they were a building and he would build them, and as if they were plants and he would plant them. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 1:11

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said, ‘What” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me: ‘What” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh shows Jeremiah a spiritual vision.

An almond tree is a kind of nut tree. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Jeremiah 1:12

This represents guaranteeing that he will do what he has said. Alternate translation: “I am remembering my word to carry it out” or “I guarantee that I will do what I have said” (See: Metaphor)

The Hebrew words for “almond” and “watch over” sound almost the same. God wants Jeremiah to remember that God will make his word succeed.

Jeremiah 1:13

The idiom “The word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message a second time. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this second message to me” (See: Idiom)

The surface refers to the surface of the water in the pot. Jeremiah could see the water boiling. Alternate translation: “whose water is boiling” (See: Metonymy)

This means that it was tipping toward the south, where Jeremiah was in Judah.

Jeremiah 1:14

“Disaster will be let loose from the north.” This represents God causing disaster to come from the north to the south. Alternate translation: “Disaster will come from the north” or “I will send disaster from the north” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 1:15

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah about the disaster that would come from the north.

This generalization refers to the kings of the northern kingdoms. Alternate translation: “every king” or “all of the northern kings” (See: Hyperbole)

This could mean: (1) this represents ruling over Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “will rule at the gates of Jerusalem” or (2) this represents judging Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “will judge Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

Setting their thrones “against all the walls that surround it” represents commanding their armies to destroy the walls surrounding Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “and they will command their armies to destroy the walls surrounding Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Setting their thrones “against all the cities of Judah” represents commanding their armies to destroy all the cities of Judah. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 1:16

Alternate translation: “I will announce how I will punish them”

Alternate translation: “I will pronounce sentence against the people of Judah”

Since the people had made the idols with their own hands, they should have known that the idols are not worthy of worship.

Jeremiah 1:17

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah.

Here “be shattered” represents being extremely afraid, and “shatter” represents causing Jeremiah to be extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “Do not be terrified … I will terrify you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 1:18

Alternate translation: “Pay attention!”

Being strong like these things represents being confident and unchanging in saying what God had told him to say. Alternate translation: “I have made you strong against the whole land like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls” (See: Metaphor)

These were the strongest materials known at that time. (See: Metaphor)

This represents all the people of the land. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 1:19

This refers to the people of Judah.

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 2

Jeremiah 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 2:1-31.

The prophecy revealed to Jeremiah is recorded in 2:1-3:5. Despite covering more than one chapter, this should be seen as one unit. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and reveal, revealed, revelation)

Special concepts in this chapter

The people refuse to learn

The people worshiped other gods, particularly the fertility gods of Baal and Ashtoreth. Even when the nation was punished, the people did not learn. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Israel is compared to a female camel or a wild donkey for being unstable and lustful. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 2:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 2:2

Alternate translation: “Go and speak where the people in Jerusalem can hear you”

Alternate translation: “I remember about you”

The abstract nouns “faithfulness,” “youthfulness” and “love” can be expressed with the adjectives “faithful” and “young,” and the verb “love.” Alternate translation: “how, when you were young, you were faithful to our covenant, and how you loved me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

God speaks of his relationship with the people of Israel as though they had been engaged to be married. Alternate translation: “when we first agreed that we would marry each other” (See: Metaphor)

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “the land where no one had sown seed” or “the land where no food was growing” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 2:3

God speaks of Israel as if they were an offering dedicated to God. Alternate translation: “like the firstfruits of his harvest” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of those who attacked Israel as if they were eating the offering that was set apart for God. Alternate translation: “All who attacked Israel were held guilty like people who ate from the first fruits of his harvest” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “came upon them” is a metaphor for happened to them. Alternate translation: “Disasters happened to them” or “I made terrible things happen to them” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 2:4

Jacob and Israel were two names for one man, and these two phrases refer to the same group of people. Alternate translation: “all you descendants of Jacob” (See: Parallelism)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Jacob’s descendants. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants, who had become the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 2:5

Yahweh uses these questions to say that since he has done no wrong, his people should not have rejected him and worshiped idols. Alternate translation: “I did nothing wrong to your forefathers, so they should not have gone far from following me, and they should not have gone after useless idols. By doing that they themselves have become useless!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This represents rejecting God and refusing to be loyal to him. Alternate translation: “they rejected me” (See: Metaphor)

This represents choosing to be loyal to idols and worship them. Alternate translation: “they worshiped useless idols” (See: Metaphor)

idols that people can use for nothing good. The translation should not make people think that there are some idols that are useful.

Jeremiah 2:6

It is implied that they should have said what follows. Alternate translation: “They should have said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This rhetorical question would have been used to show the people’s need of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “We need Yahweh. He is the one who brought us … Egypt.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This rhetorical question would have been used to show the people’s need of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “We need Yahweh. He is the one who led us … lives.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

A “land of drought” is a land that does not have enough water. Here “deep darkness” is a metaphor for danger. Alternate translation: “a dangerous land where there is not enough water” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 2:7

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “you sinned and made the land I gave you disgusting to me!” (See: Parallelism)

Here “defiled” represents making the land unacceptable to God. They did this by sinning against him there when they worshiped idols. Alternate translation: “by sinning, you made my land no good” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “you made my inheritance disgusting by your sin” or “by sinning, you made my inheritance repulsive”

This could mean: (1) God is speaking of his land as if he had inherited it. Alternate translation: “my land” or (2) God is speaking of the land he gave to Israel as if he had given it to them as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “the land I gave you” or “the land I gave you as an inheritance” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 2:8

This question would have shown that they wanted to obey Yahweh. Alternate translation: “We need to obey Yahweh!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “were not committed to me” or “rejected me”

The leaders are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people who followed them were sheep. Alternate translation: “Their leaders sinned against me” (See: Metaphor)

Here “walked after” represents obeying or worshiping. Alternate translation: “obeyed unprofitable things” or “worshiped unprofitable things” (See: Metaphor)

Unprofitable things are things that cannot help a person. Here it refers to idols.

Jeremiah 2:9

Alternate translation: “your future generations”

Jeremiah 2:10

Kittim was an island west of Israel. Today it is called Cyprus. It represented all the lands far to the west of Israel. Alternate translation: “go west across the ocean to Kittim” (See: How to Translate Names)

Kedar is the name of a land far to the east of Israel. Alternate translation: “Send messengers far east to the land of Kedar” (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 2:11

God uses this question to tell the people of Israel that other nations continue to worship their own gods. They do not change and worship other gods. Alternate translation: “You will see that no nation has ever exchanged gods … gods.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here God speaks as though he were not speaking directly to his people. Alternate translation: “But you, my people, have exchanged me, your glorious God, for what cannot help you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This expression refers to God himself, who is glorious. Alternate translation: “their glorious God” or “me, your glorious God” (See: Metonymy)

Here false gods are spoken of in terms of what they cannot do. Alternate translation: “for false gods, which cannot help” or “for gods who cannot help” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 2:12

Jeremiah 2:13

God speaks of himself as if he were springs of living waters. Alternate translation: “have abandoned me, their springs of living waters” or “have abandoned me, who is like springs of living water” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of false gods as if they were cisterns that people dig in order to get water. Alternate translation: “have gone to false gods, which are like cisterns they have dug for themselves” (See: Metaphor)

deep holes for storing water

Jeremiah 2:14

Though Yahweh was speaking to the people of Israel, he used the third person as though he were talking to someone else about Israel. Alternate translation: “Israel, are you a slave? Were you born at home? So why have you become plunder?” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Yahweh uses these questions to tell why Israel should not have become plunder. Alternate translation: “Israel is not a slave. Israel was not born at home.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “born in his master’s home” is metonym for being born into slavery. Alternate translation: “Was he born a slave” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses this question to indicate that Israel should not have become plunder. Alternate translation: “So he should not have become plunder.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “become plunder” represents being attacked and taken as captives to another country. Alternate translation: “So why has Israel been taken away as captives” or “So why have Israel’s enemies taken Israel away as captives” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 2:15

God speaks of Israel’s enemies attacking Israel as if the enemies were lions roaring and attacking Israel. (See: Metaphor)

This represents destroying the land in such a way that people will feel horror when they see it. Alternate translation: “destroyed Israel’s land” (See: Metonymy)

A roar is a loud sound that a wild animal makes when it attacks.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They have destroyed Israel’s cities and now no one lives in them” (See: Active or Passive)

people who live in a certain place

Jeremiah 2:16

These are the names of two cities in Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

The Egyptians shaved the head of their slaves to mark them as slaves.

Some versions interpret the Hebrew text as “have cracked your skull.”

Jeremiah 2:17

Yahweh uses this question to remind Israel that it is their own fault that their enemies attacked them. Alternate translation: “You caused this yourselves by abandoning Yahweh your God while he was leading you along the way.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 2:18

Yahweh uses these questions to remind his people that it does not do any good to ask Egypt and Assyria to help them. Alternate translation: “It does not help you to go to Egypt and drink from the waters of the Shihor River, or to go to Assyria and drink from the waters of the Euphrates River.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These are a metaphor for asking the Egyptian and Assyrian armies to help them. Alternate translation: “why ask the Egyptians to help you … Why ask the Assyrians to help you” (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a stream associated with Egypt. It may have been a branch of the Nile River. Some versions call it the Nile. Alternate translation: “the Shihor Stream” or “the Shihor River” or “the Nile River” (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 2:19

Both of these phrases mean that their punishment is the result of their wicked behavior. Alternate translation: “Because you have been wicked and unfaithful, I will punish you” (See: Personification and Parallelism)

Here the word “bitter” describes “wicked.” Alternate translation: “it is bitterly wicked” or “it is extremely wicked” (See: Hendiadys)

Jeremiah 2:20

Here “broke your yoke” and “tore your fetters off you” are metaphors for setting them free from slavery. The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt. Alternate translation: “Long ago I released you from slavery, but still you refused to worship me!” (See: Metaphor)

chains used to restrain a person or an animal

What they bowed down to can be stated clearly. Here “adulterer” is a metaphor for someone who is unfaithful to God. Alternate translation: “You bowed down to idols and worshiped them instead of me, like an adulterous wife who is unfaithful to her husband” (See: Metaphor)

below

Jeremiah 2:21

God speaks of making his people into a great nation in Canaan as if they were the seed of a grapevine that he had planted. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, started you with a very good beginning, like a farmer who uses excellent seed to plant the best kind of vine” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “a vine of very good quality”

Here “pure seed” is the best seed that has not been mixed with seed that is not good. Alternate translation: “that grew from excellent seed”

God uses this question to rebuke his people for changing and becoming like a corrupt worthless vine. Alternate translation: “But you have changed yourself into a corrupt, worthless vine!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 2:22

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 2:23

God uses this question to rebuke his people for saying that they have not worshiped the Baals. Alternate translation: “You lie when you say, ‘I … have not walked after the Baals.’ (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is a metaphor for serving or worshiping. (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of Israel worshiping other gods as if they were like a female camel running in different directions looking for a male camel to mate with. Alternate translation: “You are like a swift female camel running back and forth looking for a male camel to mate with” (See: Metaphor)

able to run quickly

Jeremiah 2:24

God speaks of Israel worshiping other gods as if they were a wild female donkey running to find male donkeys. Alternate translation: “You are like a young female donkey that lives in the desert. When she wants to mate she is out of control and constantly sniffs the breeze to find a mate” (See: Metaphor)

This phrase is an idiom referring to the time when a female donkey wants to mate with male donkeys. Alternate translation: “when she wants to mate” (See: Idiom)

This question is used to emphasize that no one can control a female donkey when she is wants to mate with a male donkey. Alternate translation: “No one can turn her around when she wants to mate.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 2:25

God speaks of Israel wanting to worship other gods as if they were running around in the desert looking for those gods. Alternate translation: “I have told you to stop running here and there chasing after false gods, because all that it does is wear out your sandals and make you very thirsty” (See: Metaphor)

“There is no hope for us to restrain ourselves.” This implies that they cannot stop themselves from running after other gods. Alternate translation: “We cannot stop ourselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “strangers” represents foreign gods, and “go after them” represents worshiping them. Alternate translation: “We must follow after foreign gods and worship them!’” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 2:26

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 2:4. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

This idiom means that someone discovers that the person’s actions. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when someone finds him” or “when people know that he has stolen things” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

This list shows that everyone belonging to Israel will be ashamed.

Jeremiah 2:27

Here “tree” and “stone” represent idols carved from wood and stone. These words emphasize that the idol was made of ordinary things and is not worthy of worship. Alternate translation: “These people are the ones who say to a carved piece of wood, ‘You are my father,’ and to a carved stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’” (See: Metonymy)

“their backs are toward me; their faces are not toward me.” This represents them rejecting God. Alternate translation: “they have turned away from me” or “they have turned their backs toward me and not their faces” or “they have completely rejected me” (See: Metaphor)

It can be made clear that they say this to Yahweh. “Yahweh, come and save us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 2:28

With this question God implies that people should ask the gods they worship to help them. He uses this irony to show that he is angry that they worship other gods. Alternate translation: “You should ask the gods you made to help you.” or “You do not ask the gods you made to help you.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)

God implies that false gods should help the people who worship them. He knows that false gods cannot help people. When he said this he was using irony to show that he was angry that his people worshiped false gods. Alternate translation: “You do not ask them because know you that they cannot save you in your time of troubles” (See: Irony)

Jeremiah 2:29

Jeremiah 2:30

Here “accept discipline” represents learning from discipline. Alternate translation: “They refused to learn from discipline” or “When I disciplined them, they refused to learn to obey me” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of the people of Israel killing the prophets as if their sword were a lion that ate the prophets. Alternate translation: “You have killed the prophets brutally with your sword like a destructive lion” (See: Metaphor)

capable of causing a very large amount of damage

Jeremiah 2:31

The phrase “this generation” refers to the people who lived when Jeremiah lived. Alternate translation: “You who live today, pay attention to what I, Yahweh, say to you”

Here “a wilderness” and “a land of deep darkness” are metaphors for danger. God uses this question to rebuke the Israelites for behaving as though he had been dangerous. Alternate translation: “You act as though I have been like a wilderness or a land of deep darkness to you” (See: Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

God uses this question to rebuke his people for saying this. Alternate translation: “You my people say ‘We can go where we want to go and not worship Yahweh anymore.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

move around or go to different places usually without any particular purpose or direction

Jeremiah 2:32

The words “will” and “forget” are understood to be part of the second phrase also. Alternate translation: “Will a virgin forget her jewelry, and will a bride forget her veils” (See: Ellipsis)

God uses this question to introduce the idea of remembering things that are important to someone. Alternate translation: “You know that a virgin would never forget to put on her jewelry, and a bride would never forget to put on her veils.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “a very long time”

Jeremiah 2:33

God appears to be praising his people for looking for love, but this is irony. He was showing that he was angry with them for being unfaithful to him. (See: Irony)

God speaks of his people worshiping other gods as if they were a woman who is unfaithful to her husband and is looking for other men to love her. (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of how unfaithful his people are to him as though they were even teaching prostitutes how to be unfaithful to their husbands and find other men to be their lovers. (See: Irony)

Jeremiah 2:34

Blood on their clothes was evidence that they had killed people. Alternate translation: “The blood of innocent, poor people on your clothes shows that you are guilty of killing them” or “You are guilty of killing poor and innocent people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “The blood that represents the life”

If they found people in an act of burglary, this might have been an excuse for killing them. But the people that they murdered were innocent. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “You did not discover these people stealing things” or “But you killed them even though they were not even stealing anything” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 2:35

Here anger is spoken of as if it were a person that could turn away from Israel. Its turning represents Yahweh’s stopping be angry with Israel. Alternate translation: “surely Yahweh has stopped being angry with me” (See: Personification)

Here “judgment” represents punishment. Alternate translation: “I will punish you” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 2:36

Yahweh is scolding the Israelites because they changed from one kingdom to another for help but did not rely on God for help. (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

without care or concern

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Egypt will also disappoint you”

The people of Israel will be sad because the army of Egypt will not be able protect them. Alternate translation: “You will be disappointed when Egypt does not protect you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “disappointed” is understood from the previous phrase. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as you were disappointed by Assyria” or “just as Assyria disappointed you” (See: Ellipsis)

Jeremiah 2:37

Alternate translation: “You will go out from Egypt”

This is a symbol of shame. (See: Symbolic Action)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so they will not help you” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 3

Jeremiah 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:1-5, 12-17, 19-25.

The prophecy revealed to Jeremiah is recorded in 2:1-3:5. Despite covering more than one chapter, this should be seen as one unit. The same is true for 3:19-4:3. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and reveal, revealed, revelation)

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah told to repent

If Judah repents, God will bring the people back from the captivity into which he is going to send them. In this book, “Israel” serves as another name Judah because the northern kingdom of Israel no longer exists. The people group formed by these ten tribes had been scattered among the other nations by the Assyrians, who had conquered them. (See: repent, repentance)

Adultery

Judah’s faithlessness to God is often pictured as adultery. This is a common image in Scripture. When Judah does not worship God, their nation is spoken of as if it were a woman unfaithful to her husband. (See: adultery, adulterous, adulterer, adulteress)

Jeremiah 3:1

God uses this question to remind the people that a man would never return to his wife if another man marries her. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “he would not return to her again.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

God uses this question to remind the people that a married man would not return to his wife if she married another man, because he knows that the land would become ceremonially unclean. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “He knows that if he did, the land would be greatly polluted.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is a metaphor for being terribly unacceptable to God. Alternate translation: “completely unacceptable to God” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of Israel worshiping many idols as being like a woman having sex with many men. Alternate translation: “You have given your love and trust to idols the way a prostitute gives her body to men who are not her husband” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 3:2

Here “your eyes” represents looking at something. Alternate translation: “Look up” (See: Metonymy)

God speaks of Israel worshiping idols as if they were a woman who had sex with many different men. He uses this question to tell the Israelites that he knows that they have worshiped idols everywhere. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no place where you have not had illicit sex!” or “As a whore sleeps with many men, you have worshiped your idols everywhere!” (See: Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

God speaks of his people being eager to worship any idol as being like a prostitute waiting by the road for any man to come along. Alternate translation: “Like a prostitutes waiting at the roadside for her lovers, you were eager to worship any idol you learned about” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of his people being eager to worship any idol as being like someone in the wilderness waiting for anyone to come along so he could rob them. Alternate translation: “like an Arab in the wilderness waiting for people he might rob” (See: Simile)

An Arab is a person from Arabia. Some Arabs lived as nomads in the desert and would rob others who came near them. Alternate translation: “a nomad in the wilderness” or “a robber in the wilderness” (See: How to Translate Names and Translate Unknowns)

Jeremiah 3:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So I withheld the showers from you” or “So I prevented the rains from falling” (See: Active or Passive)

The arrogance showing on a person’s face is spoken of as if the face itself were arrogant. Alternate translation: “But the expression on your face shows that you arrogant, like the face of a prostitute” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 3:5

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you not” in verse 4 ends here.

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you not” in verse 4 ends here. God uses this question to rebuke his people for calling out to him and saying these things. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have just called out to me: ‘My father … youth! Will he … to the end?’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These questions express the people’s hope that God will not be angry with them forever. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Surely he will not always be angry. Surely he will not always keep his wrath to the end.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “pay attention” or “listen”

Jeremiah 3:6

God uses this question to draw Jeremiah’s attention to Israel’s faithlessness. It can be translated as a command or a statement. Alternate translation: “See how faithless Israel is to me.” or “You see how faithless Israel is to me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The people of Israel are spoken of as if Israel were a woman. Alternate translation: “Israel’s people have gone up” or “They have gone up” (See: Metaphor)

The tops of hills and under shade trees were common places for people to worship idols. The word “every” is used as a generalization to show that the people were worshiping idols in many different places. (See: Hyperbole)

God speaks as of Israel worshiping idols as if she were a woman having sex with many men. Alternate translation: (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 3:7

God speaks of Israel and Judah as if they were sisters. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah, who also did not obey me, saw” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 3:8

Something that a man writes to certify that he has divorced his wife.

Jeremiah 3:9

Here prostitution being “nothing” represents Judah not caring about it. Alternate translation: “She did not care about her prostitution” or “She was not ashamed of her prostitution”

Here “defiled” represents making the land unacceptable to God. They did this by sinning against him there when they worshiped idols. Alternate translation: “she made my land no good” (See: Metaphor)

Here “stones” and “trees” represent the stone and wood material that was used to create idols. The people’s idol worship is spoken of as if they were committing adultery. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 3:10

Jeremiah 3:11

By calling Israel “more righteous” than Judah, God emphasizes that Judah is very guilty. Alternate translation: “Israel has been unfaithful to me, but Judah is even more guilty than Israel”

Jeremiah 3:12

Here the north represents the people of Israel who had been taken north to Assyria. Alternate translation: “Go and proclaim these words to the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 3:13

“Admit how you have sinned.” God was speaking to Israel.

The word “strangers” refers to foreign gods. God speaks of Israel worshiping foreign gods as if Israel were a woman who was having sex with strangers. (See: Metaphor)

People would worship idols under trees. The word “every” is a generalization used to show that the people of Israel worshiped many gods under many different trees. (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 3:14

God speaks of Israel belonging to him as if he were Israel’s husband. Alternate translation: “you belong to me as a wife belongs to her husband” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 3:15

Here God speaks of leaders as if they were shepherds and the people they led were sheep. Alternate translation: “I will give you leaders … they will lead you” (See: Metaphor)

Here “heart” represents Yahweh’s desire or will. The phrase “after my heart” is an idiom that describes people who do God’s will. Alternate translation: “shepherds who do my will” or “shepherds who do what I want” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Jeremiah 3:16

The word “you” refers to the people of Israel. The phrase “bear fruit” is a metaphor for having many descendants. Alternate translation: “you will increase greatly in number” (See: Metaphor and Doublet)

Here “come up in their hearts” represents thinking about it. Alternate translation: “They will no longer think of this matter” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 3:17

Here “Yahweh’s throne” represents the place from where Yahweh rules. Alternate translation: “This is from where Yahweh rules” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of people’s actions as if the people were walking along a path. Here the word “hearts” represents their minds or wills. Alternate translation: “They will no longer stubbornly do the wicked things that they want to do” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 3:18

Here “walk with” represents being united. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah will be united with the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Judah, which included the descendants of Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “Judah” or “the kingdom of Judah” or “the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

God speaks of giving them the land to possess forever as if it were an inheritance. Alternate translation: “the land that I gave to your ancestors so that it would belong to their descendants forever” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 3:19

the word “me” refers to Yahweh

This is an exclamation that expresses God’s desire. Alternate translation: “I want so much to treat you as my son … nation” (See: Exclamations)

God speaks of Israel as if Israel were his son. (See: Simile)

God speaks of the land he wanted to give to Israel as if it were an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 3:20

God speaks of Israel being unfaithful to him as if she were an unfaithful wife. (See: Simile)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:18. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “kingdom of Israel” or “people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 3:21

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People hear a noise” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel crying and begging loudly”

Here “have forgotten” represents neglecting or ignoring. Alternate translation: “They have ignored Yahweh their God” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 3:22

This could mean: (1) “heal you of treachery” represents causing Israel to stop being unfaithful to God. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to stop being unfaithful to me” or (2) “heal you of treachery” represents forgiving Israel for being unfaithful. Alternate translation: “I will forgive your treachery” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “heal you so you will stop being unfaithful to me”

It is understood that this is what the people of Israel will say. Alternate translation: “The people will reply, ‘Behold! We will come to you” or “You will say “Behold! We will come to you” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”

Jeremiah 3:23

Here “the hills” represent the people’s worship of false gods on the hills. The people now realize that those false gods could not guide and help them. Alternate translation: “The false gods that we worshiped on the hills could not guide us” (See: Metonymy)

People made a lot of noise on the hills and mountains when they worshiped false gods. Alternate translation: “We made a confusing noise on the mountains while we worshiped them, but they did not help us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “surely Yahweh our God is the savior of Israel” or “surely Yahweh our God is the only one who can save Israel”

Jeremiah 3:24

This is a list of animals and people that the people of Israel had killed and offered to the idols.

Jeremiah 3:25

These phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that the people are fully aware of their shameful behavior. Alternate translation: “Let us be completely humiliated” (See: Parallelism)

Being fully aware of their shame is spoken of as if shame were covering them like a blanket or a garment. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “the time of our youthfulness” refers to when each person was young. Alternate translation: “from when we were young” or (2) “the time of our youthfulness” is a metaphor that refers to when Israel was first becoming a nation. Alternate translation: “from when we were first becoming a nation” (See: Metaphor)

Here “listened” represents obeying, and “the voice of Yahweh” represents what Yahweh has said. Alternate translation: “have not obeyed what Yahweh our God has said” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 4

Jeremiah 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 4:1-9.

The prophecy revealed to Jeremiah is recorded in 3:19-4:3. Despite covering more than one chapter, this should be seen as one unit. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and reveal, revealed, revelation)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s punishment

This chapter prophecies Yahweh’s punishment on Judah. This should bring Judah to repentance, but it does not. It is also intended to make the nations fear the power of Yahweh and make them desire to worship him. (See: repent, repentance and fear, afraid, frighten)

Jeremiah 4:1

This could mean: (1) this is a command that emphasizes who they should return to. Alternate translation: “then come back to me” or “then worship me” (2) this is a repetition of the first phrase, which expresses a condition. Alternate translation: “if you will come back to me” or “if you will start worshiping me again” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Here “detestable things” refers to idols, which God hates. Alternate translation: “If you remove your disgusting idols from my presence” (See: Metonymy)

Here “wander” is a metaphor for being unfaithful. Alternate translation: “if you remain faithful to me” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:2

“As surely as Yahweh is alive.” The people use this expression to show that what they say next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Idiom)

Here “the nations” is a metonym for people of other nations. The word “him” refers to Yahweh. Since Yahweh is speaking, it can also be translated as “me.” Alternate translation: “people of other nations will bless themselves in me” (See: Metonymy and First, Second or Third Person)

Here “bless themselves in him” is a metonym for asking Yahweh to bless them. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will ask Yahweh to bless them” (See: Metonymy)

The word “him” refers to Yahweh. Since Yahweh is speaking, “him” can also be translated as “me.” Alternate translation: “they will boast in me” or “they will praise me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 4:3

Yahweh tells the people to prepare their lives like a farmer prepares the ground for planting. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:4

Yahweh describes the people’s devotion to him in terms of the physical sign of covenant. Alternate translation: “Dedicate yourselves completely to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the command. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of becoming extremely angry as if his anger were fire. Alternate translation: “my anger will burn like a fire and no one will be able to stop it” or “I will be extremely angry, and no one will be able to stop me” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “great anger”

Jeremiah 4:5

These phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the command. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “cause the people in Jerusalem to hear it” (See: Active or Passive)

The trumpet would warn the people that their enemies were coming to attack them.

They would go to the fortified cities for protection from their enemies.

Jeremiah 4:6

These words mean basically the same thing. The phrase “a great collapse” defines what the “disaster” will be. (See: Doublet)

This represents God sending an army from the north to cause disaster and destruction in Judah. Alternate translation: “for I will cause an army from the north to come and destroy you” (See: Metaphor)

This represents an enemy army that would come from the north. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 4:7

God speaks of a powerful army as if it were a fierce lion. Alternate translation: “A powerful and merciless army approaches” (See: Metaphor)

a set of bushes that grew closely together

Here “someone” represents a king and his army. (See: Synecdoche)

This idiom refers to starting to move. Alternate translation: “is starting to march” (See: Idiom)

This represents destroying the land, which would cause people who see it to be horrified. Alternate translation: “to destroy your land” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 4:8

People would wear sackcloth to show that they were very sad. In this context it would be to show that they were very sorry for the bad things they had done. Alternate translation: “put on the clothes that show you are mourning” (See: Symbolic Action)

cry loudly

Anger is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could turn away from people. Here “Yahweh’s anger has not turned away from us” means that Yahweh is still very angry with the people. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh is still very angry with us” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:9

Here “hearts” represent courage. Also “the hearts … will die” represents losing courage and being afraid. Alternate translation: “the king and his officials will stop being courageous” or “the king and his officials will be terrified” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:10

Here enemies being ready to kill people is spoken of as if the sword was a person striking at people. Alternate translation: “our enemies are ready to slaughter us with their swords” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 4:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will say” (See: Active or Passive)

Here a “burning wind” represents a fierce and merciless enemy. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will travel” or “will rush”

Yahweh shows his love for his people by speaking of them as a daughter. Alternate translation: “my people, who are like a daughter to me” or “my dear people” (See: Metaphor)

The words “winnow” and “cleanse” refer to blowing away the useless skins from grain. Only a light wind was needed for that. Alternate translation: “It will not be a light wind for blowing the chaff away from the grain” (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:12

far stronger than the “burning wind” of verse 11. The wind is a metaphor for a fierce and merciless enemy. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will come when I command it to come”

This expression in Hebrew is interpreted by some modern versions as “for me” or “from me.”

Alternate translation: “announce their punishment”

Jeremiah 4:13

The word “he” refers to the enemy king and his army. The great size of the army is spoken of as if they were giant storm clouds. Alternate translation: “See, great armies like giant clouds are gathering to attack” or “See, great armies are gathering to attack” (See: Simile)

The enemies’ chariots are spoken of as if they were like a storm. Storms can be noisy, destructive, and fast-moving. Alternate translation: “the roar of their chariots coming is like a fierce storm” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “This is terrible”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for they will devastate us” or “for they will destroy us all” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 4:14

This is a warning to the people living in Jerusalem to repent. “Cleanse your heart” is a metaphor for removing evil from their lives. Alternate translation: “People of Jerusalem, stop being evil” or “People of Jerusalem, stop living wickedly” (See: Metaphor)

This question is used to rebuke the people for always planning how to sin. Alternate translation: “Your deepest thoughts are about how to sin!” or “You are always thinking about how to sin!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 4:15

Here “a voice” represents a messenger. Alternate translation: “a messenger comes and tells about what is happening in Dan” (See: Synecdoche)

This probably refers to the region of Dan, which was west of Jerusalem.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people hear about the disaster that is coming from Ephraim” (See: Active or Passive)

By hearing that the enemies had gotten to Dan and Ephraim, people in Jerusalem would understand that the enemies were getting closer to them.

Jeremiah 4:16

Besiegers are soldiers who surround a city in order to keep the people in the city from being able to get supplies of food and water.

Jeremiah 4:17

Carefully guarding a city to keep people from going in and out is spoken of as if they are carefully watching a field to keep people from stealing from it. Alternate translation: “they will guard Jerusalem carefully like watchmen who carefully guard a cultivated field” (See: Simile)

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was often spoken of as if it were a woman. (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 4:18

Here “conduct” and “deeds” are spoken of as if they are people that could do things. These abstract nouns can be expressed with the phrase “what you have done.” Alternate translation: “These things are happening to you because of what you have done” (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

Here “heart” probably refers to the emotions, and “strike your very heart” probably refers to causing them to suffer terribly. Alternate translation: “It will be as if it strikes your very heart” or “It will cause you to suffer terrible anguish” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:19

Here “heart” represents painful emotions, such as grief and fear. The phrase is repeated to express the intensity of the pain. (See: Metonymy)

The speaker feels severe emotional pain that causes severe physical pain.

“My heart is beating wildly.” Here “heart” refers to the body part. It is turbulent because it is beating much stronger and faster than normal.

full of confusion, violence, or disorder; not stable or steady

Jeremiah 4:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Enemies have suddenly destroyed my tents” (See: Active or Passive)

The words “are destroyed” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “my curtains are destroyed in a moment” (See: Ellipsis)

Curtains are cloths that are hung to separate the rooms in the tents.

Jeremiah 4:21

Jeremiah uses these questions to show his distress about seeing the battle flag and hearing the sound of the horn for such a long time. He wishes that the battle would end soon. It can be stated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Oh, how I wish that the battle would end, and the flag would be lowered, and the sound of the army’s horn would stop” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “the battle flag”

Someone would blow the horn as a signal for battle.

Jeremiah 4:22

It can be stated clearly that Yahweh says this. This is probably his reply to Jeremiah, telling why the battle is still happening. Alternate translation: “Yahweh replied, ‘It is because of the foolishness of my people … do not know to do good.’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “stupid people”

Jeremiah 4:23

Jeremiah describes a vision that God gave him about things that would happen later.

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

This vision is a prophecy of what the land of Israel would be like after the people were all taken into captivity.

Alternate translation: “there were no lights in the sky”

Jeremiah 4:26

Alternate translation: “all the cities had been destroyed” or “all the cities were a heap of ruins”

This indicates that all these things would happen because Yahweh was so angry with the people of Judah.

Jeremiah 4:27

Alternate translation: “All the land of Judah will be devastated” or “all the land of Judah will be ruined”

Jeremiah 4:28

Jeremiah emphasizes Yahweh’s judgment by saying that the earth itself expresses great sorrow. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “I will not change my mind”

Here “turn” represents deciding not to do what he said he would do. Alternate translation: “I will not change my mind about doing what I said I would do” or “I will not refuse to do what I planned to do” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 4:29

Here “city” represents the people living in the city. Alternate translation: “The people of every city” (See: Metonymy)

a group of soldiers riding horses

They will run away to the forests for safety.

These two clauses have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first. Alternate translation: “The cities will be empty. There will be no one left to live in them” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 4:30

Yahweh speaks of the people of Judah as if they were a prostitute because they were unfaithful to him by worshiping other gods.

Yahweh continues speaking to Judah.

This question is used to tell the people of Judah that there is nothing they can do to help themselves. Alternate translation: “Now that your enemies have devastated you, there is nothing you can do to find help. (See: Rhetorical Question)

God speaks of the people of Judah as if they were a prostitute making herself look beautiful in order to attract men to her. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Like a prostitute you dress in scarlet … good jewelry … eyes … with paint” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “scarlet” represents expensive, red clothing. Alternate translation: “you wear expensive red clothing” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “you put on gold jewelry”

God speaks of the nations that Judah had depended on for wealth and business as if they were men who lusted after Judah. Those nations would reject Judah when they see God’s judgment. (See: Metaphor)

Here “trying to take your life away” represents trying to kill the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “They are trying to kill you” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 4:31

This simile is used to show how greatly distressed Judah will be. Alternate translation: “severe distress as in the pain and suffering a woman has while giving birth” (See: Simile)

God shows his love for the people of Jerusalem by speaking of them as a daughter. Alternate translation: “my dear daughter, Zion” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I am in great danger”

Alternate translation: “I am becoming weak”

Jeremiah 5

Jeremiah 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 5:1-31.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hyperbole

It is possible that Yahweh is using the word “a” (meaning “even one”) as hyperbole when he states, “If you can find a man or anyone who is acting justly and trying to act faithfully, then I will forgive Jerusalem.” The purpose of this is to show how evil Jerusalem had become. (See: Hyperbole, just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification, faith and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh asks several rhetorical questions in this chapter. This is intended to show Jeremiah the justness of his actions. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 5:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Go quickly through the streets”

Alternate translation: “look and find out”

broad and open places in a city where people can gather

Alternate translation: “who does what is just”

Jeremiah 5:2

The word “they” refers to the people of Jerusalem.

“as surely as Yahweh is alive.” The people use this expression to show that what they say next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 5:3

Jeremiah uses this question to emphasize that what Yahweh really wants is faithfulness. Wanting people to be faithful is spoken of as looking for faithfulness. Alternate translation: “you look for faithfulness.” or “you want people to be faithful.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

God punished his people in various ways. Here it is spoken of as if he hit them. Alternate translation: “You punish the people, but they do not pay attention” (See: Metaphor)

Here “to receive discipline” represents learning from discipline to do what is right. Alternate translation: “they still refuse to learn their lesson” (See: Metaphor)

Hard faces represents the expression on their faces that shows that they are stubborn. The simile “harder than rock” shows that the people are extremely stubborn. Alternate translation: “They are extremely stubborn” (See: Metonymy and Simile)

Jeremiah 5:4

Jeremiah is speaking.

Jeremiah 5:5

The yoke and chains represent the law which bind God and his people. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:6

These are dangerous animals that can kill people. This could mean: (1) this really is about wild animals killing people or (2) these wild animals are metaphors for enemy armies. (See: Metaphor)

One possible meaning is that these are metaphors for enemy armies who will attack Judah. Alternate translation: “Like a lion from the thicket, a wolf from the Arabah, and a lurking panther, enemy armies will come against their cities, attack them, and destroy them. Anyone who goes outside his city will be killed” (See: Metaphor)

a set of bushes that grew closely together.

a large wild dangerous dog

watching for an opportunity to attack

a large wild dangerous cat

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word transgressions, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “sin.” Alternate translation: “For they sin much” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The abstract nouns in “acts of faithlessness” can be translated as “the faithless things they do.” Alternate translation: “The faithless things they do are many” or “They do many faithless things” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 5:7

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he has no reason to pardon these people. Alternate translation: “Because of the things that they do, I cannot pardon these people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

the people of Jerusalem

Yahweh is speaking to Jerusalem as though she were a woman who had children. Jerusalem’s “sons” represent the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem” (See: Personification)

Providing all they needed is spoken of as feeding them. Alternate translation: “I gave them everything they needed” (See: Metaphor)

This may be a metaphor for being unfaithful to God and worshiping idols, but idol worship also included prostitution. Alternate translation: “they were unfaithful to me and went in large numbers to the houses of prostitutes” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “went in large groups to the houses of prostitutes” or “large groups of them went to the houses of prostitutes”

Jeremiah 5:8

Because the God speaks of them as if they were horses that wanted to mate with other horses. Alternate translation: “They were like horses in heat … neighed to his neighbor’s wife” (See: Metaphor)

ready to mate

when animals breed to reproduce

Male horses neigh loudly to female horses when they want to mate with them. Alternate translation: “Like horses who mate with more than one horse, these men wanted to sleep with other men’s wives” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:9

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the things that they are doing are so bad that he will no have mercy but will punish them. Alternate translation: “Because they do these things, I will punish them … I will certainly get revenge for myself against them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 5:10

Yahweh continues to speak. Here he speaks to the enemies of Israel.

In verses 10-13 Yahweh speaks to Israel’s enemies. This can be made clear in the quotation. Alternate translation: “You enemies of Israel, go up onto her vineyards’ terraces” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh speaks of Israel and Judah as if they were a vineyard and the people there were vines. Alternate translation: “Go up into Israel and Judah, which are like a vineyard to me, and destroy them” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “do not completely destroy them”

The word “their” refers to the vineyards. Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel and Judah as if they were vines. Alternate translation: “like farmers who trim the vines of a vineyard, you must remove many of the people of Israel and Judah, because they do not belong to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:11

The word “house” is a metonym for a person’s descendants. In this case it refers to the people of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Alternate translation: “For the people of Israel and Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 5:12

Alternate translation: “They have spoken falsely about Yahweh by saying”

These two sentences say the same thing, the second is more specific than the first. (See: Parallelism)

The idiom “come upon us” means “happen to us.” Alternate translation: “No harm will happen to us” or “no one will harm us” (See: Idiom)

Here “see” is a metaphor for experience, and “sword” is a metonym for war. Alternate translation: “we will not experience war or famine” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 5:13

Here “prophets” is a metonym that represents what the prophets say, and “wind” is a metaphor for something that does not do anything. Alternate translation: “The prophets words are just noisy wind” or “The prophets make noise like the wind, but what they prophesy will not happen” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here “the word” refers to God’s message. Alternate translation: “God’s message is not in them” or “the messages that they speak are not from God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It can be stated clearly what kinds of things the prophets were talking about. Alternate translation: “so let the harm that the prophets talk about come to them” or “since the prophets say that bad things will happen to us, let those bad things happen to the prophets” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 5:14

The word “you” refers to the people of Israel and Judah.

See what the people said in Jeremiah 5:12.

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Here “place my word in your mouth” represents causing Jeremiah to speak God’s message. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to speak my message” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of his message as if it were a fire, and of his people as if they were wood. (See: Simile)

“For my message will consume them.” Yahweh’s message was about how he would punish his people, so he speaks as if his message would destroy them as a fire destroys wood. Alternate translation: “For when you speak my message, it will destroy the people of Israel as fire destroys wood” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:15

“to attack you.” The word “you” refers to the people of Israel.

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how long the nation has existed. This refers to the nation from far away that Yahweh will bring against Israel. Alternate translation: “it is a very old and enduring nation” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “an enduring nation” or “a very strong nation”

These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the Israelites do not know the language of those people. It may imply that the Israelites have not had much contact with them. Alternate translation: “It is a nation whose language you will not understand at all” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 5:16

Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here “Its quiver” represents the enemy nation’s army, and the arrows in the quiver represent the soldiers in the army. (See: Metonymy)

a container for holding arrows

An open tomb is one that is prepared to have many dead bodies put in it. The enemy army will kill many people. Alternate translation: “That nation’s army will use their arrows and kill many people” or “Because of the arrows of its army, many people will die and be buried” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 5:17

This could mean: (1) their harvest and their food that was for their sons and daughters would be consumed. Alternate translation: “So your harvest and your food for your sons and daughters will be consumed” or (2) their harvest, sons and daughters, and food would all be consumed. The idea of the sons and daughters being “consumed” would be a metaphor for killed. Alternate translation: “So your harvest and your food will be consumed, and your sons and daughters will be killed” (See: Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the army of that nation will eat the food that you expected to harvest” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) the enemies would eat the food that the sons and daughters should eat, or (2) the enemies will destroy the sons and daughters and eat the food.

The word “They” refers to the army of that nation.

The sword is a synecdoche for all of the different weapons that people use in war. Alternate translation: “They will use their weapons to conquer your strong cities that you trusted to protect you” (See: Synecdoche)

Fortified cities had a wall around them to protect the people inside from their enemies outside.

Alternate translation: “that you thought were strong enough to keep you safe”

Jeremiah 5:18

Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel and Jeremiah.

Alternate translation: “will not destroy”

Jeremiah 5:19

The phrase “these things” refers to sending armies to attack them. Alternate translation: “done all these things to harm us” or “sent foreign armies to attack us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “served foreign gods” represents worshiping foreign gods. God would punish them for serving foreign gods by making them serve foreign people. Alternate translation: “Because you … worshiped foreign gods in your land, you will have to serve foreigners” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:20

Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Tell this”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Jacob’s descendants. Translate “house of Jacob” as in Jeremiah 2:4. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

This can be expressed in active from. Alternate translation: “Let those in Judah hear it” or “announce it in Judah” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 5:21

Alternate translation: “who do not understand” or “who understand nothing”

Here “cannot see” is a metonym for not understanding. Alternate translation: “you do not understand” (See: Metonymy)

Here “cannot hear” represents not understanding. “Alternate translation: “you do not understand” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 5:22

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the people are extremely foolish because they do not fear Yahweh. Alternate translation: “It is foolish that you do not fear me … face!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The trembling would be because of fear, and being “before my face” represents being aware of who God is. Alternate translation: “or shake with fear because of me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I placed the sand as the border for the sea”

God speaks of the ocean not going past the border of sand as if the border were a law, and as if the ocean were a person who obeys the law. Alternate translation: “an everlasting limit that it cannot cross” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “moves back and forth”

“the ocean does not violate my decree.” God speaks of ocean not going past the border of sand as if the border were a law, and as if the ocean were a person who obeys the law. Alternate translation: “it does not succeed in going past the border” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:23

The people’s heart represents their attitude toward God. If Yahweh is speaking to the people, this can also be expressed with the word “you.” Alternate translation: “but you people have a stubborn heart. You turn” or “but you people are stubborn. You turn” (See: Metaphor and First, Second or Third Person)

The word “it” refers to the people. Here “goes away” represents disobeying God. Alternate translation: “They rebel and disobey me” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:24

Here “their hearts” represent their thoughts, and “say” represents thinking. Alternate translation: “they do not think” (See: Metaphor)

Here “keeping the fixed weeks of the harvest” represents making sure that those weeks happen at the right time. Alternate translation: “making sure for us that the weeks of harvest happen when they are supposed to” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 5:25

The word “Your” refers to the descendants of Jacob and the people of Judah.

This refers to the rains and the harvests.

Good things “coming” represents good things happening. “Because of your sins, good things have stopped happening to you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:26

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For I have found wicked men among my people” (See: Active or Passive)

God speaks of wicked people wanting to harm someone as if they were waiting to capture birds. Alternate translation: “Like someone hiding and waiting to capture birds” (See: Simile)

God speaks of wicked people intentionally harming others as if they were setting a trap. Alternate translation: “They set things up so that they can take advantage of people” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:27

Here “deceit” represents the things that were taken by deceit. Alternate translation: Like a cage full of birds that a hunter has caught, wicked people’s houses are full of things that they have taken by deceiving people (See: Simile and Metonymy)

Here “large” represents powerful. Alternate translation: “these wicked people become powerful and rich” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 5:28

This could mean: (1) their skin shines because of the healthy food they eat, or (2) their body is smooth because of the muscle and fat between their bones and skin. It indicates that they eat well.

Doing all kinds of wicked things is spoken of as if there were a boundary separating some wicked things from things that are even more wicked. Alternate translation: “They do all kinds of wicked things” or “They even do the most wicked things” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “They do not plead with the rulers to give the people and the orphans what they need” or “They do not plead with the rulers to give justice to the people and the orphans”

Alternate translation: “they have not helped the needy by doing what is just for them”

Jeremiah 5:29

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the things that they are doing are so bad that he will no have mercy but will punish them. See how you translated a similar sentence in Jeremiah 5:9. Alternate translation: “So I will punish them, this is Yahweh’s declaration. I will certainly get revenge for myself against them.”(See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 5:30

This can be stated more actively. Alternate translation: “People do terrible and horrible things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “the land” refers to the land of Israel.’ Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 5:31

These are the atrocities and horrors that are spoken of in verse 30.

Alternate translation: “The prophets prophesy lies” or “The prophets tell lies when they prophesy”

This could mean: (1) the priests do not submit to God’s authority. Alternate translation: “the priests rule by their own authority” or (2) the priests rule according to the directions of the prophets (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“but what will you do at the end of all of this?” Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the people will regret being wicked when he punishes them for it. Alternate translation: “but in the end I will punish you and you will be regret your wicked behavior” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 6

Jeremiah 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 6:1-30.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods and battle

In the ancient Near East, it was commonly believed that a nation’s gods were responsible for military victory. It may have been believed that a god would not defend an evil city. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Jeremiah 6:1

Yahweh is speaking.

Here “Find safety” represents doing what they can in order to be safe. Alternate translation: “Be safe … by leaving Jerusalem” or “Leave Jerusalem … so that you can be safe” (See: Idiom)

This is who Yahweh was speaking to.

A trumpet is used as a warning that people will be attacked. Alternate translation: “Blow a trumpet in Tekoa to warn the people that they will be attacked” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the name of a town about 18 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The name means “a horn for blowing.” (See: How to Translate Names)

This could mean: (1) the signal is smoke from a fire. Alternate translation: “Light a fire to send up smoke at Beth Hakkerem to warn people about the enemy coming” or (2) the signal is a flag. Alternate translation: “Raise up a flag over the town of Beth Hakkerem to warn people about the enemy coming”

the name of a town about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The name means “the place of the vineyard.”

Here “wickedness” represents disaster and the people who will cause it. Alternate translation: “enemies will come from the north and cause disaster to happen to you” or “enemies coming from the north will destroy you” (See: Metonymy)

How the crushing will come can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Enemies will come and crush you” or “Enemies will come and destroy you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 6:2

Zion is another name for Jerusalem. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as though it were a woman. He speaks of it as a daughter to show his love for Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “My dear Zion, which is like a beautiful and delicate woman” or “My dear Zion” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 6:3

Kings were often spoken of as shepherds of their people. Alternate translation: “The kings and their soldiers will go to them” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “against her” means “in order to attack Zion.” Alternate translation: “they will set up tents all around Zion in order to attack it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

God speaks of kings leading their armies to destroy the land, as if they were shepherds leading their sheep to eat grass. Alternate translation: “like a shepherd each king will lead his army” or “each king will lead his army” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hand” represents the portion of something someone his assigned to take in his hand. Here it refers to the portion of land the king is assigned to conquer. Alternate translation: “and conquer his portion of the land” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 6:4

A king from the attacking army is speaking to the men under his control.

It can be stated clearly that the kings say this. Alternate translation: “The kings say to their armies, ‘Dedicate yourselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The attacking army tries to ensure that their gods will help them during the war by performing ceremonies and making sacrifices to them. Alternate translation: “Prepare for war by purifying yourselves and sacrificing to the gods” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

To arise or stand up is a metaphor for no longer watching and thinking and instead beginning to act. Alternate translation: “Let us stop thinking and begin to attack” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Let us attack Jerusalem at noon”

The kings say this later in the day when they want their army to keep fighting even though it is getting dark.

The end of the day is spoken of in terms of its light becoming dark. Alternate translation: “the day is ending” or “it is beginning to get dark” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “are stretching out” or “are getting longer”

Jeremiah 6:5

Alternate translation: “during the night even though it is dark”

People often spoke of cities as if they were women. Her the word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the strong buildings of Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 6:6

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh.

God says this to the army that will attack Jerusalem. The word “her” refers to Jerusalem; cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: “Cut down the trees outside of Jerusalem” (See: Personification)

Siegeworks are either high mounds of dirt or high ramps made of wood that the enemies build outside the city wall in order go on top of the wall and attack the people inside the city.

Here “it is filled with oppression” represents people there always oppressing people. Alternate translation: “because its people are always oppressing each other” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 6:7

Here “this city keeps producing wickedness” represents people in the city continuing to do wicked things. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I hear violence and disorder in her” (See: Active or Passive)

These things being “before” God’s face represents him seeing them. Alternate translation: “I constantly see sickness and wounds” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 6:8

Here God speaks to the people of Jerusalem as if he were speaking to the city itself. Alternate translation: “Accept discipline, you people of Jerusalem … make your land into a ruin, an uninhabited land” (See: Metonymy)

“Accept discipline” here is a metaphor for learning from discipline. Alternate translation: “Learn from your discipline” or “When I punish you, learn to do what is right” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “a land that has no people living in it”

Jeremiah 6:9

Yahweh speaks of the enemy attacking those who remain as if the enemy were to pick grapes that remain in a vineyard after others have harvested it. Alternate translation: “After destroying Israel, they will certainly come back to attack the people who are still alive” (See: Metaphor)

The word “They” refers to the enemy that Yahweh sends to destroy Israel.

Yahweh commands the enemy to attack those who remain in Israel as if the enemy were pick to grapes that remain in a vineyard after others have harvested it. Alternate translation: “Come back and attack the people of Israel who remain” or “Like people who reach out again to pick grapes from vines that they have already harvested, come back and attack the people who remain” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 6:10

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that none of the people of Israel would listen to him even after they survived the attack of their enemies. Alternate translation: “There is no one left for me to speak to and warn who might listen” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “You can see it yourself”

This represents their stubborn unwillingness to listen to God. Alternate translation: “Their ears are closed” or “They refuse to listen” (See: Metaphor)

The word “Their” refer to the people of Israel.

This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to them. He did this through his prophets. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has sent messages to them” or “Yahweh has spoken to them” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “they do not want to listen to the word of Yahweh”

Jeremiah 6:11

Jeremiah is speaking. He feels the same anger that Yahweh feels, and he speaks of being extremely angry as if he were filled with anger. Alternate translation: “I am completely angry as Yahweh is” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah speaks of not showing Yahweh’s anger as if he were holding the anger inside himself. Alternate translation: “I am tired from not expressing this anger” or “I am tired of not doing anything about this anger” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of punishing the people of Israel as if his anger were a liquid that he wanted Jeremiah to pour out on them. Alternate translation: “In anger punish the children in the streets and the groups of young men” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Because enemies will capture every man with his wife” (See: Active or Passive)

The words “will be taken” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “every old person heavy with years will be taken” or “they will take every old person heavy with years” (See: Ellipsis)

The phrase “heavy with years” is an idiom that means “very old.” It reinforces the phrase “old person.” Alternate translation: “every very old person” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 6:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their houses will become the possession of other people” or “There people will take their houses” (See: Active or Passive)

The phrase “will be turned over to others” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and their fields and their women will also be turned over to others” (See: Ellipsis)

Jeremiah 6:13

The phrase “from the least to the greatest” shows that all the people of Israel are included in the phrase “all of them,” regardless of how important they are. Alternate translation: “all of them, including the least powerful, the most powerful, and every one else, are greedy” (See: Merism)

This refers to the least powerful and least important people. Alternate translation: “the least powerful people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This refers to the most powerful and most important people. Alternate translation: “the greatest people” or “the most powerful people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “all of the people of Israel”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word gain, you could express the same idea with the phrases “get more money” or “get more things.” Alternate translation: “want to get more money by lying to people” or “strongly desire to get more things and will even trick people in order to get them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “all of them deceive people” or “all of them are liars”

Jeremiah 6:14

This could mean: (1) the wounds represent the problems the people have as a result of their sin. Alternate translation: “They act as though my people’s problems are not serious, like small wounds” or (2) the wounds represent the people’s sin. Alternate translation: “They acts as though my people’s sins are not serious, like small wounds” (See: Metaphor)

Here “lightly” represents treating the wounds as if they were not serious, as if they were not difficult. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “‘All is well, All is well,’ but it is not well”

Jeremiah 6:15

God uses this question to show his anger that the people were not ashamed of their sins. Alternate translation: “They committed terrible sins, and they were not ashamed” (See: Rhetorical Question)

When a person is ashamed, his face normally turns red. Alternate translation: “their faces did not even turn red”

Here “fall” represents being killed. Alternate translation: “they will be killed along with the others who are killed” (See: Metaphor)

Here “will be brought down” represents being destroyed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will destroy them when I punish them” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 6:16

It can be stated clearly who Yahweh says this to. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says this to the people of Israel” or “Yahweh says this to his people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The roads and pathways refer to ways that people live their lives. Yahweh wants the people of Israel to ask what is the good way to live their lives and for them to live that way. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the place where two roads meet.

The ancient pathways represent their ancestors’s behavior, how their ancestors lived long ago. Alternate translation: “ask about the pathways that your ancestors walked on” or “ask about how your ancestors behaved” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “this good way” represents the good way to live. Alternate translation: “What is the good way to live” or (2) “this good way” represents the way to live that results in blessings. Alternate translation: “Where is the way to what is good” or “What is the way to live that results in blessing” (See: Metaphor)

“Then walk on that path.” Going on that path represents living that way. Alternate translation: “Then live that way” (See: Metaphor)

This represents not living that way. Alternate translation: “We will not live that way” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 6:17

Yahweh speaks of his prophets as if they were watchmen who were sent to warn the people of danger. (See: Metaphor)

The word “you” refers to the people of Israel.

“to listen to the sound of the trumpet.” Yahweh speaks of his warning messages to his prophets as if the messages were a trumpet being blown to warn people about the danger that would come. The prophets were to listen to the warning and tell the people about it.

Jeremiah 6:18

These two sentences are telling the people of other nations to witness what Yahweh will do to the rebellious people of Judah. Alternate translation: “Therefore, you people of other nations, listen! You witnesses, see what will happen to my people” (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

Alternate translation: “Therefore, nations, listen to what I am about to say!”

Alternate translation: “you who are witnesses”

The word “them” refers to the people of Israel.

Jeremiah 6:19

Jeremiah is speaking to the people of nations far away from him as if they could hear him. He is speaking as if to the earth itself. Alternate translation: “Listen, everyone who lives on the earth” (See: Apostrophe and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “soon I will punish these people severely”

Here the word “fruit” represents results or consequences. Alternate translation: “the consequences of their thoughts” (See: Metaphor)

Here “paid no attention to my word” refers to not listening to what God said, and “rejected it” refers to refusing to obey God’s law. Alternate translation: “They did not listen to what I said. Instead they disobeyed my law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 6:20

God uses these questions to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “Frankincense from Sheba and sweet smelling cane from a distant land mean nothing to me.” or “I do not want your burnt offerings of frankincense from Sheba or sweet smelling cane from a distant land.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

People would burn sweet smelling cane as an offering to God.

Alternate translation: “do not please me” or “do not make me happy”

Jeremiah 6:21

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I”

“I am about to put obstacles in front of this people.” Yahweh speaks of the troubles that he will make happen to the people of Israel as if they were a blocks that people stumble over. (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “will stumble” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “fathers and sons will both stumble” or “fathers and sons will both be hurt” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “Neighbors and their friends”

Jeremiah 6:22

Their purpose can be made clear. Alternate translation: “a people is coming to attack you” or “an army is coming” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “nation” represents the army of the nation. Alternate translation: “the army of a great nation” (See: Synecdoche)

Being “stirred up” represents preparing to do something. Alternate translation: “is being prepared to come from a distant land” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 6:23

Alternate translation: “The soldiers will carry bows and spears”

The loud noise that the soldiers make is compared to the loud noise of the ocean. Alternate translation: “The sound that they make is very loud, like the sound of the ocean” (See: Simile)

The phrase “set out in order” means that they have organized themselves and are riding in rows. The phrase “as men for battle” indicates that they are ready to fight. Alternate translation: “they are riding on horses in their assigned rows, and they are ready to fight against you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 6:24

The word “We” probably refers to Jeremiah and the people of Judah.

Alternate translation: “our hands are weak because we are anxious”

Feeling great anguish is spoken of as if the anguish grabs them. Alternate translation: “We feel terrible anguish” (See: Metaphor)

The anguish that they feel because the enemy coming to attack them is compared to the anguish that a woman feels when she is about to give birth to a baby. Alternate translation: “like a woman who is about to give birth” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 6:25

Jeremiah speaks to the people of Jerusalem. Some versions interpret this as Yahweh speaking to the people of Jerusalem.

The phrase “swords of the enemy” represents the enemy with their swords ready to attack. Here, terror refers to things that cause people to be frightened. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “For the enemy is everywhere with their swords and everyone else is terrified” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 6:26

Jeremiah shows Yahweh’s love for his people by speaking to them as a daughter. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 4:11. Alternate translation: “My people, you who are like a daughter to me” or “My dear people” (See: Metaphor)

People do these things to show that they are extremely sad. Alternate translation: “Show how sad you are by wearing sackcloth and rolling in ashes” (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah compares the people’s great sadness to the sadness that a mother feels if her only son dies. Alternate translation: “mourn with painful sobs as you would if your only son died” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “because the enemy army will suddenly come to attack us”

Jeremiah 6:27

Yahweh is speaking to Jeremiah. God speaks of the people of Israel being very sinful as if they were silver that was full of impurities. God speaks of punishing Israel to make them stop sinning as if he were boiling silver and lead in a hot fire in order to remove the impurities from the silver. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh compares Jeremiah testing his people to a person who tests metal to see how good it is. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “their behavior” or “how they live”

Jeremiah 6:28

Alternate translation: “and constantly slander other people”

Bronze and iron are hard metals. Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they were hard like bronze and iron. Alternate translation: “All of them are hard like bronze and iron” or “All of them are stubborn, as hard as bronze and iron” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 6:29

God speaks of punishing his people as if they were silver and he was boiling the silver in a very hot fire. These phrases emphasize that the one boiling the metal was working very hard. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The fire is so hot that it burns the bellows. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This very hot fire represents God’s judgment. Alternate translation: “The fire is so hot that it scorches the bellows” or “The punishment is so severe that it is like a fire that even burns the bellows” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Bellows are a tool used to blow large amounts of air into a burning fire to make the fire hotter. (See: Translate Unknowns)

The silver has so many impurities in it that the lead is used up before it can remove them all. This represents the people of Israel being so full of sin, that they continue to sin even after God punishes them. Alternate translation: “the silver is so full of impurities, that the lead that is used to remove them is used up” or “they are like silver that is so full of impurities that the lead cannot remove them all” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will continue to refine them” or “You will continue to try to purify them” (See: Active or Passive)

God speaks of Israel continuing to be evil as if they were silver and the impurities remained in the silver. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because the evil remains” or “the impurities remain” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 6:30

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will say about the people of Israel, ‘They are rejected silver,’ for” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 7

Jeremiah 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 7:29-34, which is an extended quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice in society

Jeremiah commanded the people of Jerusalem to live justly. Without justice, they did not truly have faith in Yahweh. Without this faith in Yahweh, the temple and its rituals were useless. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and faith and temple, house, house of God)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Do not pray for this people”

Yahweh wanted the people to repent. This statement, and the others that follow, may be taken in another way. They are intended to show that it is too late for the people, and their punishment will come regardless of their response. (See: repent, repentance)

Jeremiah 7:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah. He said,” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 7:2

Alternate translation: “all you people of Judah”

Jeremiah 7:3

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “If you improve your ways and your practices, then I will let you continue”

This means in the land of Judah, not in the temple.

Jeremiah 7:4

The reflexive pronoun “yourself” emphasizes the personal risk to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “Do not trust in deceitful words to protect you, saying” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

It is implied that, since the temple belongs to Yahweh and represents his presence, he will protect it and the people of Judah will be safe. Possible meanings for why Temple of Yahweh is repeated three times are (1) it was repeated for emphasis or (2) it was repeated as part of a temple liturgy. Alternate translation: “This is the temple of Yahweh so it is absolutely certain that no one will destroy it and we are safe.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 7:5

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

“improve your ways and practices.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:3.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “judge rightly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 7:6

Alternate translation: “treat fairly the foreigner”

child whose parents have died

Here pouring out innocent blood represents killing those not deserving death. Alternate translation: “kill innocent people” (See: Metonymy)

Here walking after is a metonym for following after with the intent to serve and obey. Alternate translation: “serve other gods” (See: Metonymy)

Here “this place” refers to the land of Judah.

Jeremiah 7:7

Alternate translation: “will let you continue to live”

“from ancient times and continually.” This means Yahweh gave the land to the people of Judah to be their permanent possession.

Jeremiah 7:8

The word “you” in these verses refers to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the information that follows.

Jeremiah 7:9

These questions expect a positive answer to make the point that God knows the sins they are committing. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You steal, kill, and commit adultery. You swear … and walk after other gods whom you have not known.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “lie even in your oaths”

Here walking after is a metonym for following after with the intent to serve and obey. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:6. Alternate translation: “serve other gods” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 7:10

This question expects a positive answer to make the point that God knows the hypocrisy of their words and actions. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Then you come and stand … so you can do all of these abominations.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is a metonym for Yahweh’s temple. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “house that belongs to me” or “temple where you worship me” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 7:11

This question expects a positive answer to make the point that God knows what they think about Yahweh’s temple. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This house, which carries my name, is a den of bandits in your eyes!” or “You act as though you think this house, which is called by my name, should be a place where bandits can go to hide!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh’s temple is spoken of as if it was carrying the name of Yahweh. This has a similar meaning to “this house that is called by my name” in the previous verse. (See: Idiom)

violent people who steal and destroy

Alternate translation: “But I certainly have seen what you are doing”

Jeremiah 7:12

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

Here “where I allowed my name to stay” is an idiom that means this was a place where Yahweh was worshiped. Alternate translation: “the place in Shiloh where I first allowed my people to worship me” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 7:13

This hendiadys is also an idiom that means something is done many times. Alternate translation: “repeatedly” or “persistently” (See: Hendiadys and Idiom)

Jeremiah 7:14

This is a metonym for Yahweh’s temple. It can be expressed in active form. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:10. Alternate translation: “this house that belongs to me” or “this temple where you worship me” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 7:16

Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah about the people of Judah. In these verses, “this people” refers to the people of Judah.

These four clauses each mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “cry out with sadness”

Alternate translation: “for their benefit” or “for them”

Alternate translation: “plead with me”

Jeremiah 7:17

This question expects a positive answer and is asked to bring these things to Jeremiah’s attention. They can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “Look at what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 7:18

Alternate translation: “starting the fire”

mixing dough by hand

a thick mixture of flour and liquid used for baking

This was the name of a false god. Alternate translation: “the false god known as ‘the queen of the heavens’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “will anger me”

Jeremiah 7:19

In these verses, “they” and “themselves” refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues to speak to Jeremiah about the people of Judah.

This question expects a positive answer. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are provoking themselves, so that shame is on them!” or “they are troubling and bringing shame on themselves!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Reflexive Pronouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word shame, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “shamed.” Alternate translation: “they are shamed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 7:20

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were something that could be poured out. Alternate translation: “I will punish this place” (See: Idiom)

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “pour out”

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could not be put out. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to stop my anger” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “never stop burning”

Jeremiah 7:21

In these verses, “you” and “your” refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

This is an ironic statement emphasizing that none of their sacrifices were acceptable to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Go ahead and eat the burnt offerings along with your sacrifices and meat from them” (See: Irony)

Jeremiah 7:23

Here listening to Yahweh’s voice means to both hear his words and obey what he says. Alternate translation: “Hear and obey what I say” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of obeying his commands as if one were walking in them, like person would walk along a road. Alternate translation: “do everything that I am commanding you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 7:24

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the people of Judah. “They” refers to the ancestors of the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

These phrases mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “according to their own plans because they were wicked and stubborn”

This is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) they refused to pay attention to Yahweh, instead of eagerly obeying him. Alternate translation: “they went away from me instead of drawing closer to me” or (2) they got worse and worse instead of improving. Alternate translation: “they got worse instead of better” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 7:25

This is a generalization that means over this entire period of time, not every day during this period of time. Alternate translation: “From the time your ancestors went out from the land of Egypt until now” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “I sent them again and again” or “I repeatedly sent them”

Jeremiah 7:26

This is an idiom that means they were stubborn. Alternate translation: “they became stubborn” or “they resisted me” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “Each generation was more wicked”

Jeremiah 7:27

The words “them” and “they” in these verses refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

These two sentences say the same thing, The second emphasizes the message of the first. Alternate translation: “Tell them my message, but they will not listen to you or answer you.” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 7:28

Here “the voice of Yahweh” represents what Yahweh has said. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:25. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh its God has said” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of truth as if it was something the people could destroy and stop saying. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people destroy truth and cut it off from their mouths” or “The people tell only lies” (See: Active or Passive and Idiom)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word truth, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “truthful.” Alternate translation: “What is truthful is destroyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 7:29

The word “your” in these verses refers to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

This would be done as a sign of mourning. (See: Symbolic Action and Reflexive Pronouns)

These two words have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 7:30

This refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Here “detestable things” refers to idols, which God hates. Alternate translation: “their disgusting idols” (See: Metonymy)

This is a metonym for Yahweh’s temple. It can be expressed in active form. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:10. Alternate translation: “house that belongs to me” or “temple where they worship me” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 7:31

The words “they” and “their” in these verses refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues to describe the evil things that the people of Judah had done.

This is the name of a place where the people of Israel sacrificed their children to a false god by burning them with fire. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a valley south of the city of Jerusalem, where people sacrificed to false gods. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here the word “mind” refers to Yahweh’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “nor did I ever think about it” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 7:32

The word “see” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” Alternate translation: “in the future … it” or “there will be a time … when it” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will no longer call it” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “they will bury dead people”

Alternate translation: “no place remaining”

Jeremiah 7:33

Yahweh continues to speak of his judgment on the people of Judah.

Alternate translation: “The dead bodies”

Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”

See how you translated “the birds of the heavens” in Jeremiah 4:25.

Alternate translation: “the wild animals of the land”

Alternate translation: “to scare them away”

Jeremiah 7:34

Alternate translation: “I will remove from”

These two phrases mean almost the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. The abstract nouns “joy” and “gladness” can be translated using the verb “rejoicing” and the adjective “glad.” Alternate translation: “the sounds of people rejoicing and being glad” (See: Doublet and Abstract Nouns)

This is a metonym for what happens at marriage ceremonies. Alternate translation: “and people celebrating marriage” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “desolate.” Alternate translation: “will become desolate” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 8

Jeremiah 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 8:5-22.

The prophecy revealed to Jeremiah is recorded in 8:5-9:12. Despite covering more than one chapter, this should be seen as one unit. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and reveal, revealed, revelation)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hyperbole

The author frequently uses hyperbole in this chapter to describe the complete destruction of Jerusalem. (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 8:1

Yahweh continues to speak of his judgment on the people of Judah.

This word “they” here refers to the enemies of the people of Judah.

Alternate translation: “its princes” or “its rulers”

Jeremiah 8:2

The word “them” refers to the bones of the people listed in the previous verse.

The word “they” here refers to the people of Judah. These three phrases mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

This is a metaphor for serving or worshiping. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 2:23. (See: Metaphor)

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “No one will gather their bones or bury them again” (See: Active or Passive)

The bones are compared to dung on the ground both to emphasize that they will be disgusting and because they will not be buried. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “all over the ground”

Jeremiah 8:3

The word “them” refers to the people of Judah.

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 8:4

The words “them” and “they” in these verses refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues to speak of his judgment on the people of Judah.

Yahweh is telling Jeremiah what to say to the people of Judah.

These questions make the point that the way that the people of Judah were acting did not make sense. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that when someone falls, he gets back up, and when someone gets lost, he tries to find his way back.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 8:5

Yahweh is saying that the way the people of Judah are acting does not make sense. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It does not make sense that this people, Jerusalem, has turned away in permanent faithlessness.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “Jerusalem” here is a synecdoche for all the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “Judah” (See: Synecdoche)

What the people of Judah were doing is spoken of as if they were clinging to treachery and would not let it go. (See: Metaphor)

Here, treachery is spoken of as if it were a physical object that a person could hold on to. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word treachery, you could express the same idea with the verb “deceive.” Holding on to something is a metaphor for loving. Alternate translation: “They refuse to turn away from what deceives them” or “They love the people who deceive them” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 8:6

The words “they” and “them” in these verses refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

These two things mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “did not say what is right”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “wicked.” Alternate translation: “for being wicked” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The implied information is that this is a question that the people of Judah should have been asking. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have done a terrible thing.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “go their own way”

The eagerness of the people to follow their own evil way is compared to the eagerness of a war horse running toward a battle. (See: Simile)

adult male horse

Jeremiah 8:7

The implied information is that these types of birds know the right times to migrate, which means to fly from one place to another at different times of the year for feeding or breeding. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

All of these are different types of birds that migrate. (See: Translate Unknowns)

The implied information is that the people should have naturally known Yahweh’s decrees. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word migrations, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “migrate.” Alternate translation: “They migrate” or “They fly from one region to another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 8:8

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

Yahweh asks this question to make the people of Judah think about what they were saying. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You think that you are wise because you have the law of Yahweh with you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The “you” here refers to the people of Judah.

These words tell the hearer to pay close attention to what follows.

The pen represents the words that the scribes write. Alternate translation: “The false things that the scribes write” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “has given you false ideas”

Jeremiah 8:9

This is irony because the wise men are normally honored for their wisdom. Alternate translation: “Those men who think they are wise will feel ashamed” (See: Irony)

terrified or shattered

Alternate translation: “Pay attention!”

This question expects a negative answer and is intended to make the hearers think about how little what they consider wisdom is really worth when they reject Yahweh’s word. Alternate translation: “so what they think is wise does not do them any good.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 8:10

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:13.

The phrase “from the least to the greatest” shows that all the people of Judah are included in the phrase “all of them,” regardless of how important they are. Alternate translation: “because all of them, including the least powerful, the most powerful, and everyone else, are greedy” (See: Merism)

This refers to the least powerful and least important people. Alternate translation: “the least powerful people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This refers to the most powerful and most important people. Alternate translation: “the greatest people” or “the most powerful people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “all of the people of Judah”

Alternate translation: “all of them deceive people” or “all of them are liars”

Jeremiah 8:11

The words “they,” “their” and “them” in these verses refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues giving Jeremiah his message to the people of Judah.

This could mean: (1) the wounds represent the problems the people have as a result of their sin. Alternate translation: “They act as though my people’s problems are not serious, like small wounds” or (2) the wounds represent the people’s sin. Alternate translation: “They act as though my people’s sins are not serious, like small wounds” (See: Metaphor)

Here “lightly” represents treating the wounds as if they were not serious, as if they were not difficult. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “‘All is well, All is well,’ but it was not well”

Jeremiah 8:12

God uses this question to show his anger that the people were not ashamed of their sins. Alternate translation: “They committed terrible sins, and they were not ashamed.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“their faces did not even turn red.” When a person is ashamed, his face normally turns red.

Here “fall” represents being killed. Alternate translation: “they will be killed along with the others who are killed” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 8:13

Alternate translation: “the leaf will dry up”

The meaning of the original text is uncertain here.

Jeremiah 8:14

The words “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the people of Judah.

Yahweh continues his message by telling us what the people of Judah will say at the time of their punishment.

This question is asked to motivate action. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We should not stay here.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The “fortified cities” were cities with high walls and strong defenses. See how you translated the similar phrases in Jeremiah 4:5.

Here “become silent” means to die. Alternate translation: “let us die there” or “let us wait for our enemies to kill us there” (See: Metaphor)

Here “silence” is a metaphor for condemning to death. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh our God has condemned us to die” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom for Yahweh’s judgment on his people. (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 8:15

Alternate translation: “but nothing good will happen”

Alternate translation: “but understand”

Jeremiah 8:16

The words “his” and “they” in these verses refer to the enemies of Judah.

Yahweh continues his message about the punishment coming to Judah.

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Dan hear the snorting of his stallions” (See: Active or Passive)

a loud sound that a horse makes with its nose

adult male horses

This is an exaggeration that is a metaphor for the people of Judah trembling with fear. Alternate translation: “All the people of the land shake with fear” (See: Hyperbole and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “when they hear the sound of the enemy’s strong horses”

a sound that a horse makes

Here the word “consume” means to eat up. It is an idiom for how the enemies come and destroy the land and its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “they will come and destroy” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 8:17

Alternate translation: “Now pay attention”

To charm means to sing or make music in order to control snakes.

Jeremiah 8:18

Jeremiah and Yahweh have a conversation about the people of Judah.

The word “my” refers to Jeremiah. The original text is unclear and is interpreted here in different ways by modern versions.

These words are an exaggeration that express the great extent of Jeremiah’s sorrow. Alternate translation: “is very great” (See: Hyperbole)

Here “heart” represents Jeremiah, emphasizing his feelings and emotions. Alternate translation: “I feel sick deep down inside me” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 8:19

This alerts the reader to pay attention to what follows. “Pay attention!”

Jeremiah is speaking about the people of Judah in a way that shows his affection for them, as if for a daughter. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:11. Alternate translation: “my dear people” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) From exile. Alternate translation: “from exile in a distant land” or (2) From throughout the land of Judah. Alternate translation: “throughout our land”

These two questions are similar in meaning. They imply that the people of Judah are wondering why Yahweh is not saving them. Alternate translation: “Why does Yahweh not save us if he is the king in Zion?” (See: Parallelism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Rhetorical Question)

The word “me” refers to Yahweh. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If they want me to save them, then they must not offend me with their carved figures.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 8:20

The word “we” refers to the people of Judah. The words “I” and “my” refer to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah continues talking about the people of Judah.

Alternate translation: “Harvest time is over”

Jeremiah tells what the people of Judah are saying. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh has not saved us” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 8:21

These statements express the same idea in more than one way for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 8:22

These questions are asked to make the point that the people of Judah have not been saved. Alternate translation: “There is medicine in Gilead, and there are healers there, so tell me why the healing of my dear people will not happen.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 9

Jeremiah 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 9:1-12, 17-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

Funeral

This chapter pictures Jerusalem as having a funeral with its typical songs. This is an image used to describe their destruction. It is a time of great sadness.

Circumcision

Circumcision is used here in an unusual way. Since circumcision was intended to be a display of faith, the author uses the term to differentiate between those who have faith in Yahweh and those who don’t. This is a type of metaphor. Those who have a circumcised heart have faith in Yahweh while those with an uncircumcised heart do not have faith in Yahweh, regardless of whether they are physically circumcised. (See: circumcise, circumcised, circumcision, uncircumcised, uncircumcision and faith and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 9:1

Yahweh and Jeremiah continue talking about the people of Judah.

This is Jeremiah speaking. These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how much Jeremiah is weeping. Alternate translation: “I wish I could make more tears” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

By mentioning both “day” and “night” this phrase means all the time. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “continually” (See: Merism)

Yahweh shows his love for his people by speaking of them as a daughter. Here Jeremiah uses this same phrase for the people that Yahweh uses. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:11. Alternate translation: “my people, who are like Yahweh’s daughter” or “my dear people” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom the enemy has killed” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 9:2

“I wish someone would give me.” This is still Jeremiah speaking.

This refers to a building for people traveling in the wilderness, where they can stop and sleep overnight.

Alternate translation: “leave my people”

Alternate translation: “a group of people who betray other people”

Jeremiah 9:3

See how you translated “this is Yahweh’s declaration” in Jeremiah 1:8.

Telling lies is spoken of as being done by the tongues of the wicked. Also, since a spoken lie cannot be taken back, telling lies is spoken of as if it were shooting arrows. Men who use bows must step on their bows in order to fasten the bowstrings, so liars are referred to here as if they were stringing their bows using their tongues. Alternate translation: “Their lies are like arrows that they shoot with the tongues” (See: Metaphor)

“They do not grow strong on the earth because they are faithful to Yahweh, as they are wicked” and “This means that the people are not faithful to Yahweh, but rather are wicked and have gained their power through wickedness” (See: Irony)

Committing one evil action after another is spoken of as if the evildoers were going from one action to another. Alternate translation: “They keep doing evil things” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 9:4

The word “you” refers to the people of Judah.

Alternate translation: “be careful not to trust your fellow Israelites, and do not even trust your own brother”

Here “walking” is an idiom for living. Alternate translation: “every neighbor slanders one another” or “every neighbor is a slanderer” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 9:5

Alternate translation: “All of the people mock each other, and they do not tell the truth”

Here people are represented by their “tongues” to emphasize their speech. Alternate translation: “They teach deceitful things” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “They are tired from committing so much sin”

Jeremiah 9:6

Yahweh speaks of living among people who are liars as living in the middle of deception. Alternate translation: “Your dwelling is among the dwellings of liars” or “You dwell in the midst of liars” (See:Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “By telling all of these lies”

Jeremiah 9:7

Yahweh uses this word here to draw Jeremiah’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh speaks of testing the people and dealing with their evil ways, as if they were metal that he were melting in a crucible to remove its impurities. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to state that this is how he needs to deal with his people because of what they have done. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “for this is how I must deal with my people because of what they have done.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 9:8

This speaks of people’s tongues as if they were sharpened arrows because of how the people hurt others by what they say. Here their speech is represented by their “tongues.” Alternate translation: “Their words are like sharpened arrows that hurt other people” (See: Metaphorand Metonymy)

Here people’s speech is represented by their “mouths.” Alternate translation: “They speak, saying that they want peace with their neighbors” (See: Metonymy)

Here a people’s desires are represented by their “hearts.” This speaks of them wanting to hurt their neighbors as if they were an animal crouching and waiting to attack its prey. Alternate translation: “but what they really want is to destroy their neighbors” (See: Metaphorand Metonymy)

Jeremiah 9:9

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the things that they are doing are so bad that he will not have mercy and stop himself from punishing them. See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 5:9. Alternate translation: “Because they do these things, I will punish them … I will certainly get revenge for myself against them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 9:10

Yahweh is mourning for the land of Israel as if it were a person who died. (See: Parallelism and Personification)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will sing a funeral song” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the fields of grass that the livestock eats”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Because someone has burned the meadows and pastures” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Nobody will hear the sound of cattle there”

Jeremiah 9:11

“a place for jackals to hide.” Jackals are fierce wild dogs.

Alternate translation: “places where no people live”

Jeremiah 9:12

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only a very wise person will understand the things he has said. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only people who are very wise can understand these things.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only the people he has spoken to can declare these things. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only those who have been taught by Yahweh can explain these things to others.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here Yahweh’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh” (See: Synecdoche)

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only a wise person could explain why the land has been destroyed. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only a wise person could explain why the land has perished and been destroyed … pass through.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Both “perished” and “been ruined” describe the land being ruined. Alternate translation: “is the land ruined” (See: Active or Passive and Doublet)

Jeremiah 9:13

Alternate translation: “These things will happen because”

Yahweh speaks of the people not obeying his law as if it were something that they had walked away from. Alternate translation: “they have rejected my law” (See: Metaphor)

Here Yahweh’s “voice” represents what he says. Alternate translation: “they do not pay attention to the things I tell them” (See: Metonymy)

Here “walk” is an idiom for “live.” Alternate translation: “or live the way I tell them to live” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 9:14

Here the people’s “stubborn hearts” represent their stubborn desires and stubborn will. Also, here “walked” represents living. Alternate translation: “they have been stubborn and lived the way they want to live” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Alternate translation: “have worshiped the Baals”

Jeremiah 9:15

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Yahweh uses this word here to draw the people’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: Idiom)

a plant that tastes bitter

Jeremiah 9:16

Alternate translation: “Then I will force them to leave here and live in many different countries”

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “that neither they nor their ancestors have known” (See: Ellipsis)

Here the word “sword” refers to an enemy army. Alternate translation: “I will send an army of soldiers to fight against them” (See: Metonymy)

This is a metonym for Yahweh causing the people’s enemies to destroy them. Alternate translation: “I have caused their enemies to completely destroy them” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 9:17

Yahweh tells the people of Judah to mourn for the coming destruction of the land.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

These two phrases have the same meaning. They emphasize that they are to call funeral singers to come. Alternate translation: “Get women who are trained in mourning and bring those women here” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Call women who are professional singers at funerals”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “tell the women to come” (See: Idiom)

The phrase “send out for” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Send people out to get women who are skilled at mourning” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 9:18

Here Yahweh says what the people of Judah will say when the destruction comes. The words “us” and “our” refer to the people of Judah and does not include Yahweh. This may be written instead as a command from Yahweh to the people. Alternate translation: “Tell them to hurry and sing a song to mourn for you, so your eyes may run with tears and your eyelids flow with water” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

This describes the people crying a lot. Alternate translation: “so we will cry very hard with tears flowing from our eyes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 9:19

Here Yahweh is saying what the people of Judah will say when he destroys the land.

This refers to the people of Zion wailing loudly and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Zion are crying loudly, saying” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh tells what the people of Judah will say when the land is destroyed. Alternate translation: “We are very upset” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “Our shame is great, because enemies destroyed our houses and we had to leave the land of Israel”

Jeremiah 9:20

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the command to listen to what Yahweh says. In the second phrase Yahweh’s “mouth” is a metonym for himself. Alternate translation: “listen to what Yahweh says. Pay attention to his words” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “teach each neighbor woman a funeral song” (See: Ellipsis)

Jeremiah 9:21

Here Yahweh is saying what the people of Judah will say when he destroys the land.

The people of Judah will compare death to a person who can climb in windows to attack the people inside and attacks people in the palaces, streets, and city squares. (See: Personification)

fancy houses where kings live. Death will come to rich and poor alike.

marketplaces

Jeremiah 9:22

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh has declared” or “This is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the large number dead bodies. Alternate translation: “dead bodies will fall all over the place” (See: Parallelism)

This describes the great number of people who will die, by comparing their bodies to dung that falls in the fields. Alternate translation: “dead bodies will drop everywhere like animal dung falls all over the fields” (See: Simile)

This describes the great number of people who will die, by comparing their bodies to cut stalks of grain. Alternate translation: “like stalks of grain fall everywhere after the farmers cut them down” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “there will be nobody to gather the dead bodies”

Jeremiah 9:23

These are the words of Yahweh.

Alternate translation: “A wise man should not be proud because he is wise”

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “or let the warrior take pride in his might” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “A rich man should not be proud because he is rich”

Jeremiah 9:24

“understands who I am and knows me.” Both of these phrases have similar meanings. They emphasize people knowing who Yahweh is and understanding who he is. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to people knowing Yahweh and his ways. Alternate translation: “Because people should understand that I am Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “these” refers to covenant loyalty, justice, and righteousness.

Jeremiah 9:25

These are the words of Yahweh.

Yahweh uses this word here to draw the people’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Indeed” (See: Idiom)

This refers to the people of Israel who have entered into Yahweh’s covenant by getting circumcised physically, but who have not changed their inner beings by following his laws. Alternate translation: “all those people who have changed their bodies by circumcising them but who have not changed their inner beings” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 9:26

This probably refers to people who cut their hair short in order to honor a pagan god. Some modern versions interpret this Hebrew expression as “all the people who live on the edge of the wilderness.”

The word “nations” refers to the people who live in these places. Foreigners being uncircumcised was a sign that they were not in Yahweh’s covenant. Alternate translation: “For the people of these nations did not enter into a covenant with Yahweh through circumcision” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The “heart” represents a person’s will and desires. An “uncircumcised heart” represents the character of a person that does not follow Yahweh and his laws. Also, the “house” of Israel refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel are only circumcised on the outside and have not changed their hearts” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines in 10:1-25 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are a long quotation.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s power

This chapter contrasts the great power of Yahweh with the powerlessness of any other false god. It is intended to question why the Jews would worship any other god. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Jeremiah 10:1

Yahweh has just reminded the people of Judah, as well as Egypt, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all people, that they will be punished.

Alternate translation: “Hear the message”

Here the “house” of Israel represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 10:2

Alternate translation: “Do not act like the other nations act”

worried or upset

Alternate translation: “by strange things in the sky”

Here “the nations” refer to the people who live in them. This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “for the people of the nations are afraid of the strange things they see in the sky” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 10:3

Yahweh has just reminded them not to learn the ways of the nations nor be worried by things that happen in the sky.

a man skilled in his work

Jeremiah 10:5

A scarecrow is a man-like figure made to scare birds and prevent them from eating the crops. Here Yahweh compares the idols to scarecrows because they are not capable of doing anything. (See: Simile)

a vegetable that is usually long, with green skin and white flesh that contains much water

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people have to carry them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 10:6

Jeremiah has just been talking about idol worship.

Here Yahweh’s “name” refers to himself and his reputation. Alternate translation: “you are very powerful” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 10:7

Jeremiah asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that everyone should fear Yahweh. Here he refers to Yahweh as “king of the nations.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Everyone should fear you, king of the nations.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “what you have earned”

Jeremiah 10:8

The words “brutish” and “stupid” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how foolish the people are for worshiping idols. Alternate translation: “They are all very stupid, they are disciples” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “they try to learn from an idol which is only a piece of wood”

Jeremiah 10:9

places where silver and gold are mined (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, the refiners are represented here by their “hands” because they do their work with their hands. Alternate translation: “gold from Uphaz that skilled craftsmen and refiners have made” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “skilled craftsmen”

people who heat gold to remove from it anything that is not gold

Alternate translation: “The people dress the idols in blue and purple cloth”

Jeremiah 10:10

This speaks of the earth shaking as an emotional response to Yahweh’s anger, when actually Yahweh causes the earth to quake. Alternate translation: “The earth quakes when he is angry” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “shakes”

Jeremiah 10:11

God is speaking to Jeremiah.

The word “you” refers to the Israelites and the word “them” refers to the people of the other nations.

This speaks of the idols disappearing and losing their significance as if they were dying. This emphasizes their lack of power. Alternate translation: “will disappear from the earth” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 10:12

This speaks of Yahweh creating the sky as if it were a large sheet that he stretched out. Alternate translation: “created the heavens” or “created the sky” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 10:13

Here Yahweh is represented by his “voice” to emphasize his speech. The phrase “the roar of waters” refers to loud storms. Alternate translation: “His voice causes the storms in the sky” (See: Metonymy)

This means that he causes the mists to evaporate and form clouds. The phrase “the ends of the earth” refers to all of the earth. Alternate translation: “he causes clouds to form over every part of the earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This speaks of Yahweh causing the wind to blow as if the wind were kept in a storehouse and brought out when he desires. (See: Metaphor)

a building where things are kept

Jeremiah 10:14

Alternate translation: “is lacking knowledge” or “does not know”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Every metalworker’s idols put him to shame” or “As for every metalworker, his idols shame him” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 10:15

This speaks of the final destruction of the idols. Alternate translation: “there will be a time when God will destroy them” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 10:16

Here “Jacob” represents the people of Israel. God being their “portion” is an idiom that means that they worship him. Alternate translation: “the portion of Israel” or “whom the people of Israel worship” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Alternate translation: “the creator of all things” or “the one who created all things”

This speaks of Israel belonging to Yahweh as if it were something that Yahweh gained through inheritance. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Israel belongs to him” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 10:17

Alternate translation: “Gather your belongings”

Alternate translation: “whose city has been surrounded by your enemies’ army” or “who have been living in your city while an enemy army surrounds it”

Jeremiah 10:18

Yahweh uses this word here to draw the peoples’ attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: Idiom)

Here Yahweh speaks of causing the people to leave the land as if they were objects that he were throwing out of a container. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people living in the land to leave that land” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “people who live in the land”

great pain or suffering

Jeremiah 10:19

Jeremiah is speaking as if he were the whole tribe of Israel. (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah speaks of the peoples’ distress as if they were physically wounded by broken bones and infection. Alternate translation: “Woe to us! It is as though we have broken bones and an infected wound” (See: Metaphor)

Here Jeremiah represents the whole tribe of Israel. Alternate translation: “but we must bear it” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 10:20

Here Jeremiah speaks of the enemy having destroyed their city as if their tent had been destroyed. Alternate translation: “It is as though our great tent is destroyed; the ropes that held it up have been cut” or “The enemy has completely destroyed our city” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My enemy has devastated my tent” or “Our enemy has destroyed our tent” (See: Active or Passive)

Here Jeremiah represents the whole tribe of Israel. Alternate translation: “Our enemies have taken our children away from us” (See: Synecdoche)

The children no longer existing is a metaphor for the parents never seeing them again. Alternate translation: “and it is like they no longer exist” or “and they will never return again” (See: Metaphor)

Here Jeremiah speaks of them not having descendants to rebuild their city as if their city were a tent that needs to be rebuilt. Alternate translation: “There is no one to rebuild our city” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 10:21

Here the leaders of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were flocks of sheep. Alternate translation: “For the shepherds of our people are stupid … all the people of their flock have been scattered” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and their enemies have scattered all their flock” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 10:22

Here the marching enemy armies are spoken of as if they were an earthquake. The word “See!” is used here as an idiom to draw the listener’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Look! The enemy army is coming, they sound like a great earthquake as they are marching” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

a type of fierce wild dog

Jeremiah 10:23

Jeremiah prays for the people of Israel.

These two phrases mean the same thing. This means that no one has control over the various things that will happen to him during his life. Alternate translation: “that no person controls what will happen to him; no one is able to direct the events that he will experience” (See: Parallelism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 10:25

Here “the nations” refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “In your fury, punish the nations” or “In your anger, punish the nations of the people” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that do not worship you” (See: Idiom)

These three phrases have the same meaning. Jeremiah repeats this idea three times to emphasize the utter destruction of Israel. This speaks of the enemy armies attacking the people of Israel as if the armies were a fierce animal attacking and devouring its prey. Alternate translation: “For they have fiercely attacked the people of Israel and consumed them so as to completely destroy them” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “demolish their homes”

Jeremiah 11

Jeremiah 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 11:15-17, 20.

Special concepts in this chapter

The covenant

The covenant Yahweh made with Moses is prominent in this chapter. Because the people disobeyed this covenant, God will not help them. (See: covenant)

Jeremiah 11:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 7:1. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah. He said,” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 11:2

Alternate translation: “the people who live in Jerusalem”

Jeremiah 11:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will curse anyone” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 11:4

This speaks of the horrible circumstances and oppression the Israelites were living in Egypt by comparing them to a smelting furnace. Alternate translation: “of Egypt. What happened to them in Egypt was terrible; it was as though they were living in a hot furnace” (See: Metaphor)

heating iron to liquid form

The word “voice” here is a metonym for what the speaker says with the voice, and “listen” is a metonym for “obey.” Alternate translation: “Obey what I say” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 11:5

“the land where milk and honey flow.” God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: “the land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 11:6

Alternate translation: “the terms of this covenant”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “obey them” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 11:7

serious and important

The word “voice” here is a metonym for what the speaker says with the voice, and “listen” is a metonym for “obey.” Alternate translation: “Obey what I say” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 11:8

Here “walking” is an idiom for the way a person lives. The word “heart” is a metonym for a person’s desires and emotions. Alternate translation: “Each person has refused to change and has been living by his own wicked desires” or “Each person has refused to change and continues to do the evil things that they want to do” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “So I punished them with all the curses that I described in this covenant that I had commanded them to obey”

Jeremiah 11:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There is a conspiracy” (See: Active or Passive)

a secret plan to do something that is harmful or illegal

Alternate translation: “the people who live in Jerusalem”

Jeremiah 11:10

The phrase “turned to” is an idiom that means to start doing something. Alternate translation: “They have returned to committing the same iniquities as their earliest ancestors committed” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “followed after”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Judah, which included the descendants of Judah and Benjamin. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:18. Alternate translation: “Judah” or “the kingdom of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 11:11

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Jeremiah 11:12

Here the “cities of Judah” represents the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “The people who live in the cities of Judah and in Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but their gods will certainly not save them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 11:13

Alternate translation: “to as many as”

Alternate translation: “the streets in Jerusalem”

Jeremiah 11:14

Alternate translation: “You must not make a loud cry of sadness”

Jeremiah 11:15

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the people Judah no longer have a right to be in his temple. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “My beloved one, the one who has had so many wicked intentions, should not be in my house.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The people of Judah are spoken of as if they were a single woman greatly beloved. Alternate translation: “are the people whom I love, those who have had” or “are the people of Judah whom I love, who have had” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 11:16

In the Old Testament people were often compared to trees or plants. Those who were prosperous and healthy were spoken of as leafy, fruitful tree. Alternate translation: “In the past Yahweh said that you were like a leafy olive tree” (See: Metaphor)

This expression continues the metaphor of the tree. The fire stands for the destruction of the people. (See: Metaphor)

This compares the sound of the raging fire to the sound of a severe storm. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will break off your branches” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 11:17

This speaks of Yahweh placing the people of Israel and Judah in the places where they live as if they were a tree that Yahweh had planted. Alternate translation: “who planted you like a farmer plants a tree” or “the one who placed you to live in the land of Israel and Judah” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “has decreed that disaster will come upon you”

Jeremiah 11:18

“You have revealed things to me and so I know them.” The refers to Yahweh revealing to Jeremiah that his enemies were planning to kill him.

The refers to Yahweh revealing to Jeremiah that his enemies were planning to kill him. This is spoken of here as if Jeremiah has already see their actions. Alternate translation: “have revealed to me their evil plans” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 11:19

This speaks of Jeremiah being unaware of his enemies’ plans to kill him by comparing him to a lamb who is being led to be slaughtered. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that my enemies were leading to a butcher” (See: Active or Passive)

Here Jeremiah’s enemies speak of killing him as if he were a fruit tree that they were planning to destroy. (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “cut him off” means to destroy him. Also, “the living” refers to living people. Alternate translation: “Let us kill him so he is no longer in the land of those who are alive” or “Let us destroy him so that he is no longer among the world of living people” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 11:20

The heart is a metonym for what a person feels and desires and “the mind” is a metonym for what a person thinks and decides. Alternate translation: “a person’s feelings and thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

The word “vengeance” here can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “I will watch you take revenge” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 11:21

This is the name of a special city where priests live. (See: How to Translate Names)

This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. Alternate translation: “wanting to kill you” (See: Metaphor)

“They say to me.” The men are speaking to Jeremiah.

Here the men refer to their “hand” to emphasize that they plan to kill him themselves. Alternate translation: “we ourselves will kill you” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 11:22

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

men at the strongest time of their lives

Here the “sword” represents battle. Alternate translation: “will die in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 11:23

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will leave none of them” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “year” here is a idiom that describes a specific period of time that Yahweh decides. Alternate translation: “in the time of their punishment” or “for the time of their punishment is coming” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 12

Jeremiah 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:1-13.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jeremiah complains that evil men prosper

Jeremiah complains that evil men prosper. He questions Yahweh’s justice. Yahweh’s response: if Jeremiah is upset by the people of Anathoth, how will he face enemies in Jerusalem? (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Yahweh’s grace to the other nations

Yahweh gives a gracious offer to the Gentile nations. If the other nations who have been against Judah leave their idols and worship God, then God will allow them to return to their lands. (See: grace, gracious)

Jeremiah 12:1

Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh.

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “wicked people” or “those who are wicked” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Jeremiah 12:2

Here Jeremiah speaks of the wicked as if they were fruit trees. Alternate translation: “They are like fruit trees that you planted, that you allow to prosper and to produce lots of fruit” (See: Metaphor)

Here “mouths” represents what a person says. And, “hearts” represents what a person thinks or feels. Also, being loyal is spoken of as if it were being near a person, and being disloyal is spoken of as if it were being far away from a person. Alternate translation: “They always say good things about you, but they do not love or respect you” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 12:3

Here the “heart” represents a person’s thoughts and true feelings. Alternate translation: “my thoughts” or “my inner feelings” (See: Metonymy)

Here Jeremiah asks Yahweh to prepare to punish the wicked as if they were sheep to be taken away to be slaughtered. Alternate translation: “Take the wicked people away, like sheep for slaughter” or “Prepare to punish those wicked people” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the day they will be destroyed”

Jeremiah 12:4

Their land is dry and rain has not come as punishment for the peoples’ wickedness.

dry up

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The animals and the birds are gone” or “The animals and the birds have all died” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) The people are saying that God does not know what things will happen to them in their future or (2) God is unaware of their sin. Alternate translation: “God does not see the sinful things that we do”

Jeremiah 12:5

This rhetorical question implies that he would not be able to run with horses. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you will never compete well against horses.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This refers to while the person is running. Alternate translation: “If you fall down while running” (See: Ellipsis)

This refers to the open countryside, where it is easy to travel quickly, in contrast to the overgrown thickets along the Jordan River, where it is difficult to move.

This rhetorical question implies that he would not be able to run through the thickets along the Jordan. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you will surely not be able to run in the thickets along the Jordan.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

many bushes or small trees growing close together

Jeremiah 12:6

to have accused someone publicly

Jeremiah 12:7

These three sentences have similar meanings. The first and second one strengthens the thought in the third. (See: Parallelism)

The two phrases are metaphors in which Yahweh speaks of his people as if they were his “house” and his “inheritance.” Alternate translation: “I have abandoned my Israelite people, the people whom I chose to belong to me” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “hands” represents control. Alternate translation: “to be conquered by her enemies” or “over to the control of her enemies” (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh refers to his people as a female by using a feminine pronoun. Alternate translation: “of their” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 12:8

This continues to speaks of Yahweh’s people as a lion. This speaks of the people showing they are against him as if they were roaring at him. Alternate translation: “it is like she roars at me to defy me”

Here Yahweh refers to his people as a female by using feminine pronouns. Alternate translation: “they set themselves … with their … hate them” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 12:9

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that his people are surrounded by their enemies. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “My prized possession has become a speckled bird and other birds of prey go against her all around.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here Yahweh speaks of his people as his “prized possession.” Alternate translation: “Have not my people, who are my prized possession” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here Yahweh speaks of his people being in danger and surrounded by their enemies as if they were a speckled bird surrounded by birds of prey. Alternate translation: “become like a speckled bird, and her enemies are like birds of prey attacking her on all sides” (See: Metaphor)

“a strange looking bird.” This refers to a bird that was often picked on and eaten by other birds.

birds that attack and eat animals

Yahweh speaks here in the form of a command to strengthen what he says. This command is not directed to a specific person and may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Let all the wild beasts in the fields come and eat her” (See: Apostrophe)

Jeremiah 12:10

Here Yahweh speaks of his land and his people being destroyed by armies as if they were a vineyard that shepherds had destroyed. Alternate translation: “My people and my land are like a vineyard that many shepherds have destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “shepherds” refers to their sheep. Alternate translation: “Many shepherds have allowed their sheep to destroy” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “They have crushed under their feet”

Alternate translation: “the ground I planted” or “my field”

Jeremiah 12:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “All the land is desolate” (See: Active or Passive)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cares” or “pays any attention” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 12:12

Alternate translation: “Destroying armies have come”

Alternate translation: “places in the wilderness where nothing grows”

Here Yahweh speaks of the armies that he is using to punish his people as being his “sword.” His”sword” is described here as if it were a large animal that attacked and devoured the people. Alternate translation: “for the armies are my sword that I am using to punish you” or “for I am sending the destroying armies to attack you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

This refers to the whole land that belongs to his people.

Jeremiah 12:13

Alternate translation: “They have sown wheat, but there is nothing to harvest but thornbushes”

Alternate translation: “My people have”

a large plant that is covered in sharp points

unable to do more, without any more strength

“So be ashamed of your tiny harvest because Yahweh is angry with you.” Here the word “gain” does not mean a large amount of something, but refers to a small amount.

Jeremiah 12:14

Alternate translation: “have been trying to take away the land”

Alternate translation: “gave my people Israel as an inheritance”

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

God speaks of forcing the people to leave their land as if they were plants that he was pulling out of the ground. See how you translated this concept in Jeremiah 1:10. Alternate translation: “to make them leave their own land” (See: Metaphor)

Here Yahweh speaks of causing the people of Judah to leave the lands of the other nations as if they were plants that he was pulling out of the ground. Alternate translation: “I will cause the house of Judah to leave their lands as well” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “uproot”

Jeremiah 12:15

God speaks of forcing the people to leave their land as if they were plants that he was pulling out of the ground. Alternate translation: “I make those nations leave their lands and move to different places” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 12:16

God’s word about Judah’s neighbors.

Alternate translation: “It will happen that”

“As surely as Yahweh is alive.” The people use this expression to show that what they say next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Swearing in Yahweh’s name instead of in Baal’s name indicates that they worship Yahweh instead of Baal. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Idiom)

This speaks of the people becoming prosperous as if they were a building that was being built. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will build them up in the midst of my people” or “I will make them wealthy and they will live among my people” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

middle

Jeremiah 12:17

Jeremiah 13

Jeremiah 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 13:15-27.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Symbolism

The action of hiding the undergarment was intended to be a symbolic event. It was supposed to get the Jews’ attention and be a lesson for them to learn. Jeremiah performed the action, but it was not the action itself that was important. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 13:1

a type of very fine cloth

clothing that people wear under their clothes; underwear

the middle part of the body, usually the narrowest, between the hips and chest

Alternate translation: “do not wash it or get it wet”

Jeremiah 13:3

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message a second time. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this second message to me:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 13:4

a space between rocks or a crack in a rock, big enough to put something into it

Jeremiah 13:8

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 13:9

Here Judah and Jerusalem refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “of the people of Judah and Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 13:10

Alternate translation: “to obey what I say”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “who are stubborn and only do the things they desire” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 13:11

Alternate translation: “sticks to … stick to me” or “stays close to … stay close to me”

Alternate translation: “all the people of … all the people of”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:18. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 13:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Every wineskin should be full of wine … every wineskin should be full of wine” or “Every wine jar should be full of wine … every wine jar should be full of wine” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 13:13

This word is used here to draw someone’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Alternate translation: “cause all the people of this land to be drunk”

Here the throne that the king of Judah sits on is represented as “David’s throne.” Alternate translation: “the kings who sit on Judah’s throne” or “the kings of the nation of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 13:14

Here the words “each man” refer to both men and women. Alternate translation: “Then I will cause the people to fight with each other, even parents and children will fight one another” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “I will smash fathers and children together” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “I will not feel sorry for”

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “will allow them to be destroyed”

Jeremiah 13:15

falsely believing oneself to be important

Jeremiah 13:16

Here trouble and despair are spoken of as if they were “darkness.” Alternate translation: “he brings trouble and despair” or “he cause great troubles to come”

Here a person is referred to by his “feet” to emphasize that he is walking. Alternate translation: “before he causes you to trip and fall as you walk” (See: Synecdoche)

early morning or evening when it is partially dark, when the sun is beginning to rise or when the sun is almost set

This speaks of goodness and blessings as “light” and of trouble and despair as “darkness.” Alternate translation: “For you were hoping for light and blessings, but Yahweh will give you darkness and great despair--you will feel like you are surrounded by a dark cloud” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 13:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for enemies have captured Yahweh’s flock” (See: Active or Passive)

Here Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh’s people as Yahweh’s “flock” because he cares for them like a shepherd cares for his sheep. This event has not happened yet, but it is written here as if it already has. This can be written in future tense. Alternate translation: “for you who are Yahweh’s flock, your enemies will soon capture you” (See: Metaphor and Predictive Past)

Jeremiah 13:18

Yahweh is continuing to talk to Jeremiah. He is telling Jeremiah what to say to the king of Judah and the king’s mother.

the mother of the king

A king and queen mother wear crowns to represent their royal positions as the king and queen mother. Also, this event has not happened yet, but it is written here as if it already has. This can be written in future tense. Alternate translation: “for you will no longer be the king and queen mother, for your crowns, your pride and glory, will fall off” (See: Symbolic Action and Predictive Past)

Jeremiah 13:19

This means that the cities will be surrounded by their enemies, who will not allow anyone to go in or come out of the cities. Alternate translation: “The cities in the Negev will be shut up, and no one will be able to go into them or come out of them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your enemies will shut the cities in the Negev up” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “Judah” represents the people who live there. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemies will take all of the people of Judah captive into exile” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 13:20

Yahweh is talking to the people of Jerusalem.

Here the word “look” is an idiom that means to pay attention and be aware of what is happening. Also, “Lift up your eyes” represents looking at something. Alternate translation: “Pay attention and be aware of the ones coming from the north” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

This refers an enemy army that will come from the north. Alternate translation: “the enemy army coming from the north” or “the enemy army marching from the north” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that the people of Judah will be captured by the enemy armies. This question is asked as if the people of Judah had already been captured even though this has not yet happened. The question can be written as a statement and in future tense. Alternate translation: “I gave you the people of Judah to care for, like a beautiful flock of sheep, but the enemy army will capture them.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Predictive Past)

This speaks of the people of Judah as a “flock” of sheep to emphasize that the leaders of Judah were supposed to care for them and look after them. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 13:21

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the people who Judah’s leaders thought they were at peace with will conquer them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The people you thought were your friends will conquer you and rule over you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to tell the people that their capture is just the beginning of the suffering they will go through. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “These things that you will suffer are like the beginning of the labor pains of a woman in childbirth.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 13:22

This means that the enemy soldiers will rape the Judean women. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the enemy soldiers will lift up the skirts of your women and rape them” (See: Euphemism and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 13:23

This rhetorical question is used to state an example of something that is impossible. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Also, the understood verb “can” maybe be supplied in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “The people of Cush cannot change their skin color and a leopard cannot change its spots.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Ellipsis)

This statement is ironic because the examples about the Cushite and the leopard are impossible situations. This states that if those impossible things could happen then they could do good. Alternate translation: “Just like these things are impossible, so it is also impossible for you who always do evil to do good” (See: Irony)

Jeremiah 13:24

“I will scatter them like chaff that is blown away by the wind.” Yahweh is saying He will scatter His people throughout the world just as chaff is scattered by the wind. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 13:26

This means that Yahweh will make them feel ashamed. It does not in any way mean that he will rape them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is as though I myself will strip your skirts off of you so that everyone will see your private parts and you will be ashamed” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 13:27

This is the sound of a male horse desiring a female horse. Alternate translation: “lusting” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 14

Jeremiah 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 14:1-10, 17-22.

Special concepts in this chapter

False prophets

The false prophets promised there would not be any war or drought. They gave people a false sense of hope, when they needed to repent. Because of this, Yahweh sent a drought and said that the false prophets would die of drought and war. This showed that these were not true prophets of Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, promise, promised and hope, hoped and repent, repentance)

Jeremiah 14:1

Yahweh, through the prophet Jeremiah, has just talked about the adultery of the people.

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 14:2

Here “Judah” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “Let the people of Judah mourn” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “gates,” which keep enemies out of cities and where people conduct business and government, is a synecdoche for Judah’s cities, and Judah’s cities are a metonym for the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “let her cities fall apart” or “let the people in her cities become unable to defend themselves” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “fall into pieces”

The phrase “going up” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “They are calling out loudly in prayer for Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 14:3

Alternate translation: “The rich people”

Both of these words have similar meaning and together emphasize that the servants were ashamed that they were unable to get water. (See: Doublet)

In biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed. (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 14:4

Yahweh, through the prophet Jeremiah, has continued to tell the people about the drought.

In biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed. (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 14:5

These two phrase have the same meaning and emphasize that the doe leaves her young deer because she cannot provide for them. A doe is a female deer. Alternate translation: “the deer leaves her young in the field” (See: Parallelism)

This means that there is no grass for the deer to eat. Alternate translation: “for there is no grass for them to eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 14:6

This speaks of the donkeys panting because they are thirsty by saying that they pant like jackals. Jackals are fiece wild dog which pant a lot. Alternate translation: “they pant in the wind like thirsty jackals” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “They become blind because there is no grass to eat”

Jeremiah 14:7

Yahweh, through the prophet Jeremiah, has just told the people about the drought.

Here their “iniquities” are spoken of as if they were people who testified against them about their wrong doing. Alternate translation: “our iniquities give evidence of our wrongdoing” (See: Personification)

Here Yahweh’s “name” refers to his reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of your reputation” or “in order that everyone can see that you are very great and keep your promises” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 14:8

This is another name for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You are the hope of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The people are asking if Yahweh is unconcerned with his people and unable to help them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you should not be like a stranger in the land, like a foreign wanderer who stretches out and spends just one night.” (See: Parallelism)

This question speaks of the possibility of Yahweh being unconcerned with helping his people as if he were a stranger just travelling though a place unconcerned with those living there. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 14:9

This speaks of the possibility of Yahweh being unable to help his people as if he were a confused warrior who was unable to rescue anyone. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do nothing to help us, like someone who is astounded or like a warrior who has no power to rescue us.” (See: Simile)

unable to understand or to think clearly

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This speaks of the people being Yahweh’s people by saying that his name is over them. Alternate translation: “we bear your name” or “we are your people” (See: Active or Passive and Idiom)

Jeremiah 14:10

Jeremiah has been praying and asking Yahweh not to leave them alone.

“they love to wander away from me.” This speaks of people being unfaithful to Yahweh and not obey him as if they had wandered from the place where he is. (See: Metaphor)

Here the people are referred to by their “feet” to emphasize their walking away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “have not kept themselves” (See: Synecdoche)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remembers” or “recalls” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 14:11

Alternate translation: “to assist” or “to help”

Jeremiah 14:12

loudly crying because of sorrow

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to die” (See: Euphemism)

Here war is represented by the “sword” which was the common weapon used in battle. Alternate translation: “by war” or “by battle” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 14:13

Yahweh has just told Jeremiah not to pray for the people of Judah.

Here “sword” represents war, and to “see” represents experiencing. Alternate translation: “You will not experience any war” (See: Metonymy)

Here “security” is spoken of as if it were an object that someone could give to another person. Alternate translation: “I will allow you to live securely” or “I will allow you to live peacefully” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 14:14

The word “deceit” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “prophesy deceitfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This phrase refers to speaking with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative. (See: Metonymy)

This means that Yahweh did not send them out with messages to give to the people. Alternate translation: “I did not send them to prophesy to other people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “minds” are spoken of as if they were a place instead of the ability to think of ideas. Alternate translation: “that they think up themselves” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 14:15

Jeremiah has just been talking to Yahweh about the things the false prophets have been prophesying.

This phrase refers to speaking with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 14:14. (See: Metonymy)

Here the “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “there will be no war … perish by war” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 14:16

Here the “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “famine and war” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This means that whole families will die and people will throw their bodies into the streets instead of burying them. Alternate translation: “Then the people to whom they prophesied will die by famine and sword and people will throw their bodies into the streets of Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

This describes who is referred to by the word “them,” that is, everyone who died by famine and sword.

Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people in accordance to their wicknedness as if their own wickedness were a liquid that he would pour upon them. Alternate translation: “I will punish them like they deserve to be punished” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 14:17

Here two opposite times of the day are given to mean all the time. Alternate translation: “all the time, both night and day” (See: Merism)

a cut or break in skin that cannot be cured

Jeremiah 14:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, here the “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “who died by the sword” or “who died in war” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Here the “diseases” represent the people who have these diseases because of their starvation. Alternate translation: “there are the ones who are sick because of famine” (See: Metonymy)

move around without purpose

It may be helpful to state what they do not know. Alternate translation: “they do not know what they are doing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 14:19

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “we hoped for a time of healing” (See: Ellipsis)

Jeremiah 14:20

Alternate translation: “Yahweh, we admit our wicked offenses and our ancestors’ iniquity”

Jeremiah 14:21

Here Yahweh’s “name” refers to his reputation. Alternate translation: “For the sake of your reputation” or “In order that everyone can see that you are very great and keep your promises” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh’s “throne” is represented by Zion, that is Jerusalem. His “throne” also represents the place where he rules as king. Alternate translation: “do disgrace Zion where you glorious throne is” or “do not disgrace Zion, where you rule as king” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 14:22

Alternate translation: “Can the skies decide when they make the rain to fall?”

Jeremiah 15

Jeremiah 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 15:2, 5-21.

Special concepts in this chapter

Do not pray for the people

God told Jeremiah not to pray for the people because God was punishing them. This was meant to be an illustration for Jeremiah. Jeremiah was not to pray because the punishment was already determined. Yahweh also explains that even the great Moses could not help the sinful Jews. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Yahweh uses Gentile nations

Yahweh is going to use the Gentile nations to punish Judah. This would have been very offensive to the Jews. They would have also been surprised to learn that Yahweh was using the Gentile nations to punish his people. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 15:1

Jeremiah has just been praying to Yahweh.

This implies that they are pleading for Yahweh to spare the people. Alternate translation: “were standing in front of me pleading for these people, I would still not be in favor of them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh repeats this idea of sending away his people to add emphasis to it. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 15:2

Alternate translation: “Those whom I have appointed to go to”

This speaks of dying as if death were a place that people can go to. Alternate translation: “should die” (See: Metaphor)

Here the “sword” represents war. To be “for the sword” means that God has appointed them to die in war. Alternate translation: “those whom I have appointed to die in war should go to die in war” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means that Yahweh has appointed these to die because of famine, and these words speak of dying by famine as if “famine” were a place that people can go to. Alternate translation: “Those whom I have appointed to die by famine should go and die by famine” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “should go into captivity”

Jeremiah 15:3

Yahweh has just told them he will send some of them to death, some to die by the sword, some to die by famine, and some to be captives.

Here the “sword” refers to the enemy soldiers. Alternate translation: “the enemy soldiers” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 15:4

Here the word “them” refers to the people of Judah, not to the four groups listed in the previous verse.

Manasseh was a very wicked king who did many evil things in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “because of the wicked things that Manasseh … did in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 15:5

Yahweh has just told them he will assign them to four groups to kill them—the sword, dogs, birds, and beasts.

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one should mourn for Jerusalem. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one should have compassion on you, Jerusalem. No one should mourn for your destruction.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “Jerusalem” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “for you people who live in Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 15:6

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people have, indeed, forsaken Yahweh. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “left me” or “gone away from me”

Here “hand” represents power. Alternate translation: “I will use my power to strike you” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 15:7

Here Yahweh speaks of scattering the people and causing them to leave Jersalem as if they were winnowed chaff being blown away on the wind. (See: Metaphor)

a farm tool with a long handle and sharp metal prongs, used especially for lifting and tossing grain in the air for winnowing

Alternate translation: “I will cause their children to die” or “I will let their enemies kill their children”

Jeremiah 15:8

Yahweh has just told them no one will care about them and that he will destroy his people since they would not turn from their wicked ways.

women whose husbands have died

“than the grains of sand on the seashore.” This comparison is an exaggeration used to emphasize an uncountable number. Alternate translation: “more than you can count” (See: Hyperbole)

This means that Yahweh will send an enemy army to kill young men, which will cause their mothers great sorrow. Alternate translation: “At noonday I will send an enemy army to destroy young men and cause their mothers to weep” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “happen to them” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 15:9

The words “ashamed” and “embarrassed” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of shame. Alternate translation: “She will be completely ashamed” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will grow faint” (See: Idiom)

This speaks of a woman becoming sorrowful because her children have died, as if her life were a day in which the sun had set early and turned to darkness. Here the darkness represents her sorrow. Alternate translation: “Because of her sorrow, it will be as though the sun has set and her day has turned to darkness” (See: Metaphor)

Here the “sword” represents the enemy soldiers. This means that Yahweh will allow the enemy solider to kill any of her children that remain. Alternate translation: “I will allow the enemy soldiers to kill those of her children that remain alive” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 15:10

In these verse, Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh about his suffering, and Yahweh answers him.

Jeremiah pretends to speak to his mother as a way to emphasize how sad he is. (See: Apostrophe)

The words “controversy” and “argument” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize how much Jeremiah is arguing. Alternate translation: “a man with whom everyone argues all the time” (See: Doublet)

This refers to lending money to people. Often lending money causes people to fight with one another. Alternate translation: “I have not lent money to anyone, nor has anyone lent money to me” or “I have not made anyone angry by lending or borrow money and then quarreling about it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 15:11

The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is “yes.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will certainly rescue you for good!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Those are the enemies of Jeremiah who disagreed with his prophecies.

Here the words “calamity” and “distress” mean basically the same thing. They emphasize the amount or intensity of the calamity. Alternate translation: “in the time of great calamity” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 15:12

In these questions Yahweh speaks of the strength of Judah’s enemies as if they were iron mixed with bronze. These rhetorical questions can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can smash iron, especially if it is as strong as the iron from the north that is mixed with bronze.” or “But Judah’s enemies, who are as strong as iron or bronze, will attack Judah from the north, no one will be able to stop them” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 15:13

In these verse, Yahweh speaks to the nation of Israel as if it were one person.

The words “wealth” and “treasures” mean the same thing and refer to anything that people consider to be valuable. (See: Doublet)

things that you steal from a city after conquering it

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “all of the sins you have committed” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “throughout your country”

Jeremiah 15:14

Alternate translation: “to a land that is strange to you”

The wrath of God is spoken of as if it were a destructive fire. Alternate translation: “I will destroy you because I am very angry with you” (See: Metaphor)

Here Yahweh speaks of his wrath as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “for my wrath is like a fire that I will kindle against you” or “for I will come against you in my wrath, and my wrath will be like a burning fire” (See: Metaphor)

to light a fire

Jeremiah 15:15

Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh.

Jeremiah is asking Yahweh not to be patient with the sins of his enemies. The phrase “take me away” refers to him being killed. Alternate translation: “Please do not continue to be patient with them and allow them to kill me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Euphemism)

Jeremiah 15:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have heard your message” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah speaks of listening and understanding Yahweh’s message as if it were food that he ate. Alternate translation: “I understood your message” (See: Metaphor)

Here the “heart” represents a person emotions and feelings. Alternate translation: “what I love most” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “people know that I serve you”

Jeremiah 15:17

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I did not spend time with” (See: Idiom)

Here Yahweh’s “powerful hand” refers to his control and influence over Jeremiah. Alternate translation: “you powerfully influence me” or “you are the one who controls what I do” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 15:18

Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his pain. He speaks of his pain as if it were a physical wound. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “My pain is ongoing, it is like a wound that will not heal.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

This speaks of Jeremiah’s wound as if it were a person that refuses to be healed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that will not heal” (See: Personification and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he feels like he cannot depend on Yahweh. He speaks of this as if Yahweh were a stream that dries up. Alternate translation: “It feels like you are undependable to me, like a stream I go to for a drink only to find it dried up.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Simile)

Jeremiah 15:19

Jeremiah is compared to the mouth of Yahweh because he will be used to speak Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “you will speak for me” (See: Simile)

The pronoun, “yourself”, is used here to emphasis the command was specifically for Jeremiah. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Jeremiah 15:20

Yahweh compares Jeremiah to a wall because the people will not be able to defeat him. Alternate translation: “I will make you strong, like a bronze wall” (See: Simile)

This speaks of the people fighting with Jeremiah as if he were an army that they waged war against. Alternate translation: “they will fight against you” or “they will oppose you” (See: Metaphor)

The words “save” and “rescue” mean the same thing and emphasize the safety that God promises. (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 15:21

These phrases have similar meanings and are used together to emphasize the safety that God provides. (See: Parallelism)

Here the word “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “the control of the wicked … the control of the tyrant” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “wicked people” or “those who are wicked” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

a ruler who demands absolute obedience and is not friendly for the people under his rule

Jeremiah 16

Jeremiah 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 16:19-21. This poem also continues in chapter 17, and these should be seen as one section.

Special concepts in this chapter

Coming punishment

The punishment that is prophesied in this chapter will happen quickly. The author gives many illustrations which describe how quickly this punishment will come. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Israel restored

God will bring his people back from captivity. Even though the punishment of Judah will be great, Yahweh promised a future restoration. (See: promise, promised and restore, restoration)

Jeremiah 16:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated it in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 16:4

Alternate translation: “They will die from deadly diseases”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one will mourn for them or bury them” (See: Active or Passive)

The sons and daughters born in the land are compared to dung on the ground to emphasize that they will be disgusting and that no one will bury them. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 8:2. (See: Simile)

The phrase “come to an end” is a mild way to say that they will die. The word “sword” represents an army whose soldiers fight with swords. The phrase represents dying in battle. Alternate translation: “they will die in battle or from famine” (See: Euphemism and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 16:5

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated it in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said, ‘Do” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me: ‘Do” (See: Idiom)

The word “mourning” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “where people are mourning” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh speaks of no longer acting towards the people with peace, steadfast love, and mercy as if these were items that he has taken away from them. Alternate translation: “I will no longer act towards them with peace … or with steadfast love and mercy” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 16:6

This refers to all kinds of people and uses size to refer to how important they are. Alternate translation: “Both the important and the unimportant” or “Many people, regardless of how important they are, will” (See: Merism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one will bury them” (See: Active or Passive)

Cutting oneself and shaving one’s head were symbolic actions that expressed strong grief, especially when a loved one died. (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 16:7

These two clauses have a similar meaning. God said basically the same thing twice for emphasis. It was customary to take food or wine to people whose relative had died. Yahweh has removed all comfort from the people because of their sin. (See: Parallelism)

Here the word “cup” represents the drink that the cup holds. Alternate translation: “none must give a comforting drink” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 16:8

Alternate translation: “a house where people are feasting”

Jeremiah 16:9

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Here the word “your” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. The idiom means that Yahweh will do this where they can see. Alternate translation: “in front of you” or “where you can see” (See: Forms of You and Idiom)

This idiom means during their lifetime. Alternate translation: “during your lifetime” (See: Idiom)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:34.

Jeremiah 16:11

The words “bowed down to” mean basically the same thing as “worshiped” and describe the posture that people used in worship. God said essentially the same thing twice for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 16:12

Alternate translation: “ancestors. Look at these people and you will see that each person”

Yahweh speaks of a person’s actions as if the person were walking along a path. Here the word “heart” represents the mind or will. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 11:8. Alternate translation: “stubbornly doing the wicked things that he wants to do” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “who does what I tell him to do”

Jeremiah 16:13

Yahweh speaks of forcefully removing the people from the land as if he were throwing them from the land. Alternate translation: “force you to leave this land and go” (See: Metaphor)

The mention of both “day” and “night” means all the time. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “continually” (See: Merism)

Jeremiah 16:14

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when people will no longer say” (See: Active or Passive)

“As surely as Yahweh is alive.” The people use this expression to show that what they say next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 16:16

Yahweh speaks of enemy armies who will attack and kill the people as if they were fishermen who are catching fish. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of enemy armies who will attack and kill the people as if they were hunters who are hunting animals. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 16:17

Here the word “eye” represents Yahweh who sees all that they do. Alternate translation: “I am watching everything they do” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the word “they” may refer either to the people or to their actions. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they cannot hide from me” or “they cannot hide their ways from me” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “eyes” represents Yahweh who sees. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They cannot conceal their iniquity from me” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 16:18

Yahweh speaks of causing the land to be unacceptable to him as if the people had polluted the land. The words “their polluting” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because they have polluted my land” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

The idiom “to fill” means that they have placed many idols in the land. The words “their filling” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because they have filled my inheritance with their disgusting idols” or “because their disgusting idols are everywhere in my inheritance” (See: Idiom and Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh speaks of the land as if it were his inheritance that he has claimed as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “the land that is my inheritance” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 16:19

Here Jeremiah begins speaking to Yahweh.

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as a place where enemies cannot attack him. He repeats the same idea three times. (See: Metaphor and Doublet)

Here the word “nations” represents the people from the nations. Alternate translation: “The people from the nations will go to you” or “The people of the nations will come to you” (See: Metonymy and Go and Come)

This is an idiom that means the farthest places on the earth. By referencing both ends, it refers to everywhere in between. Alternate translation: “the farthest places on the earth” or “everywhere on earth” (See: Idiom and Merism)

Here the word “deceit” refers to false gods. Alternate translation: “our ancestors inherited nothing but false gods” (See: Metonymy)

Here the words “They” and “them” refer to the false gods that the ancestors taught them to believe in. The two phrases mean basically the same thing, with the second explaining how they “are empty.” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 16:20

The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize that people cannot make gods for themselves. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “People cannot make gods for themselves. The things that they make are not gods” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 16:21

“Therefore, indeed.” Here Yahweh begins speaking. The word “see” adds emphasis to what follows.

Here the word “them” refers to the people from the nations. Yahweh repeats this phrase for emphasis.

Here the word “hand” refers to power and authority. The two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Yahweh’s great power. Alternate translation: “my great power” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Here the word “name” refers to Yahweh’s entire person. Alternate translation: “they will know that I am Yahweh, the true God” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 17

Jeremiah 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 17:1-18. This poem is a continuation of 16:19-21, and these should be seen as one section.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trusting God or humans

Trust is an important part of this chapter. Those who trust in human wisdom will not prosper. Those who trust in God will have all of their needs met. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and wise, wisdom)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

The person who depends on the power of other people is compared to a bush in the desert which always has to struggle for life. But the person who trusts in God is like a tree growing by a stream and has all his needs supplied. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 17:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of Judah’s sins being so great that they cannot stop committing them as if someone had engraved their sin permanently. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “Judah” represents the people of Judah. This may be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone has written the sin of Judah” (See: Active or Passive)

This may be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone has engraved it” (See: Active or Passive)

The sinful habits of the people are spoken of as if their sins had been engraved on their own hearts. The word “hearts” refers to the whole person: their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Alternate translation: “engraved in their very beings” (See: Synecdoche)

The word “horns” refers to the projections on the corners of the altars.

Jeremiah 17:3

The words “wealth” and “treasures” mean the same thing and refer to anything that they consider valuable. (See: Doublet)

This refers to things that people steal or take by force.

Jeremiah 17:4

Yahweh speaks of the land as if it were an inheritance that he had given to the people of Judah as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “You will lose the land that I have given to you as an inheritance” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of the fierceness of his anger as if his anger were a fire that burns those with whom he is angry. Alternate translation: “you have made me so angry that my anger will be like a fire that will burn forever” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 17:5

Here the word “flesh” represents humans. Alternate translation: “he depends on mere humans for strength” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “heart” refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “turns his devotion away from Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 17:6

The person who trusts in man instead of Yahweh will be like a plant that struggles to survive in an infertile land. (See: Simile)

The phrase “barren land without inhabitants” describes and means basically the same thing as “wilderness.” Alternate translation: “the barren wilderness where no person lives” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 17:8

The person who trusts in Yahweh will always prosper, just like a tree does when it is planted by a river. It is not affected when there is no rain. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will be like a tree that someone has planted by water” (See: Simile and Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of a tree that draws its water from a stream being unaffected by heat and drought as if the tree were unafraid of these things. Alternate translation: “The heat will not affect it when it comes … No harm is caused to it in a year of drought” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 17:9

Here the word “heart” refers to the minds and thoughts of people. Alternate translation: “The human mind is more deceitful” (See: Metonymy)

The speaker uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can understand the human heart. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one can understand it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 17:10

Here the word “hearts” represents the emotions. Alternate translation: “who tests the emotions” (See: Metonymy)

Here a person’s behavior is spoken of as if it were the paths along which he walks. Alternate translation: “according to how he lives” (See: Metaphor)

Here the results of a person’s actions are spoken of as if they were fruit. Alternate translation: “what he has done” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 17:11

This analogy of a bird that hatches another bird’s eggs is meant to illustrate a rich man who makes his money by robbing others.

Here the word “days” stands for someone’s entire life. Alternate translation: “when he has lived only half of his life” (See: Idiom)

The riches are spoken of as if they were servants who would abandon their owner. Alternate translation: “he will lose his wealth” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “at the end of his life”

Jeremiah 17:12

Jeremiah speaks of the temple being a “glorious throne” because it is there that Yahweh dwells and rules. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 17:13

Here the word “you” refers to Yahweh.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will write in the dust those in the land who turn away from you” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of people dying and being forgotten as if someone writes their names in the dust, and those names quickly disappear. Alternate translation: “will disappear like names that someone writes in the dust” or (2) the word “earth” is a metonym for the place of the dead. The phrase is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of people going to the place of the dead as if someone enrolled their names in the records of those who have died. Alternate translation: “will join those in the place of the dead” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh being the source of life as if he were a fountain of living waters. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who is like a fountain of living waters” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah speaks of fresh, running water as if it were living water. Alternate translation: “the fountain of fresh, running water” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 17:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you really will have healed me … you really will have rescued me” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “For you are the one whom I praise” or (2) “For you are the reason I sing praise.”

Jeremiah 17:15

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

Here the word “me” refers to Jeremiah and the word “they” to his enemies.

The people use this question to ridicule Jeremiah because the things that he said had not yet happened. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Where are the things that Yahweh told you would happen?” or “The things that Yahweh told you would happen have not happened.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Let what Yahweh has said happen”

Jeremiah 17:16

Jeremiah speaks of leading and caring for the people as if he were a shepherd caring for sheep. He speaks of his abandoning that work as if he were running away from it. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I did not desire”

Here the word “lips” represents Jeremiah who spoke. The word “proclamations” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the proclamations that I spoke” or “the things that I proclaimed” (See: Synecdoche and Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I made them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 17:17

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as a place where enemies cannot attack him. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “in times of calamity”

Jeremiah 17:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Bring shame on my pursuers, but do not bring shame on me” (See: Active or Passive)

This phrase means basically the same thing as the previous one and adds emphasis to Jeremiah’s prayer. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Make them very afraid, but do not make me afraid” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh destroying his enemies as if they were objects that Yahweh would shatter. The idiom “a double share” means to give twice as much. Alternate translation: “shatter them with complete destruction” or “destroy them twice as much” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

Jeremiah 17:19

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “then go and stand in all the other gates of Jerusalem” (See: Ellipsis)

Jeremiah 17:21

Alternate translation: “to protect your lives”

Jeremiah 17:23

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people refused to listen. Alternate translation: “They refused to listen” or “They refused to obey” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had made their necks stiff and unmovable. Alternate translation: “became stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 17:25

Here the throne that the king of Judah sits on is represented as “David’s throne.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 13:13. Alternate translation: “those who sit on Judah’s throne” or “the kings of the nation of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will inhabit this city forever” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 17:27

Alternate translation: “I will set the gates of Jerusalem on fire”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people cannot put it out” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 18

Jeremiah 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 18:13-17, 19-23.

Special concepts in this chapter

Attacking Jeremiah

Things were so bad in Judah, they even attacked Jeremiah. To attack Yahweh’s prophet was to attack Yahweh himself. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

Like a potter can change what he is making from one type of pot to another, God can change his plans and not punish people if they repent. The image of God as a potter and mankind as clay is an important one in Scripture. (See: repent, repentance and Simile)

Jeremiah 18:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 7:1. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah. He said, ‘Arise” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah: ‘Arise” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 18:2

“the workshop of the potter.” A potter is someone who makes pots from clay.

Jeremiah 18:3

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

The potter’s wheel is a small table that spins. A potter uses it to make pots.

Jeremiah 18:4

The word “spoiled” means that something about the pot made the potter unhappy. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the pot that the potter was making with his hands was not good” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “was forming” or “was shaping”

He stopped making the pot, crushed the clay back into a lump, and then used that lump of clay to make another pot.

Here the word “eyes” represents sight and sight represents one’s opinion. Alternate translation: “that he thought was good” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 18:5

Jeremiah 18:6

With this question, Yahweh emphasizes his authority to do as he pleases with Israel. Alternate translation: “I am allowed to act toward you, house of Israel, like the potter acts toward the clay.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”

Yahweh compares his being able to remake Israel as he see fit to the way that the potter is able to remake a lump of clay as he sees fit. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 18:7

These two expressions basically mean the same thing. In the first expression, Yahweh speaks of destroying a kingdom as if the kingdom were a plant or a building that he tears down. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:8

Alternate translation: “withhold” or “not bring”

Jeremiah 18:9

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh speaks of strengthening kingdoms as if they were buildings that he would build, and as if they were plants that he would plant. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:10

Here the word “it” refers to a nation or kingdom, which is a metonym for the people in that nation or kingdom. The word “eyes” represents seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “if the people of that nation do things that I consider to be evil” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here the word “voice” represents the words that Yahweh speaks. Here, “not listening” is an idiom that means that they do not obey. Alternate translation: “not obeying what I say” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Jeremiah 18:11

This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh speaks of planning disaster as if disaster were an object that he forms, like the potter would form clay. The second sentence repeats the same idea as the first using different words. Alternate translation: “I am about to devise a plan to bring disaster against you” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “make a plan”

Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle as if it were a “way” or path along which the person walks. Alternate translation: “his wicked way of living” (See: Metaphor)

The words “ways” and “practices” both refer to a person’s actions and general lifestyle. Alternate translation: “so your actions will result in good happening to you” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 18:12

The word “they” refers to the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

Here, this idiom could mean: (1) the people do not care about what Jeremiah will say to them. Alternate translation: “We do not care what you say” or (2) The people do not think that anything good will come of what Jeremiah tells them to do. Alternate translation: “What you are saying will not work” (See: Idiom)

Here the word “heart” represents the person’s mind or will. Alternate translation: “what his evil, stubborn mind desires” or “whatever evil things that we stubbornly want to do” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 18:13

Here the word “nations” represents the people in the nations. Yahweh asks this question to scold the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “Ask the nations if any of them have ever heard of such a thing as this.” or “Nowhere on earth has anyone ever heard of such a thing like this.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

It was common to refer to nations as if they were women. Yahweh speaks of Israel being pure and faithful towards him as if she were a virgin and of Israel being unfaithful to him as if she had “committed a horrible act.” Alternate translation: “Israel, who is like a virgin, has done something horrible” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:14

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the snow on the mountains never melts. Alternate translation: “The snow in Lebanon never leaves the rocky hills on its sides.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “the sides of the rocky hills”

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the mountain streams never cease to flow. He speaks of the streams drying up as if they were destroyed. Alternate translation: “Those cold mountain streams that come from far away never cease to flow.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:15

Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle as if it were a path along which he walks, and of living unfaithfully to him as if the person stumbled along the path. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this caused them to stumble in their paths” or “it is like they stumbled while walking on a path” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle as if it were a path along which he walks. Here, “the ancient paths” represents the way that Yahweh had told their ancestors to live and “lesser paths” represents living unfaithfully to Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:16

The word “horror” may be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “will become something that horrifies people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “hissing” refers to a sound that shows strong disapproval and can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “an object at which people will always hiss”

Here the word “her” refers to “Their land.”

Jeremiah 18:17

Yahweh speaks of causing the people to flee before their enemies as if he were an eastern wind that scatters dust and debris. Alternate translation: “I will be like an eastern wind and scatter them before their enemies” or “I will scatter them before their enemies like an eastern wind scatters dust and debris” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “them” refers to “my people.”

“I will turn my back toward them, and not my face.” Turning one’s back towards someone is a symbolic action that represents rejection and turning one’s face towards someone is a symbolic action that represents favor. Alternate translation: “I will reject them and not act favorably towards them” (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 18:18

Alternate translation: “let us make plans to harm Jeremiah”

The words “will never perish” can be supplied to each of these phrases. This can also be expressed in positive terms. Alternate translation: “the law will never perish from the priests, and advice will never perish from the wise men, and words will never perish from the prophets” or “the priests will always have the law, the wise men will always give advice, and the prophets will always speak” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “words” represents messages that the prophets speak from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “words of Yahweh from the prophets” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The people speak of speaking harmful words against Jeremiah as if their words were weapons with which they attack him. Alternate translation: “say things that will harm him” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:19

Here Jeremiah begins speaking to Yahweh.

Jeremiah 18:20

Jeremiah asks this question to emphasize that good actions should not be repaid with bad things. Alternate translation: “Disaster from them should not be my reward for being good to them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah speaks of his enemies planning to kill him as if they had dug a pit in which to trap him. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “fury” represents the punishment that Yahweh intended to inflict upon them. Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh not punishing them as if he were turning his fury away from them. Alternate translation: “so that you would not punish them in your anger” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 18:21

The idiom “give over” means to place a person in the power of another person. Jeremiah speaks of “famine” as if it were a person who could have power over others. Alternate translation: “cause their children to die from famine” (See: Idiom and Personification)

Here the word “hands” represents power. Alternate translation: “cause those who use the sword to have power over them” or “cause them to die in battle” (See: Metonymy)

“let the children and husbands of their women die.” The word “bereaved” refers to a woman whose children have all died.

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let people kill their men” (See: Ellipsis and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 18:22

The phrase “a distressed shout” can be translated with a verbal phrase. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let people hear a distressed shout” or “Let people hear others shout in distress” (See: Active or Passive)

These two phrases share similar meanings. Jeremiah speaks of his enemies planning to kill him as if they had dug a pit for him to fall into and set traps in which to capture him. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 18:20.

Here the word “feet” represents Jeremiah. Alternate translation: “have hidden traps for me” or “have hidden traps for me to step on” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 18:23

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh forgiving his enemies’ sins as if someone had written their sins down and Yahweh would erase them. This phrase means the same thing as the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “Do not pardon their sins” (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let people overthrow them in your presence” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “wrath” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “when you are still angry with them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 19

Jeremiah 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

People horrified

The destruction of Jerusalem will be so complete that it will leave dead bodies everywhere and horrify people who see it.

Jeremiah 19:2

This is the name of a valley south of the city of Jerusalem, where people sacrificed to false gods. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:31.

Jeremiah 19:3

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Here “ears … will tingle” is an idiom that means everyone will be shocked by what they hear. Alternate translation: “it will shock everyone who hears of it” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) “will ring” or (2) “will quiver.”

Jeremiah 19:4

Here the word “they” refers to the people of Judah.

Here “innocent blood” represents the murder of innocent people. Yahweh speaks of murdering many people as filling a place with blood. Alternate translation: “murdered many innocent people in this place” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 19:5

Here the word “mind” refers to Yahweh’s thoughts. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:31. Alternate translation: “nor did I ever think about it” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 19:6

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

See how you translated the names of these places in Jeremiah 7:31.

Jeremiah 19:7

The idiom “to fall by the sword” means to die in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will enable their enemies to kill them with swords” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

The word “them” refers to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. The idiom “fall … by the hand of” means to be killed by someone, with the word “hand” representing the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will enable those who want to kill them to kill them” (See: Ellipsis and Synecdoche and Idiom)

Jeremiah 19:8

The word “hissing” refers to a sound that shows strong disapproval and can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “an object at which people hiss” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 19:9

Alternate translation: “I will make the people who live in Jerusalem eat”

Alternate translation: “because of the siege”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because their enemies and those who are seeking their lives have brought anguish upon them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 19:10

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sight, you could express the same idea with the verb “watching.” Alternate translation: “while the men who went with you are watching” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 19:11

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one can repair it again” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 19:13

The words “the houses” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the houses of the kings of Judah” (See: Ellipsis)

People who are not acceptable for God’s purposes are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 19:15

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

These two phrases both speak of the people being stubborn. In the first phrase, Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had made their necks stiff. Alternate translation: “stubbornly refused to listen” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 20

Jeremiah 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 20:7-18.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pashhur

This chapter prophesied punishment against a specific leader named Pashhur. He was in charge of protecting the temple and had Jeremiah beaten and arrested. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and temple, house, house of God)

Jeremiah’s reaction

Jeremiah’s reaction contrasts with the reaction of the Jews in general. Although Jeremiah was not happy with Yahweh’s actions, he still trusted in Yahweh. On the other hand, the Jews were not happy with the prophecies Yahweh gave to Jeremiah, so they beat the prophet. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Jeremiah 20:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 20:2

This could mean: (1) that Pashhur himself beat Jeremiah or (2) that Pashhur ordered other men to beat Jeremiah. (See: Metonymy)

Stocks are a wooden frame with holes in it that people use to lock up a prisoner’s hands, feet, and head.

This gate is different from the gate in the city wall that shared the same name.

Jeremiah 20:3

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This name means “terror on every side” or “surrounded by terror.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 20:4

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

The idiom “fall by the sword” means that they will die in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their enemies will kill them with swords” or “their enemies will kill them in battle” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

Here the word “eyes” represents Pashhur. Alternate translation: “you will see it” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “I will enable the king of Babylon to conquer all of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 20:5

Here the word “him” refers to the king of Babylon.

Yahweh repeats the same basic idea four times for emphasis. Babylon will take away all the wealth of Israel, including the king’s possessions. (See: Parallelism)

Placing things in people’s hands represents giving thing to the people or allowing the people to take the things. Alternate translation: “I will give these things to your enemies” or “I will allow your enemies to take possession of these things” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 20:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There, people will bury you and all of your loved ones to whom you prophesied deceitful things” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 20:7

Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh.

Some modern versions interpret these Hebrew expressions as “Yahweh, you persuaded me, and I was indeed persuaded.”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you deceived me” (See: Active or Passive)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the way others mock him. (See: Parallelism)

This is a person whom others laugh at and make fun of.

Jeremiah 20:8

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he proclaimed Yahweh’s message boldly. Alternate translation: “openly proclaimed” or “proclaimed loudly” (See: Doublet)

Here “word” refers to the message of Yahweh. The words “reproach” and “mocking” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “people reproach and mock me every day because I proclaim Yahweh’s message” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

The words “reproach” and “mocking” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that people have ridiculed Jeremiah for proclaiming Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “a reason for people to ridicule me” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 20:9

This could mean: (1) “I will never mention Yahweh or say anything about him” or (2) the word “name” represents authority. Alternate translation: “I will no longer speak as his messenger” (See: Metonymy)

Here the words “heart” and “bones” represent Jeremiah’s innermost being. Jeremiah speaks of being unable to not speak Yahweh’s message as if Yahweh’s message were a fire that burns within him. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s word is like a fire that burns deep within me” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 20:10

Jeremiah’s enemies say these words.

Jeremiah speaks of his enemies waiting for him to do something wrong for which they might accuse him as if they were watching for him to fall down. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah’s enemies say these words.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Perhaps we can trick him” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 20:11

Jeremiah compares Yahweh helping him and defending him against his enemies to a powerful warrior. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah speaks of his enemies trying to harm him as if they were chasing after him and of their failing to harm him as if they were to stagger. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bring great shame upon them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 20:12

The word “mind” is a metonym for what a person thinks and decides, and the word “heart” is a metonym for what a person feels and desires. Alternate translation: “know every person’s thoughts and feelings” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 20:13

Here the word “hand” represents power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom evildoers oppress with their power” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 20:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Curse the day I was born” or “Let people curse the day when I was born” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not bless the day that my mother bore me” or “Do not let people bless the day that my mother bore me” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 20:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Curse the man who informed my father” or “Let people curse the man who informed my father” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 20:16

This refers to the man who informed Jeremiah’s father of Jeremiah’s birth.

This refers to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Here the word “he” refers to Yahweh.

Here the word “him” refers to “that man.”

Jeremiah 20:17

Jeremiah speaks of his dying while his mother was still pregnant with him as if his mother’s womb were his tomb. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah speaks of his pregnant mother never giving birth to the baby in her womb as if she had been pregnant forever. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 20:18

Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to complain that there was no good reason for him to be born. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There was no reason for me to be born only to see troubles and agony … shame.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The words “troubles” and “agony” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the amount and severity of suffering. Alternate translation: “to experience so much suffering” (See: Doublet)

Here the word “days” represents all the days of Jeremiah’s life. Alternate translation: “my life is filled with shame” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 21

Jeremiah 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 21:12-14.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jerusalem doomed

God will fight against Jerusalem and will use the nation of Babylon to fight his battle. If the Jews wanted to live, they needed to surrender to Babylon. Most of the Jews would have rather died than to surrender to Babylon. Usually, fighting against a Gentile nation was a sign of trust in Yahweh’s power. In this instance, it was a sign of trust in Yahweh to surrender. (See: sign, proof, reminder and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Jeremiah 21:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:1, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah” or “Yahweh spoke a message to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

This is not the same Pashhur that was mentioned in Jeremiah 20:1.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Pashhur and Zephaniah said to Jeremiah”

Jeremiah 21:2

This was a polite, but urgent request. Alternate translation: “Please speak to Yahweh for us … attacking us”

Alternate translation: “as he did in the past”

Alternate translation: “will make him go away”

Jeremiah 21:4

This tells the hearer to pay special attention to what follows.

This could mean: (1) to make useless or (2) to send back into the city.

This could mean: (1) the instruments of war refers to the soldiers who carry them and “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “the soldiers that you command” or (2) the instruments of war are literal weapons and “your hand” represent both the king and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “the weapons that you and your soldiers carry” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

This term here is another name for the Babylonians.

Alternate translation: “coming close to you”

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will allow the Babylonians to enter the city or (2) Yahweh will cause the Israelites to bring their weapons back into the center of the city.

Jeremiah 21:5

This is emphatic and stresses that Yahweh is the one who will do this. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Both of these phrases are idiomatic expressions that refer to great power. Alternate translation: “with very great power” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

These words all mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the great intensity of his anger. Alternate translation: “with extremely great anger” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 21:6

Alternate translation: “those who live in Jerusalem”

Jeremiah 21:7

Here this refers to the battle in which swords are used. Alternate translation: “the war” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hand” refers to the power of their enemies over them. Alternate translation: “into the power” (See: Metonymy)

All of these phrases refer to Nebuchadnezzar and his army. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “wanting to kill them”

This could mean: (1) this is a metonym for death in battle. Alternate translation: “in battle” or (2) they will be killed by literal swords. (See: Metonymy)

These three phrases have the same meaning and emphasize that Nebuchadnezzar will deal severely with them. Alternate translation: “He will not show them any mercy or compassion at all” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 21:8

Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem”

Yahweh is offering the people of Jerusalem a choice that will determine whether they live or die.

Jeremiah 21:9

Death by the sword refers to death in battle. Alternate translation: “in battle and by famine and plague” (See: Metonymy)

This symbolic act represents surrender. Alternate translation: “surrendering to” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “attacked you from all sides”

The one who surrenders to the Babylonians will escape with his life, even though he will lose all his possessions.

Jeremiah 21:10

This idiom means he “firmly decided.” Alternate translation: “I have made up my mind to oppose this city” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “am staring angrily at”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have given it” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “hand” represents the power of the king to destroy the city. Alternate translation: “into the power of the king” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 21:11

This may serve as a title for 21:12 - 23:8. Alternate translation: “Listen to what Yahweh says about the king of Judah, his family, and his servants”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to king and his family. Alternate translation: “the king of Judah and his family” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 21:12

This refers to the same people as “the house of the king of Judah.” All of the kings of Judah were descendants of David. Alternate translation: “Descendants of David” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Always treat the people whom you rule over fairly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “the power of the one who oppresses them” (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh’s punishment is spoken of as if it was a fire that would burn up those who did evil. Alternate translation: “I will punish and destroy you in my anger quickly and completely” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah continues the simile of Yahweh’s punishment as a fire that was so hot that no one could put it out with water. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 21:13

This alerts whoever is hearing to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

This could mean: (1) this may refer to Jerusalem, which was located above a valley, because “inhabitant” is singular and feminine, as is Jerusalem or (2) this is directed to another city or group of people. Most versions leave the original form rather than specifying the city.

Alternate translation: “I oppose” or “I am going to punish”

These questions are used to state their confidence that they can resist attack. Alternate translation: “No one will attack us!…No one will enter our houses!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 21:14

The result of their evil deeds is spoken of as fruit which grew from those practices. Alternate translation: “I will punish you as you deserve because of the things you have done” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor for the columns of wood that supported the palace or (2) these are literal patches of brush. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 22

Jeremiah 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 22:6-10, 13-28, 28-30.

Special concepts in this chapter

Luxury and oppression

Because the king lived in luxury and oppressed the poor, God was sending him and his mother into captivity unless he repented. The king lacked justice. (See: oppress, oppressed, oppression, oppressor, dominate and repent, repentance and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Jeremiah 22:1

“the palace of the king of Judah.” The word “house” has a range of possible meanings. In this case it refers to the royal palace where the king lived.

Alternate translation: “proclaim this message”

Jeremiah 22:2

These gates are the gates of the king’s palace. Alternate translation: “your people who come to visit the king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 22:3

The abstract nouns “justice” and “righteousness can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “Act fairly and justly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “rescue anyone who has been robbed from the hand of the oppressor”

Here “the hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “the power of the oppressor” or “the one who would harm him” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Do not treat badly”

a child who does not have parents

Here “pour out … blood” is associated with murder, and “blood” refers to the murdered people. Alternate translation: “Do not … murder innocent people” (See: Idiom and Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) Jerusalem or (2) the whole country of Judah. This does not imply that it is good to murder people in other places.

Jeremiah 22:4

The metonym “throne” refers to kingly authority like David had. Alternate translation: “kings, ruling like David before them” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the gates to the courtyard of the palace.

This phrase is a metonym that describes the kings as powerful and wealthy. (See: Metonymy)

This sentence lists all who will be powerful and wealthy. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “he, his servants, and his people will ride into the palace on chariots and horses” (See: Ellipsis)

Jeremiah 22:5

Alternate translation: “if you refuse to pay attention to” or “if you do not obey”

This phrase here appears to refer specifically to the royal palace.

Jeremiah 22:6

This could mean: (1) this refers to the royal palace where the king lived or (2) “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, who were the royal line of the kings of Judah. Alternate translation: “the royal dynasty of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “You are as beautiful as Gilead or the summit of Lebanon” or (2) “You give me as much pleasure as Gilead or the summit of Lebanon.” (See: Simile)

What was formerly beautiful is said to become bare and deserted. Alternate translation: “cause you to become empty like the desert” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 22:7

Alternate translation: “I have chosen an army to attack you”

This could mean: (1) the beams of the palace or (2) the leading men of the royal family. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) a literal fire that will burn the palace beams or (2) the destruction of the royal family is spoken of as if they were burned in a fire. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 22:8

Here “nations” refers to the people from those nations that pass by. Alternate translation: “Then many people from various nations will pass by this city” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 22:9

These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase “bowed down” describes the posture that people used in worship. Alternate translation: “they worshiped other gods” (See: Doublet and Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 22:10

Yahweh has shifted from addressing the King of Judah and is now speaking to a general audience.

This is singular, and refers to King Josiah who had been killed.

This refers to King Jehoahaz who was taken into exile in Egypt.

Alternate translation: “never come back and see the land of Israel again” or “never see his homeland again”

Jeremiah 22:11

The name in Hebrew is “Shallum,” but he is better known as Jehoahaz. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who became king when his father, Josiah, died”

Jeremiah 22:13

The words “him” and “his” and “who” and “he” refer to King Jehoahaz (verse 11).

The abstract nouns “unrighteousness” and “injustice” have similar meanings, are repeated for emphasis, and can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “unjustly forced men to build his house and his upper rooms” (See: Doublet and Abstract Nouns)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Jehoahaz (verse 11) and his family. (See: Metonymy)

This refers to any of the neighbors of King Jehoahaz (verse 11) whom the king forces to work.

Jeremiah 22:14

These refer to King Jehoahaz (verse 11).

These characteristics all describe a very expensive house.

Jeremiah 22:15

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to rebuke Jehoiakim for his expensive palace. Alternate translation: “Having a cedar palace does not make you a good king.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Jehoiakim about the example of his father, King Josiah. Alternate translation: “Your father King Josiah enjoyed his life, yet did … righteousness.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These abstract nouns have similar meanings, are repeated for emphasis and can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “act justly and fairly” (See: Doublet and Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 22:16

Alternate translation: “Things went well for him”

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to rebuke Jehoiakim for not following the example of his father, King Josiah. Alternate translation: “This is what it means to know me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 22:17

Here “eyes” is a metonym for seeing and “heart” is a metonym for thinking. Alternate translation: “you never look for or think about anything except … crushing of others” or “you only look for and think about ways to cheat others and pour out innocent blood, and to oppress and crush others” (See: Metonymy)

This is getting money by cheating or by using unfair means.

Here “pouring out … blood” is associated with murder, and “blood” refers to the murdered people. Alternate translation: “murdering innocent people” (See: Idiom and Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “doing violence to others in order to get money”

Jeremiah 22:18

In verse 18, Yahweh stops speaking directly to Jehoiakim and begins to speak to other people. Here “lament” refers to grieving at Jehoiakim’s death. Alternate translation: “They will not lament for Jehoiakim when he dies” (See: Ellipsis)

Yahweh uses the word “Woe” several times for emphasis. He addresses the various people who would normally show great sadness when someone dies. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 22:19

The burial of Jehoiakim is spoken of as being the same as the manner in which people would bury a donkey. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They will bury his dead body the way they would bury a dead donkey; they will drag it away and throw it out” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 22:20

It appears that Yahweh is here speaking to the people of Jerusalem, telling them that they will be destroyed.

This idiom refers to shouting. In this case, they are crying out in grief. Alternate translation: “Cry out” (See: Idiom)

a mountain range that was southeast of Jerusalem (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 22:21

Alternate translation: “I spoke to you when you were doing well”

Alternate translation: “This was your way of life”

Listening is a metonym for obeying. Alternate translation: “you have not obeyed me” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 22:22

This is a wordplay—Yahweh uses the idea of “shepherd” in two different ways. Here “shepherds” is a metaphor for the leaders of Jerusalem, and the wind “leads” them away. The wind represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will take your leaders away as if the wind had blown them away” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “become captives” or “go into exile”

Jeremiah 22:23

Yahweh speaks of the royal palace as “Lebanon” and “cedar buildings” because it was constructed with a lot of cedar. Alternate translation: “You who live in a palace made from the cedars of Lebanon” (See: Metaphor)

This “You” is singular and refers to the king. (See: Forms of You)

The meaning of the Hebrew is not clear. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) “they will greatly pity you” or (2) “you will groan greatly.” (See: Active or Passive)

The pain that the king will feel when his enemies defeat him will be as intense as the pain a woman feels in childbirth. Alternate translation: “when you experience pain as intense as the pain of a woman in childbirth” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 22:24

Yahweh speaks to Jehoiachin as if it were possible for him to be the ring on Yahweh’s hand. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

A signet ring was used by a king to place his seal of authority on documents. The signet ring therefore represents authority to rule. The right hand also represents authority to rule. Alternate translation: “the signet ring on my right hand that represented my authority to be king” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I would tear you off from my hand” or “I would quickly pull you off of my hand”

Jeremiah 22:25

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have made it possible for the ones seeking your life to capture you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the metonym “hand” represents power and control. (See: Metonymy)

This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. See how this phrase is translated in Jeremiah 11:21. Alternate translation: “trying to kill you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 22:27

This refers to the land of Judah.

Jeremiah 22:28

It is not clear who is speaking in verse 28.

Jehoiachin is spoken of as a pot that was completely worthless and not liked by anyone. The questions emphasize that he has no value or friends. Alternate translation: “Jehoiachin is as useless as a broken vessel and no one is happy with him.” (See: Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

This rhetorical question explains what will happen to the worthless Jehoiachin. Alternate translation: “Therefore the enemy will remove Jehoiachin and his family from the land and take them to a foreign land.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jehoiachin and his descendants are spoke of as if they had been poured out in another country like garbage from a vessel. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 22:29

Yahweh speaks his message to all the people of the land by calling out to the land where they live. The title is repeated to call attention to the message. (See: Apostrophe)

Jeremiah 22:30

Jehoiachin has several sons. This phrase, then, means it is as if he was childless. His children will not succeed him as king. Alternate translation: “It will be as if he did not have any children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Sitting on a throne is a metonym for ruling as king. Alternate translation: “become king” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 23

Jeremiah 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 23:5-6, 9-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prophesying lies

The false prophets had encouraged people to continue sinning by saying everything will be alright. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wordplay

In Hebrew, the word for “message” can also mean “burden.” In translations that are using footnotes, you may want to explain the wordplay in a footnote. In translations that are not using footnotes or which will primarily be distributed in an oral form, you may need a sentence like “What message has the Lord burdened you with now?” or “You (plural) call God’s message a heavy burden on you.”

Jeremiah 23:1

In verses 1-4, Yahweh refers to Israel as his pasture, the people of Israel as his sheep, and the leaders of Israel as the shepherds. Shepherds have a duty to protect the sheep, but the leaders were not doing that. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 23:2

These two phrases have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first. (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 23:3

Yahweh refers to the land of Israel as if it were good pasture for his people. This good pasture is a metonym for provision for their needs. Alternate translation: “to good pasture” or “to where all their needs will be supplied” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The word “increase” explains how they will be “fruitful.” Alternate translation: “they will increase greatly in number” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 23:4

Alternate translation: “I will appoint”

The words “be shattered” mean that someone has caused them to be afraid and mean basically the same thing as “fear.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will make them afraid anymore” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “None of my people”

Jeremiah 23:5

This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

This idiom means he will appoint a successor. (See: Idiom)

This future king descended from David is spoken of as if he were a branch grown on a tree. Alternate translation: “a righteous descendant” (See: Metaphor)

Some modern versions translate this as “a legitimate successor to the throne.”

The abstract nouns “justice” and “righteousness” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “cause people to act justly and rightly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “land” refers to the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “for all the people in the nation” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 23:6

Here “Judah” refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah will be rescued” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will rescue Judah from their enemies” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel will live in security” (See: Metonymy)

this refers to the king

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, the one who does what is right for us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 23:7

This verse is very similar to Jeremiah 16:14, although not exactly the same. Compare how you translated that verse.

The word “see” here alerts the reader to pay attention to the important information that follows.

Jeremiah 23:8

This verse is very similar to Jeremiah 16:15, although not exactly the same. Compare how you translated that verse.

These two phrases mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “who brought back” (See: Doublet)

This refers to the way the northern ten tribes of Israel were captured and spread out among the surrounding countries.

This refers to Israel, from where they were scattered. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then they will live in their own land again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 23:9

In verses 9-32 Jeremiah delivers Yahweh’s message to the false prophets and the priests. Jeremiah is speaking in verse 9, but it is not clear if verse 10 are the words of Jeremiah or of Yahweh.

The prophet speaks of his heart being broken and his bones trembling because he is afraid of the judgment that will result from the lies of the false prophets. Alternate translation: “I have great fear for what will happen because of the false prophets” (See: Metonymy)

This idiom refers to deep sadness. Alternate translation: “I am very sad” (See: Idiom)

Here trembling is associated with fear. Alternate translation: “I am very afraid” (See: Metonymy)

People who are drunk are not able to control themselves. Likewise, Jeremiah has lost control of himself out of fear of Yahweh’s punishment. Alternate translation: “I am like a drunk man; I cannot control myself” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 23:10

The land is spoken of as if it were a container and the adulterers were objects that filled the container completely. That is, everyone in the land is an adulterer, which in turn is an exaggeration for very many people being adulterers. (See: Hyperbole)

This word here probably has two senses. It has the literal meaning that the men in the nation had committed adultery against their own wives, and it also has the figurative meaning that they had abandoned Yahweh in order to worship idols. (See: Metaphor)

Some modern versions interpret this Hebrew phrase as “the land mourns.”

The wicked actions of the false prophets are spoken of as if they were walking on an evil path. Alternate translation: “These prophets are doing things that are wicked” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 23:11

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh’s message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

The prophets and priests are defiled by sin in the same way that water can be polluted by filth. Alternate translation: “the prophets and the priests are sinful” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 23:12

The danger of their actions is spoken of as if they were about to fall off the slippery edge of a cliff in the dark and injure themselves. Alternate translation: “there actions are unstable and dangerous, like walking on a slippery place in the darkness” (See: Simile)

Yahweh speaks of disaster as an enemy that he will send to attack the priests and false prophets. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to experience disaster” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 23:13

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh’s message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

The deception of the people by the false prophets is spoken of as leading them down the wrong path. Alternate translation: “deceived my people, the Israelites” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 23:14

This could mean: (1) they were literally unfaithful to their wives or (2) their worship of other gods is spoken of as spiritual adultery.

This idiom means they lived a life of deceit. Alternate translation: “live in dishonesty” (See: Idiom)

Here “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “They strengthen those who do evil” or “They encourage people who do evil” (See: Synecdoche)

This can be state in positive form. Alternate translation: “everyone continues in their sin”

Sodom and Gomorrah were cities that were so wicked that God destroyed them with fire from heaven. Alternate translation: “They all became as evil as Sodom … as wicked as Gomorrah” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 23:15

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

The word “look” here alerts the reader to pay attention to the important information that follows.

Wormwood is a plant that is very bitter and unpleasant to eat. This phrase describes the punishment that Yahweh was going to bring about on the evil prophets. In the same way wormwood was bitter and the water was poisonous, so would Yaweh’s judgment be on the evil prophets. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I will soon”

Here the evil teaching of the priests and false prophets is spoken of as if it were something filthy that ruined the land. Alternate translation: “evil has come from the prophets” (See: Metaphor)

dirty and unsafe things that spoil the air, water, or land where they are found

Jeremiah 23:16

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh’s message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “The prophets have caused you to believe something that is not true!”

Here “minds” refers to the thoughts of the false prophets. Alternate translation: “visions that they imagined” (See: Metonymy)

Here “mouth” refers to what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: “not what Yahweh said” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 23:17

The word “constantly” is an exaggeration to emphasize that this is what they normally say. (See: Hyperbole)

Here “heart” refers to their desires. To follow those desires is spoken of as walking in them. Alternate translation: “everyone stubbornly does whatever they desire to do” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Nothing bad will happen to you”

Jeremiah 23:18

These questions are used to rebuke the priests and false prophets for not obeying Yahweh. Alternate translation: “No one advises Yahweh. No one understands what Yahweh says. No one obeys Yahweh’s commands.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two phrases mean the same thing. They can be combined in one phrase. Alternate translation: “obeys his word at all”

Jeremiah 23:19

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh’s message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

These three phrases all refer to a great storm that is a metaphor for Yahweh’s anger. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s anger is coming like a great storm, going out with fury and whirling like a tempest” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

a violent windstorm

Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were a windstorm whirling around the wicked. Alternate translation: “It is coming upon the wicked like a windstorm” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Jeremiah 23:20

Yahweh’s wrath is spoken of as if it were alive and could act on its own. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not stop being angry until he” (See: Personification)

Here “heart’s intentions” refers to the things that Yahweh wanted to happen. Alternate translation: “completed and accomplished all the punishment that he had planned” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the future”

Jeremiah 23:21

Yahweh is the speaker in verses 21-40.

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh’s message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

It is understood that they are prophesying falsely. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “they have prophesied falsely anyway” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 23:22

Yahweh states what would have happened if the priests and false prophets had participated in Yahweh’s council meeting in heaven. This hypothetical situation is impossible. Alternate translation: “if they had truly listened to me” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

In ancient times, God was thought to hold meetings with the angels in heaven. Yahweh is referring to this kind of meeting, which humans could not attend. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 23:18.

This idiom means they would stop doing these things. (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 23:23

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9 and completes in Jeremiah 23:40.

Yahweh uses this question to rebuke the priests and false prophets for thinking that he did not rule everywhere. Alternate translation: “I am not only a God who is here in Jerusalem … but I am everywhere!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 23:24

Yahweh uses this question to rebuke the priests and false prophets for thinking that he did not see the evil that they were doing. Alternate translation: “No one can hide in a secret place so I cannot see him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is everywhere in heaven and on earth. Alternate translation: “I am everywhere, both in the heavens and on the earth.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 23:25

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9 and completes in Jeremiah 23:40.

The word “deceit” can be expressed as an adjective or an adverb. Alternate translation: “prophesying deceit things” or “prophesying deceitfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This phrase refers to speaking with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative. See how you translated this phrase in Jeremiah 14:14. (See: Metonymy)

They meant that this dream was from God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I had a dream from Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 23:26

Yahweh asks this question to emphasize that this is something that should not continue. Alternate translation: “This should not continue, prophets declaring lies which they themselves have made up.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the false prophets made up their prophesies. Alternate translation: “prophesy things that come only from their own minds” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 23:27

Here the word “name” refers to the whole being of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “forget me … forgot me” or “forget who I am … forgot who I am” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Baal’s name” refers to the god Baal. Alternate translation: “leading my people to worship Baal instead of me” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 23:28

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9 and completes in Jeremiah 23:40.

Jeremiah 23:29

Yahweh uses these questions to emphasize that his word is much more powerful than the words of mere men. In that way, his word is like fire or a hammer. Alternate translation: “My word is powerful like fire … and powerful like a hammer that shatters a rock into pieces.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Simile)

Jeremiah 23:30

Alternate translation: “I am opposed to”

This implies that the false prophets are thieves. They are so evil that they take each other’s messages without permission rather than make up their own false messages.

Jeremiah 23:31

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9 and completes in Jeremiah 23:40.

This alerts the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

Here “tongues” is a metonym for the ability to speak. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 23:33

In verses 33-40 there is a wordplay with the word “burden.” Sometimes it means “a message” and other times it means “a heavy load to carry.” This wordplay should be retained if possible.

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9 and completes in Jeremiah 23:40.

These two instances of “you” are singular and refer to Jeremiah. (See: Forms of You)

Here “burden” means a message or prophecy from Yahweh.

These two instances of “you” are plural and refer to the false prophets and the priests. (See: Forms of You)

Here “burden” means a heavy load. This is a metaphor that means they annoy Yahweh and he no longer wants to put up with them. Alternate translation: “You are a burden that I am tired of carrying” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 23:34

Here “burden” means a message or prophecy from Yahweh.

Here “house” is a metonym for the family that lives inside it. Alternate translation: “his family” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 23:35

In verses 33-40 there is a wordplay with the word “burden.” Sometimes it means “a message” and other times it means “a heavy load to carry.” This wordplay should be retained if possible.

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9 and completes in Jeremiah 23:40.

It may be helpful to reorder this sentence. Alternate translation: “Each person continues to ask his neighbor and his brother, ‘What did Yahweh answer?’ and ‘What did Yahweh declare?’”

Jeremiah 23:36

This could mean: (1) both instances of “burden” mean “message.” Alternate translation: “You must no longer call your visions the ‘burden of Yahweh’ because they are really only every man’s own words, and” or (2) the first ‘burden’ means “message” and the second means “heavy load.” Alternate translation: “You must no longer talk about the ‘message of Yahweh’ because the words that each of you speak are what is a ‘heavy load.’ In this way”

To “pervert” something is to twist or distort it. Alternate translation: “you have changed the message of the living God, Yahweh of hosts, our God, to say what you want it to say and not what God said”

Jeremiah 23:37

In verses 33-40 there is a wordplay with the word “burden.” Sometimes it means “a message” and other times it means “a heavy load to carry.” This wordplay should be retained if possible.

Yahweh completes his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

Here “you” is singular and refers to Jeremiah. (See: Forms of You)

Jeremiah 23:38

All of these instances of “you” are plural and refer to the priests and false prophets. (See: Forms of You)

Jeremiah 23:39

“therefore, pay attention.” This alerts the reader to pay special attention to what follows.

Yahweh speaks of sending these priests and false prophets into exile as if they were an object that he was going to throw far away. Alternate translation: “I am about to drive you away from me” (See: Metaphor)

All of these instances of “you” are plural and refer to the priests and false prophets. (See: Forms of You)

This refers to Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 23:40

This instance of “you” is plural and refers to the priests and false prophets. (See: Forms of You)

“I will cover you with shame that will last forever and insult that you will never forget” or “I will cause people to make fun of you forever. People will never forget that you were disgraced.” Yahweh speaks of the humiliation of the priests and false prophets as if he would put shame and insult on them like clothing.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that will last forever” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 24

Jeremiah 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The exiles are blessed and the others punished

God will bless the people who were taken away into Babylon but punish the people left in the land because they still did not repent and turn to him. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and repent, repentance)

Jeremiah 24:1

All instances of this pronoun refer to Jeremiah.

The word “Behold” here shows that Jeremiah saw something interesting.

This part of the story is used to provide historical information to show when the events of the happened. (See: Background Information)

people skilled at building things

people skilled at creating things out of metal

Jeremiah 24:2

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one could eat them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 24:3

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one could eat them … no one can eat them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 24:4

Jeremiah 24:5

Here “look on” is an idiom that means Yahweh will take care of them. Alternate translation: “I will take good care of the exiles of Judah” (See: Idiom)

The good figs represent those Judean exiles sent to the land of Chaldea. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 24:6

Here “set my eyes” means he will see them. Seeing them is a metonym for caring for them. Alternate translation: “I will bless them” (See: Metonymy)

These two metaphors have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first. Alternate translation: “I will help them to prosper in Chaldea” (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speak of the exiles as a building which Yahweh will build and not tear down. Alternate translation: “I will help them flourish in the land, and not ruin them” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speak of the exiles as plants which Yahweh will plant in good soil and not pull out. Alternate translation: “I will establish them in the land, and not remove them” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 24:9

These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how thoroughly Yahweh will judge the people of Jerusalem. They will become something that will frighten other people when they see it. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 24:10

Alternate translation: “I will kill them with war, famine and sicknesses”

Here “sword” refers to war or enemy armies. Alternate translation: “I will send enemy armies” or “I will send out war” (See: Metonymy)

These things are spoken of as if they were living things that could attack the people of Jerusalem. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “none of them remain in the land”

Jeremiah 25

Jeremiah 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 25:30-38.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seventy years

Babylon will rule over Judah for seventy years. Because Yahweh is just, he will soon punish Babylon for their evil actions. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

Jeremiah uses the idiom of drinking the cup of wine of God’s punishment to say that Babylon will destroy all the surrounding nations and then be destroyed. (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 25:1

It is implied that the word that came to Jeremiah was from Yahweh. This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 7:1. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

Jeremiah 25:3

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 25:5

Jeremiah speaks of people who stop committing an action as if those people were turning away from that action. (See: Metaphor)

The terms “wicked way” and “corruption of his practices” mean the same thing and refer to every sinful thing that they do. (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “his corrupt practices”

Jeremiah 25:6

Jeremiah speaks of a person being devoted to a god as if the person were walking behind the god. Alternate translation: “do not become devoted to other gods” (See: Metaphor)

The word “him” refers to Yahweh. Here, the phrase the work of your hands could mean: (1) it is a reference to the idols that the people have made with their hands. Alternate translation: “do not provoke Yahweh with the idols that you have made” or (2) It is an idiom that refers to the actions of a person, with the word “hands” being a synecdoche that represents the person who does those actions. Alternate translation: “do not provoke Yahweh by the things that you do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Synecdoche and Idiom)

Jeremiah 25:7

See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 25:6. Here, the phrase the work of your hands could mean: (1) it is a reference to the idols that the people have made with their hands. Alternate translation: “you have provoked me to harm you because of the idols that you have made with your hands” or (2) It is an idiom that refers to the actions of a person, with the word “hands” being a synecdoche that represents the person who does those actions. Alternate translation: “you have provoked me to harm you because of the things that you do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Synecdoche and Idiom)

Alternate translation: “so that I do harm to you”

Jeremiah 25:8

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Jeremiah 25:9

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what i am about to tell you”

The idiom to “bring … against this land” means that they will attack the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “bring them to attack this land” (See: Idiom)

The idiom “set … apart for destruction” means to destroy something completely. Alternate translation: “I will destroy them completely” (See: Idiom)

The word “horror” may be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I will turn them into something that horrifies people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “hissing” refers to a sound that shows strong disapproval and can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “an object at which people will hiss”

Jeremiah 25:10

These are two large, round stones used to grind grain.

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:34.

Jeremiah 25:11

The words “desolation” and “horror” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I will cause this land to be desolate and something that horrifies people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 25:12

Alternate translation: “after seventy years” or “after seventy years have passed”

The noun “desolation” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “desolate forever” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 25:13

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that Jeremiah has written in this book” or “everything that one has written in this book” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 25:14

Yahweh speaks of punishing the people of the nations for what they have done as if he were paying them back. (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The idiom “the works of their hands” refers to the actions of a person, with the word “hands” being a synecdoche that represents the person who does those actions. Alternate translation: “everything that they have done” (See: Doublet and Idiom and Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 25:15

Yahweh speaks of his extreme anger as if it were wine that fills a cup. Alternate translation: “Take this cup of wine that represents my fury” (See: Metaphor)

The word “nations” represents the people of the nations. Yahweh speaks of people experiencing his fury as if they were to drink the wine that is in the cup. Alternate translation: “make all the people of the nations … drink the wine” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 25:16

Yahweh speaks of the people being terrified about his fury as if they were drunk from drinking the wine from the cup. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “because of the wars that I am causing to happen among them” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 25:17

This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh’s extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup. (See: Metaphor)

The word “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “I made all the people of the nations … drink the wine from the cup” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 25:18

The adjective “terrifying” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “something that terrifies people”

The word “hissing” refers to a sound that shows strong disapproval. Both “hissing” and “cursing” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “an object at which people hiss and which they curse”

Here, this phrase could mean: (1) refers to the time when the book of Jeremiah was written and some time after Jeremiah had proclaimed this prophecy or (2) means that the things about which Jeremiah prophesies here have already started to happen.

Jeremiah 25:19

This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh’s extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup. (See: Metaphor)

The word “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “People from other nations also had to drink the wine from the cup” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 25:20

This could mean: (1) people whose ancestors were from different people groups or (2) foreigners who lived in Egypt.

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 25:22

This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh’s extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup. (See: Metaphor)

This is a reference to the Mediterranean Sea.

Jeremiah 25:23

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “they also had to drink the wine from the cup”

Jeremiah 25:24

This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh’s extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 25:25

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 25:26

This is an idiom that means every person, one after another. Alternate translation: “one after another” (See: Idiom)

Here “the cup” is a metonym for the wine that it contains. Alternate translation: “all of these people had to drink the wine from the cup in Yahweh’s hand” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 25:27

This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh’s extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Here the word “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “before the wars that I am causing to happen among you” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 25:29

This refers to Jerusalem and can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the city that I have called by my name” or “Jerusalem, which I have called by my name” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people and to emphasize that he will certainly punish them. Alternate translation: “so do not think that you yourselves will be free from punishment.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “sword” represents war. Yahweh speaks of declaring war against the people as if he were calling a sword against them. Alternate translation: “I am declaring war against all the inhabitants of the land” or “I am bringing war against all the inhabitants of the land” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 25:30

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh shouting very loudly as if he were roaring like a lion. (See: Metaphor)

This phrase is a metonym for heaven. Alternate translation: “from heaven” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as if he were a lion and his people were a flock of sheep. The people will be helpless when Yahweh comes to punish them, as sheep are helpless when a lion attacks. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to people who crush grapes in a winepress with their feet in order to make wine.

Jeremiah 25:31

This is an idiom that means the farthest places on the earth. By referencing both ends, it refers to everywhere in between. Alternate translation: “to the farthest places on the earth” or “to everywhere on earth” (See: Idiom and Merism)

Here the word “flesh” represents humanity. Alternate translation: “on all mankind” or “on all people” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 25:32

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh speaks of great disasters happening in each nation as if “disaster” were a person who goes from nation to nation. Alternate translation: “great disasters are going to happen in one nation after another” (See: Personification)

Here, this metaphor could mean: (1) Yahweh speaks of Babylonian army and the destruction that it will cause as if it were a great storm or (2) Yahweh speaks of his great anger as if it were a great storm that causes much destruction. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 25:33

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom Yahweh killed” (See: Active or Passive)

By mentioning both ends of the earth, this phrase represents everywhere in between those ends. Alternate translation: “will on that day cover the entire earth” (See: Merism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will mourn them, gather them, or bury them” (See: Active or Passive)

The bodies are compared to dung on the ground to emphasize that they will be disgusting and that no one will bury them. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 16:4. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 25:34

Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds who are responsible for protecting and caring for the people, who, implicitly, are spoken of as if they are the sheep. (See: Metaphor)

This is a sign of sorrow, mourning or distress. (See: Symbolic Action)

This phrase also refers to the leaders of Israel who are responsible to care for the people, who are spoken of as if they were a flock of sheep. Alternate translation: “you leaders of the people” (See: Metaphor)

Usually it is the sheep that are slaughtered, but here Yahweh says that he will slaughter the shepherds. The word “slaughter” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “for the time has come for me to slaughter you” (See: Irony and Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel being destroyed as if they are pieces of pottery that shatter when they fall to the ground. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will fall like fine pottery and your shattered pieces will scatter on the ground” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 25:36

Yahweh speaks of the nation in which the leaders think that they live peacefully as if it were the “pastures” in which they care for the sheep (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 25:37

Yahweh continues to speak of the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds. Here he speaks of the nation as the “pastures” in which they think they live peacefully. (See: Metaphor)

This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will devastate the peaceful pastures because of he extremely angry” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 25:38

Yahweh punishing his people in his extreme wrath is spoken of as if Yahweh were a lion who leaves his den in search of prey. (See: Metaphor)

The word “horror” may be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “their land will become something that horrifies people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This refers to the anger of Israel’s enemies.

Jeremiah 26

Jeremiah 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The people want to kill Jeremiah

The people wanted to kill Jeremiah but other people intervened and said that they should listen to Jeremiah and repent. They represent the remnant of the faithful Jews. (See: repent, repentance and remnant and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Jeremiah 26:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 18:1, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “This message came from Yahweh. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this message” (See: Idiom)

It can be stated clearly who Yahweh gave this message to. Alternate translation: “this word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 26:2

The word “cities” is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “people from the cities of Judah” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Do not leave anything out from what I have told you!”

Jeremiah 26:3

Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle as if it were a “way” or path along which the person walks. Alternate translation: “each man will stop his wicked way of living” (See: Metaphor)

This is conditional destruction. If Judah repents, God will not destroy but heal them.

Alternate translation: “the wicked way that they live” or “the wicked things that they do”

Jeremiah 26:6

Yahweh had destroyed a place of worship at Shiloh, and he was threatening to destroy this place of worship. (See: Simile)

What Yahweh would turn the city into is a metonym for what people would use the city for. Alternate translation: “I will make this city so that people will ask me to destroy others the way I have destroyed this city” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “so that all the nations on earth can see me do it”

Jeremiah 26:7

the temple

Jeremiah 26:8

This could mean: (1) The people chose to believe the lie of false peace and did not want to be confronted with the truth, or (2) the people believed the other prophets proclaiming peace and saw Jeremiah as a false prophet who should be stoned for leading the people astray.

Jeremiah 26:9

This rebuke can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have prophesied … inhabitant.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 26:10

the name of the gate through which people went into the temple

Jeremiah 26:11

Alternate translation: “you heard”

Jeremiah 26:12

Alternate translation: “the people who worship in Yahweh’s temple and those who live in the city of Jerusalem”

Jeremiah 26:13

These two phrases mean almost the same thing. Alternate translation: “the things you do” (See: Doublet)

The voice is a synecdoche for the person, and the same word can be translated “listen” or “obey.” Alternate translation: “obey Yahweh” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 26:14

The words “good” and “right” mean the same thing. The eye is a metonym for the person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “Do to me whatever you think is the right thing to do” (See: Doublet and Idiom)

Jeremiah 26:15

Blood is a metonym for violent death, and to bring blood on someone is to make them guilty of violent death. Alternate translation: “you are making yourselves and this city and its inhabitants guilty of the violent death of an innocent person” (See: Metonymy)

These are two ways of speaking of the same people, perhaps first as a group and then as individuals. The city is a metonym for the people in the city. Alternate translation: “all the people in the city and every one of the people who live here” (See: Doublet)

The ear is a metonym for what the ear hears. Alternate translation: “for you to hear” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 26:16

The person’s name is a metonym for his authority. Alternate translation: “with the authority of Yahweh our God” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 26:18

See: How to Translate Names

a person from the town or region of Moresheth

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

“Zion” and “the hill of the temple” refer to the same place. When a farmer plows a field, he turns over all the dirt and uproots all the plants that are growing there. A thicket is so full of bushes that no one can use it for anything. These two metaphors cannot be literally true at the same time, but they emphasize that Yahweh will allow the invaders to completely destroy the temple area. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 26:19

The speakers are trying to get the hearers to agree with what they are saying. Alternate translation: “You know very well that Hezekiah … did not put him to death.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The land is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “all the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

The speakers are trying to get the hearers to agree with what they are saying. Alternate translation: “You know very well that he feared Yahweh and appeased the face of Yahweh so that Yahweh … them.”

The face is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “cause Yahweh to be less angry” (See: Synecdoche)

The speakers are trying to get the hearers to agree with what they are saying. The word “lives” is a metonym for the people. Alternate translation: “If we kill Jeremiah, we will do greater evil against our own lives.” or “We do not want to do worse things to ourselves.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 26:20

Jeremiah stops telling about his own life and begins telling about what happened to another prophet.

Alternate translation: “While what I was just telling you about was happening, there was”

The words “city” and “land” are metonyms for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “prophesied that bad things would happen to the people who lived in this city and this land” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 26:21

Alternate translation: “heard what he said”

Jeremiah 26:22

This is the end of the story of Uriah.

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 26:23

dead body

Jeremiah 26:24

The hand is a metonym for the power that the hand exercises. Ahikam was not a soldier, so he probably was able to talk to people and change their minds. Alternate translation: “Ahikam … was able to help Jeremiah” or “Ahikam … was able to keep the people from harming Jeremiah” (See: Metonymy)

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

The hand is a metonym for the power that the hand exercises. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Ahikam did not allow the people to have the power to put Jeremiah to death” or “the people could not kill Jeremiah because Ahikam did not give them the power to” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 27

Jeremiah 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The nations should serve Babylon

Jeremiah told the king of Judah, and all the surrounding nations, to serve the Babylonians and live in their land. If they refused, Babylon would take them as captives to another land.

Jeremiah 27:2

things that keep a person from moving freely

Jeremiah 27:3

This seems to mean that Jeremiah was to send a set of fetters and yoke to each king listed. But some versions of the Bible translate this as “Then send out messages.”

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “Have those kings’ ambassadors, who … Judah, take them” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 27:4

Jeremiah was instructed to give a set of chains and yoke to each ambassador and a message for each king regarding the chains and yoke.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Jeremiah 27:5

The phrase “raised arm” refers to great power and intensifies the first phrase. Alternate translation: “by my very great power” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

Another possible meaning is “I give it to anyone I want to.”

Jeremiah 27:6

The hand is a metonym for the power that the hand exercises, and the word “lands” is a metonym for the people who live in those lands. Alternate translation: “I … am putting the people who live in all these lands under the power of Nebuchadnezzar … servant” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 27:7

You may need to make explicit the nature of the time. Alternate translation: “the time for me to destroy his land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “him” refers to Nebuchadnezzar who represents the kingdom of Babylon. Alternate translation: “will defeat Babylon” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 27:8

Being the king’s slave is spoken of as being an animal on to the shoulders of which the king puts a yoke so it can do heavy work. Alternate translation: “and whose people do not willingly become slaves of the king” (See: Metaphor)

The hand here could be a metonym for Nebuchadnezzar’s power, or it could be a metonym for Nebuchadnezzar’s armies. Alternate translation: “I have used Nebuchadnezzar’s power to destroy it” or “I have enabled Nebuchadnezzar’s armies to destroy i” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 27:9

people who say what will happen in the future

Jeremiah 27:11

Being the king’s slave is spoken of as being an animal onto the shoulders of which the king puts a yoke so it can do heavy work. See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 27:8. Alternate translation: “the nation whose people willingly becomes slaves of the king” (See: Metaphor)

The nation here is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “the nation of people who place”

This means to prepare and use land to grow food crops

Alternate translation: “make their homes in their own land”

Jeremiah 27:12

Being the king’s slave is spoken of as being an animal onto the shoulders of which the king puts a yoke so it can do heavy work. See how similar words were translated in Jeremiah 27:8.

The word “your” refers to Zedekiah and the people of Judah and so is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Jeremiah 27:13

Jeremiah uses this question to warn the king that his actions will lead to his death. Alternate translation: “For if you do not do this, you will surely die … king.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 27:14

Yahweh is warning the people about all the false prophets that he did not send and that are lying to them.

Jeremiah 27:15

The phrase “in my name” represents speaking with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative. Here these prophets claim that they received their message from Yahweh, but that had not. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word deceit, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “deceiving.” Alternate translation: “they say they are speaking for me when they prophesy, but they are deceiving you” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “I will force you to leave your home country”

Jeremiah 27:16

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People are bringing back all the gold items that they took from Yahweh’s temple!” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 27:17

Yahweh uses a question to warn the people. Alternate translation: “You can keep this city from becoming a ruin if you do what Yahweh wants you to do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 27:18

This is a hypothetical situation that Yahweh knows is not true. Alternate translation: “If they were prophets, and if the word of Yahweh had truly come to them, they would beg” or “Because they are not prophets and the word of Yahweh has not truly come to them, they will not beg” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The phrase “word of Yahweh” refers to messages from God. Alternate translation: “if Yahweh has truly given them messages” or “if Yahweh truly spoke messages to them”

Yahweh is speaking of himself in third person. Alternate translation: “my word … be me, Yahweh of hosts, not” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

The word “house” has a range of possible meanings. In this case it refers to the royal palace where the king lived. Alternate translation: “the palace of the king of Judah”

Jeremiah 27:19

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

These were objects that were in the temple. “The Sea” was a large bronze bowl.

Jeremiah 27:20

The Hebrew text has “Jeconiah,” which is a variation of the name “Jehoiachin.” Many modern versions have “Jehoiachin” in order to make it clear that the same king is being referred to.

Jeremiah 27:21

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

The word “house” has a range of possible meanings. In this case it refers to the royal palace there the king lived. Alternate translation: “the palace of the king of Judah”

Jeremiah 27:22

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People will bring them to Babylon” or “I will bring them to Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

The reader should understand that Yahweh will have people carry them up.

Jeremiah 28

Jeremiah 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

False prophecies continue

A false prophet prophesied that the captives would return from Babylon with all the temple vessels. Jeremiah told the false prophet that he would die that year for prophesying lies, and he did die. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and temple, house, house of God)

Jeremiah 28:1

Hananiah claims to speak for God.

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the dry season. It is during the last part of July and the first part of August on Western calendars. This was after Zedekiah had been king for three years. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 28:2

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Hananaiah speaks of the people being in slavery as if they were oxen on which the Babylonians had put yokes to make them do heavy work. Alternate translation: “I have made it so you are no longer slaves of the king of Babylon” or “I have set you free from slavery to the king of Babylon” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 28:4

The Hebrew text has “Jeconiah,” which is a variation of the name “Jehoiachin.” Many modern versions have “Jehoiachin” in order to make it clear that the same king is being referred to.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom I sent” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 28:6

Alternate translation: “May Yahweh prove you have prophesied truly”

Jeremiah 28:8

Alternate translation: “The prophets who lived long ago before you and I”

Jeremiah 28:9

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “then you will know that he is indeed a true prophet and that Yahweh has sent him out” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 28:11

Alternate translation: “Just as Hananiah has taken the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck”

Hananaiah speaks of the people being in slavery as if they were oxen on which the Babylonians had put yokes to make them do heavy work. Alternate translation: “I will make it so all nations are no longer slaves of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” or “I will set every nation free from slavery to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” (See: Metaphor)

The word “nation” is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “the people of every nation” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the yoke that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has imposed” (See: Active or Passive)

put on people

Jeremiah 28:12

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 28:13

Alternate translation: “You broke a weak yoke, but I will replace it with a yoke that you cannot break”

Jeremiah 28:14

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Yahweh speaks of making nations to be slaves of Nebuchadnezzar as if he were putting yokes on oxen to make them do heavy work. Alternate translation: “I have made all of these nations slaves, and they will have to serve Nebuchadnezzar” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 28:16

It is not clear why Yahweh speaks of himself by name. Alternate translation: “you urged people to rebel against me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 28:17

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Jeremiah 29

Jeremiah 29 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Two letters

Jeremiah sent a letter to Babylon telling the exiles to prepare for a long stay. A false prophet in Babylon wrote back to the chief priest telling him to punish Jeremiah. Even though Jeremiah had prophesied the exile, the Jews still did not believe him. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

Jeremiah 29:1

Alternate translation: “proclaimed from Jerusalem”

Alternate translation: “elders who were still alive”

Jeremiah 29:2

The Hebrew text has “Jeconiah,” which is a variation of the name “Jehoiachin.” Many modern versions have “Jehoiachin” in order to make it clear that the same king is being referred to.

the king’s mother

Alternate translation: “very important officials”

Jeremiah 29:3

Jeremiah gave the scroll to Elasah so that Elasah could take it to Babylon. The reader should understand that Elasah probably put the scroll in a container to keep it safe as he traveled. (See: Synecdoche)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 29:4

When people wrote letters in that society, they would write their name first, then the name of the person to whom they were writing, and then the main part of the letter. Yahweh speaks of himself by name as if he were writing the letter himself.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Jeremiah 29:5

Yahweh is telling them they will be there for a long time. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 29:6

Parents commonly arranged their children’s marriages.

Jeremiah 29:7

The peace of the city is a metonym for the people living in peace. Alternate translation: “Do everything you can so the people of the city live in peace” (See: Metonymy)

These words refer to the city of Babylon.

Jeremiah 29:8

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Another possible meaning is “you are encouraging the prophets to have for you.”

Jeremiah 29:9

This could mean: (1) these words refer to the prophets and diviners, not to the dreams or (2) “they are prophesying deceitfully” refers to the dreams, and “I did not send them” refers to the prophets and diviners.

Jeremiah 29:10

the captive Israelites

“70 years” (See: Numbers)

Jeremiah 29:12

Praying is spoken of as calling out with a loud voice. (See: Metonymy)

This implies that Yahweh will give them what they want. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 29:13

Wanting to know what Yahweh requires is spoken of as trying to find where Yahweh is. Alternate translation: “you will want to do what I require you to do” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “you will be completely sincere when you seek me”

Jeremiah 29:14

Alternate translation: “I will cause things to go well for you again” or “I will cause you to live well again”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I sent you into exile” or “I sent you to be exiles” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 29:15

Jeremiah speaks to the captive Israelites.

Jeremiah 29:16

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for ruling as king. Alternate translation: “the king who rules the Israelites as David did” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 29:17

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

This alerts the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention”

The word “sword” is a metonym for war. The sword, famine, and disease are spoken of as people who can obey Yahweh’s command to harm the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I am going to punish them by having them die in war, from hunger, and from illness” (See: Metonymy and Personification)

Rotten figs are useless because they cannot be eaten, and Yahweh sees no use for the people of Israel. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 29:18

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Israel.

These words all share similar meanings and describe how the people of other nations will react when they see what Yahweh has done to the people of Judah.

the sound people make when they disapprove of something

Jeremiah 29:19

Jeremiah 29:20

Yahweh is now about to issue a command and wants them to pay attention. Alternate translation: “But as for you, listen carefully”

Jeremiah 29:21

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “name” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “liars who tell you that they are speaking my words to you” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Here “hand” is a metonym for the power that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “I will allow Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to conquer them” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “where you can see him do it”

Jeremiah 29:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the captives of Judah in Babylon will say a curse about these persons” (See: Active or Passive)

This word usually refers to cooking food over an open fire or in a pan, not to burning completely. This could mean: (1) this is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “burned to death” or (2) the king’s men attached them to poles over the fire close enough that the fire would slowly kill them but far enough away that it would not totally consume their bodies. (See: Euphemism)

Jeremiah 29:23

Jeremiah 29:24

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 29:25

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

The word “name” refers to a person’s authority and reputation. Alternate translation: “based on your own authority and reputation” (See: Metonymy)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 29:26

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

a wooden frame that holds the feet, hands, or head of a person whom someone is punishing

Jeremiah 29:27

This finishes the letter by Shemaiah that he sent out to the people in Jerusalem.

Shemaiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the people of Jerusalem for not rebuking Jeremiah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to rebuke Jeremiah of Anathoth … against you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 29:28

You may need to make explicit what it was that Jeremiah sent. Alternate translation: “he has sent a message to us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 29:5.

Jeremiah 29:29

“so that Jeremiah the prophet could hear him read it.” See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 29:30

Jeremiah 29:31

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 29:24.

Jeremiah 29:32

This can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the good things” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

It is not clear why Yahweh speaks of himself by name. Alternate translation: “he has urged people to rebel against me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 30

Jeremiah 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:5-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

God promises restoration

Despite the prophesied punishment in this chapter, Yahweh promises to restore Judah. In addition to this, he also declares that he will ultimately restore Israel. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, promise, promised and restore, restoration)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The author uses the term “Israel” in two different ways. He uses it in reference to the nation of Israel. He also uses it in reference to the people who used to inhabit the northern kingdom of Israel, namely the people group of Israel.

Jeremiah 30:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 30:3

“For listen carefully.” This phrase brings attention to what Yahweh is going to say next.

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” See how you translated this metaphor in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “in the future … I will restore the fortunes” or “there will be a time … when I will restore the fortunes” (See: Metaphor)

“I will cause things to go well for my people, Israel and Judah, again” or “I will cause my people, Israel and Judah, to live well again.” See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 29:14.

Jeremiah 30:4

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

Jeremiah 30:5

This could mean: (1) that these are the words of Yahweh referring to himself as “we.” Alternate translation: “I have heard” or (2) that these are the words of the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “You people of Jerusalem say, ‘We have heard”

This could mean: (1) “people cry out in dread because there is no peace” or (2) “you cry out in dread because there is no peace.”

Jeremiah 30:6

Alternate translation: “You know that no man has ever given birth to a child”

A woman about to give birth is in great pain and unable to do anything. The young men are so frightened that their bodies hurt, and they are unable to fight. Alternate translation: “The young men are holding their bellies like a woman giving birth; they all look sick because they are so afraid.” (See: Simile and Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 30:7

The name Jacob is a metonym for the man’s descendants. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the descendants of Jacob, but I will rescue them from it” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 30:8

Being a slave is spoken of as wearing a yoke like an animal and wearing chains like a prisoner. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 30:9

Yahweh continues speaking about the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “you will worship Yahweh your God … your king … over you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This is a metonym for one of David’s descendants. Alternate translation: “a man descended from their King David” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 30:10

“Jacob” and “Israel” are the two names of the ancestor of the Israelites, and these names are metonyms for the Israelites. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob … you Israelite people” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “do not be discouraged”

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully while I tell you why: I am”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you could express the same idea with the noun “captive.” Alternate translation: “from the place where they were captives” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jacob’s name is a metonym for his descendants. Yahweh speaks to Jacob as if he were speaking to another person. You may need to make explicit to where Jacob will return. Alternate translation: “Jacob will return to his own land … he will be secure” or “The descendants of Jacob will return … they will be secure” or “You descendants of Jacob will return … you will be secure” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “safe”

Jeremiah 30:11

Alternate translation: “where I have sent you”

“But I will not completely destroy you” (See: Euphemism)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “will certainly punish you” (See: Double Negatives)

Jeremiah 30:12

This means that Yahweh has punished them so severely that there is no one who can help them. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 30:13

Alternate translation: “There is no one who asks me to show you mercy”

Yahweh has punished them so severely that there is no one who can help them. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 30:14

Yahweh describes the people of Israel as an unfaithful wife who takes lovers other than her husband. Here “lovers” refers to other nations. The Israelites allied with them and worshiped their gods instead of relying on Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “They no longer want to be your friends”

Yahweh has treated his people like he would treat his enemy. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh has treated his people like a cruel master would treat a rebellious slave. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “your sins, which are too many to count”

Jeremiah 30:15

Yahweh asks a question here to make the people think about why they are asking him for help now. Alternate translation: “You are calling for help for your injury because you have disobeyed me.” or “Do not call for help for your injury.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 30:16

Destroying the nation is spoken of as consuming or eating it. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So those who destroy you, their enemies will destroy them” or “So I will destroy everyone who destroys you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

To plunder is to steal from peaceful people using violence, and plunder is what people steal.

To despoil here is to take items from an enemy one has defeated, and the items one takes are the spoil.

Jeremiah 30:17

See how you translated these words in Jeremiah 30:12.

An outcast is a person whom other people do not accept or allow to associate with them. Alternate translation: “they called you: Rejected” or “they said, ‘Nobody wants you’”

The place name “Zion” is a metonym for the people who live in Zion. Alternate translation: “No one cares about the people of Zion” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 30:18

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

The places where people live are metonyms for the people who live in those places. Alternate translation: “I am about bring back the fortunes of the descendants of Jacob, and I will have compassion on them” (See: Metonymy)

“I will cause things to go well for the people in Jacob’s tents again” or “I will cause the people in Jacob’s tents to live well again.” See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 29:14.

This can be translated in active form. You may need to make explicit that the city they will build will be Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Then they will rebuild Jerusalem on its ruins” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 30:19

Alternate translation: “Then they will sing songs of praise and joy”

Alternate translation: “I will cause them to increase in number, not to become fewer”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that no one will humble them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 30:20

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will establish them as a people before me” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 30:21

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translates this in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 30:23

This speaks of God’s anger and punishment as if it were a storm. This emphasizes his power and ability to destroy wicked people. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 30:24

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word intentions, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “intends.” The heart is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “what he intends to do” (See: Abstract Nouns and Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 31:1-6, 8-22, 35-37.

The ULT sets 31:29 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is an important quotation.

This chapter begins with a transition from the previous chapter. “At that time” is a reference to the day of restoration mentioned in Jeremiah 30:24. (See: restore, restoration)

Special concepts in this chapter

The new covenant

This chapter is an important teaching regarding the new covenant. God will make a new covenant that will bring forgiveness of sins and a desire to obey God. Scholars disagree about whether this new covenant has begun. (See: covenant and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

In this chapter, Jeremiah uses the term “Israel” in reference to the nation of Israel as a whole. He also uses it in reference to the northern kingdom of Israel and their people group.

Jeremiah 31:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

Jeremiah 31:2

The phrase “found favor” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “While the people who have survived the sword have been in the wilderness, I have had grace on them” (See: Idiom)

The word “sword” is a metonym for war. Alternate translation: “who have survived the war” (See: Metonymy)

Another possible meaning is “wilderness, where Israel went out to find rest.”

Jeremiah 31:3

Jeremiah speaks of himself as if he were the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “I have been faithful to my covenant and brought you near to me” or “I have faithfully loved you and brought you near to me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 31:4

Yahweh purposefully repeats the idea that he will build Israel to emphasize it. If your language can only use active verbs and has some other way to emphasize the idea, you may want to use it here. Alternate translation: “I will build you up again. Remember this: I will build you” (See: Active or Passive and Parallelism)

It was common to refer to nations as if they were women. However, “virgin” makes a person think about a young woman who has never married and so has never had the opportunity to be faithless to her husband. Therefore, calling Israel a virgin is an ironic use of language. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 18:13. Alternate translation: “Israel, who falsely pretends to be fully devoted to me” or “my faithless people Israel” (See: Personification and Irony)

musical instruments with heads like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around their sides that sound when the instruments are shaken (See: Translate Unknowns)

Jeremiah 31:7

Yahweh is speaking in an apostrophe to all people of the world, so these verbs are plural. (See: Apostrophe and Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “the most important people group of all the nations” or “the people group that is more important than any other”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Cause everyone to hear your praise” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 31:8

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Alternate translation: “to bring the Israelite people”

Jeremiah 31:9

Yahweh will lead them and they will be praying to Yahweh. Some ancient versions read, “Yahweh will lead them and will comfort them.”

Here “Ephraim” is another name for “Israel.” Alternate translation: “I will be like a father to the people of Israel, and they will be like my firstborn child” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The firstborn had special honor and responsibility.

Jeremiah 31:10

Yahweh is speaking to the nations, so these verbs are plural. (See: Pronouns)

Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were someone else, and he speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a helpless woman. Alternate translation: “I caused my people Israel to be scattered among the nations, but now I am bringing them home and keeping them” (See: Pronouns and Metaphor)

A shepherd cares for and protects his sheep, and Yahweh is promising to care for and protect the Israelites. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 31:11

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that it is Yahweh who has rescued the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh has rescued the people of Israel from their enemy who was too strong for them” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 31:12

“on Zion, the high place” or “on Mount Zion.” Being on top of a hill is a metaphor for being happy. If your language associates mountain tops with sadness, it would be best to leave out the metaphor. (See: Metaphor)

This means they will be strong and healthy, and they will prosper. (See: Simile)

The world “never” is a generalization. The Israelites will almost always feel joy. (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 31:13

The abstract nouns “mourning” and “celebration” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to mourn no longer but instead to celebrate” or “I will make it so they are no longer sad but happy”

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will change”

Jeremiah 31:14

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “many good things.” The lives of the priests are spoken of as if they were a field that would become completely wet when much rain falls on it. Life is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “I will give the priests all the good things they would like” or “I will satisfy the priests with good things” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 31:15

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I hear a voice in Ramah” (See: Active or Passive)

Rachel was the wife of Jacob/Israel and was the mother of the tribes of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name is a metonym for the women of Israel who are crying because the Babylonians have killed their children or taken them away. (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “She will not let anyone comfort her, for her children are dead” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 31:16

The voice and eyes are spoken of as if they were people whom Rachel needed to keep from moving. Alternate translation: “Stop weeping aloud and stop crying tears” (See: Personification)

Yahweh is speaking to the Israelites as if he were speaking to Rachel (Jeremiah 31:15), so all instances of “your” and the commands are singular. (See: Forms of You and Apostrophe)

In both instances of this phrase, Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 31:17

Yahweh is speaking to the Israelites as if he were speaking to Rachel (Jeremiah 31:15), so all instances of “your” and the commands are singular. (See: Forms of You and Apostrophe)

Jeremiah 31:18

Ephraim was the ancestor of the largest tribe in Israel. His name is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “I have certainly heard the descendants of Ephraim sorrowing” or “I have certainly heard the people of Israel sorrowing” (See: Metonymy)

The speaker repeats the phrase to show either that Yahweh punished him severely or that Ephraim learned what Yahweh wanted to teach him through punishing him. The words “I have been punished” can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “You punished me. Yes, you punished me severely” or “You punished me, and I learned from you when you punished me” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

When people train calves, they strike them and otherwise cause them to suffer. Yahweh had caused the people of Israel to suffer. (See: Simile)

Another possible meaning is “disciplined.”

Jeremiah 31:19

in grief. If people use a different phrase or action in your language to show that they are very sad, you may want to use it here. Alternate translation: “I rubbed my brow” (See: Idiom and Symbolic Action)

The words “ashamed” and “humiliated” mean basically the same thing and intensify the idea of shame. Alternate translation: “I was completely ashamed” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 31:20

Yahweh is speaking tenderly, trying to comfort the people. If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you can express them as statements. Alternate translation: “Ephraim is my precious child. He is my dear, delightful son. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 31:21

These commands and instances of “yourself” and “your” and “you” are addressed to “virgin Israel” and so are singular. (See: Pronouns)

God is referring to a changed Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 31:22

Yahweh is telling his people that he is becoming impatient with them because they are not obeying him. Alternate translation: “Do not hesitate to start obeying me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This could mean: (1) be unable to decide what to do or (2) often go off the correct path, a metaphor for disobeying Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the people will be so safe that women will not need anyone to protect them or (2) this is an idiom for something no one would ever expect. Alternate translation: “new on earth—something as strange as a woman protecting a man” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 31:23

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Here this refers to the people of Judah. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jerusalem is on the top of a hill, and the temple was built at the highest point in Jerusalem. AT; “May Yahweh bless those who live in Jerusalem with Yahweh, where his temple is” (See: Apostrophe and Metonymy)

Mount Zion, where the temple had stood

Jeremiah 31:24

The name of the man Judah is a metonym for the land on which his descendants, the people of the tribe of Judah, live, and the cities of Judah are spoken of as if they were the family of the man Judah, all of them living “there,” in the land of Judah. Alternate translation: “it will be as if the land were a house in which Judah lived with his family” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “and farmers and those who set out with flocks will also live there”

people who take care of sheep and goats

Jeremiah 31:26

Alternate translation: “had refreshed me”

Jeremiah 31:27

Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” See how you translated this metaphor in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “in the future … I will sow” or “there will be a time … when I will sow” (See: Metaphor)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the people of Israel and the people of Judah. The house in turn is spoken of as if it were a field in which Yahweh would sow seed, and the people and the animals they raise for food, milk, and skins are spoken of as if they are that seed. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Israel and Judah to become many people with many animals” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 31:28

Alternate translation: “looked for ways to uproot them”

See how you translated these ideas in Jeremiah 1:9.

Yahweh speaks of the Israelites as if they were a house or a food crop. Alternate translation: “in order to make them strong and many” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 31:29

These words are a proverb that Jeremiah heard people say when they were complaining that Yahweh was punishing children for the sins of their fathers. (See: Proverbs)

This could mean: (1) grapes with too much acid in them or (2) grapes that are not ripe. If grapes are not part of your culture, you may want to use a general word for fruit.

Use the common words in your language for how people’s mouths feel when they eat sour or unripe fruit.

Jeremiah 31:30

Alternate translation: “For each man will die because of his own sins”

Jeremiah restates the proverb so that it now means people will suffer as a consequence of their own behaviors. (See: Proverbs)

Jeremiah 31:31

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am going to tell you”

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” See how you translated this metaphor in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “in the future … I will establish” or “there will be a time … when I will establish” (See: Metaphor)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:18. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 31:32

as a loving husband would hold the hand of his wife as they walk (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 31:33

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:18. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh’s law will become a part of them, rather than merely written on stone. Here “heart” represents “emotions” or “mind.” Alternate translation: “My law will be part of their thoughts and emotions” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 31:34

This phrase refers to every person, from the least important to the most important. Alternate translation: “every single one of them” (See: Merism)

Jeremiah 31:36

This is a hypothetical situation that Yahweh never expects to truly happen. Alternate translation: “These permanent things will never vanish … and Israel’s descendants will never stop from forever being a nation” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Jeremiah 31:37

This is a hypothetical situation that Yahweh never expects to truly happen. Alternate translation: “The highest heavens can never be measured, and the earth’s foundation below can never be discovered, and I will never reject all of Israel’s descendants” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

These phrases refer to the whole of creation. (See: Merism)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone can dig all the way down to the earth’s foundation” (See: Active or Passive)

“deepest part.” The “foundation” is the part of a house on which every other part rests.

throw away or refuse to take

Jeremiah 31:38

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” See how you translated this metaphor in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “in the future … the city will be rebuilt” or “there will be a time … when the city will be rebuilt” (See: Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will rebuild the city for me” or “I will have them rebuild the city” (See: Active or Passive)

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 31:39

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 31:40

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “They will set apart the whole valley … for me” or “I will have them make the whole valley … holy for me” (See: Active or Passive)

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “made holy”

The city is spoken of as if it were a plant that someone could pull out of the ground or a building that someone could break down. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not allow anyone to pull up or overthrow the city again” or “No one will tear the city down or destroy it again” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 32

Jeremiah 32 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The king should have listened to the prophet Jeremiah and repented of his sin. Instead, he objected to his message. Yahweh punished him because of this. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and repent, repentance and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

The term “Israel” is used exclusively in reference to the nation of Israel as a whole in this chapter.

Jeremiah 32:1

This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to Jeremiah. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:2 Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave messages to Jeremiah” or “Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “after Zedekiah had been king of Judah for more than nine years and Nebuchadnezzar had been king for more than seventeen years”

Jeremiah 32:2

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they were keeping Jeremiah as a prisoner” (See: Active or Passive)

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners.

Jeremiah 32:3

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Zedekiah do this. (See: Metonymy)

Here “him” refers to Jeremiah. It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Zekekiah uses a question to rebuke Jeremiah. Alternate translation: “It is wrong for you to continue prophesying and saying” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of the city as if it were a small object that one person could give to another. The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “I am about to put this city under the control of the king of Babylon” or “I am about to allow the king of Babylon to do whatever he wants with this city” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people would help the king of Babylon take control of the city.

Jeremiah 32:4

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will certainly put him under the control of the king of Babylon” or “I will certainly allow the king of Babylon to do whatever he wants with him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Here “mouth” and “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “Zedekiah himself will see and directly speak with Nebuchadnezzar” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 32:5

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people in Jerusalem. (See: Forms of You)

Jeremiah 32:6

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated it in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave me a message. He said, ‘Look” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me: ‘Look” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 32:7

The long quotation that begins with the words “The word of Yahweh” in verse 6 ends here. You may translate this as indirect speech. Alternate translation: “Jeremiah said that the word of Yahweh had come to him and told him that Hanamel son of Shallum his uncle was coming to him and would tell him to buy his uncle’s field that was in Anathoth for himself, for the right to buy it belonged to Jeremiah.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 32:8

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 32:9

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “17 shekels” or “187 grams” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

Jeremiah 32:10

This refers to the deed that a person would sign to purchase land. Other people would be witnesses to confirm that Jeremiah had purchased this land.

Alternate translation: “had people watch me purchase the land so they could tell others that I had purchased the land”

Jeremiah 32:11

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I sealed” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “opened copy” or “the deed that did not have a seal on it”

Jeremiah 32:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 32:13

Here “them” refers to Hanamel, the witnesses, and the Judeans.

Jeremiah 32:14

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Jeremiah 32:15

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel will buy houses, vineyards and fields again in this land” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 32:16

This means the sealed scroll and the unsealed scroll.

Jeremiah 32:17

The word “woe” here indicates that in this prayer Jeremiah is sad, complaining or lamenting. The word “look” here indicates that the next words are an introduction or background for the most important part of the prayer. (See: Background Information)

The phrase “raised arm” is a metonym for the strength of the arm, so the words “your great strength” and “your raised arm” form a doublet. Alternate translation: “by your great power” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Jeremiah 32:18

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “You are faithful to your covenant towards thousands” or “You keep your promise and faithfully love thousands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “guilt” is a metonym for Yahweh punishing people because they are guilty of doing evil things. Yahweh punishing people is spoken of as if he were pouring a large container full of liquid or small objects into people’s laps as they sit. Alternate translation: “you punish children for the sins of their parents” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 32:19

Open eyes are a metonym for what the person sees. How a person lives is spoken of as if he were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “You see everything that people do” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The abstract nouns “conduct” and “deeds,” which are similar in meaning, can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “and will reward everyone according to how good or evil the things they do are” (See: Abstract Nouns and Doublet)

Jeremiah 32:20

This refers to an event in the past when God used his power to free the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

Alternate translation: “To this day”

Alternate translation: “among all people”

Here “name” refers to God’s reputation. Alternate translation: “you have made yourself famous” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:21

The phrase “strong hand” is a metonym for strength, and the phrase “raised arm” is a metonym for the strength of the arm, so the phrases “strong hand” and “raised arm” form a doublet. Alternate translation: “by your great strength” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Jeremiah 32:22

Alternate translation: “gave the people of Israel”

“land where milk and honey flow.” God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 11:5. Alternate translation: “land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:23

The voice is a metonym for the message the speaker gives. Alternate translation: “But they did not obey what you said” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:24

The large piles of dirt and rocks that the enemy built around the city so they could stand on them and attack it are spoken of as if they were the attackers themselves reaching out to capture the city. Alternate translation: “The enemy’s seige mounds are so close to the city that the enemy will be able to capture the city” (See: Metaphor)

The word “sword” is a metonym for war, where soldiers use swords. Alternate translation: “because soldiers will attack” (See: Metonymy)

These abstract nouns can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “people have no food to eat, and everyone is weak from being ill” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “hand” means power or control. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “you have given Jerusalem to the Chaldean army” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “happening, as you can see very well”

Jeremiah 32:25

Alternate translation: “have people watch you purchase the land so they can tell others that you have purchased the land”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am giving this city” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 32:26

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 32:27

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he can do anything. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Nothing is too difficult for me to do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 32:28

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully! I am the one who will give”

Yahweh speaks of the city as if it were a small object that he could put into a person’s hand. The word “hand” is a metonym for the power that the hand puts into action. Alternate translation: “put this city under the power of the Chaldeans” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:29

Alternate translation: “so that I would become very angry”

Jeremiah 32:30

Here the metonym “eyes” represents what God sees. This could mean: (1) “doing what I consider evil” or (2) “doing evil knowing that I am watching” (See: Metonymy)

A person being young is a metaphor for the people of Israel first becoming a nation. Alternate translation: “from the time they were young” or “from the time that they became a nation” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 32:31

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah.

Here “city” is a metonym for the people that live there. The words “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how very angry he is. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem have made me very angry since the day they built their city” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word provocation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “has been something that has provoked” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “They continue to make me angry even now”

The face is a metonym for the person’s presence. Alternate translation: “from my presence” or “completely” (See: Personification and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:33

One turns one’s face to someone to show that one is listening, and one’s back to show that one refuses to listen. Alternate translation: “Instead of listening carefully to me, they refused to listen at all” or “They refused to listen” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “to learn how to act correctly”

Jeremiah 32:34

Alternate translation: “their idols which I hate”

Here “name” represents Yahweh. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the house that belongs to me” or “the building in which they worship me” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:35

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:31.

Here “mind” refers to Yahweh’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “I never thought at all” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:36

Here “you” is plural. This could mean: (1) this refers to Jeremiah and those with him, or (2) it refers to all the people. (See: Forms of You)

Here “hand” means power or control. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has given it to the king of Babylon” or “Yahweh has given the king of Babylon the power to rule it” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 32:37

Alternate translation: “to gather my people”

All three words mean the same thing and emphasize how very angry he is. Alternate translation: “extreme anger” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “where they are safe”

Jeremiah 32:39

The people of Israel will want to work together to honor Yahweh. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 32:40

Alternate translation: “eternal agreement”

Alternate translation: “stop doing good”

Honor is spoken of as if it were a solid object put in a container from which no one can remove it. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to always honor me” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “so that they will never stop obeying and worshiping me”

Jeremiah 32:41

Here “them” refers to the people of Israel.

Yahweh speaks of having his people live in the land forever as if he were planting plants in a garden. Alternate translation: “I will permanently settle the Israelites in this land” (See: Metaphor)

Together, these two phrases form an idiomatic expression that refers to a person’s entire being. Alternate translation: “with all that I am” or “wholeheartedly” (See: Doublet and Idiom)

Jeremiah 32:42

Alternate translation: “I have caused all these bad things to happen to this people, and now I will cause the good things to happen to them”

Jeremiah 32:43

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then people will buy fields in this land” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “you” refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Here “hand” is a metonym for power or control. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has given it to the Chaldeans” or “Yahweh has given the Chaldeans power over it” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 32:44

The “sealed scrolls” are the deeds that a person would sign to purchase land. Other people would be witnesses to confirm the purchase.

Jeremiah 33

Jeremiah 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Covenant faithfulness

Despite the great punishment Judah is facing and Israel has undergone, there is hope. This hope is based in the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh. Ultimately, he will restore his people. (See: covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, covenant love, hope, hoped and restore, restoration and people of God)

Jeremiah 33:1

See: Poetry and Parallelism

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:13. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah a second time, while Jeremiah was … guard. He said,” or “While Jeremiah was … guard, Yahweh spoke this second message to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. There is no need to translate using first person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “he was still a prisoner in”

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 33:2

who creates things so he can make them exist forever

Jeremiah 33:4

This can be translated in active form. This could mean: (1) the people tore the houses down to make walls to defend against the Chaldeans. Alternate translation: “that the people have torn down to defend against the siege ramps and the sword” or (2) Alternate translation: “the houses that the Chaldeans have torn down to make siege ramps so they can make war” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a metonym for people dying violently when soldiers kill with swords. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 33:5

The words “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his wrath. Alternate translation: “in my extreme wrath” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh is represented by his “face.” This phrase shows Yahweh’s displeasure with the city. Alternate translation: “I have turned away from you” or “I am no longer concerned with you” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 33:7

“I will cause things to go well for Judah and Israel again” or “I will cause Judah and Israel to live well again.” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 29:14.

Jeremiah 33:9

The city is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “the people who live in this city … do for the people who live there … give to the people who live there” (See: Metonymy)

The word “song” is a metonym for the object about which people will sing the song. Alternate translation: “something about which all the people groups of the earth will sing songs of praise and honor to me, Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

The hendiadys “fear and tremble” can be translated by a single verb. Alternate translation: “they will tremble with fear” (See: Hendiadys)

Another possible meaning is “awe.”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word peace, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “because of all the good things that I will give to it and because I will cause it to be peaceful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 33:10

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Judah has become desolate. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 33:11

the temple in Jerusalem

The word “land” is a metonym for the people who live on the land. Alternate translation: “I will again cause things to go well for the people who live on the land” or “I will cause the people who live on the land to live well again” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 29:14. (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the time before the exile to Babylon. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “to what they were before I sent the Israelites into exile in Babylon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 33:12

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Jeremiah 33:13

This refers to the practice of a shepherd counting and inspecting his sheep as the sheep walked under his hand. Alternate translation: “shepherds will again count their sheep as the sheep walk by” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 33:14

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”

Future time is spoken of as if the “Days are coming.” See how you translated this metaphor in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “In the future … I will do” or “There will be a time … when I will do” (See: Metaphor)

This is a metonym for the people who live in Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 33:15

The phrase “in that time” means the same thing as, and intensifies the phrase “In those days.” Alternate translation: “In those very days” or “At that very time” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh speaks of a descendant of David as if he were a branch off of a tree trunk. Alternate translation: “I will cause a righteous man to come from and bring glory to the line of David” (See: Metaphor)

the nation of Israel (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 33:16

These towns’ names are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah … the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will save Judah” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the people of Judah will be safe from their enemies”

Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as if the town were a woman. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “this is what they will call her” or “this is what I will call the town” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 33:17

Alternate translation: “There will always be a man from David’s line”

a male descendant of King David

The throne is a metonym for the king. Alternate translation: “to be king over the house of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 33:18

Alternate translation: “and there will always be a man from the Levitical priests to raise burnt offerings”

Alternate translation: “offer burnt offerings”

Jeremiah 33:19

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. There is no need to translate using first person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 33:20

Yahweh is speaking of himself here. Alternate translation: “I say” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

These words begin a hypothetical statement that describe a situation that will never occur. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Jeremiah 33:21

The hypothetical statement that begins with the words “If you can break my covenant … times,” in verse 20 ends here. No one can change day and night, and no one can change God’s covenant with David. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot break my covenant … times, so you know that you will never be able to break my covenant with David my servant” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The throne is a metonym for the king who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: “to rule the kingdom I have given to him” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 33:22

No one can count the stars in the sky or the sand on the seashore, and no one will be able to count the descendants of David and Levi who serve Yahweh. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 33:23

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. There is no need to translate using first person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 33:24

Yahweh wants Jeremiah to think deeply about what the people have said. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have noticed what this people are really saying when they said, ‘The … them.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “What they are really saying is that my people are worthless and that my people will never again be a nation.”

Sight is a metonym for thinking. Alternate translation: “they no longer think of my people as a nation” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 33:25

This is the beginning of a hypothetical statement that describes a situation that Yahweh never expects to be true.(See: Hypothetical Situations)

Jeremiah 33:26

The hypothetical statement that begins with the words “If I have not established the covenant” in verse 25 ends here. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The hypothetical statement that begins with the words “If I have not established the covenant” in verse 25 ends here. This is a situation that Yahweh never expects to be true. Alternate translation: “I have established the covenant … so I will never reject … and I will bring” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

“I will cause things to go well for them again” or “I will cause them to live well again” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 29:14.

Translate as “have compassion on” is translated in (Jeremiah 30:18).

Jeremiah 34

Jeremiah 34 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

According to the law of Moses, the people were required to free their indebted slaves after a period of time. The king led them in freeing their fellow Israelites whom they held as slaves, but later they changed their minds and enslaved them again. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Actions with cultural meaning

When the people of Israel made a sacred promise to God, they cut a calf in two and passed between its parts. It was a very serious sin not to do what one had promised. (See: promise, promised and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 34:1

This idiom “The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 7:1, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah when Nebuchadnezzar … her cities. He said,” or “When Nebuchadnezzar … her cities, Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name in this chapter. There is no need to translate using first person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “fighting”

This refers to all the towns around Jerusalem. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:2

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:28

Here the word “hand” is a metonym for the control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “under the control of the king of Babylon” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:3

Here the word “hand” is a metonym for the control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “You will not escape from his control” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Babylonians will certainly seize you and give you” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 34:4

The word “sword” is a metonym for dying in war. Alternate translation: “You will not die in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:5

The people would burn spices in honor of people who had recently died. They did not burn the dead people’s bodies.

Jeremiah 34:7

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the only fortified cities of Judah that the Babylonians had not yet captured”

Jeremiah 34:8

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. However, the actual message does not begin until Jeremiah 34:12. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 7:1. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah” or “Yahweh spoke a message to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

message

These words begin to provide background information to events that will be described later. (See: Background Information)

Jeremiah 34:9

The background information that begins with the words “after King Zedekiah had made a covenant” in verse 8 ends here. (See: Background Information)

Jeremiah 34:10

Jeremiah continues giving the background information that began in Jeremiah 34:8.

Jeremiah 34:12

Jeremiah resumes the story from Jeremiah 34:8 after the background information of Jeremiah 34:8-Jeremiah 11.

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah. He said, ‘Yahweh” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah: ‘Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 34:13

This is an idiom. “place where you were slaves” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 34:14

Alternate translation: “each of you must free any fellow Hebrews who sold themselves to you and have been your slaves”

Alternate translation: “You must let them be free from serving you”

To incline the ear, to lean the head toward the speaker so as to hear better, is a metonym for paying attention to what the speaker is saying. Alternate translation: “did not … pay attention to what I said” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:15

Here the word “now” is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

“Eyes” here is a metonym for someone’s opinion or idea. Alternate translation: “what I consider to be right” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the house that belongs to me” or “the building in which they worship me” (See: Active or Passive Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:16

A person’s name is a metonym for what people think of him. Alternate translation: “stopped doing what was right and did evil things that have made people think that I am evil” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:17

Alternate translation: “Listen!” or “Pay attention to the important thing I am going to tell you!”

Jeremiah uses irony to say that the “freedom” the people will enjoy will actually be suffering. Alternate translation: “I will proclaim misery to you … misery from the sword, the plague, and famine” (See: Irony)

Alternate translation: “proclaim that you are free”

This is a metonym for soldiers who carry swords. Alternate translation: “enemy soldiers to kill you” (See: Metonymy)

Here “sight” represents judgment or evaluation. The word “kingdom” is a metonym for the people who live in the kingdom. Alternate translation: “I am going to make the people in every kingdom on earth think that you are horrible” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:18

These words begin to describe how the people established the covenant. (See: Background Information)

Alternate translation: “agreed to with me” or “established while I was watching”

Jeremiah 34:19

The description of how the people established the covenant that began with the words “when they cut” in verse 18 ends here. (See: Background Information)

Jeremiah 34:20

The word “hand” here is a metonym for the power or control that the enemies will exercise using their hands. AT; “I will allow their enemies to have complete control over them” (See: Metonymy)

This is a polite way to say that they wanted to kill them. Alternate translation: “seeking to kill them” (See: Euphemism)

Here the word “hands” represents control. Alternate translation: “to be conquered by their enemies” or “over to the control of their enemies” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 34:21

Alternate translation: “come to fight”

Jeremiah 34:22

bring the Babylonian armies

Jeremiah 35

Jeremiah 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The Rechabites

The actions of the Rechabites contrasted with the actions of the Jews. The Rechabites obeyed the commands their ancestor had give while living in Canaan, but Judah did not obey Yahweh’s commands. Because the Rechabites were obedient, Yahweh preserved their clan. The Rechabites’ history is found in the book of Judges.

Jeremiah 35:1

The idiom “The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah in the days … of Judah. He said,” or “In the days … of Judah, Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 35:2

This is a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

the temple

Jeremiah 35:3

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 35:4

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 35:5

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 35:2.

Jeremiah 35:6

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 35:7

“live many years in the land.” “Days” refers to the span of time.

Jeremiah 35:8

The word “voice” is a metonym for the command that Jonadab spoke. Alternate translation: “the command of Jonadab” (See: Metonymy)

“as long as we live.” “Days” refers to the span of time.

Jeremiah 35:12

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah. He said, ‘Yahweh” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah: ‘Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 35:13

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Yahweh is telling Israel to listen carefully to his rebuke. Alternate translation: “You must certainly receive this correction and listen to my words.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 35:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The sons of Jonadab son of Rekab have observed their father’s command to not drink wine” (See: Active or Passive)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 35:15

Walking after a god is a metaphor for obeying the laws of that god. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 35:17

This word tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows.

Jeremiah 35:18

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This is the name of the people group. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 35:2.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

a man’s name. See how you translated it in Jeremiah 35:5.

Jeremiah 35:19

These are the names of men. See how you translated these in Jeremiah 35:5.

Jeremiah 36

Jeremiah 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Opposition to Jeremiah

Jeremiah wrote God’s prophesies on a scroll but the king burned it. It is possible that this action was intended to be understood as representing the definitiveness of these prophecies. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Jeremiah 36:1

See: Poetry and Parallelism

“It happened.” This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Jehoiakim had been king of Judah for more than three years. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 25:1. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

The phrase “this word” refers to the message that follows.

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh said”

Jeremiah 36:2

Alternate translation: “all of the nations”

Alternate translation: “I have told you from”

Alternate translation: “from the time Josiah was king until today”

Jeremiah 36:3

Alternate translation: “It is possible that the people”

Alternate translation: “to cause to happen to them”

Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle as if it were a “way” or path along which the person walks. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 18:11. Alternate translation: “his wicked way of living” (See: Metaphor)

The words “iniquity” and “sin” are metonyms for the persons who commit iniquity and sin. Alternate translation: “forgive them for their iniquity and their sin” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 36:4

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “I called … at my dictation … to me … I gave … I said” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “while Jeremiah was speaking, Baruch wrote in a scroll all of Yahweh’s words that Yahweh had spoken to Jeremiah”

Jeremiah 36:5

Jeremiah 36:6

Alternate translation: “read out loud from the scroll” or “proclaim from the scroll”

Alternate translation: “must read out loud” or “must proclaim”

“so that the people in Yahweh’s house can hear them.” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

“so all the people of Judah who have come from their cities can hear them.” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:7

Alternate translation: “It is possible that their pleas”

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will hear them plead for mercy and do as they ask”

The word “their” refers to the people in the house of Yahweh and the people of Judah who had come to the house of Yahweh from their cities.

Alternate translation: “the anger and rage”

Jeremiah 36:9

See how you translated this phrase in Jeremiah 36:1.

This is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of November and the first part of December on Western calendars. “after Jehoiakim … had been king of Judah for more than four years, during the ninth month” (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this phrase in Jeremiah 25:1.

Alternate translation: “told everyone that they were going to fast”

Jeremiah 36:10

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This is the name of a person. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was a scribe”

Alternate translation: “in the entrance of the new gate of the house of Yahweh”

He read aloud Jeremiah’s words.

“where all the people could hear him.” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:11

Here the word “now” is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Alternate translation: “Micaiah who was the son of Gemariah, who was the son of Shaphan”

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 36:12

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am going to say”

These are names of people. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 26:20. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 26:22. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 28:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “all of the other officials”

Jeremiah 36:13

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 36:11.

The word “them” refers to officials in Jeremiah 36:12.

“so that the people could hear” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:14

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 36:15

“so we can hear you read it” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Alternate translation: “read the scroll aloud”

Jeremiah 36:16

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

The word “they” refers to the officials.

the words that Baruch read aloud from the scroll

Jeremiah 36:17

Alternate translation: “how did you write”

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:4.

Jeremiah 36:18

Jeremiah spoke out loud so that Baruch could write down his words.

Alternate translation: “used ink to write them”

a dark liquid that is used for writing

Jeremiah 36:19

You may need to make this a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “Jeremiah should hide himself, too” (See: Ellipsis)

The word “you” refers to Baruch and Jeremiah and so is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Jeremiah 36:20

Alternate translation: “Then the officials”

Alternate translation: “put the scroll in the room of Elishama so it would be safe”

See how you translated “Elishama the scribe” in Jeremiah 36:12.

“where the king could hear him” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:21

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 36:14.

Jeremiah 36:22

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Jeremiah starts to tell a new part of the story.

This is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. This is at the end of the sowing season and the beginning of the cold season. It is during the last part November and the first part of December on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “the brazier was in front of him with a blazing fire”

a fireplace that people can move

Jeremiah 36:23

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:14.

these are columns of words on the scroll

Alternate translation: “would cut that part of the scroll off”

Alternate translation: “using a scribe’s knife” or “using the kind of knife that scribes use”

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:22.

Alternate translation: “until the scroll was completely gone”

Jeremiah 36:24

the words from the scroll that Baruch wrote as Jeremiah dictated

People tore their cloths when they were extremely sad. Alternate translation: “nor did they mourn by tearing their clothes” (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 36:25

See how you translated these names in Jeremiah 36:12.

Alternate translation: “pleaded with the king”

Jeremiah 36:26

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “a relative of the king”

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 36:27

The idiom “The word of Yahweh came” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah after … dictation. He said,” or “After … dictation, Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah:” (See: Idiom)

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UST does. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 36:4.

Jeremiah 36:28

Alternate translation: “Take another scroll for yourself again”

Alternate translation: “the first scroll”

Jeremiah 36:29

Jehoiakim uses this question to emphasize that Jeremiah should not have written that the king of Babylon would come and attack. Alternate translation: “You should not have written … beast in it!” or “You were wrong to write … beast in it’!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “and he will destroy”

Jeremiah 36:30

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for ruling as king. See how you translated “sits on the throne of David” in Jeremiah 29:16. Alternate translation: “will ever rule the Israelites as David did” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will throw your dead body outside” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “your dead body”

Alternate translation: “so that it is exposed to the dry heat of the daytime”

ice that forms on grass during cold nights

Jeremiah 36:31

Alternate translation: “of all of you”

Jeremiah 36:32

Jeremiah speaks of himself by name for reasons that are not clear. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word dictation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 36:4. Alternate translation: “while Jeremiah was speaking, Baruch wrote on it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Furthermore, Jeremiah and Baruch added to this scroll many more words which were similar to the words that had been in the first scroll” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 37

Jeremiah 37 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Ironic situation

Jeremiah was thrown into prison and beaten for prophesying the word of God. Then the king asked him, “Is there any word from Yahweh?” This is a type of irony. The king simply did not agree with God’s original word. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and word of God, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, scripture)

Jeremiah 37:1

The Hebrew text has “Coniah,” which is a variation of the name “Jehoiachin.” Many modern versions have “Jehoiachin” in order to make it clear that the same king is being referred to.

Jeremiah 37:2

Alternate translation: “of the land of Judah”

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “he had Jeremiah the prophet proclaim” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh proclaimed”

Jeremiah refers to himself by name for reasons that are not clear.

Jeremiah 37:3

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 36:14. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 21:1.

“for us” or “for our sake.” The word “our” refers to King Zedekiah and the rest of the people of Judah.

Jeremiah 37:4

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. The narrator tells background information about what Jeremiah had been doing before Zedekiah sent the message. (See: Background Information)

Here “coming and going” is an idiom that means he was free to move about. Alternate translation: “Jeremiah was able to go wherever he wanted with everybody else” (See: Idiom)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “because no one had put him in prison” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 37:5

Alternate translation: “had set out”

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 37:6

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah the prophet. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah the prophet:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 37:7

The word “you” refers to the two men that king Zedekiah had sent to Jeremiah, Jehukal son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest. (See: Forms of You)

The word “me” refers to Yahweh.

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Jeremiah 37:8

Compare how you translated “to wage war against it and take it, and to burn it” in Jeremiah 34:22.

Jeremiah 37:9

The word “yourselves” refers to King Zedekiah and the rest of the people of Judah.

The people of Judah think that they will be safe because the Chaldeans had left. Alternate translation: “Surely we are safe because the Chaldeans are leaving us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 37:10

Alternate translation: “the wounded men would get up”

Jeremiah 37:11

“It came about that.” This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Jeremiah 37:12

Alternate translation: “a piece of land” or “some land”

“among his relatives.” Jeremiah was from the town of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin (Jeremiah 1:1).

Jeremiah 37:13

This is the name of the gate.

This is the name of a person. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 36:14. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 28:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

escaping trouble and leaving people who need help

Jeremiah 37:14

This means escaping trouble and leaving people who need help.

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 37:13. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:18.

Jeremiah 37:15

“Jonathan, who was a scribe.” This is a man’s name. (See: Numbers)

Jeremiah 37:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the officials put Jeremiah into a room that was under the ground” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 37:17

Alternate translation: “brought Jeremiah”

the palace of King Zedekiah

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 32:4. Alternate translation: “I will certainly put you under the control of the king of Babylon” or “I will certainly allow the king of Babylon to do whatever he wants with you” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 37:18

Jeremiah uses this question to emphasize that he has not done anything wrong. Alternate translation: “I have not done anything wrong to you … prison.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

the people of the kingdom of Judah

Alternate translation: “have put”

Jeremiah 37:19

Jeremiah uses this question to emphasize that the other prophets were lying but that he had done nothing wrong because he had told the truth. Alternate translation: “Your prophets who prophesied … against this land were obviously wrong, but now it is clear that I was telling you the truth.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “your” refers to King Zedekiah and the other people of the kingdom of Judah.

Alternate translation: “will not attack you or attack this land”

Jeremiah 37:20

“Hear me plead for mercy and do as I ask.” See how you translated “their pleas for mercy will come before Yahweh” in Jeremiah 36:7.

“the house of Jonathan, who is a scribe.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 37:15.

Jeremiah 37:21

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “His servants also gave Jeremiah a loaf of bread” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “from the street where the bakers worked”

Jeremiah 38

Jeremiah 38 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Surrender and live

If the king obeyed God and surrendered to the Babylonians, he would be allowed to live and the city would not be burned. But if he refused, he would be captured and the city burned. This took faith that Yahweh was using this ungodly, Gentile nation. (See: faith and godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

Jeremiah 38:1

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 38:2

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Anyone staying in this city will die by sword, famine, and plague” or “I will kill anyone staying in this city with sword, famine, and plague” (See: Active or Passive)

The one who surrenders to the Babylonians will escape alive, even though he will lose all his possessions. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 21:9.

Jeremiah 38:3

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will allow the army of the king of Babylon to conquer Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

The reader should understand that others will help the king of Babylon capture the city. “his army will capture it”

Jeremiah 38:4

Alternate translation: “Order someone to kill this man”

Weak hands are a metonym for a person who is afraid. Alternate translation: “he is causing the soldiers and all the people in the city to lose courage” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “for Jeremiah is not working to help this people be safe, but he is working for bad things to happen to this people”

Jeremiah 38:5

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”

The hand is a metonym for the power that the hand has. Alternate translation: “you are able do whatever you want with him” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 38:6

They literally “lowered Jeremiah down on ropes,” but the word “threw” is an exaggeration to say that they treated him roughly. Your language may have another way of saying this. Alternate translation: “they … roughly pushed him into the cistern” (See: Hyperbole)

a deep hole in the ground where people collect and store rain water

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

This tells how “they threw him into the cistern.”

Jeremiah 38:7

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

This is the name of a man from Cush. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here the word “now” marks a break in the main story line where the narrator tells background information about what the king was doing. (See: Background Information)

King Zedekiah was probably hearing and judging legal cases. (See: Idiom)

This is an entrance into the city of Jerusalem that people named after Benjamin, Jacob’s son.

Jeremiah 38:10

“30 men” (See: Numbers)

Jeremiah 38:11

Alternate translation: “used ropes to lower them down”

Jeremiah 38:12

Alternate translation: “between your arms and the ropes”

Jeremiah 38:13

Here the word “they” refers to some of the thirty men who were with Ebed-Melech.

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 38:15

Jeremiah uses this question to express his belief that the king will kill him if he answers truthfully. Alternate translation: “If I tell you the truth, you will certainly kill me” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 38:16

“as surely as Yahweh, the one who made us, is alive.” This is a way of making a solemn promise. The king says it to emphasize that what he is about to say next is true. See how you translated “As Yahweh lives” in Jeremiah 4:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear by Yahweh, the one who made us” (See: Idiom)

Here the word “hand” refers to the men’s control or power. Alternate translation: “I will not … allow those men to capture you” (See: Metonymy)

This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. See how this phrase is translated in Jeremiah 11:21. Alternate translation: “trying to kill you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 38:17

The name of the people group is metonym for the people of that group. Alternate translation: “God of the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Babylonian army will not burn this city” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 38:18

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. This can be translated in active form. See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 38:2. Alternate translation: “I will allow the Chaldeans to conquer this city” or “I will allow the Chaldeans to do whatever they want with this city” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “you will not escape from their power” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 38:19

escaped trouble and left people who needed help. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 37:13.

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Chaldeans might put me under the control of the people of Judah who have deserted” or “the Chaldeans might allow the people of Judah who have deserted to do whatever they want with me” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Here the word “them” refers to the people of Judah who have deserted.

Jeremiah 38:20

“The Chaldeans will not give you over to the Judeans.” Here “you” refers to Zedekiah. (See: Forms of You)

Jeremiah 38:21

Here the word “this” refers to what Jeremiah will say next.

Jeremiah 38:22

The reader should understand that the officials will take these women as slaves. Alternate translation: “Soldiers will bring all the women who are left … out to the officials of the king of Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Your friends have deceived you” (See: Active or Passive)

The king is now helpless. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 38:23

The reader should understand that the officials will take these people as slaves. Alternate translation: “Soldiers will bring your wives and children out to the Chaldeans” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “will not escape from their power” (See: Metonymy)

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. This can be translated in active form. The reader should probably understand that many people will help the king do this. Alternate translation: “The army of the king of Babylon will capture you and will burn the city” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 38:26

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 37:15.

Jeremiah 38:27

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word conversation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what Jeremiah and the king said to each other” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 38:28

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “until the day that the Babylonian army captured Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 39

Jeremiah 39 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The prophesied destruction of Jerusalem is over and the actual conquering of the Promised Land by Babylon begins in this chapter. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Promised Land)

Jeremiah 39:1

Alternate translation: “came to attack Jerusalem”

This is after Zedekiah had been king of Judah for eight years, in the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of December and the first part of January on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “In the tenth month of the ninth year that Zedekiah was king of Judah” (See: Hebrew Months)

See: Ordinal Numbers

Jeremiah 39:2

This is after Zedekiah had been king of Judah for more than ten years, in the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. The eleventh day is near the beginning of July on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “On the ninth day of the fourth month of the eleventh year that Zedekiah was king” (See: Hebrew Months)

See: Ordinal Numbers

Jeremiah 39:3

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“in the middle entrance to the city.” It was common for leaders to sit at the gate of the city to discuss important matters.

Jeremiah 39:4

Alternate translation: “They left the city at night going out on a path in the king’s garden”

Jeremiah 39:5

This is the flat land at the southern end of the valley.

Riblah was a town in the territory of Hamath, which is in Syria. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “followed them and caught”

Alternate translation: “decided how to punish him”

Jeremiah 39:6

The eyes are a synecdoche for the whole person. The reader should also understand that others probably helped the king of Babylon kill Zedekiah’s sons. Alternate translation: “forced Zedekiah to watch as the king’s soldiers killed Zedekiah’s sons” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 39:7

“the king’s men made Zedekiah blind.” Use the common words for making a person blind. It is not clear that the king of Babylon took Zedekiah’s eyes out of his head. The reader should also understand that others probably helped the king of Babylon make Zedekiah blind.

Jeremiah 39:8

Zedekiah’s house

the houses that had belonged to the people of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 39:9

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar’s guards”

This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: “the people who were still living in the city” (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 39:10

The word “nothing” is probably an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “who owned nothing of great value” (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 39:13

a man’s name (See: How to Translate Names)

They sent them out to get Jeremiah. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “sent men out to get Jeremiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 39:14

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

You may need to make explicit which people the speaker is speaking of. Alternate translation: “among the people who remained in Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 39:15

This story happened before the events in the first part of the chapter.

This word is used here to mark a return to the story line, as the narrator tells what Yahweh had said to Jeremiah after Nebuchadnezzar gave the orders about Jeremiah (Jeremiah 39:12-14). (See: Background Information and Order of Events)

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah while he was … guard. He said,” or “while Jeremiah was … guard, Yahweh spoke this message to him:” (See: Idiom)

This was an open area attached to the king’s palace that was surrounded by buildings and in which they kept prisoners. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 39:16

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 38:7.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “I am bringing disaster, not good, against this city, just as I said I would”

Alternate translation: “For you will see it all happen on that day”

Jeremiah 39:17

Here “hand” refers to power or control. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men you fear will not harm you” or “I will not allow anyone to put you under the control of the people whom you fear” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 39:18

The sword is a metonym for dying in war. Alternate translation: “No one will kill you with their sword” or “You will not die in war” (See: Euphemism and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “alive”

Jeremiah 40

Jeremiah 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Peace in Judah

After Babylon conquered Jerusalem, this chapter reveals an unfolding peace in the area. Ammon, who was supposed to be Judah’s ally against Babylon, probably sought to distract Babylon from attacking them by ruining the peace in the region of Judah. (See: reveal, revealed, revelation and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 40:1

This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to Jeremiah. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave messages to Jeremiah” or “Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom the soldiers were about to take to Babylon as exiles” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 40:3

Alternate translation: “this disaster”

Jeremiah 40:4

Nebuzaradan says this to bring Jeremiah’s attention to the present moment.

“Eyes” here is a metonym for what the person thinks. Alternate translation: “it is what you consider to be right” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 40:5

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 39:14.

Alternate translation: “among the Judeans”

“Eyes” here is a metonym for what the person thinks. Alternate translation: “it is what you consider to be right” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 40:6

Alternate translation: “who stayed in Judah”

Jeremiah 40:7

This marks a new part of the story.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the enemy soldiers had not sent to Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 40:8

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

people from the regions of Netophah and Maakah

Jeremiah 40:9

Alternate translation: “swore to the Judean commanders”

Jeremiah 40:10

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully” or “Pay attention”

Alternate translation: “fruit that becomes ripe during the summer”

“you have taken over.” “Occupy” here is a military term. Gedaliah was talking to soldiers (Jeremiah 40:7) who may have conquered or otherwise taken control of cities.

Jeremiah 40:11

Alternate translation: “remnant of the people of Judah”

Alternate translation: “had put … in charge of them”

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 39:14.

Alternate translation: “over the people of Judah”

Jeremiah 40:12

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “where the Babylonians had driven them” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “a huge amount of grapes and summer fruit”

“fruit that becomes ripe during the summer.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 40:10.

Jeremiah 40:13

See how you translated these names in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 39:14. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 40:14

Johanan and the commanders use a rhetorical question to warn Gedaliah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You need to understand that Baalis king of the people of Ammon sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to murder you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate these names as in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 26:24. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 40:15

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 39:14.

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 40:8.

Alternate translation: “No one will think that I did it”

Johanan uses a rhetorical question to try to change Gedaliah’s thinking. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not allow him to kill you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Johanan uses a rhetorical question to try to get Gedaliah to think about what will happen if Gedaliah does what Gedaliah is planning to do. Alternate translation: “If you do this, all of Judah that has been gathered to you will be scattered and the remnant of Judah will be destroyed.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “all” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many of the people of Judah” (See: Hyperbole)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “who have come to you” or “whom Yahweh has brought to you” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “to have the Chaldeans scatter them” or “to flee away to many different lands” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “allow the Chaldeans to destroy the remnant of Judah” or “and allow the remnant of Judah to perish” (See: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)

“remnant of the people of Judah.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 40:11.

Jeremiah 40:16

See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 26:24.

Jeremiah 41

Jeremiah 41 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Life in Judah

This chapter explains what life was like in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. It was a difficult and dangerous time, but some of the faithful remained in the Promised Land. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and Promised Land)

Jeremiah 41:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 41:2

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 39:14. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “in charge of the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 41:3

Here “Ishmael” represents himself and the ten men with him. Alternate translation: “Then Ishmael and the ten men with him killed” (See: Synecdoche)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “also the Chaldean soldiers there” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 41:4

The word “second” is the ordinal form of the number 2. This could mean: (1) “the day after” or (2) “two days after” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Jeremiah 41:5

“80 men” (See: Numbers)

Having things in the hands here is probably a metaphor for carrying those things or having them in their possession. Alternate translation: “in their possession” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “to go worship Yahweh at his temple”

Jeremiah 41:6

Alternate translation: “to meet the 80 men”

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Jeremiah 41:7

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

It is stated it in Jeremiah 41:8 that Ishmael and his men did not kill all 80 men. You can state here that they killed most of the 80 men. Alternate translation: “Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and the men who were with him, killed most of the 80 men and threw them into a pit”

Jeremiah 41:8

The word “them” refers to the 80 men.

It is implied that they would give their provisions to Ishmael and his men. Alternate translation: “for we will give you our provisions that we have hidden in a field” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

supplies to be used to provide for future needs

Jeremiah 41:9

This is background information about the cistern that Ishmael used. King Asa had his men dig the cistern so his people would have a water supply when King Baasha attacked them. (See: Background Information)

Here King Asa represents his men. Alternate translation: “that King Asa ordered his men to dig” (See: Metonymy)

Here King Baasha represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “against Baasha, king of Israel, and his army” (See: Synecdoche)

Here Ishmael represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: “Ishmael and his men filled it” (See: Synecdoche)

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “with those who were dead” or “with those they had killed” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Jeremiah 41:10

Here Ishmael represents himself and his men. Alternate translation: “Ishmael and his men captured” (See: Synecdoche)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “traveled towards the land of the Ammonites”

Jeremiah 41:11

Here “Ishmael” represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: “Ishmael and his men” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 41:12

Here “Ishmael” represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: “Ishmael and his men … found them” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 41:13

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Here “people” refers to those whom Ishmael and his men had captured.

Jeremiah 41:14

Here “Ishmael” represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: “whom Ishmael and his men had captured” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 41:15

“He” refers to Ishmael who represents himself and the eight men with him. Alternate translation: “They went to the people of Ammon” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 41:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom they had rescued” (See: Active or Passive)

The author stops the story to refer to a previous event so that the order of events are understood. (See: Background Information)

These both refer to soldiers. Alternate translation: “the soldiers”

Jeremiah 41:17

Alternate translation: “Johanan, his companions, and all the people they rescued went”

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 41:18

It is implied that they were afraid that the Chaldeans would attack them. Alternate translation: “because they thought the Chaldeans may attack them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “in charge of the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 42

Jeremiah 42 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Life in Babylon

The remaining army commanders, who scattered after the Babylonian victory, asked Jeremiah to ask Yahweh about where they should go. Yahweh encouraged them to go to Babylon because they would soon return to the Promised Land. They would be punished if they went to Egypt or anywhere else. (See: Promised Land)

Jeremiah 42:1

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 40:13. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a way to refer to people from every social status. Here “least” and “greatest” represent those who are least important and those who are most important. Alternate translation: “all the people from every social status” or “all the people, including the least important and the most important people” (See: Merism)

Most likely not every individual in the town went. The word “all” is a generalization that means very many people went. Alternate translation: “many other people” (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 42:2

“Let us present our urgent request to you.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word pleas, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Listen as we plead with you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 42:4

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

The phrase “keep nothing back from you” is an idiom that means to tell someone everything. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will tell you everything the Lord tells me” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 42:5

This is a way of beginning an oath. Alternate translation: “We ask Yahweh to be” or “Yahweh will be”

Here these words share similar meanings. They describe Yahweh as a witness whom no one will be able to contradict. Alternate translation: “trustworthy” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 42:6

The people mention both extremes to emphasize that they will obey no matter what Yahweh’s answer is. Alternate translation: “Whatever he answers” (See: Merism)

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh our God says” or “we will obey Yahweh our God” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 42:7

This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to Jeremiah. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:2. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave messages to Jeremiah” or “Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 42:8

This is a way to refer to people from every social status. Here “least” and “greatest” represent those who are least important and those who are most important. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 42:1. Alternate translation: “to all the people from every social status” or “to all the people, including the least important and the most important people” (See: Merism)

Most likely not every individual in the town went. The word “all” is a generalization that means very many people went. Alternate translation: “to many other people” (See: Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 42:10

Yahweh refers to the people of Israel like a wall that can be built or torn down. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to prosper and I will not destroy you” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh uses another example to express how he will cause the people of Israel to prosper and not be destroyed. He refers to them like a plant in the same way he referred to them as a wall. (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

A disaster is here spoken of as something that a person can put onto someone else. Alternate translation: “I will prevent the disaster that I have caused to happen to you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 42:11

The words “save” and “rescue” mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will, indeed, save. Alternate translation: “to save you completely” (See: Doublet)

Here the word “hand” refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “rescue you from his power” or “rescue you from him” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 42:13

Here “voice” represents a command. To not obey is like the people did not hear Yahweh’s command. Alternate translation: “if you do not obey my commands, even though I am Yahweh, your God” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 42:14

Both of these phrases describe being at war by the ability to see or hear it. Alternate translation: “where we will not experience the hardships of war” (See: Parallelism)

Being hungry for food is used to describe famine. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 42:15

The word “now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Alternate translation: “to Yahweh’s message”

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “depart for” or “leave for”

Jeremiah 42:16

Here “the sword” represents war. The Israelites experiencing war even if they go to Egypt is spoken of as if the sword would chase after the people catch up with them. Alternate translation: “you will experience the terrible results of war” (See: Metonymy and Personification)

The Israelites experiencing famine even in Egypt is spoken of as if famine would chase after them. Alternate translation: “You worry about famine in Israel but if you go to Egypt you will suffer from famine there” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 42:17

The men are used to refer to all the people because they are the leaders in their families. Alternate translation: “anyone who sets out” (See: Synecdoche and When Masculine Words Include Women)

Causing a disaster is spoken of as if disaster were an object that is brought to a person. Alternate translation: “the disaster that I will cause to happen to them” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 42:18

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Yahweh punishing people because he is very angry is spoken of as if wrath and fury were liquids that he poured out on the people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I became very angry and punished the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

The words “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the intensity of his wrath. Alternate translation: “my terrible wrath” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh punishing people because he is very angry is spoken of as if fury were a liquid that he pours out on the people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will became very angry and punish you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

All of these statements mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the nations will treat the people of Judah after Yahweh punishes them. Alternate translation: “People will be terrified when they see what has happened to you. They will curse and mock you” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 42:19

The phrase “been a witness against” is an idiom that means to give a warning. Alternate translation: “I have warned you” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 42:20

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “we will do it” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 42:21

Alternate translation: “you have not paid attention”

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God commanded” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 42:22

The word “now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Here “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “you will die in warfare” (See: Metonymy)

They desired to live in Egypt. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “in Egypt, where you thought you would be safe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 43

Jeremiah 43 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

They did not believe Jeremiah

After Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Judah, the people did not believe him. Judah was conquered and destroyed. Even after this, the people did not believe they would be safe in Babylon as Jeremiah prophesied. This is shocking. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

Babylon invades Egypt

Babylon is described as invading part of Egypt. This would have been unthinkable for the people. It would have gotten their attention.

Other possible translation issues in this chapter

Symbolic actions

Jeremiah’s burial of the stones was intended to be a symbolic action for the people. This was supposed to teach the people a lesson. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 43:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Jeremiah 43:2

This could mean: (1) this is another name for Jezaniah in Jeremiah 42:1 or (2) this is a different son of Hoshaiah. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 42:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 40:13. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 43:3

to cause someone to act in a harmful or violent way

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “to give us over to the Chaldeans” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word death, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “to kill.” Alternate translation: “for you to cause the Chaldeans to either kill us or to take us as captives to Babylon” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 43:4

This probably did not include every individual there. The word “all” is a generalization that means many people. Alternate translation: “many of the people” (See: Hyperbole)

Here “voice” represents commands. And here “to listen” means “to obey.” Alternate translation: “would not obey Yahweh’s command” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 43:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where Yahweh had scattered them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 43:6

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated these men’s names in Jeremiah 39:14. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 43:7

See how you translated the name of this city in Jeremiah 2:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 43:8

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 1:4. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah in Tahpanehs:” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 43:9

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sight, you could express the same idea with the verb “watching.” Alternate translation: “while the people of Judah are watching” (See: Abstract Nouns)

a substance used to hold bricks together

Alternate translation: “to Pharaoh’s royal building”

Jeremiah 43:10

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Both the king’s “throne” and “pavilion” are used to refer to his royal authority. Alternate translation: “I will cause him to rule as king over the people of Egypt. He will place his throne and pavilion over these stones you have buried” (See: Metonymy)

a very large tent

Jeremiah 43:11

Here “he” refers to Nebuchadnezzar who represents his whole army. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar’s army will come” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word death, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “die.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone will die whom I have decided must die” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Babylonians will take everyone captive whom I have decided must go into captivity” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “sword” represents battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone will die in battle whom I have decided will die in battle” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 43:12

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. This represents Yahweh sending the Babylonian army to light a fire. Alternate translation: “Then I will cause the Babylonian army to light a fire” (See: Metonymy)

Here Nebuchadnezzar represents his army. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar’s army will … They will” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “burn the Egyptian idols or take them”

Taking or destroying everything in Egypt is compared to how a shepherd carefully cleans off his clothes. Alternate translation: “He will take or destroy everything valuable in Egypt just as a shepherd is careful to get every insect off of his clothes” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 43:13

This is the name of a city. The name means “city of the sun.” In this city was a temple where they worshiped a sun god. (See: How to Translate Names and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 44

Jeremiah 44 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

The people called Ashtoreth the goddess of the Canaanites, “the queen of heaven.” (See: Idiom and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Jeremiah 44:1

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Jeremiah 2:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to the southern region of Egypt. It is sometime called “Pathros.”

Jeremiah 44:2

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 6:6.

The word “yourselves” is used for emphasis to specify the people of Judea who live in the land of Egypt. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Causing disasters is spoken of as if disasters were an object that can be put on something. Alternate translation: “all the disaster that I caused to happen to Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

Jeremiah 44:3

Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah did to offend me”

The word “themselves” is used for emphasis to specify the people of Jerusalem and the other cities of Judah. Alternate translation: “the people from the ruined cities” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Jeremiah 44:4

The word “I” refers to Yahweh.

Jeremiah 44:5

To stop doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate translation: “or to stop behaving wickedly by burning incense to other gods” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 44:6

Becoming angry and punishing people is spoken of as if fury and wrath were liquids there could be poured on people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I became very angry and punished them” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

The words “fury” and “wrath” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his wrath. Alternate translation: “my terrible wrath” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh becoming angry and punishing the people of Judah is spoken of as his fury and wrath were a fire. Alternate translation: “my fury and wrath were like a fire” or “my punishment was like a fire” (See: Metaphor)

The words “ruins” and “devastations” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the complete devastation of Judah and Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “they became completely devastated” (See: Doublet)

This refers to the current time at which Yahweh was speaking this message.

Jeremiah 44:7

Yahweh uses these questions to rebuke the people for doing things that cause him to punish them. Alternate translation: “You are doing … yourselves. You are causing … and babies.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “wicked.” Alternate translation: “Why are you doing these wicked things that harm yourselves?” or “You are doing wicked things that cause terrible things to happen to you.” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Being separated from the people of Judah is spoken of as if the people are cut off from Judah the way a person may cut off a branch from a vine or cut off a piece of cloth. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Why are you causing me to remove you from the people of Judah … and babies?” or “You are causing me to remove you from the people of Judah … and babies.” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 44:8

Here, wickedness represents actions that are “wicked.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Here, hand represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “You have offended me with the wicked things you have done” (See: Abstract Nouns and Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “The result of going to Egypt is that … and that”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will cause me to destroy you” or “you will destroy yourselves” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “nations” represent the people. Alternate translation: “all the people of all the nations of the earth will curse you and hate you” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:9

Yahweh rebukes the people for not thinking about the wicked behavior of their ancestors and how Yahweh punished them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Think about what happened to your ancestors and the kings of Judah and their wives when they did wicked things.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Yahweh rebukes the people for not thinking about their own wicked behavior and how Yahweh punished them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Think about what happened to you and your wives when you did evil things in the land Judah and the streets of Jerusalem.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Jerusalem is referred to by the part of the city where people walk. This means the people did evil things in public places. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem” or “the public places of Jerusalem” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 44:10

“the people of Judah are still not humble.” Yahweh is still speaking to the people of Judah, so this can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “you are still not humble” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Obeying the laws is spoken of as if it were walking in the laws. Alternate translation: “nor do they obey them” or “nor do you obey them” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 44:11

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

This idiom means he “firmly decided.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 21:10. Alternate translation: “I have made up my mind to oppose you” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “stare angrily at”

Causing disaster to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that can be brought to someone. Alternate translation: “to cause disaster to happen to you” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 44:12

Here “fall” means to die. And “sword” represents the enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “Enemies will kill some of them and others will die of hunger” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “people will be horrified because of what happened to the people of Judah, and people will mock and curse them”

Jeremiah 44:13

Here “Jerusalem” represents the people. Alternate translation: “I punished the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Here “sword” represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “by causing enemies to kill some of them, others to starve to death, and others to die because of disease” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:15

Alternate translation: “in the large crowd”

“Lower Egypt” refers to the northern region of Egypt.

This refers to the southern region of Egypt. It is sometime called “Pathros.”

Jeremiah 44:16

Here “in Yahweh’s name” means “in Yahweh’s authority” or “as Yahweh’s representative.” Alternate translation: “We will not obey this message that you say Yahweh told you to tell us” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:17

This a title of a false goddess that the people of Judah worshiped. This goddess is also called “Asherah.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “streets” represent the public places in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “in the public places of Jerusalem” or “in Jerusalem” (See: Synecdoche)

The people of Judah thought they would prosper because the queen of heaven would bless them if they worshiped her. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then we will have plenty of food” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 44:18

The remnant of the people living in Egypt continue to speak. Beginning in 44:19, the women address Jeremiah.

Here “sword” represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “enemy soldiers were killing some of us and some of us were dying of hunger” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:19

The women were claiming to be innocent because their husband approved of what they were doing. Alternate translation: “our husbands knew what we were doing … to her.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These were probably small cakes shaped like stars or the crescent moon.

Jeremiah 44:21

Jeremiah uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh certainly knew about … of the land.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Both of these phrases mean the same thing. They emphasize that Yahweh knows that the people were worshiping false gods. Alternate translation: “Yes, Yahweh knows what you were doing, and he does not forget” (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 44:22

Alternate translation: “was no longer able to tolerate it”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abominations, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “things he hated.” Alternate translation: “because you did things that he hated” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “a desolation,” “a horror,” and “a curse.” Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh caused it so that no one lives in the land. He made it a desolate and horrifying place. People use its name to curse others. And this is how it is even to this day” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 44:23

Why people burn incense can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “burned incense to false gods” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “voice” refers to Yahweh’s commands. Alternate translation: “you would not obey his commands” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:24

Here “Judah” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:25

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Here “mouths” and “hands” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “have done what you promised to do when you said” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “fulfill the vows” or “complete the vows”

This is an ironic statement. Yahweh does not really want them to fulfill their vow to a false goddess. Yahweh knows they will not listen to him so he tells them to go ahead and do what they want. Alternate translation: “Very well! If that is what you want to do, then go fulfill your vows and do what you promised to do” (See: Irony)

The word “now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Jeremiah 44:26

Here “Judah” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Here “name” represents the whole being of Yahweh. And, “mouth” represents the whole person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No person of Judah living in the land of Egypt will ever call upon me again” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

“as surely as the Lord Yahweh is alive.” The people use this expression to show that what they say next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you transited “As Yahweh lives” Jeremiah 4:2. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” or “I solemnly swear by the Lord Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 44:27

Here “Every person” is a generalization that means “very many people.” Also, “sword” represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “Nearly every person of Judah in the land of Egypt will die. Enemies will kill many of them and many of them will starve to death until there is very few of them left” (See: Hyperbole and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:28

Here “sword” represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “Then those whom the enemies do not kill” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 44:29

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I am opposed to you” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh causing disaster on the people as he promised is spoken of as if his word would attack them. Alternate translation: “what I have said will happen and you will have a disaster” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 44:30

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “I will allow the enemies who want to kill Pharaoh Hophra, the king of Egypt, to defeat him” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “hand” represents power or control. And, Nebuchadnezzar represents his whole army. The phrase “sought his life” is an idiom that means to want to kill someone. Alternate translation: “when I allowed the army of Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Zedekiah king of Judah” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Jeremiah 45

Jeremiah 45 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter forms a break in the narrative sequence. It records prophecies that have already occurred. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Jeremiah 45:1

This information can be placed at the beginning of 45:1 as in the UST.

The words “of the rule” are understood. Alternate translation: “in the fourth year of the rule of Jehoiakim” (See: Ellipsis)

The word “fourth” is the ordinal form of the number four. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Jeremiah said to Baruch”

Jeremiah 45:3

Alternate translation: “for I was already suffering and now Yahweh causes me to be sad as well”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word groaning, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “cry.” Alternate translation: “I am tired because I cry so much” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 45:4

Yahweh is telling Jeremiah what to say to Baruch.

Jeremiah 45:5

Yahweh uses a question to state that he knows Baruch is hoping for others to treat him in a special way. Alternate translation: “I know you hope for great things for yourself.” or “I know you hope others will honor you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “For understand” or “Be aware”

Allowing Baruch to escape and remain alive is spoken of as if his life were plunder that he would take after a battle. Alternate translation: “but wherever you go, I will protect you and allow you to live” (See: Metaphor)

things stolen from a place by force

Jeremiah 46

Jeremiah 46 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 46:3-12, 14-24.

This begins a section where Jeremiah prophesies about other nations. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

Much of Jeremiah is concerned with Yahweh’s punishment of Judah. Yahweh used Egypt to punish Judah. Because Yahweh is just, he is going to punish Egypt for their evil deeds as well. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and evil, wicked, unpleasant and work, works, deeds)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Battle preparations

Jeremiah commands the Egyptian army to prepare for battle, even though they will not be able to defend themselves. Their punishment has already been determined by Yahweh.

Jeremiah 46:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 14:1, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 46:2

This phrase indicates this message is intended for the nation of Egypt.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city on the west bank of the Euphrates. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here Nebuchadnezzar represents his army. Alternate translation: “that the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “fourth” is the ordinal form of “four.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Jeremiah 46:4

A “harness” is a set of straps placed on a horse so that it can pull a chariot. Here “mount up on the horses” means that the soldiers rode in the chariots that the horses were pulling.

A helmet is armor which protects the head in battle.

This phrase means to “sharpen” the spear.

Jeremiah 46:5

The word “I” here refer to Yahweh. Yahweh uses a question to introduce the vision and to draw attention to what he says next. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Look at what is happening here” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “terrified.” Alternate translation: “The Egyptian soldiers are terrified” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 46:6

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that no one, not even the strongest and fastest, can escape. The nominal adjective “the swift” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “even the swiftest soldier cannot escape” (See: Doublet and Nominal Adjectives)

Both statements mean the same thing. Being and dying in battle is spoken of as if the soldiers stumble and fall. Alternate translation: “The Egyptian soldiers suffer defeat and die in the north by the Euphrates River” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 46:7

Yahweh uses a question to draw attention to what he is about to say concerning Egypt. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Look at who rises like the Nile … the rivers.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 46:8

The Nile river floods its banks once a year, covering the surrounding area with water. Yahweh compares the kingdom of Egypt to the Nile because the Egyptian people think they are mighty enough to destroy cities in all the lands. (See: Simile)

Here “Egypt” represents all the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “The Egyptians rise … The Egyptians say … We will” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 46:9

Here “horses” and “chariots” represent the soldiers who use horses and chariots in battle. The leaders of Egypt are ordering their soldiers to start the battle. Alternate translation: “Go up to battle, you soldiers on horses. Fight furiously, you soldiers in chariots” (See: Metonymy)

This command can be addressed directly to the soldiers. What they were to go out for can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “You soldiers from Cush and Put, who are skillful with your shields, go out to battle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These are biblical names for the countries of Ethiopia and Libya. (See: How to Translate Names)

The ideas of soldiers and going out to battle are understood from earlier in the sentence. They can be repeated. This command can also be addressed directly to the soldiers. Alternate translation: “you soldiers from Lud, who are skillful at bending your bows, go out to battle” (See: Ellipsis)

This is the name of the people group from the nation of Lud. Lud is the biblical name for Lydia. (See: How to Translate Names)

The phrase “bend the bow” means to pull the string of the bow back with an arrow in order to shoot the arrow. Alternate translation: “skillful at shooting arrows from their bows” or “skillful with the bow and arrow” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 46:10

This phrase refers to the day the Egyptians lose the battle to the Babylonians.

Yahweh speaks of himself in third person. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “for me, Lord Yahweh of hosts, and I will avenge myself on my foes” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This speaks of Yahweh’s sword as if it were devouring people and drinking blood. Both these phrases are saying similar thing and are combined to emphasize that there will be complete destruction. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy my enemy. It will be like my sword devours them and gets drunk on their blood” (See: Parallelism and Personification)

Yahweh punishing and killing his enemies is spoken of as if he would use a sword to kill them. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh avenging himself by causing the Egyptians to lose in battle against the Babylonians is spoken of as if the Egyptian army would be a sacrifice to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “For the Egyptians will be like a sacrifice” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 46:11

Yahweh finishes his declaration to Egypt.

Gilead was a region famous for having people skillful with medicine. Yahweh is mocking the Egyptians by telling them to go get medicine, but he knows it will not help them. (See: Irony)

The people of Egypt are spoken of as if they were the virgin daughter of Egypt. Alternate translation: “people of Egypt” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 46:12

This word means a condition of feeling ashamed or the loss of respect.

Here “earth” is a metonym for the people of the earth and a generalization for the people who know what has happened to Egypt. All the people of the earth hearing the Egyptians crying is spoken of as if their laments filled the earth. Alternate translation: “All the people of the earth hear you crying” (See: Metonymy and Hyperbole and Metaphor)

Soldiers dying in battle is spoken of as if they were stumbling and falling down. Alternate translation: “for your soldiers die in battle” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 46:13

Here Nebuchadnezzar represents his army. Alternate translation: “when the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” (See: Metonymy)

Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt” or “the Egyptians” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 46:14

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 44:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Jeremiah 2:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “sword” here represents soldiers carrying weapons. The enemy soliders killing people is spoken of as if their swords were devouring people. Alternate translation: “your enemies will kill people all around you” (See: Metonymy and Personification)

Jeremiah 46:15

Some Bibles translate this as “Why has Apis fled? Why did your bull not stand?” Apis was an Egyptian god that was represented by the form of a bull. The bull is often a symbol for strength. That is why the ULT and other versions of the Bible translate this as “strong ones” or “mighty ones,” which refers to soldiers.

Yahweh uses a question to mock the strength of the Egyptian soldiers. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your soldiers are face-down on the ground and will not stand” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 46:16

Alternate translation: “Yahweh causes more and more of your soldiers to stumble”

Here “sword” represents the enemy soldiers who are carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “Let us run away from our enemies because they are killing us” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 46:17

This could mean: (1) “they” refers to people in general who are in Egypt or (2) “they” refers to the foreign soldiers who are fleeing to their native lands of Cush, Put, and Lud.

These two phrases are saying that the nation of Egypt has become of little importance. The phrase “only a noise” is an idiom that means a person says he will do something but he does not do it. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh brags much but cannot do what he brags he will” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 46:18

Here “King” refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “this is what I, the King, declare” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This refers to the nation of Babylon who will be as overwhelming to the nation of Egypt as the these two mountains are to the plains that surround them. (See: Simile)

This is the name of a mountain in the northern part of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 46:19

Alternate translation: “Prepare to go into exile”

Jeremiah 46:20

The nation of Egypt, which was very strong and prosperous, is spoken of as if it were a beautiful young cow. Alternate translation: “Egypt is like a very beautiful heifer” (See: Metaphor)

The enemy army coming to attack the Egyptians is spoken of as if the army were an insect that stings. Alternate translation: “but a powerful army like a stinging insect” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 46:21

The writer compares soldiers to “fattened bulls” because the soldiers are well cared for by the Egyptians just as a farmer takes care of a bull and makes it fat. (See: Simile)

To “stand together” is an idiom meaning to remain united. The writer is saying that the soldiers will not fight as a unit but will run away thinking only of saving themselves. (See: Idiom)

This speaks of a day as if it travels and arrives in a location. Alternate translation: “they will experience disaster on that day” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 46:22

The inability of the Egyptians to do anything to stop their enemy is spoken of as if they were snakes that can only hiss and crawl away. (See: Simile)

The enemies coming with the weapons to destroy the Egyptians is spoken of as if they were woodcutters with axes preparing to cut down a tree. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 46:23

This continues speaking of the enemy army attacking the Egyptians as if the army were woodcutters cutting down trees. Alternate translation: “The enemy army will kill many Egyptians like woodcutters cutting down a forest … even though there are very many trees” (See: Metaphor)

This is a type of insect that travels in very large groups and can cause great destruction by eating crops.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to count them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 46:24

The people of Egypt are spoken of as if they were the daughter of Egypt. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy army will humiliate the people of Egypt” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Here “hand” represents power or control. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will allow the people from the north to defeat the Egyptians” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 46:25

“Amon” is the king of the Egyptian gods. “Thebes” is the capital of the northern part of Egypt, and here it represents the people of Thebes. Alternate translation: “Amon, god of Thebes” or “Amon, god of the people of Thebes” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

Here “Egypt” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people of Egypt and the gods they worship” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 46:26

Here “hand” represents power or control. The phrase “seeking their lives” is an idiom that mean to want to kill someone. Alternate translation: “I will allow those who are wanting to kill them to defeat them” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Here “hand” represents power or control. “Nebuchadnezzar … his servants” names specifically “the ones seeking their lives.” Alternate translation: “that is, I will allow Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his servants to defeat the Egyptians” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then after this, people will live in Egypt again” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 46:27

These two phrases mean the same thing. Here “Jacob” and “Israel” represent the people of Israel. Yahweh is emphasizing that the people should not be afraid. Alternate translation: “people of Israel, my servants, do not be afraid” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “from the land where they are captives”

Jeremiah 46:28

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy all the nations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “will certainly punish you” (See: Double Negatives)

Jeremiah 47

Jeremiah 47 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 47:2-7.

Jeremiah’s prophesies about other nations continue in this chapter. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Flood waters

This chapter uses the imagery of a flood to describe the enemies who conquer the Philistines. Their destruction will be swift and complete. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 47:1

The idiom “the word of Yahweh that came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 14:1, and make any changes as needed. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave to Jeremiah” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

The idiom “this word came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave this message to Jeremiah” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Jeremiah” (See: Idiom)

Here “Pharaoh” represents the Egyptians army. Alternate translation: “before Pharaoh’s army” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 47:2

The word “see” alerts us to pay attention to what is about to be said.

The two phrases have a similar meaning. The enemy army is spoken of as if it were a flood. Alternate translation: “an army in the north will come like a flood. They will be powerful like an overflowing river” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

This continues speaking of the army from the north as an overflowing river. Alternate translation: “like an overflowing river, the army from the north will destroy the land” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 47:3

Together these represent the sounds of an oncoming army. (See: Parallelism)

These two phrase have similar meanings and they are combined to emphasize the loud noise they will make. Alternate translation: “at the very loud sound of the wheels of the chariots” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 47:4

This speaks of a day as if it were something that travels and arrives in a place. Alternate translation: “For on that day, the enemy army will devastate all of the Philistines and cut off from Tyre” (See: Metaphor)

Removing someone is spoken of as if they were cut off the way a person may cut a branch from a tree or a piece of cloth from a garment. Alternate translation: “to remove anyone who may want to help Tyre and Sidon” (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of an island of the northern region of the Philistines. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 47:5

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word baldness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “bald.” “Gaza” represents the people. Alternate translation: “The people of Gaza will shave their heads bald” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metonymy)

The shaving of the entire head or portions of the head is a sign of great sorrow practiced by idol worshipers in nations such as Philistia. (See: Symbolic Action)

This could mean: (1) the people will be silent because they are mourning or (2) this is a euphemism that means the enemy soldiers will kill them. (See: Euphemism)

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people of Ashkelon will never stop mourning. Yahweh speaks to the people as if he were speaking to one woman, who is a metaphor for the city itself. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will forever cut yourselves in mourning.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor and Apostrophe)

The cutting of one’s skin was another practice done by the idol worshipers when they mourn the dead. (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 47:6

The Philistines speak to the sword of Yahweh as if it were a person who could hear them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you who are holding your sword! When will you stop striking us with your sword? Stop your sword and put it back in its scabbard!” (See: Personification)

Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army from the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking them with a sword. (See: Metaphor)

The people of the Philistines use this question to express their deep frustration about the devastation caused by their enemies. This may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Please be silent!” or “Please, Yahweh, stop striking us with your sword!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

A sword makes a noise as it slashes back and forth. Asking the sword to be silent means to ask it to stop slashing and killing. Alternate translation: “you rest” or “you stop slashing” (See: Idiom)

This is the case used to protect the blade of a sword.

Jeremiah 47:7

Here Jeremiah is speaking. He continues speaking of the sword of Yahweh as if it were a person who could rest. Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army of the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking the people with a sword. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It cannot rest … along the sea.” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Jeremiah uses a question to mean that the sword cannot stop since Yahweh has commanded it to continue killing. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It cannot stop, for Yahweh has commanded it. He has ordered … the sea.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 48

Jeremiah 48 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 48:1-25, 28-33, 39-47.

Jeremiah’s prophesies about other nations continue in this chapter. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Obeying Yahweh

Moab worshiped and served other gods. Despite this, Yahweh expected every nation to worship and serve him and him alone. They were punished because of it. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Jeremiah 48:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

Here “Moab” represents the people. Alternate translation: “To the people of Moab” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Here “Nebo” represents the people. Alternate translation: “How terrible it is for the people of Nebo, for their city is devastated” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a city near Mount Nebo in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Kiriathaim has been humiliated” represents the people being humiliated. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy has captured the city of Kiriathaim and humiliated the people who live there” (See: Metonymyand Active or Passive)

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “fortress has been disgraced” represents the people being disgraced. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy has destroyed the fortress in Kiriathaim and disgraced its people” (See: Metonymyand Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 48:2

Alternate translation: “People no longer honor Moab” or “People no longer praise Moab”

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Madmen” here is a town in Moab. The name of the city has nothing to do with the English word “madmen.” Alternate translation: “Their enemies will destroy the city of Madmen” (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “sword” represents the enemy army carrying weapons. Alternate translation: “your enemies will chase after you and kill you” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 48:3

This is the name of a town in the south of Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

These two terms mean the same thing. Together they emphasize complete destruction. (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 48:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy army has destroyed Moab” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) the children who lived in Moab or (2) “children” is a metonym that represents the people of Moab in general. Alternate translation: “The people of Moab” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 48:5

This is the name of a place in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroyed.” Alternate translation: “because their town is destroyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 48:6

The word “your” refers to the people of Moab.

The people fleeing from their cities into the desert is compared to a bush or shrub that grows in the desert. Alternate translation: “become like a shrub that grows in the wilderness” (See: Simile and Translate Unknowns)

Jeremiah 48:7

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trust, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because you trusted” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “in your own efforts” or “in your own work”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the enemy army will also capture you” (See: Active or Passive)

“Chemosh” is the chief god of the Moabites. This means the enemy army will take the idol of Chemosh that the people made to worship. Alternate translation: “The enemy army will take your god Chemosh as a captive” (See: How to Translate Names and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 48:8

Here “the destroyer” represents the enemy army. Alternate translation: “For the enemy army will come to every city and destroy it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “no people from any city will escape” (See: Metonymy)

Here “valley” and “plain” represent the cities and the people in those places Alternate translation: “So the enemy army will destroy everything in the valleys and on the plains” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 48:9

Helping the people is spoken of as if they would put wings on the people so that could fly away. Alternate translation: “Help the people of Moab to escape as if you were giving them wings to fly away” (See: Metaphor)

The translation of the original language is uncertain. Some Bibles translate this as “Set up a tombstone for Moab, for the enemy will certainly destroy it.” Other Bibles translate it as “Put salt on the cities of Moab, for the enemy will completely destroy it.” Enemies through salt on ruins to keep thing from ever growing there again.

Jeremiah 48:10

Here “blood” represents a person’s life. And “shedding blood” is an idiom that means to kill. Alternate translation: “from killing people” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Jeremiah 48:11

Here Yahweh speaks of Moab as if it were a man. Here it represents the people of Moab. All occurrences of “he” and “his” can be stated as “they,” “their,” or “them.” Alternate translation: “Even from their earliest times, the people of Moab have felt secure … They are … their wine … They have never gone … they tastes … their flavor” (See: Personification)

For wine to taste good, it has to be left undisturbed for a long time and not poured from one pot to another. Yahweh compares the people of Moab, who are prosperous because no one has ever conquered them and taken them as captives, to wine that is undisturbed and has a good flavor. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Simile)

Jeremiah 48:12

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully because there will be a time”

The enemy army defeating the people of Moab and taking them as captives is spoken of as if the people of Moab are wine and someone will come and pour them out and break the wine jars. Alternate translation: “I will send an army that will destroy them as if they were pouring out wine and breaking the jars” (See: Metaphor)

Here Yahweh speaks of Moab as if it were a man. Here it represents the people of Moab. All occurrences of “he,” “his,” and “him” in 48:11-12 can be stated as “they,” “their,” or “them.” Alternate translation: “send them … tip them over … their pots … their jars” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 48:13

Here “Moab” represents the people. Alternate translation: “Then the people of Moab” (See: Metonymy)

Chemosh is the chief god of the Moabites. See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 48:7. (See: How to Translate Names)

This could mean: (1) this refers to the city of Bethel where the Israelites worshiped a golden calf or (2) Bethel is the name of a false god the Israelites worshiped.

Jeremiah 48:14

Here Yahweh is speaking to the soldiers of Moab. Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the soldiers. Alternate translation: “No longer can you say, ‘We are soldiers, powerful fighting men.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 48:15

The best men of Moab going to battle and being killed is spoken of as if they were animals taken to a place to be slaughtered. Alternate translation: “their fine young men will all be slaughtered” or “the enemy army will kill all of the finest men of Moab” (See: Metaphor)

Here “king” refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 46:18. Alternate translation: “This is what I, the king, declare” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 48:16

These two sentences mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Moab’s destruction will happen very soon. Alternate translation: “Moab’s enemies will destroy her very soon” (See: Parallelism)

Something terrible happening soon is spoken of as if calamity were something that could move quickly to a place. Alternate translation: “terrible things will happen very soon” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 48:17

Here the words “staff” and “rod” represent the power and political support that Moab provided to other nations. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moab’s enemies have ended her great power” (See: Metonymy and Doublet and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 48:18

The people of Dibon are spoken of as if they were the daughter of Dibon. Alternate translation: “you people living in Dibon” (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the enemy army that will destroy Moab”

Jeremiah 48:19

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Ask the people” or “Ask the men and women”

Jeremiah 48:20

Here “Moab” represents the people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people are disgraced, for the enemy army has destroyed Moab” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Cry loudly in pain and anger”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the enemy army has devastated Moab” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 48:21

Yahweh punishing the people of the hill country and cities of Moab is spoken of as if punishment were something that could travel and arrive in a place. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will punish the people of the hill country, of Holon … Mephaath” (See: Active or Passive)

These are cities in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 48:24

a city in Moab (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 48:25

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Here “horn” and “arm” represent power. To have these hacked off or broken means to lose one’s power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moab has become weak; the people are not able to fight anymore” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 48:26

Yahweh is speaking. The command “Make him drunk” indicates what Yahweh will cause to happen. Here “him” and “he” refers to Moab which represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will cause the people of Moab to be drunk, for they acted proudly against me” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses and Metonymy)

Here people experiencing Yahweh’s punishment is spoken of as if they were drunk on wine, acting foolishly so that people laugh at them. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to be like a drunk person” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Moab as if they were a drunk person. Alternate translation: “Now the people of Moab will be like a person who wallows in his vomit … an object of ridicule (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “so that people will laugh at him”

Jeremiah 48:27

Yahweh uses a question to remind the people of Moab how they treated the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “For you used to mock and laugh at the people of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel … Were they found … at them … about them” (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the people of Moab for treating the people of Israel with shame though they did nothing wrong. Alternate translation: “Although they were not thieves, you still shook your head … about him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is a symbolic action that shows feeling of scorn or disgust towards someone. (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 48:28

A cliff is a steep side of a mountain.

This simile emphasizes the people should leave their cities and live in the rocky cliffs to hide from their enemies. (See: Simile)

Here “mouth of a hole” is an idiom that means the entrance to a cave. Alternate translation: “the entrance to caves” or “an opening in the rocks” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 48:29

Here “We” refers generally to all the people in the surrounding area.

All of these words have similar meanings. They are used together to emphasize the extreme pride of the people of Moab.

Here “heart” represents a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “his conceit” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 48:30

The word “myself” is used to emphasize that Yahweh was the one who knew about Moab’s defiant speech. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Here “his” refers to Moab which represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “their defiant speech … like their deeds” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word speech, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “that he has spoken pridefully” or “that he has spoken arrogant words” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 48:31

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will cry loudly for the people of Moab” (See: Parallelism)

This could mean: (1) “I” refers to Jeremiah or (2) “I” refers to Yahweh.

a sad and loud cry that a person makes when he is in pain or deep sorrow

This is the name of the old capital city of Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 48:32

These are the names of two towns in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

The town of Sibmah had many vineyards. Here, Yahweh speaks to the people of Sibmah as if there were a grapevine. Alternate translation: “people of Sibmah, who are like a grapevine with branches that passed … your wine” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Sibmah as if they were a grapevine. Alternate translation: “The destroyers have attacked you and have taken the fruit from your vineyards and your wine” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “The enemy army has”

Jeremiah 48:33

The abstract nouns “celebration” and “rejoicing” can be stated as verbs. The phrase “have been taken away” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Moab will no longer celebrate and rejoice because of their fruit trees” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “I have stopped the wine from their winepresses” or “I have stopped the people from making wine”

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

The wine makers would stomp on the grapes to squeeze out the juice. Alternate translation: “The wine makers will not stomp the grapes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 48:34

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of other cities in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a stream or river near the Dead Sea. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 48:35

Jeremiah 48:36

Here “heart” represents the whole person. The person’s sad crying is compared to the sad music played on a flute at a funeral. Alternate translation: “I cry sadly for Moab. My cries are like the sad music a person plays on a flute at a funeral” (See: Synecdoche and Simile)

This could mean: (1) “my” refers to Jeremiah or (2) “my” refers to Yahweh.

Kir Hareseth was an ancient capital of Moab. See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 48:31. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 48:37

These are all things that the people of Moab did when they were mourning or expressing deep sorrow. (See: Symbolic Action)

cuts made on the skin

Jeremiah 48:38

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mourning, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “There are people mourning everywhere” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “every housetop”

open public areas, such as open marketplaces

The word “I” refers to Yahweh

Jeremiah 48:39

Here “How” begins exclamations. The phrase “has been shattered” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I have completely shattered them! They shout loudly and weep!” (See: Exclamations and Active or Passive)

a sad and loud cry that a person makes when he is in pain

Here Moab represents the people. To turn one’s back is a sign of feeling ashamed. Alternate translation: “The people of Moab turn their backs in shame” or “The people of Moab are ashamed and will not show their faces” (See: Metonymy and Symbolic Action)

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “derision” and “terror.” Alternate translation: “So all the people nearby will be terrified at what happened to the people of Moab and they will mock them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 48:40

These phrases compare how a powerful army will descend on Moab and conquer it to the way an eagle swoops down to capture its prey. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 48:41

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy has captured Kerioth and seized its strongholds” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a city in Moab. See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 48:24. (See: How to Translate Names)

This phrase compares the fear that will overwhelm the soldiers of Moab to the fear a woman may feel when she is about to give birth to her child. (See: Simile)

Here “hearts” represent a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “Moab’s soldiers will be afraid like a woman about to give birth” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 48:42

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So the enemy will destroy the people of Moab” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 48:43

Here “coming on you” is an idiom that means “to experience” something. Alternate translation: “You will experience the terror, the pit, and a trap” or “You will be terrified, and you will fall into pits and traps” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 48:44

Here “the pit” and “the trap” represent all the different bad things that will happen to the people. People will run away to escape one bad thing but they will just experience another bad thing. (See: Synecdoche)

Here, “year” could be translated as “time” or “season” or “time period.”

Jeremiah 48:45

This refers to the people who were able to run away during the destruction of Moab.

Here “in the shadow” represents protection or shelter. Alternate translation: “will hide in Heshbon for protection” or “will go to Heshbon for shelter” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that Moab’s destruction will begin and spread out from Heshbon, where King Sihon once lived. Alternate translation: because a fire will burn in Heshbon, which is the city where King Sihon lived long ago (See: Parallelism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of an Amorite king who once ruled over Heshbon. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “forehead” and “top of the heads” represent the people of Moab as a whole. Alternate translation: “It will burn up all the people in Moab who noisily boasted very much” (See: Synecdoche)

the part of the face that is above the eyes, but below the hairline

Jeremiah 48:46

This is the chief god of the Moabites. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 48:7.

Jeremiah 48:47

“I will cause things to go well for Moab again” or “I will cause Moab to live well again.” See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 29:14.

Alternate translation: “That is the end of what Jeremiah prophesied about Moab”

Jeremiah 49

Jeremiah 49 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines in 49:1-11, 14-27, 29-33, 37-39 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.

Jeremiah’s prophesies about other nations conclude in this chapter. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant with Abraham

Ammon is destroyed because it drove the people of the tribe of Gad from their homeland. This is in line with the promises of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham to curse those who curse Abraham’s descendants. (See: promise, promised and covenant and curse, cursed, cursing)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

There are many rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these rhetorical questions is to convict those Yahweh addresses. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 49:1

See: Poetry and Parallelism

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 6:6.

Yahweh uses a question to express that the people of Israel should be living in Gad rather than those who worship Molech. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There are plenty of Israelites to inherit the land of Israel. The people who worship the false idol, Molech, should not live in Gad.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “Molech” represents the people who worship Molech. Alternate translation: “Why do the people who worship Molech” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 49:2

This adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look and listen”

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “in the future … I will” or “there will be a time … when I will” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh causing an army to attack is spoken of as if he would sound the signal for the battle to start. Alternate translation: “when I will cause the enemy army to sound the signal for battle” (See: Metaphor)

Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel. “Those” refers to people of Ammon, who represent the land that they took from Israel. Alternate translation: “Then the people of Israel will again possess the land that the people of Ammon took away from them” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 49:3

Alternate translation: “Cry loudly and weep”

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:2. Here “Heshbon” represents the people. Alternate translation: “people of Heshbon” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for your enemies will devastate Ai” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “daughters” represent the women who live in Rabbah. Alternate translation: “women of Rabbah” or (2) all the people in general are spoken of as if they are the daughters of Rabbah. Alternate translation: “people of Rabbah” (See: Metaphor)

“for your enemies will take your god Molech captive.” This means the enemies will take the idol that represents Molech back to their land.

Jeremiah 49:4

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people for bragging about the large amount of fruit that grows in their valleys. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not be proud of your valleys … daughter.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Some versions of the Bible read, “Why do you brag about your strength, your strength which is ebbing away”

Here, the people of Ammon are spoken of as if they were a daughter. Alternate translation: “faithless people” or “rebellious people” (See: Metaphor)

The Ammonites use this question to state that they do not believe anyone can defeat them. It can be reworded as an indirect statement. Alternate translation: “falsely think that no one can defeat you.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Jeremiah 49:5

The word “you” refers to the people of Ammon.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with the verb “terrify.” The phrase “will be scattered” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will cause all those around you to terrify you. Each one of you flee to different directions” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 49:7

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people of Teman for not acting wisely. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It seems that there are no longer any wise people in Teman!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is the name of a district in Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

The same idea is expressed in two different ways. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh uses this question to scold the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It seems that there are no longer any wise people in Teman district in Edom!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses this question to scold the people. This question may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Their advice is no longer wise.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 49:8

The is the name of a city in Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Esau” represents the people of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Edom to experience disaster when I punish them” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Edom. This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “on you … I punish you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Jeremiah 49:9

Yahweh uses a question to cause the people to think about how grape harvesters leave some grapes behind. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If grape harvesters … they would certainly leave some grapes behind.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses a question to cause the people to think about how thieves only take what they want. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If thieves … they would only take as much as they wanted.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Jeremiah 49:10

Yahweh causing an enemy army to come and take everything is spoken of as if Yahweh stripped all the clothes off of Esau. Alternate translation: “But I have sent an army to take everything away from Esau” (See: Metaphor)

Here “Esau” represents the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom … their hiding … they will not … hide themselves … Their children … they are gone” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I have made known to the enemy soldiers where the people of Edom hide”

Jeremiah 49:12

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Here “the cup” is a metonym that represents the contents in the cup that the people must drink. The people experiencing Yahweh’s punishment is spoken of as if Yahweh’s punishment were liquid in a cup and the people must drink it. Alternate translation: “must certainly experience my punishment … for you will certainly experience my punishment” or “I will certainly still punish … for I will certainly punish you” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize the people of Edom have sinned and will certainly be punished. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly, you must be aware that you will personally experience my punishment for your sins.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The words “you” and “yourself” refer to Edom, which represents the people of Edom. The word “yourself” is used to draw attention to the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “you yourselves” (See: Forms of You and Metonymy and Reflexive Pronouns)

Jeremiah 49:13

The abstract nouns “a horror,” “a disgrace,” and “a devastation” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “People will be horrified when they see that the city of Bozrah is devastated. And they will mock the city and use its name when they curse others” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is the name of a city in Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “All of Edom’s cities”

Jeremiah 49:14

Jeremiah is now speaking to the people of Edom.

The word “I” refers to Jeremiah.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has sent out a messenger” (See: Active or Passive)

It is understood “Gather together” is the beginning of the messenger’s message. Alternate translation: “to tell the nations, ‘Gather together … for battle.’” or “to the nations, and he will tell them, ‘Gather together … for battle.’” (See: Ellipsis)

The word “her” refers to Edom.

Jeremiah 49:15

The word “I” refers to Yahweh. Here “you” refers to the nation of Edom.

Here “small” represents having the least political importance. Alternate translation: “made you least important” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and people despise you” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 49:16

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fearsomeness, you could express the same idea with either an adjective or a verb. Alternate translation: “As for how terrifying you think you are” or “Although you think you scare other people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “heart” represents the whole person. People deceiving themselves is spoken of as if their pride deceived them. Alternate translation: “you have become prideful, but you have deceived yourselves” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

It is implied that the people made homes in high places to remain safe from enemies. Alternate translation: “live in safety like an eagle in the heights of the mountains” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Simile)

This is a very large, powerful bird of prey. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:13.

Jeremiah 49:17

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word horror, you could express the same idea with the verb “horrified.” Alternate translation: “The people passing by will be horrified when they what happened to Edom” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “hiss” refers to a sound that shows horror or awe. Alternate translation: “shake from fear and gasp” (See: Symbolic Action)

Jeremiah 49:18

Yahweh says the same thing twice to emphasize that Edom will be completely uninhabited. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 49:19

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

This simile means that when Yahweh punishes the people of Edom, it will be fierce and unexpected like when a lion attacks sheep. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “When I punish the people of Edom, it will be fierce and unexpected like when a lion comes out of forest and attacks sheep in the pasture” (See: Simile and First, Second or Third Person)

This is land covered with grass where animals feed on the grass.

Here “Edom” represents the people. “It” refers to the land. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom will run from their land” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom I will choose” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh uses the question to emphasize that no one is like him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “For no one is like me, no one can summon me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “who will challenge me” or “who will call me to account”

Yahweh uses the question to show no one can defeat him. Here “shepherd” is a metaphor for “king” or “ruler.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No king is able to resist me!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 49:20

Alternate translation: “the people who live in Teman”

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 49:7.

This continues speaking of Yahweh punishing the people of Edom as if he would come like a lion and attack the sheep. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will drag them away, even the smallest flock” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Here the youngest and weakest people of Edom are spoken of as if they are the smallest flock of sheep. Alternate translation: “even the weakest and the smallest people” (See: Metaphor)

Here the land of Edom is spoken of as if it were pasturelands for flocks. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will turn their pasturelands into ruined places” or “He will completely get rid of the people who live there” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 49:21

The loud sound of Edom being destroyed is spoken of as if Edom were a large object that shakes the earth when it falls. Alternate translation: “When enemies come and destroy Edom, the noise will be extremely loud, with the result that the earth will shake” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People at the Sea of Reeds will hear the people of Edom crying” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 49:22

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

This simile means that when the enemy army attacks it will be vicious and unexpected. (See: Simile)

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:24. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “hearts” represent a person’s emotions. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 48:41. Alternate translation: “Edom’s soldiers will be afraid like a woman about to give birth” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 49:23

Yahweh tells what will happen to the people of Damascus.

Here “Hamath” and “Arpad” represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people who live in Hamath and Arpad will be ashamed” (See: Metonymy)

These are cities in Syria. (See: How to Translate Names)

A person being afraid is spoken of as if the person were melting. Alternate translation: “They are very afraid” (See: Metaphor)

The water of the sea is always moving and is never still. This is compared to the people who cannot rest because they are so anxious about the bad news they heard. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 49:24

Here “Damascus” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people of Damascus have become very weak. They turn … seizes them” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with the verb “terrified.” Alternate translation: “Damascus is terrified” or “The people of Damascus are terrified”

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “distress” and “pain.” The people are compared to a woman giving birth to emphasize their pain and fear. Alternate translation: “The people are afraid and suffering like a woman giving birth” (See: Abstract Nouns and Simile)

Jeremiah 49:25

Yahweh uses a question to express that the people should have left the city. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This famous city once caused me to rejoice, but now the people should leave it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Some Bibles translate this with the people of Damascus speaking. Alternate translation: “The people of Damascus say, ‘The famous city, which once made us rejoice, is now empty.’”

Jeremiah 49:26

The word “its” refers to Damascus and its people.

They young men being killed is spoken of as if they will fall. Alternate translation: “enemies will kill the young men of Damascus in its plazas” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 49:27

Causing the enemy army to light a fire is spoken of as if Yahweh will light the fire. Alternate translation: “I will cause the enemy army to light a fire” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the fire will completely burn up”

This the name or title of the king of Damascus. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 49:28

Jeremiah speaks about what will happen to Kedar.

This is the name of a land far to the east of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 2:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of kingdom or district far to the east of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “now” introduces background information about Nebuchadnezzar. (See: Background Information)

Here “Nebuchadnezzar” represents his army. Alternate translation: “the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was going to attack” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 49:29

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your soldiers will take their flocks, tent curtains, and all of their equipment” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your soldiers will take their camels from them” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) these are men being attacked by the enemy. Alternate translation: “men will shout, ‘We are terrified because terrible things are happening all around us!’” or (2) these are soldiers in the invading army. Alternate translation: “soldiers will shout at them, ‘Be afraid because we are all around you!’”

Jeremiah 49:30

Here Yahweh is speaking to the people of Kedar.

Alternate translation: “people who live in Hazor”

Alternate translation: “made a plan”

Jeremiah 49:31

Here Yahweh is speaking to Nebuchadnezzar as if he was there listening to him. (See: Apostrophe)

Here “nation” represents the people living there. Alternate translation: “Attack this nation, whose people feel safe and secure” (See: Metonymy)

The words “They” and “them” refer to the people who feel safe and secure.

Jeremiah 49:32

Yahweh is still speaking to Nebuchadnezzar as if he were there listening to him. This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “For your soldiers will take their camels and all of their property” (See: Apostrophe and First, Second or Third Person)

Here “every wind” represents the nations. Alternate translation: “Then I will send to nations in all different directions” (See: Metaphor)

This probably refers to people who cut their hair short in order to honor a pagan god. Some modern versions interpret this Hebrew expression as “those who live on the edge of the wilderness.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 9:26.

Jeremiah 49:33

“a place where jackals live.” Jackals are fierce wild dogs. See how you translated “jackals” in Jeremiah 9:11.

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Hazor will be completely uninhabited. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 49:34

Yahweh is speaking about what will happen to Elam.

Jeremiah 49:35

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

Alternate translation: “The archers made Elam very powerful, but I will stop them”

men who are skilled with a bow and arrows

Jeremiah 49:36

Here “four winds from the four corners” is an idiom that represents wind blowing from every direction. Alternate translation: “I will cause the winds to blow from every direction” (See: Idiom)

Here “winds” represents nations. And the nations are a synecdoche representing the armies from those nations. Causing armies to come from all directions is spoken of as if Yahweh will cause wind to blow from all directions Alternate translation: “I will bring your enemies from every direction to attack you” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Here “winds” represents “nations.” Alternate translation: “to all those nations” (See: Metaphor)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will scatter the people of Elam to every nation on earth” (See: Double Negatives)

Jeremiah 49:37

These words are a metonym for Yahweh causing enemies to destroy Elam. Alternate translation: “I will cause Elam’s enemies to destroy Elam” (See: Metonymy)

the people of Elam (See: Metonymy)

Seeking a person’s life represents wanting or desiring to kill someone. Alternate translation: “those who want to kill them” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh causing people to experience disaster is spoken of as if he would bring disaster against them. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to experience disaster” or “I will cause terrible things to happen to them” (See: Metaphor)

Here “sword” represents the enemy army carrying their weapons. Alternate translation: “the enemy army to pursue and kill them” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 49:38

Here “throne” represents Yahweh’s right to rule and judge as the king. Alternate translation: “I will judge the people of Elam” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 49:39

Alternate translation: “in the future”

Jeremiah 50

Jeremiah 50 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 50:1-5, 6-46.

Special concepts in this chapter

Babylon destroyed

Babylon will be conquered and the Jews will return to their homeland. At this time, Babylon controlled almost the entire Near East. The fulfillment of this prophecy would have been unthinkable. (See: fulfill, fulfilled, carried out and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

The author sometimes uses the term “Israel” to refer to the people of the old northern kingdom of Israel, and at other times to the nation of Israel as a whole. He switches between these uses several times without warning the reader. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 50:1

God gives Jeremiah a message about Babylon. See: Poetry and Parallelism

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Yahweh gave” or “This is the message that Yahweh spoke” (See: Idiom)

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 37:2. Alternate translation: “through Jeremiah, who was a prophet” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 50:2

This phrase is repeated to emphasize the importance of the command. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Put up a sign”

Alternate translation: “Babylon is conquered”

These lines mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh has disgraced the gods of Babylon. (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

These are two names for the chief god of Babylon. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 50:3

Here “it” refers to Babylon in both phrases.

The word “her” refers to Babylon.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “destroy her land” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 50:4

These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the importance of that future time. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 33:15. (See: Doublet)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh declares” or “this is what I, Yahweh, declare” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Seeking Yahweh their God represents either: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:5

The word “They” refers to the people of Israel or the people of Judah who are returning from Babylon to Jerusalem.

This is figurative language used to explain a spiritual connection to Yahweh. (See: Idiom)

This states that the covenant will be obeyed forever. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that no one will forget” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:6

The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a group of sheep that was lost. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “My people have been like a lost flock of sheep” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

The leaders of Israel are spoken of as if they were the shepherds of people. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “Their leaders were like shepherds who” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Alternate translation: “lead them around to many different places”

Jeremiah 50:7

Attacking the people of Israel is spoken of as if a wild animal ate them. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “devoured them like a wild animal would eat its prey” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

The word “they” refers to the people of Israel.

Yahweh is spoken of as the source of their trust. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hope, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the one whom their ancestors confidently expected to help them” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 50:8

Yahweh is speaking to his people in captivity in Babylon.

This command is addressed to the people of Israel who were in exile in Babylon.

Male goats tend to be more independent than the rest of the flock. This could mean: (1) they should be the first to leave Babylon or (2) they should lead the rest of the Israelites away from Babylon. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 50:9

The word “see” alerts the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because”

Alternate translation: “stir up”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “These nations will capture Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “from the north” or (2) “from their battle positions.”

The effectiveness of the arrows of the attacking nations are spoken of as if they were soldiers that always accomplish their mission. The idiom “empty-handed” means “without success.” Alternate translation: Each of their arrows are like skilled soldiers that always hit their target” (See: Simile and Idiom)

Jeremiah 50:10

Alternate translation: “They will plunder Chaldea”

Jeremiah 50:11

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Babylon.

These terms mean the same thing and are used to emphasize how happy they were to conquer Israel. Alternate translation: “You people of Babylon rejoice, celebrate” (See: Doublet and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Each instance of “You” or “you” is plural and refers to the people of Babylon. (See: Pronouns)

The joy of the people of Babylon is compared to a calf who runs around joyfully in a pasture. (See: Simile)

the action a calf makes when kicking the ground

The people of Babylon are compared to stallions that are making loud noises because they are excited. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 50:12

The word “you” is plural and refers to the people of Babylon. (See: Pronouns)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of her embarrassment. The words “mother” and “the one who bore you” refer either to Babylonia or to the city of Babylon. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the most unimportant nation”

These words have basically the same meaning and emphasize the complete barrenness of the land. This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor for an uninhabited place or (2) this refers to Babylon literally becoming a barren wilderness. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:13

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word devastation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

shake violently due to fear

make a sound like a snake that means great disapproval

Jeremiah 50:14

Yahweh tells the other nations to attack Babylon.

Yahweh is speaking to the enemies of Babylon. Alternate translation: “You enemies of Babylon arrange yourselves against her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Line up in military formation” or “Form battle lines”

This refers to the soldiers who use bows and arrows to fight.

Jeremiah speaks of the people who live in the city of Babylon as if they were the city itself, and he speaks of the city as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “shoot at the people in the city” (See: Personification)

This emphasizes that they should shoot all their arrows. Alternate translation: “Shoot every one of your arrows at her”

Jeremiah speaks of the people who live in the city of Babylon as if they were the city itself, and he speaks of the city as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the people of the city” (See: Personification and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 50:15

Jeremiah speaks of the people who live in the city of Babylon as if they were the city itself, and he speaks of the city as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “The people of Babylon have surrendered … they have done” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah speaks of the city of Babylon as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the towers of the city … the walls of the city” (See: Personification)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the nations have torn down her walls” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:16

These people collectively represent all the farmers and harvesters of Babylon.

A “sickle” is a farm tool that people use to harvest grain. Together with the previous phrase, Yahweh is saying that all planting and harvesting will stop in Babylon.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they strengthen the command for foreigners to flee from Babylon back to their own countries. (See: Doublet)

Here the word “sword” refers to the armies that will attack Babylon. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 50:17

Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah about Israel.

Yahweh speaks of Israel as if it were a sheep that was trying to escape from hungry lions. This metaphor can be stated as a simile and in active form. Alternate translation: “Israel is like a sheep that lions scattered and drove away” (See: Metaphor and Simile and Active or Passive)

This refers collectively to all the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the army of the king of Assyria. (See: Metonymy)

The destruction of Israel by Assyria is spoken of as if Israel were a sheep that Assyria ate. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. (See: Metonymy)

The destruction of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar is spoken of if it were a sheep which had its bones crushed by a lion. Alternate translation: “destroyed Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:18

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

The word “See” means to pay special attention to what follows.

Here “land” is a metonym for the people who live in the land of Babylon. Alternate translation: “the Babylonian people” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 50:19

The word “I” refers to Yahweh.

This refers collectively to all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel to their homeland … they will be satisfied” (See: Metonymy)

Israel is spoken of as if they were sheep that eat grass. Alternate translation: “they will eat food that grows in Carmel and Bashan” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:20

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that future time. See how you translated this in as Jeremiah 33:15. (See: Doublet)

These two lines mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that Yahweh will completely forgive the sins of the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will look for iniquity in the people of Israel, but will not find any” (See: Active or Passive)

They will escape the destruction of Babylon. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “that I allow to escape the destruction of Babylon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jeremiah 50:21

Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah about the enemies of Babylon.

Yahweh is speaking to the enemies of Babylon. Alternate translation: “You enemies of Babylon, arise against the land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is another name for Babylon. This is a name that means “double rebellion.” (See: How to Translate Names)

This is another name for the Chaldeans. This is a name that means “visitation.” (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to having a sword come down on people to kill them. Alternate translation: “Kill them” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “sword” represents war. Yahweh speaks of Babylon’s enemies killing them in battle as if he were placing those people under the sword’s power. Alternate translation: “Kill them in battle” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:22

These sounds are heard during battle and great destruction. They are spoken of in the present tense to indicate that this will certainly happen soon. Alternate translation: “The sounds of fierce battle and terrible destruction are going to happen soon in the land” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 50:23

Yahweh speaks to the people of Babylon.

The army of Babylon is spoken of as if it were a hammer. The destruction of this army is spoken of as if the hammer was to be cut up and destroyed. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “The mighty army of Babylon that conquered all the nations is like a hammer that will be broken into pieces and destroyed” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Babylon was a nation like the other nations, but it will become a complete ruin, totally destroyed.

Jeremiah 50:24

The destruction of Babylon is spoken of as if Yahweh had caught them in a trap like an animal. Alternate translation: “I set a trap and caught you in it as a hunter catches an animal” or “You people of Babylon, I have set a trap for you” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have captured you … I found you and captured you” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:25

Yahweh’s anger that causes him to send enemies against Babylon is spoken of as if Yahweh had an armory and weapons. To open an armory is a metonym for preparing for battle. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has prepared for war and is sending the nations to attack Babylon in his anger” (See: Metonymy)

this is a building or room where weapons of war are stored

Jeremiah 50:26

Yahweh speaks to the enemies of Babylon. Alternate translation: “You enemies of Babylon, attack her from far away”

Here “granaries” represent where Babylon stored its treasures. Alternate translation: “Raid the places where her treasures are stored” (See: Metaphor)

buildings where grain is stored

This could mean: (1) reduce the city to piles of rubble that look like stacks of grain or (2) stack up the plunder from the city like piles of grain. (See: Simile)

This idiom means to destroy something completely. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 25:9. Alternate translation: “destroy her completely” (See: Idiom)

This is stated in a negative way to emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: “Kill every person in her”

Jeremiah 50:27

Here, the word bulls could mean: (1) soldiers or (2) strong young men. Killing them is spoken of as taking them to a place of slaughter. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks this to the enemies of Babylon. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “You enemies of Babylon, kill all her bulls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “her” refers to Babylon.

The word “them” and “their” refer to the people of Babylon.

The phrases “their day” and “the time” mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “the time for their punishment has come” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 50:28

Alternate translation: “Listen and you will hear those who are fleeing”

The words “those” and “These” refer to the survivors from Babylon who will tell others about Yahweh’s vengeance.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word vengeance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh our God has taken revenge for what they did to Zion and to his temple in Jerusalem” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 50:29

These phrases refer to the same people and are repeated for poetic effect. (See: Doublet)

The words “her” and “she” refer to Babylon.

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “capture or kill every person”

The evil things the Babylonians did to Israel are spoken of as if Babylon measured them. Alternate translation: “Measure out punishment for her with the same amount she used to punish Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:30

Alternate translation: “they will kill her young men”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will destroy all her fighting men” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:31

Yahweh speaks this to the people of Babylon. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “See, I am against you, people of Babylon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This alerts the reader to pay special attention to what follows.

This is Yahweh’s description of Babylon.

These two phrases mean the same thing. The second phrase defines the “day” that the first phrase mentions. Alternate translation: “for the day when I will punish you has come” (See: Doublet)

“your time.” This refers to the entire span of time during which the horrible judgment will come upon Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:32

Here “stumble and fall” are idioms that refer to defeat and death. Alternate translation: “I will cause enemies to defeat and kill the proud ones” (See: Idiom)

Fire burning the cities of Babylon is spoken of as if the fire were an animal that ate them. (See: Metaphor)

Here “him” refers to the “proud one” which describes Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:33

Yahweh now speaks through Jeremiah about Israel and Judah.

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Babylonians are oppressing the people of Israel and Judah” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “them” refers to the people of Israel and Judah who were captured and taken into exile.

Jeremiah 50:34

Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a lawyer who represents the people of Israel in court. (See: Metaphor)

Here “the land” is a metonym for the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “in order that the people who live in Israel might live in peace” (See: Metonymy)

These two terms represent opposite ideas and bring a strong contrast to how Yahweh will treat Israel and Babylon.

Alternate translation: “give peace”

Jeremiah 50:35

Here “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “War will soon happen to … and to” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 50:36

Here “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “War will soon happen to” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Their actions are foolish, and everyone will see that they are fools”

Alternate translation: “they will be terrified”

Jeremiah 50:37

Here “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “War will soon happen to” (See: Metonymy)

The weakness of the Babylonian soldiers is spoken of as if they were women. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “they will all become as weak as women” (See: Simile)

A storeroom is a place where supplies or valuables are kept.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “enemy soldiers will plunder them” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:38

Alternate translation: “A drought will soon happen that will affect all her waters”

Here “waters” represent all the sources of water for the Babylonians, especially the river that went through the city.

Jeremiah 50:39

This could mean: (1) “wild animals and hyenas” or (2) “wild demons and evil spirits.”

A jackal is a wild dog found in Asia and Africa.

very large African birds that run fast but cannot fly. Some versions translate this as “owl.”

The word “her” refers to Babylon.

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Babylon will be completely uninhabited. Alternate translation: “People will never live there again; it will be uninhabited forever” (See: Doublet)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will live in her” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:40

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Babylon will be completely uninhabited. They can be combined. Alternate translation: “no one will ever live there again” (See: Doublet)

Jeremiah 50:41

These verses are almost identical to Jeremiah 6:22 and Jeremiah 6:23. See how you translated those verses.

Yahweh speaks to the people of Babylon. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “See, people of Babylon, a people is coming” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: a people”

This phrase refers to the time when the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Here “nation” represents their armies. Alternate translation: “the armies of a great nation and many kings” (See: Synecdoche)

Being “stirred up” represents being urged to take action. Alternate translation: “are preparing to come from the most distant places on earth” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:42

Alternate translation: “The soldiers will carry bows and spears”

The loud noise that the soldiers make is compared to the loud noise of the sea. Alternate translation: “The sound that they make is very loud, like the sound of the sea” (See: Simile)

This phrase refers to the Babylonian people. (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 50:43

This verse is almost identical to Jeremiah 6:24. See how you translated that verse.

Alternate translation: “his hands were weak because he was anxious”

Feeling great anguish is spoken of as if anguish grabs the king of Babylon. Alternate translation: “He felt terrible anguish” (See: Metaphor)

suffering and grief that would bring a person to tears

Jeremiah 50:44

This verse is almost identical to Jeremiah 49:19. See how you translated that verse.

The word “Behold” here tells the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Pay attention!”

This simile means that when Yahweh punishes the people of Babylon, it will be fierce and unexpected like when a lion attacks sheep. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “When I punish the people of Babylon, it will be fierce and unexpected like when a lion comes out of mountains and attacks sheep in the pasture” (See: Simile and First, Second or Third Person)

This is land covered with grass where animals feed on the grass.

Here “them” refers to the Babylonian people; the word “it” refers to the invasion.

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that no one is like him. Alternate translation: “For no one is like me, no one can summon me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “who will challenge me” or “who will call me to account”

Yahweh uses this question to show no one can defeat him. Here “shepherd” is a metaphor for “king” or “ruler.” Alternate translation: “No king is able to resist me.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 50:45

These verses are almost identical to Jeremiah 49:20 and Jeremiah 49:21. See how you translated those verses.

These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the plans that Yahweh has decided for the people of Babylon and the Chaldeans” (See: Parallelism)

This continues speaking of Yahweh punishing the people of Babylon as if he would come like a lion and attack the sheep. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will drag them away, even the smallest flock” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Here the youngest and weakest people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the smallest flock of sheep. Alternate translation: “even the youngest and weakest” (See: Metaphor)

Here the land of Babylonia is spoken of as if it were pasturelands for flocks. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will turn their pasturelands into ruined places” or “He will completely destroy the people who live there” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 50:46

This phrase compares the fall of the once powerful nation of Babylon to the extremely loud noise of an earthquake. Alternate translation: “The fall of Babylon will sound like a mighty earthquake” (See: Metaphor)

pain or unhappiness

Alternate translation: “their shout of pain”

Jeremiah 51

Jeremiah 51 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 51:1-64.

The prophesied destruction of Babylon continues in this chapter. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Babylon destroyed

Covenant with Abraham

Babylon is destroyed because it drove the people of Judah from their homeland. This is in line with the promises of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham to curse those who curse Abraham’s descendants. (See: promise, promised and covenant and curse, cursed, cursing)

Jeremiah 51:1

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

This draws attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully” or “Pay attention”

This could mean: (1) “a wind that destroys” or (2) “the spirit of a destroyer.” This would mean that Yahweh would cause or inspire the enemy army to go and attack Babylon.

This is code name for Chaldea, a region of Babylonia. It is not clear why Jeremiah uses this name here, so you may want to translate as “Chaldea” or “Babylonia.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 51:2

The word “her,” a metaphor that refers to Babylon as if it were a woman, is also a metonym for the people who live in Babylon. Alternate translation: “separate the people who live there from each other, send them in different directions, and make their land empty … foreigners will attack the people of Babylon” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The phrase “day of” is a Hebrew idiom for “when.” Alternate translation: “when I destroy Babylon” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 51:3

Yahweh wants the attack to be so sudden that the archers have no time to prepare for battle.

Jeremiah 51:4

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the attackers kill” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:5

The words “Israel” and “Judah” are metonyms for the people of Israel and Judah. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh of hosts, the God of the people of Israel and Judah, has not forsaken them” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

The land in which they live is spoken of as if it were a container and their offenses as if they were solid objects that could fill the container. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word offenses, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they have offended the Holy One of Israel everywhere throughout the land” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 51:6

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. The word “iniquity” is a metonym for God punishing the people for their iniquity. Alternate translation: “when Yahweh punishes Babylon” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman, and the iniquity of the people is spoken of as if Yahweh needed to pay back a debt. The word “her,” meaning Babylon, is a metonym for the people of Babylon. Alternate translation: “will punish the Babylonians as much as they deserve” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Jeremiah 51:7

The word “world” is a metonym for the people living in the nations surrounding Babylon. This could mean: (1) Making those people drunk could be a metaphor for Yahweh punishing those nations by allowing Babylon to conquer them. Alternate translation: “Babylon was a strong nation that Yahweh used to punish all the people of the surrounding nations severely” or (2) It could be a metaphor for those nations joining Babylon in worshiping idols and being violent. Alternate translation: “Babylon was a rich and powerful nation, and other nations wanted to become sinful just like it” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Babylon being a powerful nation that Yahweh used for his own purposes is spoken of as if Babylon were a golden cup in his hand. Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “Babylon defeated and destroyed other nations” or (2) “nations enjoyed her riches and power and became evil.” (See: Metaphor)

unable to think clearly

Jeremiah 51:8

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will destroy Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

to make a long, loud cry that shows that the person is sad

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “perhaps Yahweh can heal her” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:9

Yahweh used Babylon to punish Judah and the nation. It is either the people of Judah or the people of the nations who are speaking the words in this quotation.

The name of the city is a metonym for the people who live there, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the people of Babylon … they are not healed … leave them … their guilt” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “we have not been able to heal her” (See: Active or Passive)

Guilt is spoken of as if it were an object that could be made into a pile. The words “to the heavens” and “to the clouds” are an exaggeration for something that is very high. Alternate translation: “For Babylon is so very guilty” (See: Metaphor and Hyperbole)

Jeremiah 51:10

Yahweh had punished the Israelites for their sins, but now has let them return to him.

Jeremiah 51:11

Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem as if he were speaking to the people of Babylon and their enemies, who cannot hear him, telling them that Yahweh will destroy Babylon before the Babylonians can prepare to defend themselves. (See: Apostrophe)

Jeremiah 51:12

Alternate translation: “Give a signal to attack Babylon’s walls”

Alternate translation: “make sure the guards are strong and have good weapons”

Alternate translation: “make sure there are enough men watching the city”

This was done in order to catch anyone running from the city.

Jeremiah 51:13

The people’s lives are spoken of as if they were threads that God could cut. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your lives will be ended quickly” (See: Metaphor and Idiom and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:14

The large number of enemy soldiers is spoken of as if they were a mass of locusts invading the city. Alternate translation: “with a large number of soldiers” (See: Simile)

This is a shout that a soldier makes in battle.

Jeremiah 51:16

These phrases compare the voice of Yahweh to the loud sound made by thunder and rain. (See: Metaphor)

A storehouse is a building where people keep things they might want to use in the future.

Jeremiah 51:17

Translate many of the words in this verse as in Jeremiah 10:14.

Alternate translation: “is lacking knowledge” or “does not know”

Jeremiah 51:18

Translate many of the words in this verse as in Jeremiah 10:15.

This speaks of the final destruction of the idols. Alternate translation: “there will be a time when God will destroy them” (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 51:19

Translate many of the words in this verse as in Jeremiah 10:16.

Alternate translation: “the creator of all things” or “the one who created all things”

This speaks of Israel belonging to Yahweh as if it were something that Yahweh gained through inheritance. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Israel belongs to him” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:20

Alternate translation: “You, the Babylonian army, are”

Yahweh speaks of punishing people as if he were smashing them with a hammer. Alternate translation: “With you I will punish” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I will use you to”

Jeremiah 51:22

Yahweh speaks of punishing people as if he were smashing them with a hammer. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 51:20. Alternate translation: “With you I will punish” (See: Metaphor)

“I will use you to.” See how you translated this in Jeremiah 51:20.

Jeremiah 51:24

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sight, you could express the same idea with the verb “see.” Alternate translation: “you will see it when I pay” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 51:25

Yahweh speaks to the people of Jerusalem, who could hear him, as if he were speaking to the people of Babylon, who could not hear him. He speaks to the city of Babylon as if he were speaking to the people of Babylon itself. He speaks of the city as if it were a mountain. (See: Apostrophe and Metonymy and Metaphor)

The word “hand” is a metonym for the power that the hand exercises. See how “I will attack the inhabitants of the land with my hand” is translated in Jeremiah 6:12. Alternate translation: “I will use my strength to attack you” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh stops speaking of Babylon as a mountain and speaks of it as a building that he is breaking down and throwing away. (See: Metaphor)

A cliff is the steep side of a mountain or hill.

Yahweh speaks of Babylon as no longer being the great “mountain of destruction” but now a mountain that he has destroyed. Alternate translation: “I will … make you a pile of useless rocks” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:26

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word devastation, you could express the same idea with a verb “devastate.” Alternate translation: “I will devastate you and no one will ever rebuild you” or “I will turn you into an empty place where no one will ever live” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Jeremiah 51:27

Lifting a banner and blowing a trumpet are both ways of calling people to attack. (See: Parallelism)

“battle flag.” This is large flag for the soldiers to follow in battle.

The city of Babylon is a metonym for the people of Babylon, and it is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “attack the people of Babylon” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

These are names of nations or people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

Yahweh compares a great number of horses to a swarm of locusts. Alternate translation: “bring many horses with soldiers quickly” (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 51:28

See how you translated these words in Jeremiah 51:23.

Jeremiah 51:29

The land is a metonym for the people who live on the land. Shaking and being in anguish are metonyms for being very afraid. Alternate translation: “the people who live in Babylon will shake with fear and be in anguish” (See: Metonymy)

suffering and grief that would bring a person to tears

The city of Babylon is a metonym for the people of Babylon. Alternate translation: “against the people of Babylon” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “no one lives”

Jeremiah 51:30

Yahweh speaks of what will happen as if it had already happened. (See: Predictive Past)

The city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the homes in the city are on fire, the bars of the city gates are broken” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:31

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the enemies have overcome the whole city” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:32

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the enemies have taken control of all the fords over the river” (See: Active or Passive)

shallow parts of a river where people can walk across

places with shallow water and grasses growing in deep mud

unable to think clearly

Jeremiah 51:33

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

“Daughter of Babylon” here is another name for the people who live in Babylon. (See: Metonymy)

People thresh grain by trampling it on a threshing floor, and Yahweh speaks of people punishing the daughter of Babylon as if they were threshing grain. (See: Simile)

Yahweh punishing the daughter of Babylon is spoken of as if he were trampling and threshing grain on a threshing floor. Alternate translation: “It is time to punish her” (See: Metaphor)

The harvest is a metaphor for the result of the actions that the people did before. Babylon will experience the result of its people’s sins. Alternate translation: “God will punish her for her sins” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:34

The speaker speaks as if he were a woman. The woman is a metaphor for the city of Jerusalem, which in turn is a metonym for the people of Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “he has caused me to be unable to think clearly” or (2) “he has crushed me.”

Babylon has taken everything from Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Here Babylon is compared to a monster. (See: Simile)

Jerusalem compares its destruction to being swallowed. (See: Metaphor)

This continues to speak of Babylon as if it were a monster. This states in another way the previous idea that Babylon has taken everything from Israel. Here “foods” represents all the good things that were there before. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Nebuchadnezzar took what he wanted and spit out what he did not want. Alternate translation: “he has vomited me up” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:35

Alternate translation: “She who lives in Zion”

All of these phrases refer to a woman.

Alternate translation: “people who live in Chaldea”

Jeremiah 51:36

This begins Yahweh’s reply to Jerusalem’s request in verses 34 and 35.

Yahweh defending his people is spoken of as if he were a lawyer pleading their case in court. Alternate translation: “I will be like your lawyer to defend you and I will bring about vengeance” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:37

buildings that have become piles of rock

home for wild dogs

something that terrifies everyone who looks at it

a sound people make to show that they dislike something very much

Alternate translation: “no one lives”

Jeremiah 51:38

loud sound made by a lion

a sound animals make to frighten other animals

Jeremiah 51:39

As a soldier is happy when he defeats a strong enemy. Another possible meaning is “are very drunk” .

Jeremiah 51:40

Lambs and goats do not know before it happens that people are going to slaughter them, and the Babylonians will not know before it happens that Yahweh is going to destroy them. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 51:41

The word “how” here shows that something that people thought was impossible has happened. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We never thought that enemies could capture Babylon, but they have captured her … We never thought that Babylon could become a ruined place, but it has become a ruined place” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “praise” is a metonym for the thing that people praised, and the word “earth” is a metonym for the people living on the earth. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “enemies have seized Babylon, the nation that everyone on earth praised” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:42

Babylon’s enemies have overcome her. “Waves” represent many people groups overcoming Babylon. The words “sea” and “water” often represent the nations. (See: Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Its roaring waves have covered her” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:43

Alternate translation: “Babylon’s cities”

Jeremiah 51:44

Bel was the main god of the Babylonians and represents the whole country and the people that worshiped it. (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh compares all the sacrifices and offerings to Bel to things he ate. (See: Personification)

The many nations that come to Babylon to sacrifice to Bel is spoken of as a river that moves along. Alternate translation: “the people of other nations will no longer come in large groups” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:46

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when you hear the news that is in the land” (See: Active or Passive)

The ruler is a metonym for the nations under his control. Alternate translation: “Nations will fight against other nations” (See: Metonymy)

Jeremiah 51:47

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what i am about to tell you”

Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming.” See how you translated this metaphor in Jeremiah 7:32. Alternate translation: “in the future … I will punish” or “there will be a time … when I will punish” (See: Metaphor)

Removing the idols of Babylon is spoken of as if Yahweh would punish the idols. Alternate translation: “I will remove the carved idols of Babylon” (See: Metaphor)

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the people of Babylon … their land … their slaughtered ones … their midst” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:48

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “over the Babylonians … come for them … the Babylonians have made … their land” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Heaven and earth are viewed as if they were people. (See: Personification)

Jeremiah 51:49

Alternate translation: “those whom the Babylonians’ enemies have killed in the land”

Jeremiah 51:50

Jeremiah speaks to the Israelite people in verse 50.

The sword is a metonym for war, in which soldiers use swords. Alternate translation: “You who have survived the war” (See: Metonymy)

The phrases “Call … to mind” and “come to mind” are idioms that mean to think about or remember. Alternate translation: “Though you are far away, think about Yahweh; think about Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

Jeremiah 51:51

words that one person uses to offend another

The speakers’ reaction to people expressing disapproval of them is spoken of as if it were a cover placed over the speakers’ faces. Alternate translation: “our faces show that we are hurt because others disapprove of us” or “we cover our faces in shame because others disapprove of us” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 51:52

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what i am about to tell you”

Removing or destroying idols is spoken of as if Yahweh would punish the idols. Alternate translation: “I will destroy her carved idols” or “I will remove her carved idols” (See: Metaphor)

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “their carved idols … their land … the Babylonians … their highest fortresses … to them” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

to cry out because of pain or sadness

Jeremiah 51:53

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “their highest fortresses … to them” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This is a hypothetical situation that Yahweh does not expect to happen. Alternate translation: “Babylon will not go up … or fortify … destroyers will surely come from me” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Jeremiah 51:54

The same thought is expressed in two different ways for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Jeremiah 51:55

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “destroying the people of Babylon … their loud voices” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “The enemies of the people of Babylon … the noise of the enemies”

The waves of the ocean and of flooding rivers make a loud sound, and the enemies will make a very loud sound as they come. (See: Simile)

Jeremiah 51:56

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “against the people of Babylon—yes, against Babylon!—and their warriors” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This phrase can be changed to have an active verb. Alternate translation: “her enemies have captured her warriors” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:57

The people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the city itself, and the city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “their princes, their sages, their officials, and their soldiers … their high gates … their aid … for them” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

They will be dead. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 51:39. (See: Euphemism)

Jeremiah 51:58

Jeremiah often uses these words to introduce an important message from Yahweh. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:6.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The invaders willl completely demolish the thick walls of Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

The city of Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “their high gates … their aid … for them” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will burn her high gates” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will burn up everything that the nations try to do for her” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 51:59

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“after he had been king for three years.” This “fourth” is the ordinal number for four. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Jeremiah 51:60

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that he had written about Babylon”

Jeremiah 51:62

If your language has a word for animals that normally live with people, you might want to use it here, because Jeremiah 51:37 states that Babylon will be inhabited by wild animals.

Jeremiah 51:64

The stone and scroll will disappear in the water, the water will destroy the scroll, and Babylon will no longer look like a city or have buildings for people to live in. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “will never again be a city”

This means the Babylonians will fall because they are exhausted. Many translations do not include these words.

Jeremiah 52

Jeremiah 52 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter returns to a previous sequence of events and records Babylon’s conquering of Judah. It also records the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Jeremiah 52:1

Because of the words “Jeremiah’s words end here” in Jeremiah 51:64 and because the words here appear in other books of the Bible, many scholars believe that this chapter was written by someone other than Jeremiah and attached to the scroll that Jeremiah and Baruch wrote.

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to another man named Jeremiah, not the prophet Jeremiah who wrote this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 52:2

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Jeremiah 52:4

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

after Zedekiah had been king for eight years, in the tenth calendar month, on the tenth day of the month (See: Ordinal Numbers)

“in year nine” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar’s army camped opposite Jerusalem”

Jeremiah 52:5

until Zedekiah had been king for more than ten years (See: Ordinal Numbers)

“year eleven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “So they besieged the city” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 52:6

This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the dry season. The ninth day is near the beginning of July on Western calendars. Zedekiah had been king for ten years, three months, and eight days. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This refers to Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 52:7

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Babylonians broke through the wall around the city” (See: Active or Passive)

the wall of the king’s garden and the wall of the city

Jeremiah 52:8

flat land

This can be translated in active form. This could mean: (1) “the Chaldeans scattered his entire army” or (2) “all of his soldiers ran away in different directions.” (See: Active or Passive)

Jeremiah 52:9

Riblah was a town in the territory of Hamath. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “decided how to punish him”

Jeremiah 52:10

The eyes are a synecdoche for the whole person. The reader should also understand that others probably helped the king of Babylon kill Zedekiah’s sons. Alternate translation: “forced Zedekiah to watch as the king of Babylon slaughtered Zedekiah’s sons” (See: Synecdoche)

Jeremiah 52:11

the day of Zedekiah’s death

Jeremiah 52:12

Nebuchadnezzar had been king for eighteen years, four months, and nine days. This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the dry season. The tenth day is near the beginning of August on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

“during year nineteen” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

people whose job is to protect someone

Jeremiah 52:15

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 52:16

Alternate translation: “the poorest people who lived on the land”

Jeremiah 52:17

This is a basin of water used in the worship of Yahweh.

Jeremiah 52:21

A cubit was about 46 centimeters long. Alternate translation: “18 cubits…12 cubits” or “about 8.3 meters … about 5.5 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

The pillars had empty space inside them.

Jeremiah 52:22

This is the top part of each pillar.

A cubit was about 46 centimeters long. Alternate translation: “5 cubits” or “about 2.3 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Jeremiah 52:24

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 36:26.

people who guard the gate of a city

Jeremiah 52:25

Alternate translation: “forcing men to fight in the army”

Jeremiah 52:26

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 52:28

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

“three thousand and twenty-three” (See: Numbers)

Jeremiah 52:29

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

“teight hundred and thirty-two” (See: Numbers)

Jeremiah 52:30

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Jeremiah 39:9.

“seven hundred and forty-five … four thousand six hundred” (See: Numbers)

Jeremiah 52:31

after Jehoiachin had been an exile for more than 36 years (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-fifth day is near the middle of March on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

He became the king of Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar. (See: How to Translate Names)

Jeremiah 52:32

Alternate translation: “Awel-Marduk spoke kindly to Jehoiachin”

Alternate translation: “a seat at the table that was closer to where Awel-Marduk sat”

Jeremiah 52:33

The reader should understand that removing his prison clothes represents making him a free man. (See: Metonymy)

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Jeremiah

Jeremiah front

Introduction to Jeremiah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Jeremiah

What is the Book of Jeremiah about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Who wrote the Book of Jeremiah?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the new covenant that is presented in the Book of Jeremiah?

What relationship do Jeremiah’s prophecies have to the other nations besides Israel?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Are the events in the Book of Jeremiah told in the order that they actually happened?

Why does the Book of Jeremiah refer to this prophet as “he” or “him”?

Jeremiah 1

Jeremiah 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Jeremiah appointed as prophet

Northern kingdom

Opposition

Jeremiah 1:1

Jeremiah 1:2

Jeremiah 1:3

Jeremiah 1:4

Jeremiah 1:5

Jeremiah 1:6

Jeremiah 1:8

Jeremiah 1:9

Jeremiah 1:10

Jeremiah 1:11

Jeremiah 1:12

Jeremiah 1:13

Jeremiah 1:14

Jeremiah 1:15

Jeremiah 1:16

Jeremiah 1:17

Jeremiah 1:18

Jeremiah 1:19

Jeremiah 2

Jeremiah 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

The people refuse to learn

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Jeremiah 2:1

Jeremiah 2:2

Jeremiah 2:3

Jeremiah 2:4

Jeremiah 2:5

Jeremiah 2:6

Jeremiah 2:7

Jeremiah 2:8

Jeremiah 2:9

Jeremiah 2:10

Jeremiah 2:11

Jeremiah 2:12

Jeremiah 2:13

Jeremiah 2:14

Jeremiah 2:15

Jeremiah 2:16

Jeremiah 2:17

Jeremiah 2:18

Jeremiah 2:19

Jeremiah 2:20

Jeremiah 2:21

Jeremiah 2:22

Jeremiah 2:23

Jeremiah 2:24

Jeremiah 2:25

Jeremiah 2:26

Jeremiah 2:27

Jeremiah 2:28

Jeremiah 2:29

Jeremiah 2:30

Jeremiah 2:31

Jeremiah 2:32

Jeremiah 2:33