Jeremiah

Jeremiah front

Jeremiah front:intro

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/judge.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

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:intro-0

Jeremiah 01 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/appoint.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/elect.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

Jeremiah 1:1

Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests

"Jeremiah son of Hilkiah. Jeremiah was one of the priests"

Hilkiah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Anathoth

This is the name of a town. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the land of Benjamin

"the land that belongs to the tribe of Benjamin"

Jeremiah 1:2

The word of Yahweh came to him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Yahweh

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.

in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the thirteenth

The word "thirteenth" is the ordinal form of "13." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Amon

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

his reign

"Josiah's reign"

Jeremiah 1:3

the eleventh

The word "eleventh" is the ordinal form of "11."(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

It also came

"The word of Yahweh also came"

in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the fifth month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

of Zedekiah

This refers to the rule of Zedekiah. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "of the reign of Zedekiah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

when the people of Jerusalem were taken away as prisoners

This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:4

The word of Yahweh came to me, saying

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:5

formed you

"shaped you"

before you came out from the womb

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

Jeremiah 1:6

Ah, Lord Yahweh

Here "Ah" shows Jeremiah's fear of doing what God has said.

I do not know how to speak

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 1:8

Do not be afraid of them

"Do not be afraid of the people I will send you to speak to"

this is Yahweh's declaration

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

this is Yahweh's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:9

Then Yahweh reached out with his hand, touched my mouth

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

I have placed my word in your mouth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:10

I am appointing you ... to uproot and break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant

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

to uproot and break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant

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

to uproot

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to destroy and overthrow

Jeremiah uses these words, which mean almost the same thing, to show that this will certainly happen. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

to build and plant

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:11

The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, "What

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I see an almond branch

Yahweh shows Jeremiah a spiritual vision.

an almond branch

An almond tree is a kind of nut tree. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:12

I am watching over my word to carry it out

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for I am watching over my word

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 word of Yahweh came to me a second time, saying

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

whose surface is churning

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

tipping away from the north

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

Jeremiah 1:14

Disaster will be opened up out of the north

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:15

Connecting Statement:

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

everyone

This generalization refers to the kings of the northern kingdoms. Alternate translation: "every king" or "all of the northern kings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

will set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

against all the walls that surround it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

against all the cities of Judah

Setting their thrones "against all the cities of Judah" represents commanding their armies to destroy all the cities of Judah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:16

I will pronounce sentence against them

"I will announce how I will punish them"

I will pronounce sentence against them

"I will pronounce sentence against the people of Judah"

worshiping what they made with their own hands

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

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah.

Do not be shattered ... I will shatter you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:18

Behold!

"Pay attention!"

Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

iron ... bronze

These were the strongest materials known at that time. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the whole land

This represents all the people of the land. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 1:19

They will fight against you

This refers to the people of Judah.

this is Yahweh's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2

Jeremiah 2:intro-0

Jeremiah 02 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:1

The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:2

Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem

"Go and speak where the people in Jerusalem can hear you"

I have called to mind on your behalf

"I remember about you"

the covenant faithfulness in your youthfulness, your love

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

when we were engaged

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the land that was not sown

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:3

the firstfruits of his harvest

God speaks of Israel as if they were an offering dedicated to God. Alternate translation: "like the firstfruits of his harvest" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

All who ate from the firstfruits were held guilty

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

disaster came upon them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 2:4

house of Jacob, all you clans of the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

house of Jacob

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:5

What did your fathers find wrong with me, that they went far from following me? That they went after useless idols and became useless themselves?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

they went far from following me

This represents rejecting God and refusing to be loyal to him. Alternate translation: "they rejected me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they went after useless idols

This represents choosing to be loyal to idols and worship them. Alternate translation: "they worshiped useless idols" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

useless idols

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

They did not say

It is implied that they should have said what follows. Alternate translation: "They should have said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Where is Yahweh, who brought us ... Egypt?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Where is Yahweh, who led us ... lives?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

a land of drought and deep darkness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:7

you defiled my land, you made my inheritance an abomination!

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "you sinned and made the land I gave you disgusting to me!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

you defiled my land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you made my inheritance an abomination

"you made my inheritance disgusting by your sin" or "by sinning, you made my inheritance repulsive"

my inheritance

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:8

Where is Yahweh?

This question would have shown that they wanted to obey Yahweh. Alternate translation: "We need to obey Yahweh!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

did not care about me

"were not committed to me" or "rejected me"

The shepherds transgressed against 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

walked after unprofitable things

Here "walked after" represents obeying or worshiping. Alternate translation: "obeyed unprofitable things" or "worshiped unprofitable things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

unprofitable things

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

Jeremiah 2:9

your sons' sons

"your future generations"

Jeremiah 2:10

cross over to the coasts of Kittim

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Send messengers out to Kedar

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:11

Has a nation exchanged gods ... gods?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

But my people have exchanged their glory for what cannot help them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

their glory

This expression refers to God himself, who is glorious. Alternate translation: "their glorious God" or "me, your glorious God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for what cannot help

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:12

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 2:13

have abandoned the springs of living waters

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

have dug out cisterns for themselves

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

cisterns

deep holes for storing water

Jeremiah 2:14

Is Israel a slave? Was he born in his master's home? So why has he become plunder?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Is Israel a slave? Was he born in his master's home?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Was he born in his master's home

Here "born in his master's home" is metonym for being born into slavery. Alternate translation: "Was he born a slave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

So why has he become plunder?

Yahweh uses this question to indicate that Israel should not have become plunder. Alternate translation: "So he should not have become plunder." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

So why has he become plunder

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:15

Young lions roared against him. They made a lot of noise

God speaks of Israel's enemies attacking Israel as if the enemies were lions roaring and attacking Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

made his land a horror

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Young lions roared

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

His cities are destroyed without any inhabitants

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They have destroyed Israel's cities and now no one lives in them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

inhabitants

people who live in a certain place

Jeremiah 2:16

Memphis and Tahpanhes

These are the names of two cities in Egypt. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

will shave your skull

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

will shave your skull

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

Jeremiah 2:17

Did you not do this to yourselves when you abandoned Yahweh your God, while he was leading you along the way?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:18

So now, why take the road to Egypt and drink the waters of Shihor? Why take the road to Assyria and drink the waters of the Euphrates River?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

why take the road to Egypt and drink the waters of Shihor ... Why take the road to Assyria and drink the waters of the Euphrates River

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Shihor

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:19

Your wickedness rebukes you, and your faithlessness punishes you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

it is wicked and bitter

Here the word "bitter" describes "wicked." Alternate translation: "it is bitterly wicked" or "it is extremely wicked" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:20

For I broke your yoke that you had in ancient days; I tore your fetters off you. Still you said, 'I will not serve!'

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

fetters

chains used to restrain a person or an animal

since you bowed down on every high hill and beneath every leafy tree, you adulterer

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

beneath

below

Jeremiah 2:21

I planted you as a choice vine, completely from pure seed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a choice vine

"a vine of very good quality"

completely from pure seed

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"

How then have you have changed yourself into a corrupt, worthless vine?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:22

this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:23

How can you say, 'I ... have not walked after the Baals'?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

walked after

This is a metaphor for serving or worshiping. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you are a swift female camel running here and there

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

swift

able to run quickly

Jeremiah 2:24

a wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in her heat

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Who can restrain her lust?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:25

You must restrain your feet from becoming bare and your throat from being thirsty!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

It is hopeless

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

No, I love strangers and go after them!

Here "strangers" represents foreign gods, and "go after them" represents worshiping them. Alternate translation: "We must follow after foreign gods and worship them!'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:26

the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

when he is found

This idiom means that someone discovers that the person's actions. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone finds him" or "when people know that he has stolen things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

they, their kings, their princes, and their priests and prophets

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

Jeremiah 2:27

These are the ones who say to the tree, 'You are my father,' and to the stone, 'You gave birth to me.'

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

their back faces me and not their faces

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Arise and save us

It can be made clear that they say this to Yahweh. "Yahweh, come and save us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:28

Yet where are the gods that you made for yourselves?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Let them arise if they wish to save you in your time of troubles

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:29

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 2:30

They would not accept discipline

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Your sword has devoured your prophets like a destructive lion

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

destructive

capable of causing a very large amount of damage

Jeremiah 2:31

You who belong to this generation! Pay attention to my word, the word of Yahweh

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"

Have I been a wilderness to Israel? Or a land of deep darkness?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why would my people say, 'Let us wander around, we will not go to you anymore'?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

wander

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

Jeremiah 2:32

Will a virgin forget her jewelry, a bride her sash?

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 sash." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Will a virgin forget her jewelry, a bride her sash

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 sash" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

sash

This word refers to an ornament that is wrapped around the body, arms, or legs. You may need to translate it as a general word like "attire" or "ornament."

days without number

"a very long time"

Jeremiah 2:33

How well you make your way to look for love

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

to look for love

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You have even taught your ways to wicked women

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:34

The blood that was the life of innocent, poor people has been found on your clothes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

The blood that was the life

"The blood that represents the life"

These people were not discovered in acts of burglary

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:35

surely his anger has turned away from me

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

I will bring down judgment on you

Here "judgment" represents punishment. Alternate translation: "I will punish you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:36

Why do you treat so very lightly this change in your ways?

Yahweh is scolding the Israelites because they changed from one kingdom to another for help but did not rely on God for help. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

lightly

without care or concern

You will also be disappointed by Egypt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Egypt will also disappoint you"

You will also be disappointed by Egypt

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

just as you were by Assyria

The word "disappointed" is understood from the previous phrase. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as you were disappointed by Assyria" or "just as Assyria disappointed you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Jeremiah 2:37

You will also go out from there

"You will go out from Egypt"

with your hands on your head

This is a symbol of shame. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

so you will not be helped by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so they will not help you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3

Jeremiah 3:intro-0

Jeremiah 03 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/adultery.md]])

Jeremiah 3:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking. This is part of the prophecy that he starts revealing to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 2:1.

will he return to her again?

God uses this question to remind the people that a man would never return to his wife if another man marries her. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "he would not return to her again." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Would that land not be greatly polluted?

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. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He knows that if he did, the land would be greatly polluted." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

greatly polluted

This is a metaphor for being terribly unacceptable to God. Alternate translation: "completely unacceptable to God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You have lived as a prostitute who has many lovers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 3:2

Lift up your eyes

Here "your eyes" represents looking at something. Alternate translation: "Look up" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Is there any place where you have not had illicit sex?

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. This question can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

By the roadsides you sat waiting for your lovers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

as an Arab in the wilderness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

an Arab in the wilderness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:3

So the showers have been withheld

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So I withheld the showers from you" or "So I prevented the rains from falling" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you have the forehead of a prostitute

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:4

General Information:

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Jeremiah 3:5

Connecting Statement:

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

Will he ... to the end?'

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. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have just called out to me: 'My father ... youth! Will he ... to the end?'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Will he always be angry? Will he always keep his wrath to the end?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Look!

"pay attention" or "listen"

Jeremiah 3:6

Do you see what faithless Israel has done?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

She has gone up

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

every high hill and under every leafy tree

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

she has acted like a prostitute

God speaks as of Israel worshiping idols as if she were a woman having sex with many men. Alternate translation: (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:7

her faithless sister Judah saw

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak of Israel and Judah being unfaithful to him as if they were two sisters who were unfaithful wives.

bill of divorce

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

Jeremiah 3:9

Her prostitution was nothing to her

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"

she defiled the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

she committed adultery with stones and trees

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:10

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 3:11

Faithless Israel has been more righteous than faithless Judah!

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

Go and proclaim these words to the north

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:13

Acknowledge your iniquity

"Admit how you have sinned." God was speaking to Israel.

you have shared your ways with strangers under every leafy tree!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

under every leafy tree

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 3:14

I am your husband

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:15

I will give you shepherds ... they will shepherd you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

shepherds after my heart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:16

you will increase and bear fruit

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

This matter will no longer come up in their hearts

Here "come up in their hearts" represents thinking about it. Alternate translation: "They will no longer think of this matter" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:17

This is Yahweh's throne

Here "Yahweh's throne" represents the place from where Yahweh rules. Alternate translation: "This is from where Yahweh rules" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They will no longer walk in the stubbornness of their wicked hearts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:18

the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel

Here "walk with" represents being united. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah will be united with the people of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the house of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the land that I gave your ancestors as an inheritance

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:19

As for me

the word "me" refers to Yahweh

How I want to treat you as my son ... nation

This is an exclamation that expresses God's desire. Alternate translation: "I want so much to treat you as my son ... nation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclamations/01.md]])

I want to treat you as my son

God speaks of Israel as if Israel were his son. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

an inheritance more beautiful

God speaks of the land he wanted to give to Israel as if it were an inheritance. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:20

But like a woman faithless to her husband, you have betrayed me

God speaks of Israel being unfaithful to him as if she were an unfaithful wife. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 3:21

A voice is heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People hear a noise" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel

"the people of Israel crying and begging loudly"

they have forgotten Yahweh their God

Here "have forgotten" represents neglecting or ignoring. Alternate translation: "They have ignored Yahweh their God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 3:22

I will heal you of treachery!

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

heal you of treachery

"heal you so you will stop being unfaithful to me"

Behold! We will come to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Behold

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

Jeremiah 3:23

Surely lies come from the hills

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

a confusing noise from the mountains

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

surely Yahweh our God is the salvation of Israel

"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

their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters

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

Jeremiah 3:25

Let us lie down in shame. May our shame cover us

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

May our shame cover us

Being fully aware of their shame is spoken of as if shame were covering them like a blanket or a garment. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

from the time of our youthfulness

Possible meanings are that 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

have not listened to the voice of Yahweh our God

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4

Jeremiah 4:intro-0

Jeremiah 04 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/fear.md]])

Jeremiah 4:1

then it should be to me that you return

Possible meanings are that 1) this is a command that emphasizes who they should return to. Alternate translation: "then come back to me" or "then worship me" 1) 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

If you remove your detestable things from before me

Here "detestable things" refers to idols, which God hates. Alternate translation: "If you remove your disgusting idols from my presence" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

do not wander from me again

Here "wander" is a metaphor for being unfaithful. Alternate translation: "if you remain faithful to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:2

As Yahweh lives

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the nations will bless themselves in him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

the nations will bless themselves in him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in him they will glory

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:3

Plow your own ground, and do not sow among thorns

Yahweh tells the people to prepare their lives like a farmer prepares the ground for planting. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:4

Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and remove the foreskins of your heart

Yahweh describes the people's devotion to him in terms of the physical sign of covenant. Alternate translation: "Dedicate yourselves completely to Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Circumcise yourselves ... remove the foreskins of your heart

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the command. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

my fury will break out like fire, and burn with no one to quench it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

fury

"great anger"

Jeremiah 4:5

Report in Judah and let it be heard in Jerusalem

These phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the command. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

let it be heard in Jerusalem

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cause the people in Jerusalem to hear it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Blow the trumpet in the land

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

Let us go to the fortified cities

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

Jeremiah 4:6

disaster ... a great collapse

These words mean basically the same thing. The phrase "a great collapse" defines what the "disaster" will be. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

for I am bringing disaster from the north and a great collapse

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

from the north

This represents an enemy army that would come from the north. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:7

A lion is coming

God speaks of a powerful army as if it were a fierce lion. Alternate translation: "A powerful and merciless army approaches" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

thicket

a set of bushes that grew closely together

someone who will destroy nations

Here "someone" represents a king and his army. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

is setting out

This idiom refers to starting to move. Alternate translation: "is starting to march" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to bring horror to your land

This represents destroying the land, which would cause people who see it to be horrified. Alternate translation: "to destroy your land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:8

wrap yourself in sackcloth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

wail

cry loudly

For the force of Yahweh's anger has not turned away from us

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:9

the hearts of the king and his officials will die

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:10

the sword is striking against their life

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:11

it will be said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

burning wind from the plains

Here a "burning wind" represents a fierce and merciless enemy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

will make its way

"will travel" or "will rush"

the daughter of my people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

It will not winnow or cleanse them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:12

A wind far stronger than that

far stronger than the "burning wind" of verse 11. The wind is a metaphor for a fierce and merciless enemy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

will come at my command

"will come when I command it to come"

at my command

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

pass sentence against them

"announce their punishment"

Jeremiah 4:13

See, he is attacking like clouds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

his chariots are like a storm

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Woe to us

"This is terrible"

for we will be devastated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for they will devastate us" or "for they will destroy us all" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:14

Cleanse your heart from wickedness, Jerusalem

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

How long will your deepest thoughts be about how to sin?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:15

a voice is bringing news from Dan

Here "a voice" represents a messenger. Alternate translation: "a messenger comes and tells about what is happening in Dan" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Dan

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

the coming disaster is heard from the mountains of Ephraim

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people hear about the disaster that is coming from Ephraim" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

from Dan ... mountains of Ephraim

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 coming

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

They will be like the watchmen of a cultivated field against her all around

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

against her all around

The word "her" refers to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was often spoken of as if it were a woman. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:18

your conduct and your deeds have done these things to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

It will strike your very heart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:19

My heart! My heart!

Here "heart" represents painful emotions, such as grief and fear. The phrase is repeated to express the intensity of the pain. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I am in anguish in my heart

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

My heart is turbulent within me

"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.

turbulent

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

Jeremiah 4:20

Suddenly my tents are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Enemies have suddenly destroyed my tents" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

my curtains in a moment

The words "are destroyed" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "my curtains are destroyed in a moment" or "and enemies have destroyed my curtains in a moment" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

my curtains

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

Jeremiah 4:21

How long will I see the standard? Will I hear the sound of the horn?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the standard

"the battle flag"

the sound of the horn

Someone would blow the horn as a signal for battle.

Jeremiah 4:22

For the foolishness of my people ... do not know how to do good.

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 how to do good.'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

idiotic people

"stupid people"

Jeremiah 4:23

General Information:

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

Behold

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

formless and empty

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

there was no light for the heavens

"there were no lights in the sky"

Jeremiah 4:24

General Information:

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Jeremiah 4:25

General Information:

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Jeremiah 4:26

all the cities had been pulled down

"all the cities had been destroyed" or "all the cities were a heap of ruins"

before Yahweh, before the fury of his wrath

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

Jeremiah 4:27

All the land will become a devastation

"All the land of Judah will be devastated" or "all the land of Judah will be ruined"

Jeremiah 4:28

the land will mourn, and the heavens above will darken

Jeremiah emphasizes Yahweh's judgment by saying that the earth itself expresses great sorrow. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

I will not hold back

"I will not change my mind"

I will not turn from carrying them out

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:29

Every city

Here "city" represents the people living in the city. Alternate translation: "The people of every city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

cavalry

a group of soldiers riding horses

they will run into the forests

They will run away to the forests for safety.

The cities will be abandoned, for there will be no one to inhabit them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:30

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Judah.

Now that you have been devastated, what will you do?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

you dress in scarlet ... gold jewelry ... eyes ... with paint

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

you dress in scarlet

Here "scarlet" represents expensive, red clothing. Alternate translation: "you wear expensive red clothing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

adorn yourself with gold jewelry

"you put on gold jewelry"

men who lusted for you now reject you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they are trying to take away your life

Here "trying to take your life away" represents trying to kill the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "They are trying to kill you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 4:31

distress as in the birth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the daughter of Zion

God shows his love for the people of Jerusalem by speaking of them as a daughter. Alternate translation: "my dear daughter, Zion" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Woe to me

"I am in great danger"

I am fainting

"I am becoming weak"

Jeremiah 5

Jeremiah 5:intro-0

Jeremiah 05 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/forgive.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]])

# Rhetorical questions

Yahweh asks several rhetorical questions in this chapter. This is intended to show Jeremiah the justness of his actions. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:1

General Information:

Jeremiah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-poetry/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Rush about through the streets

"Go quickly through the streets"

Then look and think about this

"look and find out"

city squares

broad and open places in a city where people can gather

who is acting justly

"who does what is just"

Jeremiah 5:2

Although they say

The word "they" refers to the people of Jerusalem.

As Yahweh lives

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:3

do your eyes not look for faithfulness?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You struck the people, but they do not feel pain.

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they still refuse to receive discipline

Here "to receive discipline" represents learning from discipline to do what is right. Alternate translation: "they still refuse to learn their lesson" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They make their faces harder than rock

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:4

So I said

Jeremiah is speaking.

Jeremiah 5:5

But they all broke their yoke together; they all tore apart the chains that bound them to God.

The yoke and chains represent the law which bind God and his people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:6

So a lion ... A wolf ... A lurking panther

These are dangerous animals that can kill people. Possible meanings are that 1) this really is about wild animals killing people or 2) these wild animals are metaphors for enemy armies. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

So a lion ... A wolf ... A lurking panther ... torn apart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

thicket

a set of bushes that grew closely together.

wolf

a large wild dangerous dog

lurking

watching for an opportunity to attack

panther

a large wild dangerous cat

For their transgressions increase

The abstract noun "transgressions" can be translated with the verb "sin." Alternate translation: "For they sin much" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Their acts of faithlessness are unlimited

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:7

Why should I pardon these people?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

these people

the people of Jerusalem

Your sons

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

I fed them fully

Providing all they needed is spoken of as feeding them. Alternate translation: "I gave them everything they needed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they committed adultery and walked in great numbers to the houses of prostitutes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

walked in great numbers to the houses of prostitutes

"went in large groups to the houses of prostitutes" or "large groups of them went to the houses of prostitutes"

Jeremiah 5:8

They were horses in heat ... neighed to his neighbor's wife

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in heat

ready to mate

mate

when animals breed to reproduce

Each man neighed to his neighbor's wife

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:9

So should I not punish them ... and should I not avenge myself on a nation that is like this?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 5:10

Connecting Statement:

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

Go up onto her vineyards' terraces

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Go up onto her vineyards' terraces and destroy

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

do not bring complete destruction to them

"do not completely destroy them"

Trim their vines, since those vines do not come from Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:11

For the houses of Israel and Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 5:12

They have spoken falsely about Yahweh and they said

"They have spoken falsely about Yahweh by saying"

no harm will come upon us, and we will not see sword or famine

These two sentences say the same thing, the second is more specific than the first. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

no harm will come upon us

The idiom "come upon us" means "happen to us." Alternate translation: "No harm will happen to us" or "no one will harm us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

we will not see sword or famine

Here "see" is a metaphor for experience, and "sword" is a metonym for war. Alternate translation: "we will not experience war or famine" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:13

The prophets will become wind

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the word is not in them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

so let what they say be done to them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:14

Because you

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

have said this

See what the people said in Jeremiah 5:12.

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

I am about to place my word in your mouth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

It will be like a fire, and this people will be like wood

Yahweh speaks of his message as if it were a fire, and of his people as if they were wood. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

For it will consume them

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:15

against you

"to attack you." The word "you" refers to the people of Israel.

it is a lasting nation, an ancient nation

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

a lasting nation

"an enduring nation" or "a very strong nation"

It is a nation whose language you do not know, nor will you understand what they say

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:16

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Its quiver ... They are all soldiers

Here "Its quiver" represents the enemy nation's army, and the arrows in the quiver represent the soldiers in the army. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

quiver

a container for holding arrows

Its quiver is like an open tomb

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:17

They will eat

The word "They" refers to the army of that nation.

They will beat down with a sword your fortified cities

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

your fortified cities

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

in which you put your trust

"that you thought were strong enough to keep you safe"

Jeremiah 5:18

Connecting Statement:

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

do not intend to destroy

"will not destroy"

Jeremiah 5:19

done all these things to us

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Just as you ... served foreign gods in your land, so you must also serve strangers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:20

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Report this

"Tell this"

the house of Jacob

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

let it be heard in Judah

This can be expressed in active from. Alternate translation: "Let those in Judah hear it" or "announce it in Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:21

who have no understanding

"who do not understand" or "who understand nothing"

you cannot see

Here "cannot see" is a metonym for not understanding. Alternate translation: "you do not understand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

you cannot hear

Here "cannot hear" represents not understanding. "Alternate translation: "you do not understand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:22

Do you not fear me ... face?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

or tremble before my face

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I have placed a border of sand against the sea

"I placed the sand as the border for the sea"

an ongoing decree that it does not violate

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

rises and falls

"moves back and forth"

it does not violate it

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.

this people has a stubborn heart. It turns

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

It turns away in rebellion and goes away

The word "it" refers to the people. Here "goes away" represents disobeying God. Alternate translation: "They rebel and disobey me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:24

they do not say in their hearts

Here "their hearts" represent their thoughts, and "say" represents thinking. Alternate translation: "they do not think" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

keeping the fixed weeks of the harvest for us

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:25

Your iniquities

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

these things

This refers to the rains and the harvests.

Your sins have stopped good from coming to you

Good things "coming" represents good things happening. "Because of your sins, good things have stopped happening to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak.

For wicked men are found with my people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For I have found wicked men among my people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

They watch as someone crouches to capture birds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they set a trap and catch people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:27

Like a cage full of birds, their houses are full of deceit

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

they grow large and become rich

Here "large" represents powerful. Alternate translation: "these wicked people become powerful and rich" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:28

they shine with well-being

Possible meanings are 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.

They crossed over all bounds of wickedness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They do not plead the cause of the people, or the cause of the orphan

"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"

they have not given justice to the needy

"they have not helped the needy by doing what is just for them"

Jeremiah 5:29

Should I not punish ... a nation like this?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 5:30

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak.

Atrocities and horrors have occurred

This can be stated more actively. Alternate translation: "People do terrible and horrible things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

in the land

Here "the land" refers to the land of Israel.' Alternate translation: "in the land of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy with deceit, and the priests rule with their own power

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

The prophets prophesy with deceit

"The prophets prophesy lies" or "The prophets tell lies when they prophesy"

the priests rule with their own power

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

but what will happen in the end?

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6

Jeremiah 6:intro-0

Jeremiah 06 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]])

Jeremiah 6:1

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

Find safety ... by leaving Jerusalem

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

people of Benjamin

This is who Yahweh was speaking to.

Blow a trumpet in Tekoa

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Tekoa

This is the name of a town about 18 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The name means "a horn for blowing." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Raise up over Beth Hakkerem a signal

Possible meanings are 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"

Beth Hakkerem

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

wickedness is appearing from the north

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

a great crushing is coming

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:2

The daughter of Zion, the beautiful and delicate woman

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:3

The shepherds and their flocks will go to them

Kings were often spoken of as shepherds of their people. Alternate translation: "The kings and their soldiers will go to them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will set up tents against her all around

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

each man will shepherd

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

with his own hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:4

General Information:

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

Dedicate yourselves

It can be stated clearly that the kings say this. Alternate translation: "The kings say to their armies, 'Dedicate yourselves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Dedicate yourselves to the gods for the battle

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Arise, let us attack

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

let us attack at noon

"Let us attack Jerusalem at noon"

It is too bad that the daylight is fading away, that the evening shadows are falling

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

the daylight is fading away

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

are falling

"are stretching out" or "are getting longer"

Jeremiah 6:5

at night

"during the night even though it is dark"

her fortresses

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:6

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Cut her trees

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

heap up siegeworks against Jerusalem

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.

because it is filled with oppression

Here "it is filled with oppression" represents people there always oppressing people. Alternate translation: "because its people are always oppressing each other" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:7

As a well pours out fresh water, so this city keeps producing wickedness

Here "this city keeps producing wickedness" represents people in the city continuing to do wicked things. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Violence and disorder are heard within her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I hear violence and disorder in her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

sickness and wounds are continually before my face

These things being "before" God's face represents him seeing them. Alternate translation: "I constantly see sickness and wounds" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:8

Accept discipline, Jerusalem ... make you into a ruin, an uninhabited land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Accept discipline

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

an uninhabited land

"a land that has no people living in it"

Jeremiah 6:9

They will certainly glean those who are left in Israel like a vineyard

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They will certainly

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

Reach out again with your hand to pick grapes from the vines

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:10

To whom should I declare and warn so they will listen

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Look

"You can see it yourself"

Their ears are uncircumcised

This represents their stubborn unwillingness to listen to God. Alternate translation: "Their ears are closed" or "They refuse to listen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Their ears

The word "Their" refer to the people of Israel.

The word of Yahweh has come to them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

they do not want it

"they do not want to listen to the word of Yahweh"

Jeremiah 6:11

But I am filled with Yahweh's fury

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I am tired of holding it in

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Pour it out on the children in the streets and on the groups of young men

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

For every man will be taken away with his wife

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Because enemies will capture every man with his wife" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

every old person heavy with years

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

every old person heavy with years

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:12

Their houses will be turned over to others

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Their houses will become the possession of other people" or "There people will take their houses" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

both their fields and their wives together

The phrase "will be turned over to others" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and their their fields and their women will also be turned over to others" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 6:13

that from the least to the greatest, all of them are greedy

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

the least

This refers to the least powerful and least important people. Alternate translation: "the least powerful people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

the greatest

This refers to the most powerful and most important people. Alternate translation: "the greatest people" or "the most powerful people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

all of them

"all of the people of Israel"

are greedy for dishonest gain

The abstract noun "gain" can be expressed 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

all of them practice deceit

"all of them deceive people" or "all of them are liars"

Jeremiah 6:14

They have healed the wounds of my people lightly

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They have healed the wounds ... lightly

Here "lightly" represents treating the wounds as if they were not serious, as if they were not difficult. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

'Peace, Peace,' when there is no peace

"'All is well, All is well,' but it is not well"

Jeremiah 6:15

Were they ashamed when they practiced abominations?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

they did not know how to blush

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

they will fall among the fallen

Here "fall" represents being killed. Alternate translation: "they will be killed along with the others who are killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will be brought down when they are punished

Here "will be brought down" represents being destroyed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will destroy them when I punish them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:16

Yahweh says this

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Stand at the road crossing ... We will not go

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the road crossing

This refers to the place where two roads meet.

ask for the ancient pathways

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Where is this good way

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Then go on it

"Then walk on that path." Going on that path represents living that way. Alternate translation: "Then live that way" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

We will not go

This represents not living that way. Alternate translation: "We will not live that way" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:17

I appointed for you watchmen to listen for the trumpet

Yahweh speaks of his prophets as if they were watchmen who were sent to warn the people of danger. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

appointed for you

The word "you" refers to the people of Israel.

to listen for the trumpet

"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

Therefore, nations, listen! See, you witnesses, what will happen to them.

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

Therefore, nations, listen!

"Therefore, nations, listen to what I am about to say!"

you witnesses

"you who are witnesses"

will happen to them

The word "them" refers to the people of Israel.

Jeremiah 6:19

Hear, earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I am about to bring disaster to this people

"soon I will punish these people severely"

the fruit of their thoughts

Here the word "fruit" represents results or consequences. Alternate translation: "the consequences of their thoughts" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They paid no attention to my word or law, but they instead rejected it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:20

What does this frankincense going up from Sheba mean to me? Or these sweet smells from a distant land?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

these sweet smells

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

are not acceptable to me

"do not please me" or "do not make me happy"

Jeremiah 6:21

See, I

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I"

I am about to place a stumbling block against this people

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

fathers and sons together

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Inhabitants and their neighbors

"Neighbors and their friends"

Jeremiah 6:22

a people is coming

Their purpose can be made clear. Alternate translation: "a people is coming to attack you" or "an army is coming" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

a great nation

Here "nation" represents the army of the nation. Alternate translation: "the army of a great nation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

is being stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth

Being "stirred up" represents preparing to do something. Alternate translation: "is being prepared to come from a distant land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:23

They will pick up bows and spears

"The soldiers will carry bows and spears"

Their sound is like the sea roar

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they are riding on horses, set out in order as men for battle

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard

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

our hands fall limp in distress

"our hands are weak because we are anxious"

Anguish seizes us

Feeling great anguish is spoken of as if the anguish grabs them. Alternate translation: "We feel terrible anguish" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

as a woman giving birth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:25

General Information:

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

for the swords of the enemy and terror are all around

The phrase "swords of the enemy" represents the enemy with their swords ready to attack. The abstract noun "terror" refers to things that cause people to be frightened and can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "For the enemy is everywhere with their swords and everyone else is terrified" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:26

Daughter of my people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

put on sackcloth and roll in ashes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

mourn with painful sobs as for an only son

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

for the destroyer will suddenly come upon us

"because the enemy army will suddenly come to attack us"

Jeremiah 6:27

General Information:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

one who tests my people like one would test metal

Yahweh compares Jeremiah testing his people to a person who tests metal to see how good it is. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

their ways

"their behavior" or "how they live"

Jeremiah 6:28

who go about slandering others

"and constantly slander other people"

All of them are bronze and iron

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:29

The bellows are scorched by the fire that is burning them; the lead is consumed in the flames

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

The bellows are scorched by the fire that is burning them

The fire is so hot that it burns the bellows. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

The bellows are scorched

Bellows are a tool used to blow large amounts of air into a burning fire to make the fire hotter. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

the lead is consumed in the flames

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The refining continues among them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will continue to refine them" or "You will continue to try to purify them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

because the evil is not removed

God speaks of Israel continuing to be evil as if they were silver and the impurities remained in the silver. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the evil remains" or "the impurities remain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 6:30

They will be called rejected silver, for

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will say about the people of Israel, 'They are rejected silver,' for" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7

Jeremiah 7:intro-0

Jeremiah 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

Jeremiah 7:1

The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:2

all you of Judah

"all you people of Judah"

Jeremiah 7:3

Connecting Statement:

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

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Make your ways and practices good, and I will let you continue

"If you improve your ways and your practices, then I will let you continue"

in this place

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

Jeremiah 7:4

Do not entrust yourself to deceitful words and say

The reflexive pronoun "yourself" emphasizes the personal risk to the Israelites. Alternate translation: "Do not trust in deceitful words to protect you, saying" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

Temple of Yahweh! Temple of Yahweh! Temple of Yahweh!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:5

Connecting Statement:

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

make your ways and practices good

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

completely execute justice

The abstract noun "justice" can be translated using the verb "judge." Alternate translation: "judge rightly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:6

do not exploit the one

"treat fairly the foreigner"

orphan

child whose parents have died

pour out innocent blood

Here pouring out innocent blood represents killing those not deserving death. Alternate translation: "kill innocent people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

walk after other gods

Here walking after is a metonym for following after with the intent to serve and obey. Alternate translation: "serve other gods" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in this place

Here "this place" refers to the land of Judah.

Jeremiah 7:7

will let you stay

"will let you continue to live"

from ancient times and forever

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

Jeremiah 7:8

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

Behold!

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

Jeremiah 7:9

Do you steal, kill, and commit adultery? Do you swear ... and walk after other gods whom you have not known?

These questions expect a positive answer to make the point that God knows the sins they are committing. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You steal, kill, and commit adultery. You swear ... and walk after other gods whom you have not known." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

swear deceitfully

"lie even in your oaths"

walk after other gods

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:10

Then do you come and stand ... so you can do all of these abominations?

This question expects a positive answer to make the point that God knows the hypocrisy of their words and actions. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Then you come and stand ... so you can do all of these abominations." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

house that is called by my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:11

Is this house, which carries my name, a den of bandits in your eyes?

This question expects a positive answer to make the point that God knows what they think about Yahweh's temple. This can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this house, which carries my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

bandits

violent people who steal and destroy

But behold, I have seen it

"But I certainly have seen what you are doing"

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 7:12

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

my place that was in Shiloh, where I allowed my name to stay there in the beginning

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:13

time and time again

This hendiadys is also an idiom that means something is done many times. Alternate translation: "repeatedly" or "persistently" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:14

this house that is called by my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:15

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 7:16

General Information:

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

do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a lamenting wail or say a prayer on their behalf, and do not petition me

These four clauses each mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

lift up a lamenting wail

"cry out with sadness"

on their behalf

"for their benefit" or "for them"

petition me

"plead with me"

Jeremiah 7:17

Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:18

kindling the fire

"starting the fire"

kneading dough

mixing dough by hand

dough

a thick mixture of flour and liquid used for baking

the queen of the heavens

This was the name of a false god. Alternate translation: "the false god known as 'the queen of the heavens'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

will provoke me

"will anger me"

Jeremiah 7:19

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

is it not themselves whom they are provoking, so that shame is on them?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

shame is on them

The abstract noun "shame" can be translated using the verb "shamed." Alternate translation: "they are shamed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:20

See

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"

my anger and wrath will gush out onto this place

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were something that could be poured out. Alternate translation: "I will punish this place" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

anger and wrath

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of Yahweh's anger. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

gush out

"pour out"

It will burn and never be extinguished

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could not be put out. Alternate translation: "No one will will be able to stop my anger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

never be extinguished

"never stop burning"

Jeremiah 7:21

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and the meat from them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:22

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 7:23

Listen to my voice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

walk in all the ways that I am commanding you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:24

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

they did not listen or pay attention

These phrases mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

by their own stubborn plans of their wicked hearts

"according to their own plans because they were wicked and stubborn"

they went backwards, not forward

This is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:25

Ever since the day when your ancestors went out from the land of Egypt until this day

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

I persisted in sending them

"I sent them again and again" or "I repeatedly sent them"

Jeremiah 7:26

they hardened their necks

This is an idiom that means they were stubborn. Alternate translation: "they became stubborn" or "they resisted me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

They were more wicked

"Each generation was more wicked"

Jeremiah 7:27

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

So proclaim all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. Proclaim these things to them, but they will not answer you.

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:28

the voice of Yahweh its God

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Truth is destroyed and cut off from their mouths

Yahweh speaks of truth as if it was something the people could destroy and stop saying. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people destroy truth and cut it off from their mouths" or "The people tell only lies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Truth is destroyed

The abstract noun "truth" can be translated using the adjective "truthful." Alternate translation: "What is truthful is destroyed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:29

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

Cut off your hair and shave yourself, and throw away your hair

This would be done as a sign of mourning. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

rejected and abandoned

These two words have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:30

sons of Judah

This refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

their detestable things

Here "detestable things" refers to idols, which God hates. Alternate translation: "their disgusting idols" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

house that is called by my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:31

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

the high place of Topheth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the Valley of Ben Hinnom

This is the name of a valley south of the city of Jerusalem, where people sacrificed to false gods. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

nor did it enter my mind

Here the word "mind" refers to Yahweh's thoughts. Alternate translation: "nor did I ever think about it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 7:32

So see

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

days are coming ... when it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

it will no longer be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will no longer call it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

they will bury bodies

"they will bury dead people"

no room left

"no place remaining"

Jeremiah 7:33

Connecting Statement:

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

The corpses

"The dead bodies"

this people

"the people of Judah"

the birds of the skies

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

the wild animals of the earth

Another possible meaning is "the wild animals of the land," referring to Judah.

to frighten them away

"to scare them away"

Jeremiah 7:34

I will put an end to

"I will remove from"

the sound of joy and the sound of gladness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the sound of the groom and the sound of the bride

This is a metonym for what happens at marriage ceremonies. Alternate translation: "and people celebrating marriage" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

will become a desolation

The abstract noun "desolation" can be translated using the adjective "desolate." Alternate translation: "will become desolate" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8

Jeremiah 8:intro-0

Jeremiah 08 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Hyperbole

The author frequently uses hyperbole in this chapter to describe the complete destruction of Jerusalem. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:1

Connecting Statement:

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

they will bring

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

its officials

"its princes" or "its rulers"

Jeremiah 8:2

will spread them out

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

that they have followed and served, that they have walked after and sought, and that they have worshiped

The word "they" here refers to the people of Judah. These three phrases mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

walked after

This is a metaphor for serving or worshiping. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 2:23. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The bones will not be gathered or buried again

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "No one will gather their bones or bury them again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

They will be like dung on the surface of the earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

on the surface of the earth

"all over the ground"

Jeremiah 8:3

where I have driven them

The word "them" refers to the people of Judah.

this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:4

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

So say to them

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

Does anyone fall and not get up? Does anyone get lost and not try to return?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:5

Why has this people, Jerusalem, turned away in permanent faithlessness?

Yahweh is saying that the way the people of Judah are acting does not make sense. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It does not make sense that this people, Jerusalem, has turned away in permanent faithlessness." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jerusalem

The word "Jerusalem" here is a synecdoche for all the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

hold on to treachery

What the people of Judah were doing is spoken of as if they were clinging to treachery and would not let it go. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They hold on to treachery

The abstract noun "treachery" is spoken of as if it were a physical object that a person could hold on to. It can be translated using 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:6

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

paid attention and listened

These two things mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

did not speak right

"did not say what is right"

for his wickedness

The abstract noun "wickedness" can be translated using the adjective "wicked." Alternate translation: "for being wicked" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

What have I done?

The implied information is that this is a question that the people of Judah should have been asking. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have done a terrible thing." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

go where they wish

"go their own way"

like a stallion rushing toward battle

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

stallion

adult male horse

Jeremiah 8:7

Even the stork in heaven knows the right times; and the doves, swifts, and cranes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

stork ... doves, swifts, and cranes

All of these are different types of birds that migrate. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

They go on their migrations at the right time, but my people do not know Yahweh's decrees

The implied information is that the people should have naturally known Yahweh's decrees. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

They go on their migrations

The abstract noun "migrations" can be translated using the verb "migrate." Alternate translation: "They migrate" or "They fly from one region to another" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:8

Connecting Statement:

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

How can you say, "We are wise, for the law of Yahweh is with us"?

Yahweh asks this question to make the people of Judah think about what they were saying. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You think that you are wise because you have the law of Yahweh with you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

How can you say

The "you" here refers to the people of Judah.

Indeed, see!

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

The deceitful pen of the scribes

The pen represents the words that the scribes write. Alternate translation: "The false things that the scribes write" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

has created deceit

"has given you false ideas"

Jeremiah 8:9

The wise men will be ashamed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

dismayed

terrified or shattered

Behold!

"Pay attention!"

so what use is their wisdom?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:10

because from the least to the greatest, all of them are greedy for dishonest gain! From the prophet to the priest, all of them practice deceit

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 6:13.

because from the least to the greatest, all of them are greedy

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

the least

the greatest

all of them

"all of the people of Judah"

are greedy for dishonest gain

all of them practice deceit

"all of them deceive people" or "all of them are liars"

Jeremiah 8:11

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

They healed the wounds of my people lightly

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They healed the wounds ... lightly

Here "lightly" represents treating the wounds as if they were not serious, as if they were not difficult. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

"Peace, Peace," when there was no peace

"'All is well, All is well,' but it was not well"

Jeremiah 8:12

Were they ashamed when they practiced abominations?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

they did not know how to blush

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

they will fall among the fallen

they will be brought down when they are punished

Jeremiah 8:13

this is Yahweh's declaration

the leaf will wither

"the leaf will dry up"

what I have given to them will pass away

The meaning of the original text is uncertain here.

Jeremiah 8:14

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

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

Why are we sitting here?

This question is asked to motivate action. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We should not stay here." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Come together; let us go to the fortified cities

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

we will become silent there in death

Here "become silent" means to die. Alternate translation: "let us die there" or "let us wait for our enemies to kill us there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

For Yahweh our God will silence us

Here "silence" is a metaphor for condemning to death. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh our God has condemned us to die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

He will make us drink poison

This is an idiom for Yahweh's judgment on his people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:15

but there will be nothing good

"but nothing good will happen"

but see

"but understand"

Jeremiah 8:16

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues his message about the punishment coming to Judah.

The snorting of his stallions is heard from Dan

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Dan hear the snorting of his stallions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

snorting

a loud sound that a horse makes with its nose

stallions

adult male horses

The whole earth shakes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

at the sound of the neighing of his strong horses

"when they hear the sound of the enemy's strong horses"

neighing

a sound that a horse makes

they will come and consume

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:17

For see

"Now pay attention"

vipers that you cannot charm

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

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 8:18

General Information:

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

My sorrow has no end

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

has no end

These words are an exaggeration that express the great extent of Jeremiah's sorrow. Alternate translation: "is very great" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

my heart is sick

Here "heart" represents Jeremiah, emphasizing his feelings and emotions. Alternate translation: "I feel sick deep down inside me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:19

Behold!

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

the daughter of my people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

from a land far away

Possible meanings are 1) From exile. Alternate translation: "from exile in a distant land" or 2) From throughout the land of Judah. Alternate translation: "throughout our land"

Is Yahweh not in Zion? Is her king no longer there?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why then do they provoke me to anger with their carved figures and their worthless foreign idols?

The word "me" refers to Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If they want me to save them, then they must not offend me with their carved figures." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:20

General Information:

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

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues talking about the people of Judah.

The harvest has passed on

"Harvest time is over"

But we have not been saved

Jeremiah tells what the people of Judah are saying. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Yahweh has not saved us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:21

I am hurt because of the hurt of the daughter of my people. I mourn at the horrible things that have happened to her; I am dismayed

These statements express the same idea in more than one way for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 8:22

Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no healer there? Why will the healing of the daughter of my people not happen?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9

Jeremiah 9:intro-0

Jeremiah 09 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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/circumcise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:1

General Information:

Yahweh and Jeremiah continue talking about the people of Judah.

If only my head could produce water, and my eyes be a fountain of tears

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

day and night

By mentioning both "day" and "night" this phrase means all the time. Alternate translation: "all the time" or "continually" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

the daughter of my people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

who have been killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the enemy has killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:2

If only someone would give me

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

a place for travelers in the wilderness to stay

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

abandon my people

"leave my people"

a band of traitors

"a group of people who betray other people"

Jeremiah 9:3

Yahweh declares

See how you translated "this is Yahweh's declaration" in Jeremiah 1:8.

They bend their tongues like their bows for lies

God speaks of liars as if they were people who shoot others with bows and arrows. People who use bows and arrows bend their bows in order to fasten the bowstrings. Just as they prepare to shoot arrows, liars prepare to tell lies. Alternate translation: "Their tongues are like bows which they prepare to shoot out lies" or "Their lies are like arrows that they shoot with their tongues" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They

Here the word "They" refers to God's people.

and it is not because of any faithfulness of theirs that they grow strong on the earth

Apparently God's people thought that the reason they were strong was that they were faithful. But they were not faithful. Alternate translation: "and they grow strong on the earth, but it is not because they are faithful" or "and they grow strong on the earth, but not by being faithful"

For they go from one wicked act to another

Committing one evil action after another is spoken of as if the evildoers were going from one action to another. Alternate translation: "For they keep doing evil things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking with Jeremiah about the people of Judah.

Each of you

The word "you" refers to the people of Judah.

be on guard against your neighbor and do not trust in any brother

"be careful not to trust your fellow Israelites, and do not even trust your own brother"

every neighbor walks in slander

Here "walking" is an idiom for living. Alternate translation: "every neighbor slanders one another" or "every neighbor is a slanderer" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:5

Each man mocks his neighbor and does not speak the truth

"All of the people mock each other, and they do not tell the truth"

Their tongues teach deceitful things

Here people are represented by their "tongues" to emphasize their speech. Alternate translation: "They teach deceitful things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

They are exhausted from committing iniquity

"They are tired from committing so much sin"

Jeremiah 9:6

Your dwelling is in the midst of deception

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:[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in their deceit

"By telling all of these lies"

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 9:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak about the people of Judah.

See

Yahweh uses this word here to draw Jeremiah's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to refine them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for what else can I do, because of what my people have done?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to state that this is how he needs to deal with his people because of what they have done. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "for this is how I must deal with my people because of what they have done." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongues are sharpened arrows

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]]and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

With their mouths they proclaim peace with their neighbors

Here people's speech is represented by their "mouths." Alternate translation: "They speak, saying that they want peace with their neighbors" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

but with their hearts they lie in wait for them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]]and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:9

Should I not punish them because of these things ... should I not avenge myself on a nation that is like this?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 9:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about the people of Judah. In verse 12, Jeremiah makes a comment.

I will sing a song of mourning ... a funeral song will be sung for the meadows

Yahweh is mourning for the land of Israel as if it were a person who died. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

a funeral song will be sung

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will sing a funeral song" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the meadows

"the fields of grass that the livestock eats"

For they are laid waste

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Because someone has destroyed the meadows and pastures" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the lowing of the cattle is not heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nobody will hear the sound of cattle there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:11

a hideout for jackals

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

places without inhabitants

"places where no people live"

Jeremiah 9:12

What man is wise enough to understand this?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only a very wise person will understand the things he has said. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Only people who are very wise can understand these things." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

To whom has the mouth of Yahweh spoken, and he will declare it?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only the people he has spoken to can declare these things. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Only those who have been taught by Yahweh can explain these things to others." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the mouth of Yahweh

Here Yahweh's speech is represented by his "mouth." Alternate translation: "Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Why has the land perished and been destroyed ... pass through?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only a wise person could explain why the land has been destroyed. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Only a wise person could explain why the land has perished and been destroyed ... pass through." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

has the land perished and been destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Both "perished" and "been ruined" describe the land being ruined. Alternate translation: "is the land ruined" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:13

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about the people of Judah.

It is because

"These things will happen because"

they have abandoned my law

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they do not listen to my voice

Here Yahweh's "voice" represents what he says. Alternate translation: "they do not pay attention to the things I tell them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

or walk by it

Here "walk" is an idiom for "live." Alternate translation: "or live the way I tell them to live" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:14

they have walked by their stubborn hearts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

have followed the Baals

"have worshiped the Baals"

Jeremiah 9:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about the people of Judah.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

See

Yahweh uses this word here to draw the people's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

wormwood

a plant that tastes bitter

Jeremiah 9:16

Then I will scatter them among the nations

"Then I will force them to leave here and live in many different countries"

neither they nor their ancestors

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "that neither they nor their ancestors have known" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

I will send out a sword after them

Here the word "sword" refers to an enemy army. Alternate translation: "I will send an army of soldiers to fight against them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I have completely destroyed them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:17

General Information:

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

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Summon funeral singers; let them come ... Send out for women skilled at lamenting; let them come

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Summon funeral singers

"Call women who are professional singers at funerals"

let them come

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "tell the women to come" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Send out for women skilled at lamenting

The phrase "send out for" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Send people out to get women who are skilled at mourning" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:18

Let them hurry and sing a mournful song ... and our eyelids flow with water

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

so our eyes may run with tears and our eyelids flow with water

This describes the people crying a lot. Alternate translation: "so we will cry very hard with tears flowing from our eyes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:19

General Information:

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

For the sound of wailing is heard in Zion

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

How we are devastated

Yahweh tells what the people of Judah will say when the land is destroyed. Alternate translation: "We are very upset" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

We are greatly ashamed, for we have abandoned the land since they tore down our houses

"Our shame is great, because enemies destroyed our houses and we had to leave the land of Israel"

Jeremiah 9:20

hear Yahweh's word; pay attention to the messages that come from his mouth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

each neighbor woman a funeral song

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "teach each neighbor woman a funeral song" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:21

General Information:

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

For death has come through our windows ... young men in the city squares

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

palaces

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

city squares

marketplaces

Jeremiah 9:22

This is Yahweh's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

the corpses of men will fall like dung ... like grain stalks after the reapers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

corpses of men will fall like dung in the fields

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

like grain stalks after the reapers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

there will be no one to gather them

"there will be nobody to gather the dead bodies"

Jeremiah 9:23

General Information:

These are the words of Yahweh.

Do not let the wise man take pride in his wisdom

"A wise man should not be proud because he is wise"

or the warrior in his might

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "or let the warrior take pride in his might" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Do not let the wealthy man take pride in his riches

"A rich man should not be proud because he is rich"

Jeremiah 9:24

has insight and knows me

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

For I am Yahweh

This refers to people knowing Yahweh and his ways. Alternate translation: "Because people should understand that I am Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

For it is in these that I take pleasure

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

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 9:25

General Information:

These are the words of Yahweh.

See

Yahweh uses this word here to draw the people's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen" or "Indeed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

all the circumcised who are such only in their body

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 9:26

all the people who cut the hair on their heads very short

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."

For all these nations are uncircumcised

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

all the house of Israel has an uncircumcised heart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10:intro-0

Jeremiah 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])

Jeremiah 10:1

General Information:

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

Hear the word

"Hear the message"

house of Israel

Here the "house" of Israel represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "people of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:2

Do not learn the ways of the nations

"Do not act like the other nations act"

dismayed

worried or upset

by the signs in the heavens

"by strange things in the sky"

for the nations are dismayed by these

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:3

General Information:

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

craftsman

a man skilled in his work

Jeremiah 10:4

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 10:5

What they make with their hands is like scarecrows

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

cucumber

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

they have to be carried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people have to carry them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:6

General Information:

Jeremiah has just been talking about idol worship.

your name is great in power

Here Yahweh's "name" refers to himself and his reputation. Alternate translation: "you are very powerful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:7

Who does not fear you, king of the nations?

Jeremiah asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that everyone should fear Yahweh. Here he refers to Yahweh as "king of the nations." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Everyone should fear you, king of the nations." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

what you deserve

"what you have earned"

Jeremiah 10:8

They are all the same, they are brutish and stupid, disciples

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

disciples of idols that are nothing but wood

"they try to learn from an idol which is only a piece of wood"

Jeremiah 10:9

Tarshish ... Uphaz

places where silver and gold are mined (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

gold from Uphaz made by artificers, the hands of refiners

This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

artificers

"skilled craftsmen"

refiners

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

Their clothes are blue and purple cloth

"The people dress the idols in blue and purple cloth"

Jeremiah 10:10

The earth quakes at his anger

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

quakes

"shakes"

Jeremiah 10:11

General Information:

God is speaking to Jeremiah.

You will speak to them like this

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

will perish from the earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:12

stretched out the heavens

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:13

His voice makes the roar of waters in the heavens

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he brings up the mists from the ends of the earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

sends out wind from his storehouse

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

storehouse

a building where things are kept

Jeremiah 10:14

has become ignorant

"is lacking knowledge" or "does not know"

Every metalworker is put to shame by his idols

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Every metalworker's idols put him to shame" or "As for every metalworker, his idols shame him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:15

they will perish at the time of their punishment

This speaks of the final destruction of the idols. Alternate translation: "there will be a time when God will destroy them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:16

the portion of Jacob

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the molder of all things

"the creator of all things" or "the one who created all things"

Israel is the tribe of his inheritance

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:17

Gather your bundle

"Gather your belongings"

who have been living under the siege

"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

See

Yahweh uses this word here to draw the peoples' attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I am about to throw the inhabitants of the land out this time

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

inhabitants of the land

"people who live in the land"

distress

great pain or suffering

Jeremiah 10:19

General Information:

Jeremiah is speaking as if he were the whole tribe of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Woe to me! Because of my broken bones, my wound is infected

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

but I must bear it

Here Jeremiah represents the whole tribe of Israel. Alternate translation: "but we must bear it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:20

My tent is devastated, and all of my tent cords are cut in two

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

My tent is devastated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My enemy has devastated my tent" or "Our enemy has destroyed our tent" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

They have taken my children away from me

Here Jeremiah represents the whole tribe of Israel. Alternate translation: "Our enemies have taken our children away from us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

so they no longer exist

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

There is no longer anyone to spread out my tent or to raise up my tent curtains

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:21

For the shepherds are stupid ... all their flock has been scattered

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

all their flock has been scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and their enemies have scattered all their flock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:22

See! It is coming, a great earthquake is coming

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

jackals

a type of fierce wild dog

Jeremiah 10:23

General Information:

Jeremiah prays for the people of Israel.

that the way of a man does not come from himself. No person walking directs his own steps

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 10:24

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 10:25

Pour your fury on the nations

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

that do not call on your name

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that do not worship you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

For they have devoured Jacob and consumed him so as to completely destroy him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

demolish his habitation

"demolish their homes"

Jeremiah 11

Jeremiah 11:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]])

Jeremiah 11:1

The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:2

the inhabitants of Jerusalem

"the people who live in Jerusalem"

Jeremiah 11:3

Cursed is anyone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will curse anyone" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:4

from the land of Egypt, from the furnace for smelting iron

This speaks of the horrible circumstances and oppression the Israelites were living in 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

smelting

heating iron to liquid form

Listen to my voice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:5

the land flowing with milk and honey

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:6

the words of this covenant

"the terms of this covenant"

carry them out

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "obey them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:7

solemn

serious and important

Listen to my voice

Jeremiah 11:8

Each person has been walking in the stubbornness of his wicked heart.

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

So I brought all the curses in this covenant that I commanded to come against them

"So I punished them with all the curses that I described in this covenant that I had commanded them to obey"

Jeremiah 11:9

A conspiracy has been discovered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There is a conspiracy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

conspiracy

a secret plan to do something that is harmful or illegal

the inhabitants of Jerusalem

"the people who live in Jerusalem"

Jeremiah 11:10

They have turned to the iniquities of their earliest ancestors

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

walked after

"followed after"

The house of Israel

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" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:11

See

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

The cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

but they will certainly not be saved by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but their gods will certainly not save them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:13

to equal

"to as many as"

her streets

"the streets in Jerusalem"

Jeremiah 11:14

You must not wail

"You must not make a loud cry of sadness"

Jeremiah 11:15

Why is my beloved one, the one who has had so many wicked intentions, in my house?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the people Judah no longer have a right to be in his temple. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "My beloved one, the one who has had so many wicked intentions, should not be in my house." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

is my beloved one, the one who has had

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:16

In the past Yahweh called you a leafy olive tree

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

will light a fire on it

This expression continues the metaphor of the tree. The fire stands for the destruction of the people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

that will sound like the roar of a storm

This compares the sound of the raging fire to the sound of a severe storm. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

its branches will be broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will break off your branches" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:17

the one who planted you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

has decreed disaster against you

"has decreed that disaster will come upon you"

the house of Israel

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" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Judah

Jeremiah 11:18

Yahweh made me know these things, so I know them

"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.

made me see their deeds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:19

I was like a gentle lamb being led to a butcher

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

being led to a butcher

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that my enemies were leading to a butcher" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Let us destroy the tree with its fruit

Here Jeremiah's enemies speak of killing him as if he were a fruit tree that they were planning to destroy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Let us cut him off from the land of the living

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

his name will be no longer remembered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will no longer remember his name" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:20

the heart and the mind

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will witness your vengeance

The word "vengeance" here can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "I will watch you take revenge" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:21

Anathoth

This is the name of a special city where priests live. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

seeking your life

This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. Alternate translation: "wanting to kill you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They say

"They say to me." The men are speaking to Jeremiah.

you will die by our hand

Here the men refer to their "hand" to emphasize that they plan to kill him themselves. Alternate translation: "we ourselves will kill you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:22

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

See

This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

vigorous young men

men at the strongest time of their lives

will die by the sword

Here the "sword" represents battle. Alternate translation: "will die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 11:23

None of them will be left

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will leave none of them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

a year of their punishment

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12

Jeremiah 12:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/grace.md]])

Jeremiah 12:1

General Information:

Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh.

the wicked

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "wicked people" or "those who are wicked" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:2

You planted them and they took root. They continue to produce fruit

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You are near to them in their mouths, but far away from their hearts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:3

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking to Yahweh.

my heart

Here the "heart" represents a person's thoughts and true feelings. Alternate translation: "my thoughts" or "my inner feelings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Take them away like sheep to the slaughter

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the day of slaughter

"the day they will be destroyed"

Jeremiah 12:4

How long will the land be parched and the grass in the field be withered? Because those who live in it are wicked, the animals ... away, because

Some versions read, "How long will the land be parched and the grass in the field be withered because those who live in it are wicked? the animals ... away, because." The words "because those who live in it are wicked" can be understood to explain either why the land and grass have dried up or why the animals and birds have died or both. Because the writer is not looking for an answer to his question, some versions change the order of the clauses and remove the rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "Because those who live in the land are wicked, the land is parched and the grass in the field is withered and the animals ... away. This is because." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

withered

dried up and so dead

the animals and the birds have been swept away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The animals and the birds are gone" or "The animals and the birds have all died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

He will not see what happens to us

Possible meanings are 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

how can you compete against horses?

This rhetorical question implies that he would not be able to run with horses. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you will never compete well against horses." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If you fall down

This refers to while the person is running. Alternate translation: "If you fall down while running" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the safe countryside

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.

how will you do in the thickets along the Jordan?

This rhetorical question implies that he would not be able to run through the thickets along the Jordan. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you will surely not be able to run in the thickets along the Jordan." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

thickets

many bushes or small trees growing close together

Jeremiah 12:6

denounced

to have accused someone publicly

Jeremiah 12:7

I have abandoned my house; I have forsaken my inheritance. I have given my beloved into the hands of her enemies.

These three sentences have similar meanings. The first and second one strengthens the thought in the third. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

I have abandoned my house; I have forsaken my inheritance

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

into the hands of her enemies

Here the word "hands" represents control. Alternate translation: "to be conquered by her enemies" or "over to the control of her enemies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

of her

Here Yahweh refers to his people as a female by using a feminine pronoun. Alternate translation: "of their" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:8

she sets herself against me with her own voice

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"

she sets herself ... with her ... hate her

Here Yahweh refers to his people as a female by using feminine pronouns. Alternate translation: "they set themselves ... with their ... hate them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:9

Has not my prized possession become a speckled bird, that other birds of prey go against her all around?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that his people are surrounded by their enemies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "My prized possession has become a speckled bird and other birds of prey go against her all around." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Has not my prized possession

Here Yahweh speaks of his people as his "prized possession." Alternate translation: "Have not my people, who are my prized possession" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

become a speckled bird, that other birds of prey go against her all around

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a speckled bird

"a strange looking bird." This refers to a bird that was often picked on and eaten by other birds.

birds of prey

birds that attack and eat animals

Go and gather all the wild beasts and bring them to devour her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:10

Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Many shepherds have destroyed

Here the word "shepherds" refers to their sheep. Alternate translation: "Many shepherds have allowed their sheep to destroy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They have stomped all over

"They have crushed under their feet"

my portion of land

"the ground I planted" or "my field"

Jeremiah 12:11

All the land has been made desolate

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All the land is desolate" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

takes it to heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "cares" or "pays any attention" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:12

Destroyers have come

"Destroying armies have come"

bare places in the wilderness

"places in the wilderness where nothing grows"

for Yahweh's sword is devouring

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

from one end of the land to the other

This refers to the whole land that belongs to his people.

Jeremiah 12:13

They have sown wheat but harvest thornbushes

"They have sown wheat, but there is nothing to harvest but thornbushes"

They have

"My people have"

thornbushes

a large plant that is covered in sharp points

exhausted

unable to do more, without any more strength

So be ashamed of your gain because of Yahweh's anger

"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

strike at the possession

"have been trying to take away the land"

made my people Israel inherit

"gave my people Israel as an inheritance"

See

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"

to uproot them from their own ground

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will pull up the house of Judah from among them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

pull up

"uproot"

the house of Judah

Jeremiah 12:15

I uproot those nations

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 12:16

General Information:

God's word about Judah's neighbors.

It will come about that

"It will happen that"

As Yahweh lives

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

they will be built up in the midst of my people

This speaks of the people becoming prosperous as if they were a building that was being built. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

midst

middle

Jeremiah 12:17

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 13

Jeremiah 13:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:1

linen

a type of very fine cloth

undergarment

clothing that people wear under their clothes; underwear

waist

the middle part of the body, usually the narrowest, between the hips and chest

do not put it in water first

"do not wash it or get it wet"

Jeremiah 13:2

General Information:

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Jeremiah 13:3

the word of Yahweh came to me a second time, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:4

rock crevice

a space between rocks or a crack in a rock, big enough to put something into it

Jeremiah 13:5

General Information:

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Jeremiah 13:6

General Information:

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Jeremiah 13:7

General Information:

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Jeremiah 13:8

the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:9

of Judah and Jerusalem

Here Judah and Jerusalem refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "of the people of Judah and Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:10

to listen to my word

"to obey what I say"

who walk in the hardness of their heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "who are stubborn and only do the things they desire" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:11

clings to ... cling to me

"sticks to ... stick to me" or "stays close to ... stay close to me"

all the house of ... all the house of

"all the people of ... all the people of"

the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Judah

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" or "the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 13:12

Every jar will be filled with wine ... every jar will be filled with wine

This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:13

See

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"

fill with drunkenness every inhabitant of this land

"cause all the people of this land to be drunk"

the kings who sit on David's throne

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:14

smash each man against the other, fathers and children together

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

fathers and children together

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "I will smash fathers and children together" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will not pity

"I will not feel sorry for"

will not spare them from destruction

"will not withhold punishment from them." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will allow them to be destroyed"

Jeremiah 13:15

arrogant

falsely believing oneself to be important

Jeremiah 13:16

he brings darkness

"he causes darkness to come." 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"

before he causes your feet to stumble

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

twilight

early morning or evening when it is partially dark, when the sun is beginning to rise or when the sun is almost set

For you are hoping for light, but he will turn the place into a deep darkness, into a dark cloud

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:17

for Yahweh's flock has been taken captive

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for enemies have captured Yahweh's flock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for Yahweh's flock has been taken captive

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pastforfuture/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:18

General Information:

Yahweh is continuing to talk to Jeremiah. He is telling Jeremiah what to say to the king of Judah and the king's mother.

queen mother

the mother of the king

for your splendid crowns have fallen from your heads

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pastforfuture/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:19

The cities in the Negev will be shut up, with no one to open them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

The cities in the Negev will be shut up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your enemies will shut the cities in the Negev up" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

All Judah will be taken captive, completely taken captive

Here "Judah" represents the people who live there. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemies will take all of the people of Judah captive into exile" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:20

General Information:

Yahweh is talking to the people of Jerusalem.

Lift up your eyes and look at the ones coming from the north

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the ones coming from the north

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Where is the flock he gave to you, the flock that was so beautiful to you?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pastforfuture/01.md]])

the flock

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:21

What will you say when God sets over you those you had trained to be your special allies?

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the people who Judah's leaders thought they were at peace with will conquer them. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The people you thought were your friends will conquer you and rule over you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Are these not the beginnings of the labor pains that will seize you just like a woman in childbirth?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to tell the people that their capture is just the beginning of the suffering they will go through. This question can be written 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues to talk to Jeremiah. He is telling Jeremiah what to say to the king of Judah and the king's mother.

that your skirts are raised up and you have been violated

This means that the enemy soldiers will rape the Judean women. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the enemy soldiers will lift up the skirts of your women and rape them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:23

Can the people of Cush change their skin color, or a leopard change its spots?

This rhetorical question is used to state an example of something that is impossible. This question can be written 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

If so, then you yourself, although accustomed to wickedness, would be able to do good

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:24

I will scatter them like chaff that perishes in the desert wind

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:25

General Information:

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Jeremiah 13:26

I myself will strip your skirts off you, and your private parts will be seen.

This means that Yahweh will make them feel ashamed. It does not in any way mean that he will rape them. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 13:27

neighing

This is the sound of a male horse desiring a female horse. Alternate translation: "lusting" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14

Jeremiah 14:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/hope.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

Jeremiah 14:1

General Information:

Yahweh, through the prophet Jeremiah, has just talked about the adultery of the people.

This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:2

Let Judah mourn

Here "Judah" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "Let the people of Judah mourn" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

let her gates fall apart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

fall apart

"fall into pieces"

their cries for Jerusalem are going up

The phrase "going up" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "They are calling out loudly in prayer for Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:3

Their mighty ones

"The rich people"

ashamed and dishonored

Both of these words have similar meaning and together emphasize that the servants were ashamed that they were unable to get water. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

they cover their heads

In biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:4

General Information:

Yahweh, through the prophet Jeremiah, has continued to tell the people about the drought.

The plowmen are ashamed and cover their heads

In biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:5

the doe leaves her young in the fields and abandons them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

for there is no grass

This means that there is no grass for the deer to eat. Alternate translation: "for there is no grass for them to eat" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:6

they pant in the wind like jackals

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Their eyes fail to work, for there is no vegetation

"They become blind because there is no grass to eat"

Jeremiah 14:7

General Information:

Yahweh, through the prophet Jeremiah, has just told the people about the drought.

our iniquities testify against us

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

for the sake of your name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:8

Hope of Israel

This is another name for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "You are the hope of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

why will you be like a stranger in the land, like a foreign wanderer who stretches out and spends just one night?

The people are asking if Yahweh is unconcerned with his people and unable to help them. This can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

why will you be like a stranger in the land, like a foreign wanderer ... just one night

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:9

Why are you like someone who is astounded, or like a warrior who has no power to rescue?

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. This can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

astounded

unable to understand or to think clearly

your name is called over us

This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:10

General Information:

Jeremiah has been praying and asking Yahweh not to leave them alone.

they love to wander

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

have not held back their feet

Here the people are referred to by their "feet" to emphasize their walking away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "have not kept themselves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

calls to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remembers" or "recalls" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:11

on behalf of

"to assist" or "to help"

Jeremiah 14:12

wailing

loudly crying because of sorrow

I will put an end to them

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "I will cause them to die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

by sword

Here war is represented by the "sword" which was the common weapon used in battle. Alternate translation: "by war" or "by battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:13

General Information:

Yahweh has just told Jeremiah not to pray for the people of Judah.

You will not see the sword

Here "sword" represents war, and to "see" represents experiencing. Alternate translation: "You will not experience any war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will give you true security

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:14

prophesy deceit

The word "deceit" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "prophesy deceitfully" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

in my name

This phrase refers to speaking with Yahweh's power and authority or as his representative. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I did not send them out

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

coming from their own minds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:15

General Information:

Jeremiah has just been talking to Yahweh about the things the false prophets have been prophesying.

in my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

there will be no sword ... perish by sword

Here the "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "there will be no war ... perish by war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:16

famine and sword

Here the "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "famine and war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Then the people to whom they prophesied will be thrown out in the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and sword

This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

their wives, their sons, or their daughters

This describes who is referred to by the word "them," that is, everyone who died by famine and sword.

I will pour out their wickedness on them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:17

night and day

Here two opposite times of the day are given to mean all the time. Alternate translation: "all the time, both night and day" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

incurable wound

a cut or break in skin that cannot be cured

Jeremiah 14:18

who were killed by the sword

This can be stated in active form. Also, here the "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "who died by the sword" or "who died in war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

there are the diseases that are caused by famine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

wander

move around without purpose

they do not know

It may be helpful to state what they do not know. Alternate translation: "they do not know what they are doing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:19

for a time of healing

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "we hoped for a time of healing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:20

We admit, Yahweh, our offenses, the iniquity of our ancestors

"Yahweh, we admit our wicked offenses and our ancestors' iniquity"

Jeremiah 14:21

General Information:

Jeremiah continues his prayer to Yahweh.

For the sake of your name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

your glorious throne

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 14:22

can the skies themselves send down showers

"Can the skies decide when they make the rain to fall?"

Jeremiah 15

Jeremiah 15:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:1

General Information:

Jeremiah has just been praying to Yahweh.

were standing in front of me, I would still not be in favor of this people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Send them out from before me, for them to go away

Yahweh repeats this idea of sending away his people to add emphasis to it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:2

Those who are for

"Those whom I have appointed to go to"

should go to death

This speaks of dying as if death were a place that people can go to. Alternate translation: "should die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

those who are for the sword should go to the sword

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Those who are for famine should go to famine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

should go to captivity

"should go into captivity"

Jeremiah 15:3

General Information:

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.

the sword

Here the "sword" refers to the enemy soldiers. Alternate translation: "the enemy soldiers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:4

I will make of them

Here the word "them" refers to the people of Judah, not to the four groups listed in the previous verse.

because of what Manasseh ... did in Jerusalem

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:5

General Information:

Yahweh has just told them he will assign them to four groups to kill them—the sword, dogs, birds, and beasts.

For who will have compassion for you, Jerusalem? Who will grieve for you?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one should mourn for Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one should have compassion on you, Jerusalem. No one should mourn for your destruction." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

for you, Jerusalem

Here "Jerusalem" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "for you people who live in Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:6

You have forsaken me ... you have gone back from me

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people have, indeed, forsaken Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

gone back from me

"left me" or "gone away from me"

I will strike you with my hand

Here "hand" represents power. Alternate translation: "I will use my power to strike you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:7

So I will winnow them with a pitchfork at the gates of the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

pitchfork

a farm tool with a long handle and sharp metal prongs, used especially for lifting and tossing grain in the air for winnowing

I will bereave them

"I will cause their children to die" or "I will let their enemies kill their children"

Jeremiah 15:8

General Information:

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.

widows

women whose husbands have died

more than the sands of the seashore

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Against the mothers of young men I will send the destroyer at noonday

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

fall on them

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "happen to them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:9

She will be ashamed and embarrassed

The words "ashamed" and "embarrassed" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of shame. Alternate translation: "She will be completely ashamed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

will waste away

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will grow faint" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Her sun will set while it is still day

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will give those who remain to the sword in the presence of their enemies

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 15:10

General Information:

In these verse, Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh about his suffering, and Yahweh answers him.

Woe to me, my mother

Jeremiah pretends to speak to his mother as a way to emphasize how sad he is. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

a man of controversy and argument

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

I have not lent, nor has anyone lent to me

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:11

Will I not rescue you for good?

The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is "yes." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will certainly rescue you for good!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

your enemies

Those are the enemies of Jeremiah who disagreed with his prophecies.

in the time of calamity and distress

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:12

Can one smash iron? Especially iron from the north that is mixed with bronze?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:13

General Information:

In these verse, Yahweh speaks to the nation of Israel as if it were one person.

wealth and treasures

The words "wealth" and "treasures" mean the same thing and refer to anything that people consider to be valuable. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

plunder

things that you steal from a city after conquering it

all your sins committed

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "all of the sins you have committed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

within all your borders

"throughout your country"

Jeremiah 15:14

a land that you do not know

"to a land that is strange to you"

for a fire will ignite, kindled in my wrath against 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for a fire will ignite, kindled in my wrath against you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

kindled

to light a fire

Jeremiah 15:15

General Information:

Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh.

You are patient, but do not allow them to take me away

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:16

Your words have been found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have heard your message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I consumed them

Jeremiah speaks of listening and understanding Yahweh's message as if it were food that he ate. Alternate translation: "I understood your message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the delight of my heart

Here the "heart" represents a person emotions and feelings. Alternate translation: "what I love most" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I bear your name

"people know that I serve you"

Jeremiah 15:17

I did not sit in the circle of

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I did not spend time with" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

of your powerful hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:18

Why is my pain ongoing and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?

Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his pain. He speaks of his pain as if it were a physical wound. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "My pain is ongoing, it is like a wound that will not heal." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

refusing to be healed

This speaks of Jeremiah's wound as if it were a person that refuses to be healed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that will not heal" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Will you be like deceitful waters to me, waters that dry up?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:19

you will be like my mouth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

you yourself

The pronoun, "yourself", is used here to emphasis the command was specifically for Jeremiah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:20

like an impenetrable bronze wall to this people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they will wage war against you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

save and rescue

The words "save" and "rescue" mean the same thing and emphasize the safety that God promises. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 15:21

rescue you from ... and redeem you from

These phrases have similar meanings and are used together to emphasize the safety that God provides. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

the hand of the wicked ... the hand of the tyrant

Here the word "hand" represents control. Alternate translation: "the control of the wicked ... the control of the tyrant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the wicked

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "wicked people" or "those who are wicked" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

tyrant

a ruler who demands absolute obedience and is not friendly for the people under his rule

Jeremiah 16

Jeremiah 16:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/restore.md]])

Jeremiah 16:1

the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:2

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Jeremiah 16:3

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Jeremiah 16:4

They will die diseased deaths

"They will die from deadly diseases"

They will not be mourned or buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one will mourn for them or bury them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

They will be like dung on the ground

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they will come to an end by sword and famine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:5

the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 'Do

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

where there is mourning

The word "mourning" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "where people are mourning" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

I have taken away my peace from this people ... and my steadfast love and mercy

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 16:6

Both the great and the small will

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

They will not be buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one will bury them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

no one will ... cut themselves or shave their heads for them

Cutting oneself and shaving one's head were symbolic actions that expressed strong grief, especially when a loved one died. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:7

No one must share any food in mourning to comfort them because of the deaths ... none must give a comforting cup to his father or his mother

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

none must give a comforting cup

Here the word "cup" represents the drink that the cup holds. Alternate translation: "none must give a comforting drink" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:8

a banquet house

"a house where people are feasting"

Jeremiah 16:9

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

before your eyes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

in your days

This idiom means during their lifetime. Alternate translation: "during your lifetime" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the sound of the groom and the sound of the bride

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:34.

Jeremiah 16:10

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Jeremiah 16:11

worshiped and bowed down to them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:12

ancestors, for see, each person

"ancestors. Look at these people and you will see that each person"

walking by the stubbornness of his wicked heart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

who listens to me

"who does what I tell him to do"

Jeremiah 16:13

throw you from this land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

by day and night

The mention of both "day" and "night" means all the time. Alternate translation: "all the time" or "continually" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:14

behold

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

when it will no longer be said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when people will no longer say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

As Yahweh lives

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:15

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Jeremiah 16:16

I will send for many fishermen ... so they will fish the people out

Yahweh speaks of enemy armies who will attack and kill the people as if they were fishermen who are catching fish. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will send for many hunters so they will hunt for them among

Yahweh speaks of enemy armies who will attack and kill the people as if they were hunters who are hunting animals. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:17

my eye is on all their ways

Here the word "eye" represents Yahweh who sees all that they do. Alternate translation: "I am watching everything they do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

they cannot be hidden from before me

Here the word "they" may refer either to the people or to their actions. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they cannot hide from me" or "they cannot hide their ways from me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Their iniquity cannot be concealed from before my eyes

Here the word "eyes" represents Yahweh who sees. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They cannot conceal their iniquity from me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:18

for their polluting of my land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

for their filling my inheritance with their disgusting idols

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

my inheritance

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:19

Yahweh, you are my stronghold

Here Jeremiah begins speaking to Yahweh.

my stronghold and my refuge, my place of safety

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as a place where enemies cannot attack him. He repeats the same idea three times. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

The nations will go to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

the ends of the earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

our ancestors inherited deceit

Here the word "deceit" refers to false gods. Alternate translation: "our ancestors inherited nothing but false gods" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They are empty; there is no profit in them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:20

Do people make gods for themselves? But they are not gods

The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize that people cannot make gods for themselves. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "People cannot make gods for themselves. The things that they make are not gods" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 16:21

Therefore see

"Therefore, indeed." Here Yahweh begins speaking. The word "see" adds emphasis to what follows.

I will cause them to know

Here the word "them" refers to the people from the nations. Yahweh repeats this phrase for emphasis.

my hand and my power

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

they will know that Yahweh is my name

Here the word "name" refers to Yahweh's entire person. Alternate translation: "they will know that I am Yahweh, the true God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17

Jeremiah 17:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wise.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:1

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The sin of Judah is written ... on the horns of your altars

Yahweh speaks of Judah's sins being so great that they cannot stop committing them as if someone had engraved their sin permanently. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The sin of Judah is written

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

It is engraved

This may be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has engraved it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

engraved on the tablet of their hearts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

on the horns of your altars

The word "horns" refers to the projections on the corners of the altars.

Jeremiah 17:2

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Jeremiah 17:3

your wealth and all your treasures

The words "wealth" and "treasures" mean the same thing and refer to anything that they consider valuable. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

plunder

This refers to things that people steal or take by force.

Jeremiah 17:4

You will lose the inheritance that I gave to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you have ignited a fire in my wrath, which will burn forever

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:5

The person who trusts in mankind is accursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will curse any person who trusts in mankind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he makes flesh his strength

Here the word "flesh" represents humans. Alternate translation: "he depends on mere humans for strength" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

turns his heart away from Yahweh

Here the word "heart" refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "turns his devotion away from Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:6

like a small bush

The person who trusts in man instead of Yahweh will be like a plant that struggles to survive in an infertile land. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the wilderness, barren land without inhabitants

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:7

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Jeremiah 17:8

he will be like a tree planted by water

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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will be like a tree that someone has planted by water" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

It will not fear the heat when it comes ... It is not anxious in a year of drought

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart is more deceitful

Here the word "heart" refers to the minds and thoughts of people. Alternate translation: "The human mind is more deceitful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

who can understand it?

The speaker uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can understand the human heart. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "no one can understand it." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:10

who tests the hearts

Here the word "hearts" represents the emotions. Alternate translation: "who tests the emotions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

according to his ways

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the fruit of his deeds

Here the results of a person's actions are spoken of as if they were fruit. Alternate translation: "what he has done" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:11

A partridge hatches an egg ... become rich unjustly

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.

when half his days are over

Here the word "days" stands for someone's entire life. Alternate translation: "when he has lived only half of his life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

those riches will abandon him

The riches are spoken of as if they were servants who would abandon their owner. Alternate translation: "he will lose his wealth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

in the end

"at the end of his life"

Jeremiah 17:12

The place of our temple is a glorious throne

Jeremiah speaks of the temple being a "glorious throne" because it is there that Yahweh dwells and rules. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The place of our temple

This refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 17:13

All who abandon you

Here the word "you" refers to Yahweh.

those in the land who turn away from you will be written in the earth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will write in the dust those in the land who turn away from you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

will be written in the earth

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Yahweh, the fountain of living waters

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the fountain of living waters

Jeremiah speaks of fresh, running water as if it were living water. Alternate translation: "the fountain of fresh, running water" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:14

I will be healed ... I will be rescued

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you really will have healed me ... you really will have rescued me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

For you are my song of praise

Possible meanings are 1) "For you are the one whom I praise" or 2) "For you are the reason I sing praise."

Jeremiah 17:15

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

they are saying to me

Here the word "me" refers to Jeremiah and the word "they" to his enemies.

Where is the word of Yahweh?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Let it come

"Let what Yahweh has said happen"

Jeremiah 17:16

I did not run from being a shepherd following you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I did not long for

"I did not desire"

the proclamations that came from my lips

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

They were made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I made them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:17

You are my refuge

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as a place where enemies cannot attack him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

on the day of calamity

"in times of calamity"

Jeremiah 17:18

May my pursuers be ashamed, but do not let me be ashamed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bring shame on my pursuers, but do not bring shame on me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

May they be dismayed, but do not let me be dismayed

This phrase means basically the same thing as the previous one and adds emphasis to Jeremiah's prayer. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make them very afraid, but do not make me afraid" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

shatter them with a double share of destruction

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:19

then in all the other gates of Jerusalem

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "then go and stand in all the other gates of Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:20

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Jeremiah 17:21

for the sake of your lives

"to protect your lives"

Jeremiah 17:22

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Jeremiah 17:23

They did not listen or pay attention

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

stiffened their neck

Jeremiah speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had made their necks stiff and unmovable. Alternate translation: "became stubborn" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:24

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Jeremiah 17:25

those who sit on David's throne

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this city will be inhabited forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will inhabit this city forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 17:26

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Jeremiah 17:27

I will light a fire in its gates

"I will set the gates of Jerusalem on fire"

it cannot be put out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people cannot put it out" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18

Jeremiah 18:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:1

The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:2

the potter's house

"the workshop of the potter." A potter is someone who makes pots from clay.

Jeremiah 18:3

behold!

The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

on the potter's wheel

The potter's wheel is a small table that spins. A potter uses it to make pots.

Jeremiah 18:4

the pot he was making from the clay was spoiled in the potter's hand

The word "spoiled" means that something about the pot made the potter unhappy. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the pot that the potter was making with his hands was not good" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

was making

"was forming" or "was shaping"

he returned the clay and formed it into another pot

He stopped making the pot, crushed the clay back into a lump, and then used that lump of clay to make another pot.

that was pleasing in his eyes

Here the word "eyes" represents sight and sight represents one's opinion. Alternate translation: "that he thought was good" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:5

the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 18:6

Should I not be able to act like this potter with you, house of Israel?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

house of Israel

this is Yahweh's declaration

Behold

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

Like clay in a potter's hand—that is how you are in my hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:7

tear it down, or destroy it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:8

relent from

"withhold" or "not bring"

Jeremiah 18:9

build it up or plant it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:10

if it does evil in my eyes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

not listening to my voice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:11

See

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"

I am about to form disaster against you. I am about to devise a plan against 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

devise a plan

"make a plan"

his wicked way

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so your ways and your practices will bring good to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:12

But they will say

The word "they" refers to the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

This is no use

Possible meanings for this idiom are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

what his evil, stubborn heart desires

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:13

Ask the nations, who has ever heard of such a thing as this?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

The virgin Israel has committed a horrible act

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:14

Does the snow in Lebanon ever leave the rocky hills on its sides?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the rocky hills on its sides

"the sides of the rocky hills"

Are the mountain streams coming from far away ever destroyed, those cold streams?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:15

been made to stumble in their paths

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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this caused them to stumble in their paths" or "it is like they stumbled while walking on a path" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

they have left the ancient paths to walk lesser paths

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:16

will become a horror

The word "horror" may be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "will become something that horrifies people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

an object of everlasting hissing

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"

passes by her

Here the word "her" refers to "Their land."

Jeremiah 18:17

I will scatter them before their enemies like an eastern wind

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

will scatter them

Here the word "them" refers to "my people."

I will show them my back, and not my face

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:18

let us make plots against Jeremiah

"let us make plans to harm Jeremiah"

the law will never perish from the priests, or advice from the wise men, or words from the prophets

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

words from the prophets

Here "words" represents messages that the prophets speak from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "words of Yahweh from the prophets" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

attack him with our words

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:19

Pay attention to me

Here Jeremiah begins speaking to Yahweh.

Jeremiah 18:20

Will disaster from them really be my reward for being good to them?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

they have dug a pit for me

Jeremiah speaks of his enemies planning to kill him as if they had dug a pit in which to trap him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to cause your fury to turn away from them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:21

give their children over to famine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

give them to the hands of those who use the sword

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

let their women become bereaved and widows

"let the children and husbands of their women die." The word "bereaved" refers to a woman whose children have all died.

their men be killed

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let their men be killed" or "let people kill their men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

their young men killed by the sword in battle

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let their young men be killed by the sword in battle" or "let people kill their young men with swords in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:22

Let a distressed shout be heard

The phrase "a distressed shout" can be translated with a verbal phrase. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let people hear a distressed shout" or "Let people hear others shout in distress" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

For they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden traps for my feet

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they have dug a pit

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 18:20.

have hidden traps for my feet

Here the word "feet" represents Jeremiah. Alternate translation: "have hidden traps for me" or "have hidden traps for me to step on" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 18:23

Do not wipe their sins away from you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

let them be overthrown before you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let people overthrow them in your presence" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

in the time of your wrath

The word "wrath" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "when you are still angry with them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19

Jeremiah 19:intro-0

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 19:1

potter's clay flask

A potter is someone who makes pots from clay.

flask

"jar" or "bottle"

Jeremiah 19:2

Valley of Ben Hinnom

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

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

will tingle

Possible meanings are 1) "will ring" or 2) "will quiver."

Jeremiah 19:4

they have abandoned me

Here the word "they" refers to the people of Judah.

filled this place with innocent blood

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:5

nor did it enter my mind

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:6

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

this place will no longer be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will no longer call this place" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Topheth ... the Valley of Ben Hinnom ... the Valley of Slaughter

See how you translated the names of these places in Jeremiah 7:31.

Jeremiah 19:7

I will make them to fall by the sword before their enemies

The idiom "to fall by the sword" means to die in battle. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will enable their enemies to kill them with swords" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I will make them

The word "them" refers to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

by the hand of the ones seeking their lives

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:8

the object of hissing

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:9

I will make them eat

"I will make the people who live in Jerusalem eat"

in the siege

"because of the siege"

and in the anguish brought on them by their enemies and the ones seeking their lives

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because their enemies and those who are seeking their lives have brought anguish upon them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:10

in the sight of the men who went with you

The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "watching." Alternate translation: "while the men who went with you are watching" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:11

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

it could not be repaired again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can repair it again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:12

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 19:13

of the kings of Judah

"the houses of the kings of Judah"

the unclean people

People who are not acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 19:14

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 19:15

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

stiffened their neck and refused to listen

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20

Jeremiah 20:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]])

Jeremiah 20:1

General Information:

Pashhur ... Immer

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:2

Pashhur beat Jeremiah

Possible meanings are 1) that Pashhur himself beat Jeremiah or 2) that Pashhur ordered other men to beat Jeremiah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

stocks

Stocks are a wooden frame with holes in it that people use to lock up a prisoner's hands, feet, and head.

Upper Gate of Benjamin

This gate is different from the gate in the city wall that shared the same name.

Jeremiah 20:3

It happened

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.

you are Magor Missabib

This name means "terror on every side" or "surrounded by terror." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:4

Look,

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

they will fall by the sword of their enemies

The idiom "fall by the sword" means that they will die in battle. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "their enemies will kill them with swords" or "their enemies will kill them in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

your eyes will see it

Here the word "eyes" represents Pashhur. Alternate translation: "you will see it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

I will give all of Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "I will enable the king of Babylon to conquer all of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:5

I will give him

Here the word "him" refers to the king of Babylon.

all the wealth ... all of its riches, all of its precious items and all the treasures

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

I will place these things in the hand of your enemies

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:6

You and all of your loved ones to whom you prophesied deceitful things will be buried there

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There, people will bury you and all of your loved ones to whom you prophesied deceitful things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:7

General Information:

Jeremiah speaks to Yahweh.

Yahweh, you deceived me, and I was deceived

Some modern versions interpret these Hebrew expressions as "Yahweh, you persuaded me, and I was indeed persuaded."

I was deceived

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you deceived me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the way others mock him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

laughingstock

This is a person whom others laugh at and make fun of.

Jeremiah 20:8

called out and proclaimed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Yahweh's word has become for me reproach and mocking every day

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

for me reproach and mocking

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:9

I will not speak any longer in his name

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

it is like a fire in my heart, held within my bones

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:10

Report! We must report it

Jeremiah's enemies say these words.

watch to see if I will fall

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Perhaps he can be tricked ... take our revenge on him

Jeremiah's enemies say these words.

Perhaps he can be tricked

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Perhaps we can trick him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:11

Yahweh is with me like a powerful warrior

Jeremiah compares Yahweh helping him and defending him against his enemies to a powerful warrior. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

so the ones pursuing me will stagger

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They will be greatly ashamed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bring great shame upon them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

it will never be forgotten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will never forget it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:12

see the mind and the heart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:13

those who are oppressed from the hand of evildoers

Here the word "hand" represents power. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom evildoers oppress with their power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:14

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking to Yahweh.

Let the day when I was born be cursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Curse the day I was born" or "Let people curse the day when I was born" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Do not let the day that my mother bore me be blessed

This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:15

Let the man who informed my father be cursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Curse the man who informed my father" or "Let people curse the man who informed my father" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:16

that man

This refers to the man who informed Jeremiah's father of Jeremiah's birth.

the cities that Yahweh overthrew

This refers to Sodom and Gomorrah.

he did not have compassion

Here the word "he" refers to Yahweh.

Let him hear a cry for help

Here the word "him" refers to "that man."

Jeremiah 20:17

making my mother to be my tomb

Jeremiah speaks of his dying while his mother was still pregnant with him as if his mother's womb were his tomb. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a womb that was pregnant forever

Jeremiah speaks of his pregnant mother never giving birth to the baby in her womb as if she had been pregnant forever. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 20:18

Why is it that I came out from the womb to see troubles and agony ... shame?

Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to complain that there was no good reason for him to be born. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There was no reason for me to be born only to see troubles and agony ... shame." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

to see troubles and agony

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

my days are filled with shame

Here the word "days" represents all the days of Jeremiah's life. Alternate translation: "my life is filled with shame" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21

Jeremiah 21:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sign.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]])

Jeremiah 21:1

The word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Pashhur

This is not the same Pashhur that was mentioned in Jeremiah 20:1.

Pashhur ... Malkijah ... Maaseiah

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

and they said

"Pashhur and Zephaniah said to Jeremiah"

Jeremiah 21:2

Seek advice from Yahweh on our behalf ... making war on us

This was a polite, but urgent request. Alternate translation: "Please speak to Yahweh for us ... attacking us"

as in times past

"as he did in the past"

will make him withdraw from us

"will make him go away"

Jeremiah 21:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 21:4

See

This tells the hearer to pay special attention to what follows.

turn back

Possible meanings are 1) to make useless or 2) to send back into the city.

the instruments of war that are in your hand

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Chaldeans

This term here is another name for the Babylonians.

closing you in

"coming close to you"

I will gather them

Possible meanings are 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

Then I myself

This is emphatic and stresses that Yahweh is the one who will do this. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

with a raised hand and a strong arm

Both of these phrases are idiomatic expressions that refer to great power. Alternate translation: "with very great power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

with wrath, fury, and great anger

These words all mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the great intensity of his anger. Alternate translation: "with extremely great anger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21:6

inhabitants of this city

"those who live in Jerusalem"

Jeremiah 21:7

the sword

Here this refers to the battle in which swords are used. Alternate translation: "the war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

into the hand

Here "hand" refers to the power of their enemies over them. Alternate translation: "into the power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon ... their enemies ... those seeking their life

All of these phrases refer to Nebuchadnezzar and his army. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

seeking their life

"wanting to kill them"

with the edge of the sword

Possible meanings are 1) this is a metonym for death in battle. Alternate translation: "in battle" or 2) they will be killed by literal swords. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

He will not pity them, spare them, or have compassion

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21:8

this people

"the people of Jerusalem"

I am about to place before you the way of life and the way of death

Yahweh is offering the people of Jerusalem a choice that will determine whether they live or die.

Jeremiah 21:9

by the sword, famine, and plague

Death by the sword refers to death in battle. Alternate translation: "in battle and by famine and plague" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

falling on his knees before

This symbolic act represents surrender. Alternate translation: "surrendering to" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

closed in against you

"attacked you from all sides"

He will escape with his life

The one who surrenders to the Babylonians will escape with his life, even though he will lose all his possessions.

Jeremiah 21:10

I have set my face against this city

This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose this city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

have set my face against

"am staring angrily at"

this is Yahweh's declaration

It has been given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have given it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

into the hand of the king

Here "hand" represents the power of the king to destroy the city. Alternate translation: "into the power of the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21:11

Concerning the house of the king of Judah, listen to the word of Yahweh

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 house of the king of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21:12

House of David

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Bring about justice in the morning

The abstract noun "justice" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "Always treat the people whom you rule over fairly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the hand of the oppressor

Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "the power of the one who oppresses them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

my fury will go out like fire and burn

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

there is no one who can quench it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21:13

See

This alerts whoever is hearing to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: "Pay attention"

inhabitant of the valley

Possible meanings are 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.

I am against

"I oppose" or "I am going to punish"

Who will come down to attack us? ... Who will enter our houses?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 21:14

I have assigned the fruit of your practices to come against you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in the thickets

Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor for the columns of wood that supported the palace or 2) these are literal patches of brush. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22

Jeremiah 22:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/oppress.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]])

Jeremiah 22:1

the house of the king of Judah

"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.

proclaim this word

"proclaim this message"

Jeremiah 22:2

your people who come through these gates

These gates are the gates of the king's palace. Alternate translation: "your people who come to visit the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:3

Perform justice and righteousness

The abstract nouns "justice" and "righteousness can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: "Act fairly and justly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

anyone who has been robbed—rescue him from the hand of the oppressor

"rescue anyone who has been robbed from the hand of the oppressor"

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Do not mistreat

"Do not treat badly"

orphan

a child who does not have parents

Do not ... pour out innocent blood

Here "pour out ... blood" is associated with murder, and "blood" refers to the murdered people. Alternate translation: "Do not ... murder innocent people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

in this place

Possible meanings are 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

kings sitting on David's throne

The metonym "throne" refers to kingly authority like David had. Alternate translation: "kings, ruling like David before them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the gates of this house

This refers to the gates to the courtyard of the palace.

riding in a chariot and on horses

This phrase is a metonym that describes the kings as powerful and wealthy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he, his servants, and his people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:5

if you do not listen to

"if you refuse to pay attention to" or "if you do not obey"

this royal house

This phrase here appears to refer specifically to the royal palace.

Jeremiah 22:6

the house of the king of Judah

These words could be 1) a reference to the literal royal palace where the king lived or 2) a metonym for the family, the royal line of the kings of Judah, that lived in the house. Alternate translation: "the royal dynasty of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You are like Gilead, or like the summit of Lebanon

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

turn you into a wilderness

What was formerly beautiful is said to become bare and deserted. Alternate translation: "cause you to become empty like the desert" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:7

I have designated destroyers to come against you

"I have chosen an army to attack you"

the best of your cedars

Possible meaning are 1) the beams of the palace or 2) the leading men of the royal family. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

fall into the fire

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:8

Then many nations will pass by this city

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:9

bowed down to other gods and worshiped them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:10

General Information:

Yahweh has shifted from addressing the King of Judah and is now speaking to a general audience.

the one who is dead

This is singular, and refers to King Josiah who had been killed.

him who is about to go away

This refers to King Jehoahaz who was taken into exile in Egypt.

never return and see his native land

"never come back and see the land of Israel again" or "never see his homeland again"

Jeremiah 22:11

Jehoahaz

The name in Hebrew is "Shallum," but he is better known as Jehoahaz. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

who served as king instead of Josiah his father

"who became king when his father, Josiah, died"

Jeremiah 22:12

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 22:13

him who builds ... his upper rooms ... who makes ... for him ... he does not give

The words "him" and "his" and "who" and "he" refer to King Jehoahaz (verse 11).

builds his house by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

his house

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

him his wages

This refers to any of the neighbors of King Jehoahaz (verse 11) whom the king forces to work.

Jeremiah 22:14

he says ... he cuts ... he panels ... he paints

These refer to King Jehoahaz (verse 11).

a large house with spacious upper rooms ... large windows ... cedar ... red

These characteristics all describe a very expensive house.

Jeremiah 22:15

Is this what makes you a good king, that you wanted to have boards of cedar?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Did not your father also eat and drink, yet do ... righteousness?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

do justice and righteousness

These abstract nouns have similar meanings, are repeated for emphasis and can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: "act justly and fairly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:16

It was good then

"Things went well for him"

Is this not what it means to know me?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 22:17

there is nothing in your eyes and heart except worry ... crushing of others

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

unjust profit

This is getting money by cheating or by using unfair means.

pouring out innocent blood

Here "pouring out ... blood" is associated with murder, and "blood" refers to the murdered people. Alternate translation: "murdering innocent people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

crushing of others

"doing violence to others in order to get money"

Jeremiah 22:18

They will not lament for him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Woe, my brother! ... Woe, my sister! ... Woe, master! ... Woe, majesty!

Yahweh uses the word "Woe" several times for emphasis. He addresses the various people who would normally show great sadness when someone dies. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:19

He will be buried with a donkey's burial, dragged away and thrown out

The burial of Jehoiakim is spoken of as being the same as the manner in which people would bury a donkey. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:20

General Information:

It appears that Yahweh is here speaking to the people of Jerusalem, telling them that they will be destroyed.

Lift your voice

This idiom refers to shouting. In this case, they are crying out in grief. Alternate translation: "Cry out" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Abarim mountains

a mountain range that was southeast of Jerusalem (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:21

I spoke to you when you were safe

"I spoke to you when you were doing well"

This was your custom

"This was your way of life"

you have not listened to my voice

Listening is a metonym for obeying. Alternate translation: "you have not obeyed me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:22

The wind will shepherd away all your shepherds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

go into captivity

"become captives" or "go into exile"

Jeremiah 22:23

You who live in 'Lebanon,' who is nestled in cedar buildings

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You who live

This "You" is singular and refers to the king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

how you will be pitied

The meaning of the Hebrew is not clear. This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "they will greatly pity you" or 2) "you will groan greatly." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

when the labor pains come upon you, pain like that of a woman in labor

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:24

even if you ... were the signet on my right hand

Yahweh speaks to Jehoiachin as if it were possible for him to be the ring on Yahweh's hand. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

the signet on my right hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I would tear you off

"I would tear you off from my hand" or "I would quickly pull you off of my hand"

Jeremiah 22:25

I have given you to the hand of the ones seeking your life

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have made it possible for the ones seeking your life to capture you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

to the hand of

Here the metonym "hand" represents power and control. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

seeking your life

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:26

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 22:27

this land to which they will want to return

This refers to the land of Judah.

Jeremiah 22:28

Is this a despised and shattered vessel? ... did not know?

It is not clear who is speaking in verse 28.

Is this a despised and shattered vessel? Is this man Jehoiachin a pot that pleases no one?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why have they thrown him and his descendants out, and have poured them out into a land that they did not know?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

have poured them out

Jehoiachin and his descendants are spoke of as if they had been poured out in another country like garbage from a vessel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:29

Land, Land, Land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

Jeremiah 22:30

He will be childless

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

sit on David's throne

Sitting on a throne is a metonym for ruling as king. Alternate translation: "become king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23

Jeremiah 23:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

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

General Information:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 23:2

You have scattered my flock and have driven them away

These two phrases have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak about the people of Israel as if they were his sheep and the leaders of Israel as if they were his shepherds. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to a grazing place

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

they will be fruitful and increase

The word "increase" explains how they will be "fruitful." Alternate translation: "they will increase greatly in number" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:4

I will raise up

"I will appoint"

they will no longer fear or be shattered

The words "be shattered" mean that someone has caused them to be afraid and mean basically the same thing as "fear." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will make them afraid anymore" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

None of them

"None of my people"

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 23:5

See

This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

I will raise up

This idiom means he will appoint a successor. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

a righteous branch

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a righteous branch

Some modern versions translate this as "a legitimate successor to the throne."

cause justice and righteousness in the land

The abstract nouns "justice" and "righteousness" can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: "cause people to act justly and rightly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

in the land

Here "land" refers to the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: "for all the people in the nation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:6

Judah will be rescued

Here "Judah" refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah will be rescued" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Judah will be rescued

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will rescue Judah from their enemies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Israel will live in security

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel will live in security" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he will be called

this refers to the king

Yahweh is our righteousness

The abstract noun "righteousness" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, the one who does what is right for us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:7

General Information:

This verse is very similar to Jeremiah 16:14, although not exactly the same. Compare how you translated that verse.

see

The word "see" here alerts the reader to pay attention to the important information that follows.

As Yahweh lives

Jeremiah 23:8

General Information:

This verse is very similar to Jeremiah 16:15, although not exactly the same. Compare how you translated that verse.

who brought up and who led back

These two phrases mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: "who brought back" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

the house of Israel

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" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the northern land and all the lands where they had been driven

This refers to the way the northern ten tribes of Israel were captured and spread out among the surrounding countries.

Then they will live in their own land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:9

General Information:

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.

Regarding the prophets, my heart is broken in me, and all of my bones tremble

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

my heart is broken in me

This idiom refers to deep sadness. Alternate translation: "I am very sad" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

all of my bones tremble

Here trembling is associated with fear. Alternate translation: "I am very afraid" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I have become like a drunk man, like a man whom wine has overpowered

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:10

the land is full of adulterers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

adulterers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the land is dried up

Some modern versions interpret this Hebrew phrase as "the land mourns."

These prophets' paths are wicked

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:11

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh's message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

the prophets and the priests are polluted

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:12

their way will be like a slippery place in the darkness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

I will send disaster against them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:13

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh's message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

led my people Israel astray

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:14

They commit adultery

Possible meanings are 1) they were literally unfaithful to their wives or 2) their worship of other gods is spoken of as spiritual adultery.

walk in deceit

This idiom means they lived a life of deceit. Alternate translation: "live in dishonesty" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

They strengthen the hands of evildoers

Here "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "They strengthen those who do evil" or "They encourage people who do evil" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

no one turns back from his wickedness

"everyone continues in their sin"

All of them have become like Sodom ... like Gomorrah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:15

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Look

The word "look" here alerts the reader to pay attention to the important information that follows.

I am about to make them eat wormwood and drink poisonous water

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I am about to

"I will soon"

pollution has gone out from the prophets

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

pollution

dirty and unsafe things that spoil the air, water, or land where they are found

Jeremiah 23:16

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh's message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

They have deluded you!

"The prophets have caused you to believe something that is not true!"

visions from their own minds

Here "minds" refers to the thoughts of the false prophets. Alternate translation: "visions that they imagined" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

not from Yahweh's mouth

Here "mouth" refers to what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: "not what Yahweh said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:17

They are constantly saying

The word "constantly" is an exaggeration to emphasize that this is what they normally say. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

everyone walking in the stubbornness of his own heart says

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Disaster will not come upon you

"Nothing bad will happen to you"

Jeremiah 23:18

Yet who has stood in Yahweh's council meeting? Who sees and hears his word? Who pays attention to his word and listens?

These questions are used to rebuke the false prophets for speaking lies. Alternate translation: "None of them has stood in Yahweh's council meeting. None of them sees and hears his word. None of them pays attention to his word and listens." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

who has stood in Yahweh's council meeting

Standing in the Yahweh's council represents being one of those who meets with him to learn what he is thinking. Alternate translation: "who has attended Yahweh's council meeting" or "who has met with Yahweh to listen to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/metonymy/01.md]])

pays attention to his word and listens

These two phrases mean the same thing. They can be combined in one phrase. Alternate translation: "obeys his word at all"

Jeremiah 23:19

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh's message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

there is a storm coming from Yahweh ... His fury is going out ... a tempest is whirling about

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

a tempest

a violent windstorm

It is whirling around the heads of the wicked

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:20

Yahweh's wrath will not return until it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

carried out and brought into being his heart's intentions

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the final days

"the future"

Jeremiah 23:21

General Information:

Yahweh is the speaker in verses 21-40.

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues to deliver Yahweh's message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

they have still prophesied

It is understood that they are prophesying falsely. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they have prophesied falsely anyway" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:22

if they had stood in my council meeting

Standing in Yahweh's council represents being one of those who meets with him to learn what he is thinking. This is a condition that is contrary to fact; the false prophets had not stood in his council meeting. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

had stood in my council meeting

See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 23:18.

to turn from

This idiom means they would stop doing these things. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:23

Connecting Statement:

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.

Am I only a God nearby ... and not also a God far away?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 23:24

Can anyone hide in a secret place so I cannot see him?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

do I not fill the heavens and the earth?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:25

Connecting Statement:

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.

prophesying deceit

The word "deceit" can be expressed as an adjective or an adverb. Alternate translation: "prophesying deceit things" or "prophesying deceitfully" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

in my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I had a dream!

They meant that this dream was from God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I had a dream from Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:26

How long will this go on, prophets who prophesy lies from their minds, and who prophesy from the deceit in their hearts?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

prophesy lies from their minds ... prophesy from the deceit in their hearts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:27

forget my name ... forgot my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in favor of Baal's name

Here "Baal's name" refers to the god Baal. Alternate translation: "leading my people to worship Baal instead of me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:28

Connecting Statement:

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 is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 23:29

Is not my word like fire? ... and like a hammer that shatters a rock into pieces?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:30

I am against

"I am opposed to"

steals words from another person

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

Connecting Statement:

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.

See

This alerts the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: "Pay attention"

who use their tongues

Here "tongues" is a metonym for the ability to speak. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:32

General Information:

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Jeremiah 23:33

General Information:

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.

Connecting Statement:

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.

asks you ... you will say

These two instances of "you" are singular and refer to Jeremiah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

What is the burden of Yahweh?

Here "burden" means a message or prophecy from Yahweh.

You are the burden ... cast you off

These two instances of "you" are plural and refer to the false prophets and the priests. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

You are the burden

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 23:34

This is the burden of Yahweh

Here "burden" means a message or prophecy from Yahweh.

his house

Here "house" is a metonym for the family that lives inside it. Alternate translation: "his family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:35

General Information:

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.

Connecting Statement:

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.

You continue to say ... 'What did Yahweh declare?'

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

But you must no longer talk about the 'burden of Yahweh,' for the burden is every man's own word, and

Possible meaning are 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"

you have perverted the words ... our God

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

General Information:

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.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh completes his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in Jeremiah 23:9.

This is what you will say

Here "you" is singular and refers to Jeremiah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:38

But if you say ... Because you have said ... when I sent to you ... You will not say

All of these instances of "you" are plural and refer to the priests and false prophets. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Jeremiah 23:39

therefore, behold

"therefore, pay attention." This alerts the reader to pay special attention to what follows.

I am about to pick you up and throw you away from me

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

pick you up ... throw you ... I gave you

All of these instances of "you" are plural and refer to the priests and false prophets. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

the city that I gave you

This refers to Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 23:40

insult on you

This instance of "you" is plural and refers to the priests and false prophets. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

I will put everlasting shame and insult on you that will not be forgotten

"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.

that will not be forgotten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that will last forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 24

Jeremiah 24:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/bless.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

Jeremiah 24:1

me

All instances of this pronoun refer to Jeremiah.

Behold

The word "Behold" here shows that Jeremiah saw something interesting.

This vision happened ... them to Babylon

This part of the story is used to provide historical information to show when the events of the happened. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

craftsmen

people skilled at building things

metalworkers

people skilled at creating things out of metal

Jeremiah 24:2

they could not be eaten

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could eat them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 24:3

they cannot be eaten

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could eat them .. no one can eat them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 24:4

the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 24:5

I will look on the exiles of Judah for their benefit

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

just like these good figs

The good figs represent those Judean exiles sent to the land of Chaldea. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 24:6

I will set my eyes on them for good

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will build them up, and not tear them down. I will plant them, and not uproot them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

I will build them up, and not tear them down

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will plant them, and not uproot them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 24:7

General Information:

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Jeremiah 24:8

General Information:

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Jeremiah 24:9

I will turn them into a frightening thing, a disaster ... a disgrace and a subject for proverbs, taunts, and curses

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 24:10

I will send out sword, famine, and plague against them

"I will kill them with war, famine and sicknesses"

I will send out sword

Here "sword" refers to war or enemy armies. Alternate translation: "I will send enemy armies" or "I will send out war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

sword, famine, and plague

These things are spoken of as if they were living things that could attack the people of Jerusalem. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

they are destroyed from the land

"none of them remain in the land"

Jeremiah 25

Jeremiah 25:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:1

This is the word that came to Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the fourth ... the first

(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:2

General Information:

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Jeremiah 25:3

Amon

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:4

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 25:5

Let each man turn from his wicked way and the corruption of his practices

Jeremiah speaks of people who stop committing an action as if those people were turning away from that action. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

his wicked way and the corruption of his practices

The terms "wicked way" and "corruption of his practices" mean the same thing and refer to every sinful thing that they do. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

the corruption of his practices

"his corrupt practices"

Jeremiah 25:6

do not walk after other gods

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

do not provoke him with the work of your hands

The word "him" refers to Yahweh. Possible meanings for the phrase "the work of your hands" are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:7

you have provoked me with the work of your hands to do harm to you

See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 25:6. Possible meanings for the phrase "the work of your hands" are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to do harm to you

"so that I do harm to you"

Jeremiah 25:8

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Jeremiah 25:9

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what i am about to tell you"

bring them against this land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I will set them apart for destruction

The idiom "set ... apart for destruction" means to destroy something completely. Alternate translation: "I will destroy them completely" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I will turn them into a horror

The word "horror" may be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "I will turn them into something that horrifies people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

an object for hissing

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

millstones

These are two large, round stones used to grind grain.

the sound of joy and sound of gladness, the sound of the groom and the sound of the bride

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:34.

Jeremiah 25:11

all of this land will become a desolation and a horror

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:12

when seventy years have been completed

"after seventy years" or "after seventy years have passed"

an unending desolation

The noun "desolation" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "desolate forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:13

everything written in this book

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:14

I will repay them for their deeds and the works of their hands

Yahweh speaks of punishing the people of the nations for what they have done as if he were paying them back. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

their deeds and the works of their hands

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:15

Take this cup of the wine of fury

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

make all the nations ... drink it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:16

they will drink and then stagger about and rant madly

Yahweh speaks of the people being terrified about his fury as if they were drunk from drinking the wine from the cup. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

before the sword that I am sending out among them

Here the word "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "because of the wars that I am causing to happen among them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:17

Connecting Statement:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I made all the nations ... drink it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:18

something terrifying

The adjective "terrifying" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "something that terrifies people"

an object for hissing and cursing

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"

they are at this present day

Possible meanings are that this phrase 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

Connecting Statement:

Other nations also had to drink it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:20

people of mixed heritage

Possible meanings are 1) people whose ancestors were from different people groups or 2) foreigners who lived in Egypt.

Uz

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:21

General Information:

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Jeremiah 25:22

Connecting Statement:

the sea

This is a reference to the Mediterranean Sea.

Jeremiah 25:23

Dedan, Tema, and Buz

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

all the ones who cut the hair on the sides of their heads

they also had to drink it

"they also had to drink the wine from the cup"

Jeremiah 25:24

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah 25:25

Zimri

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:26

everyone with his brother

This is an idiom that means every person, one after another. Alternate translation: "one after another" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

all of them had to drink the cup from Yahweh's hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:27

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

before the sword that I am sending among you

Here the word "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "before the wars that I am causing to happen among you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:28

General Information:

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Jeremiah 25:29

the city that is called by my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

and should you yourselves be free from punishment?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

I am calling a sword against all the inhabitants of the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:30

Yahweh will roar

Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh shouting very loudly as if he were roaring like a lion. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

from the heights

This phrase is a metonym for heaven. Alternate translation: "from heaven" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he will roar mightily against his fold

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

those who tread the grapes

This refers to people who crush grapes in a winepress with their feet in order to make wine.

Jeremiah 25:31

to the ends of the earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

on all flesh

Here the word "flesh" represents humanity. Alternate translation: "on all mankind" or "on all people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 25:32

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

disaster is going out from nation to nation

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

a great storm is beginning from the farthest parts of the earth

Possible meanings for this metaphor are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:33

those killed by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom Yahweh killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

will on that day extend from one end of the earth to the other

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

they will not be mourned, gathered, or buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will mourn them, gather them, or bury them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

They will be like dung on the ground

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:34

shepherds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Roll about in the dust

This is a sign of sorrow, mourning or distress. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

you leaders of the flock

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for the days of your slaughter have come

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

you will be scattered when you fall like fine pottery

Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel being destroyed as if they are pieces of pottery that shatter when they fall to the ground. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will fall like fine pottery and your shattered pieces will scatter on the ground" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:35

General Information:

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Jeremiah 25:36

Yahweh is destroying their pastures

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:37

So the peaceful pastures will be devastated

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the peaceful pastures will be devastated because of Yahweh's fierce anger

This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will devastate the peaceful pastures because of he extremely angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 25:38

Like a young lion, he has left his den

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

their land will become a horror

The word "horror" may be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "their land will become something that horrifies people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the oppressor's anger

This refers to the anger of Israel's enemies.

Jeremiah 26

Jeremiah 26:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/remnant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faithful.md]])

Jeremiah 26:1

this word came from Yahweh, saying

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

this word came from Yahweh, saying

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:2

cities of Judah

The word "cities" is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: "people from the cities of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Do not cut short any word!

"Do not leave anything out from what I have told you!"

Jeremiah 26:3

each man will turn from his wicked ways

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so I will relent concerning the disaster

"so I will change my mind and I will not send the disaster." God will not send the disaster if the people listen to him and turn from their wicked ways.

the wickedness of their practices

"the wicked way that they live" or "the wicked things that they do"

Jeremiah 26:4

General Information:

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Jeremiah 26:5

General Information:

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Jeremiah 26:6

then I will make this house like Shiloh

Yahweh had destroyed a place of worship at Shiloh, and he was threatening to destroy this place of worship. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

I will turn this city into a curse

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in the sight of all the nations on earth

"so that all the nations on earth can see me do it"

Jeremiah 26:7

the house of Yahweh

the temple

Jeremiah 26:8

all the people seized him and said, "You will certainly die!

Possible meanings are 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

Why have you prophesied ... inhabitant?

This rebuke can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have prophesied ... inhabitant." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:10

the New Gate

the name of the gate through which people went into the temple

Jeremiah 26:11

you heard with your own ears

"you heard"

Jeremiah 26:12

this house and this city

"the people who worship in Yahweh's temple and those who live in the city of Jerusalem"

Jeremiah 26:13

your ways ... your practices

These two phrases mean almost the same thing. Alternate translation: "the things you do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

listen to the voice of Yahweh

The voice is a synecdoche for the person, and the same word can be translated "listen" or "obey." Alternate translation: "obey Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:14

Do to me what is good and right in your eyes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:15

you are bringing innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and its inhabitants

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this city and its inhabitants

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

for your ears

The ear is a metonym for what the ear hears. Alternate translation: "for you to hear" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:16

in the name of Yahweh our God

The person's name is a metonym for his authority. Alternate translation: "with the authority of Yahweh our God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:17

General Information:

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Jeremiah 26:18

General Information:

See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]]

Moresheth

This is a town in Judah.

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Zion will become a plowed field ... and the hill of the temple will become a thicket

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:19

Did Hezekiah ... put him to death?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

all of Judah

The land is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "all the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Did he not fear Yahweh and appease the face of Yahweh ... them?

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."

appease the face of Yahweh

The face is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "cause Yahweh to be less angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

So will we do greater evil against our own lives?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:20

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah stops telling about his own life and begins telling about what happened to another prophet.

Meanwhile there was

"While what I was just telling you about was happening, there was"

prophesied against this city and this land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:21

heard his word

"heard what he said"

Jeremiah 26:22

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the story of Uriah.

Elnathan ... Akbor

men's names (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 26:23

corpse

dead body

Jeremiah 26:24

the hand of Ahikam ... was with Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ahikam ... Shaphan

men's names (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

he was not given into the hand of the people to be put to death

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27

Jeremiah 27:intro-0

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 27:1

General Information:

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Jeremiah 27:2

fetters

things that keep a person from moving freely

Jeremiah 27:3

Then send them out

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."

Send them by the hand of those kings' ambassadors who ... Judah

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "Have those kings' ambassadors, who ... Judah, take them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:4

Give commands to them for their masters

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.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Jeremiah 27:5

by my great strength and my raised arm

The phrase "raised arm" refers to great power and intensifies the first phrase. Alternate translation: "by my very great power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

I give it to anyone who is right in my eyes

Another possible meaning is "I give it to anyone I want to."

Jeremiah 27:6

I ... am giving all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar ... servant

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:7

the time for his land comes

You may need to make explicit the nature of the time. Alternate translation: "the time for me to destroy his land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

subdue him

Here "him" refers to Nebuchadnezzar who represents the kingdom of Babylon. Alternate translation: "will defeat Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:8

that does not put its neck under the yoke of the king

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I have destroyed it by his hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:9

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak through Jeremiah to the people of Judah

soothsayers

people who say what will happen in the future

Jeremiah 27:10

General Information:

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Jeremiah 27:11

the nation that places its neck under the yoke of the king

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the nation that places

The nation here is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: "the nation of people who place"

cultivate

This means to prepare and use land to grow food crops

make their homes in it

"make their homes in their own land"

Jeremiah 27:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak through Jeremiah to the king of Judah.

Place your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon

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.

Place your necks

The word "your" refers to Zedekiah and the people of Judah and so is plural. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:13

Why will you die ... king of Babylon?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak through Jeremiah to the king and people of Judah.

Do not listen to the words

Yahweh is warning the people about all the false prophets that he did not send and that are lying to them.

Jeremiah 27:15

they are prophesying deceit in my name

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. The abstract noun "deceit" can be translated as the verb "deceiving." Alternate translation: "they say they are speaking for me when they prophesy, but they are deceiving you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

I will drive you out

"I will force you to leave your home country"

Jeremiah 27:16

General Information:

Jeremiah continues to speak the words of Yahweh.

The objects belonging to the house of Yahweh are being returned from Babylon now!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:17

Why should this city become a ruin?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 27:18

If they are prophets, and if the word of Yahweh has truly come to them, let them beg Yahweh

Yahweh speaks as if it were possible that they were prophets, and he challenges them to beg of him. But he knows that they are not true prophets and they will not beg of him.

if the word of Yahweh has truly come to them

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"

the word of Yahweh ... beg Yahweh of hosts not

Yahweh is speaking of himself in third person. Alternate translation: "my word ... be me, Yahweh of hosts, not" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

the house 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: "the palace of the king of Judah"

Jeremiah 27:19

General Information:

Jeremiah continues to bring the message of Yahweh.

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

the pillars, the large basin known as "The Sea" and its base

These were objects that were in the temple. "The Sea" was a large bronze bowl.

Jeremiah 27:20

Jehoiachin

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

General Information:

Jeremiah continues to speak the words of Yahweh.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

the house of the king of Judah

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

They will be brought to Babylon

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will bring them to Babylon" or "I will bring them to Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will bring them up

The reader should understand that Yahweh will have people carry them up.

Jeremiah 28

Jeremiah 28:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]])

Jeremiah 28:1

General Information:

Hananiah claims to speak for God.

in the fourth year and the fifth month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Azzur

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:2

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

I have broken the yoke imposed by the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:3

General Information:

Hananiah continues to speak.

Jeremiah 28:4

Jehoiachin

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.

who were sent

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom I sent" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:5

General Information:

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Jeremiah 28:6

May Yahweh confirm the words that you prophesied

"May Yahweh prove you have prophesied truly"

Jeremiah 28:7

General Information:

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Jeremiah 28:8

The prophets who existed before me and you from long ago

"The prophets who lived long ago before you and I"

Jeremiah 28:9

then it will be known that he is indeed a prophet sent out by Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:10

General Information:

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Jeremiah 28:11

Just like this

"Just as Hananiah has taken the yoke off Jeremiah's neck"

I will break from off the neck of every nation the yoke imposed by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

every nation

The word "nation" is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: "the people of every nation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the yoke imposed by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the yoke that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has imposed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

imposed

put on people

Jeremiah 28:12

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:13

You broke a yoke of wood, but I will make instead a yoke of iron

"You broke a weak yoke, but I will replace it with a yoke that you cannot break"

Jeremiah 28:14

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

I have placed a yoke of iron on the neck of all of these nations to serve Nebuchadnezzar

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:15

General Information:

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Jeremiah 28:16

you proclaimed rebellion against Yahweh

It is not clear why Yahweh speaks of himself by name. Alternate translation: "you urged people to rebel against me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 28:17

In the seventh month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29

Jeremiah 29:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]])

Jeremiah 29:1

sent out from Jerusalem

"proclaimed from Jerusalem"

remaining elders

"elders who were still alive"

Jeremiah 29:2

Jehoiachin

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 queen mother

the king's mother

high officials

"very important officials"

Jeremiah 29:3

by the hand of Elasah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Elasah ... Shapan ... Gemariah ... Hilkiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:4

Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this to all the captives

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.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Jeremiah 29:5

Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their fruit

Yahweh is telling them they will be there for a long time. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:6

take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands

Parents commonly arranged their children's marriages.

Jeremiah 29:7

Seek the peace of the city

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the city ... its behalf ... it is at peace

These words refer to the city of Babylon.

Jeremiah 29:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the captive Israelites.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

you yourselves are having

Another possible meaning is "you are encouraging the prophets to have for you."

Jeremiah 29:9

they are prophesying deceitfully ... I did not send them

Possible meanings are 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.

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 29:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to the captives of Israel.

you

the captive Israelites

seventy years

"70 years" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:11

General Information:

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Jeremiah 29:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to the captives of Israel.

you will call to me

Praying is spoken of as calling out with a loud voice. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will listen to you

This implies that Yahweh will give them what they want. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:13

you will seek me

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

you will seek me with all your heart

"you will be completely sincere when you seek me"

Jeremiah 29:14

I will bring back your fortunes

"I will cause things to go well for you again" or "I will cause you to live well again"

I caused you to be exiled

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I sent you into exile" or "I sent you to be exiles" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:15

General Information:

Jeremiah speaks to the captive Israelites.

Jeremiah 29:16

the king who sits on the throne of David

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for ruling as king. Alternate translation: "the king who rules the Israelites as David did" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:17

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

See

This alerts the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: "Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention"

I am about to send sword, famine, and disease on them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

For I will make them like rotten figs that are too bad to be eaten

Rotten figs are useless because they cannot be eaten, and Yahweh sees no use for the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:18

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Israel.

a horror, an object of curses and hissing, and a shameful thing

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.

hissing

the sound people make when they disapprove of something

Jeremiah 29:19

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 29:20

So you yourselves listen

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

Kolaiah ... Maaseiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

who prophesy falsely to you in my name

Here "name" is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "liars who tell you that they are speaking my words to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

I am about to put them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

before your eyes

"where you can see him do it"

Jeremiah 29:22

a curse will be spoken about these persons by all the captives of Judah in Babylon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the captives of Judah in Babylon will say a curse about these persons" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

roasted

This word usually refers to cooking food over an open fire or in a pan, not to burning completely. Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:23

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 29:24

Shemaiah

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Nehelamite

This is the name of a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:25

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

in your own name

The word "name" refers to a person's authority and reputation. Alternate translation: "based on your own authority and reputation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Maaseiah

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:26

Jehoiada

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

stocks

a wooden frame that holds the feet, hands, or head of a person whom someone is punishing

Jeremiah 29:27

General Information:

This finishes the letter by Shemaiah that he sent out to the people in Jerusalem.

why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth ... against you?

Shemaiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the people of Jerusalem for not rebuking Jeremiah. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I want you to rebuke Jeremiah of Anathoth ... against you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 29:28

he has sent to us

You may need to make explicit what it was that Jeremiah sent. Alternate translation: "he has sent a message to us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Build houses and live in them, and plant gardens and eat their fruit

See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 29:5.

Jeremiah 29:29

in the hearing of Jeremiah the prophet

"so that Jeremiah the prophet could hear him read it." See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 29:30

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

Jeremiah 29:31

Shemaiah the Nehelamite

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 29:24.

Jeremiah 29:32

the good

This can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "the good things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

he has proclaimed rebellion against Yahweh

It is not clear why Yahweh speaks of himself by name. Alternate translation: "he has urged people to rebel against me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30

Jeremiah 30:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/restore.md]])

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

The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 30:3

For look

"For listen carefully." This phrase brings attention to what Yahweh is going to say next.

days are coming ... when I will restore the fortunes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah

"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

General Information:

Jeremiah 30:5

We have heard

Possible meanings are 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"

a trembling voice of dread and not of peace

Possible meanings are 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

Ask and see if a man bears a child

"You know that no man has ever given birth to a child"

Why do I see every young man with his hand on his loins like a woman bearing a child? Why have all their faces become pale?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:7

for Jacob, but he will be rescued from it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak to the Israelites.

I will break the yoke off your neck, and I will shatter your chains

Being a slave is spoken of as wearing a yoke like an animal and wearing chains like a prisoner. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:9

they will worship Yahweh their God ... their king ... over them

Yahweh continues speaking about the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: "you will worship Yahweh your God ... your king ... over you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

David their king

This is a metonym for one of David's descendants. Alternate translation: "a man descended from their King David" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

my servant Jacob ... Israel

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

do not be dismayed

"do not be discouraged"

For see, I am

"Listen carefully while I tell you why: I am"

from the land of captivity

The abstract noun "captivity" can be translated using the noun "captive." Alternate translation: "from the place where they were captives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jacob will return ... he will be secure

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

secure

"safe"

Jeremiah 30:11

where I have scattered you

"where I have sent you"

But I will certainly not put an end to you

"But I will not completely destroy you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

will certainly not leave you unpunished

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "will certainly punish you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Your injury is incurable; your wound is infected

This means that Yahweh has punished them so severely that there is no one who can help them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:13

There is no one to plead your case

"There is no one who asks me to show you mercy"

no one to plead your case ... no remedy for your wound

Yahweh has punished them so severely that there is no one who can help them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

All of your lovers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They will not look for you

"They no longer want to be your friends"

I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy

Yahweh has treated his people like he would treat his enemy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the discipline of a cruel master

Yahweh has treated his people like a cruel master would treat a rebellious slave. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

your innumerable sins

"your sins, which are too many to count"

Jeremiah 30:15

Why do you call for help for your injury?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:16

So everyone who consumes you will be consumed

Destroying the nation is spoken of as consuming or eating it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So those who destroy you, their enemies will destroy them" or "So I will destroy everyone who destroys you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

have plundered ... plunder

To plunder is to steal from peaceful people using violence, and plunder is what people steal.

despoiling ... spoil

To despoil here is to take items from an enemy one has defeated, and the items one takes are the spoil.

Jeremiah 30:17

healing ... wounds

See how you translated these words in Jeremiah 30:12.

this is Yahweh's declaration

they called you: Outcast

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'"

No one cares for this Zion

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:18

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

I am about to bring back the fortunes of Jacob's tents and have compassion on his homes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I am about to bring back the fortunes of Jacob's tents

"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.

Then a city will be built on the heap of ruins

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:19

Then a song of praise and a sound of merriment will go out from them

"Then they will sing songs of praise and joy"

for I will increase them and not diminish them

"I will cause them to increase in number, not to become fewer"

so they will not be humbled

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that no one will humble them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

their assembly will be established before me

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will establish them as a people before me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:21

this is Yahweh's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:22

General Information:

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Jeremiah 30:23

See, the tempest of Yahweh, his fury, has gone out

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 30:24

his heart's intentions

The abstract noun "intentions" can be translated using the verb "intends." The heart is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "what he intends to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah 31:intro-0

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 ULB does this with the poetry in 31:1-6, 8-22, 35-37.

The ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/restore.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/forgive.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

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

General Information:

Jeremiah 31:2

The people who have survived the sword have found favor in the wilderness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

who have survived the sword

The word "sword" is a metonym for war. Alternate translation: "who have survived the war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

wilderness; I will go out to give rest to Israel

Another possible meaning is "wilderness, where Israel went out to find rest."

Jeremiah 31:3

Yahweh appeared to me

Jeremiah speaks of himself as if he were the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I have drawn you toward myself with covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

I will build you up again so you will be built

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

virgin Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

tambourines

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:5

General Information:

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Jeremiah 31:6

General Information:

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Jeremiah 31:7

Shout ... Shout ... Let praise be heard ... Say

Yahweh is speaking in an apostrophe to all people of the world, so these verbs are plural. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]])

the chief people of the nations

"the most important people group of all the nations" or "the people group that is more important than any other"

Let praise be heard

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Cause everyone to hear your praise" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about how he will bring the Israelite people back from being captives in Babylon.

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

to bring them

"to bring the Israelite people"

Jeremiah 31:9

I will lead them as they make their pleas

Yahweh will lead them and they will be praying to Yahweh. Some ancient versions read, "Yahweh will lead them and will comfort them."

I will be a father to Israel, and Ephraim will be my firstborn

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

my firstborn

The firstborn had special honor and responsibility.

Jeremiah 31:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about how he will bring the Israelite people back from being captives in Babylon.

Hear ... Report

Yahweh is speaking to the nations, so these verbs are plural. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]])

The one who scattered Israel is gathering her up and keeping her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

as a shepherd keeps his sheep

A shepherd cares for and protects his sheep, and Yahweh is promising to care for and protect the Israelites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:11

For Yahweh has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from the hand that was too strong for him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:12

on the heights of Zion

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

like a watered garden

This means they will be strong and healthy, and they will prosper. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they will never again feel any more sorrow

The world "never" is a generalization. The Israelites will almost always feel joy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:13

I will change their mourning into celebration

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"

I will change

"Yahweh will change"

Jeremiah 31:14

I will saturate the lives of the priests in abundance

The abstract noun "abundance" can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 31:15

A voice is heard in Ramah

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I hear a voice in Ramah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

It is Rachel weeping for her children

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

She refuses to be comforted over them, for they live no longer

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "She will not let anyone comfort her, for her children are dead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:16

Hold your voice back from weeping and your eyes from tears

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Hold your voice ... your eyes ... your work ... your children

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:17

your future ... your descendants

Jeremiah 31:18

I have certainly heard Ephraim sorrowing

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You punished me, and I have been punished

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I have been punished like an untrained calf

When people train calves, they strike them and otherwise cause them to suffer. Yahweh had caused the people of Israel to suffer. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

punished

Another possible meaning is "disciplined."

Jeremiah 31:19

I slapped my thigh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

I was ashamed and humiliated

The words "ashamed" and "humiliated" mean basically the same thing and intensify the idea of shame. Alternate translation: "I was completely ashamed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:20

Is not Ephraim my precious child? Is he not my dear, delightful son?

Yahweh is speaking tenderly, trying to comfort the people. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "Ephraim is my precious child. He is my dear, delightful son. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 31:21

General Information:

God continues to speak from verse 7.

Place road signs for yourself ... Set up guideposts for yourself ... Set your mind ... you should take ... Come back

These commands and instances of "yourself" and "your" and "you" are addressed to "virgin Israel" and so are singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]])

Come back, virgin Israel!

God is referring to a changed Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:22

How long will you waver, faithless daughter?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

waver

Possible meanings are 1) be unable to decide what to do or 2) often go off the correct path, a metaphor for disobeying Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

new on earth—a woman surrounds a strong man

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:23

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

the people

Here this refers to the people of Judah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

May Yahweh bless you, you righteous place where he lives, you holy mountain

Jerusalem is on the top of a hill, and the temple was built at the highest point in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh bless those who live in Jerusalem with Yahweh, where his temple is" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

you holy mountain

Mount Zion, where the temple had stood

Jeremiah 31:24

Judah and all its cities will live together there

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

as will farmers and those who set out with flocks

"and farmers and those who set out with flocks will also live there"

those who set out with flocks

people who take care of sheep and goats

Jeremiah 31:25

General Information:

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Jeremiah 31:26

had been refreshing

"had refreshed me"

Jeremiah 31:27

Look

"Pay attention" or "Listen"

days are coming ... when I will sow

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will sow the houses of Israel and Judah with the seed of man and the seed of animals

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:28

I kept them under surveillance in order to uproot them

"looked for ways to uproot them"

uproot ... tear them down ... overthrow ... destroy

See how you translated these ideas in Jeremiah 1:9.

in order to build them up and to plant them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:29

Fathers have eaten sour grapes, but the children's teeth are dulled

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-proverbs/01.md]])

sour grapes

Possible meanings are 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.

teeth are dulled

Use the common words in your language for how people's mouths feel when they eat sour or unripe fruit.

Jeremiah 31:30

For each man will die in his own iniquity

"For each man will die because of his own sins"

everyone who eats sour grapes, his teeth will be dulled

Jeremiah restates the proverb so that it now means people will suffer as a consequence of their own behaviors. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-proverbs/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:31

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am going to tell you"

days are coming ... when I will establish

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Judah

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" or "the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:32

I took them by their hand

as a loving husband would hold the hand of his wife as they walk (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:33

the house of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will place my law within them and will write it on their heart

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:34

from the smallest of them to the greatest

This phrase refers to every person, from the least important to the most important. Alternate translation: "every single one of them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:35

General Information:

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Jeremiah 31:36

Only if these permanent things vanish ... will Israel's descendants ever stop from forever being a nation

Yahweh speaks of a situation that will never happen in order to assure the people of Israel that they will never stop being a nation. Alternate translation: "Just as these permanent things will never vanish ... Israel's descendants will never stop from forever being a nation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 31:37

Only if the highest heavens can be measured, and only if the earth's foundation below can be discovered, will I reject all of Israel's descendants

Yahweh speaks of situations that will never happen to assure his people that he will never reject all of Isreal's descendants. Alternate translation: "Just as the highest heavens can never be measured, and the earth's foundation below can never be discovered, I will never reject all of Israel's descendants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

the highest heavens ... earth's foundation

These phrases refer to the whole of creation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

the earth's foundation below can be discovered

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone can dig all the way down to the earth's foundation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

foundation below

"deepest part." The "foundation" is the part of a house on which every other part rests.

reject

throw away or refuse to take

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 31:38

days are coming ... when the city will be rebuilt

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

the city will be rebuilt for me

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Tower of Hananel ... Corner Gate

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:39

hill of Gareb ... Goah

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 31:40

The whole valley ... will be set apart for Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Kidron Valley ... Horse Gate

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

set apart

"made holy"

The city will not be pulled up or overthrown again

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32

Jeremiah 32:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

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 is the word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar

"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

Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they were keeping Jeremiah as a prisoner" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person. Alternate translation: "I was imprisoned" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

the courtyard of the guard at the house of the king of Judah

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

Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Zedekiah do this. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

had imprisoned him

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 UDB does. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Why do you prophesy and say

Zekekiah uses a question to rebuke Jeremiah. Alternate translation: "It is wrong for you to continue prophesying and saying" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

I am about to give over this city into the hand of the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he will capture it

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

he will certainly be given into the hand of the king of Babylon

The word "hand" is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

His mouth will speak to the king's mouth, and his eyes will see the king's eyes

Here "mouth" and "eyes" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "Zedekiah himself will see and directly speak with Nebuchadnezzar" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:5

this is Yahweh's declaration

you fight

Here "you" is plural and refers to the people in Jerusalem. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:6

Jeremiah said

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person. Alternate translation: "I said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:7

'Look, Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle is coming to you and will say, "Buy my field that is in Anathoth for yourself, for the right to buy it belongs to you."'"

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

Hanamel ... Shallum

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Anathoth

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:8

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking, but he begins to speak of himself in first person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

the courtyard of the guard

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

seventeen shekels

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "17 shekels" or "187 grams" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:10

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking.

in a scroll and sealed it, and had witnesses witness it

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.

had witnesses witness it

"had people watch me purchase the land so they could tell others that I had purchased the land"

Jeremiah 32:11

that was sealed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I sealed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

unsealed deed

"opened copy" or "the deed that did not have a seal on it"

Jeremiah 32:12

Baruch ... Neriah ... Mahseiah

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the courtyard of the guard

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

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking.

before them

Here "them" refers to Hanamel, the witnesses, and the Judeans.

Jeremiah 32:14

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Jeremiah 32:15

Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel will buy houses, vineyards and fields again in this land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:16

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking. He begins a long prayer, a lament with a long introduction of praise.

the receipt of purchase

This means the sealed scroll and the unsealed scroll.

Jeremiah 32:17

Woe, Lord Yahweh! Look!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

by your great strength and with your raised arm

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:18

You show steadfast love to thousands

The abstract noun "love" can be stated as the verb "love." Alternate translation: "You love thousands without ceasing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

pour the guilt of men into the laps of their children after them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:19

General Information:

Jeremiah continues praying the introduction to his lament to Yahweh.

for your eyes are open to all the ways of people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to give to each man what his conduct and deeds deserve

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:20

You did signs and wonders in the land of Egypt

This refers to an event in the past when God used his power to free the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

To this present day

"To this day"

among all mankind

"among all people"

you have made your name famous

Here "name" refers to God's reputation. Alternate translation: "you have made yourself famous" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:21

with a strong hand, with a raised arm

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:22

General Information:

Jeremiah continues praying to Yahweh. He ends the introduction to his lament ("Woe," Jeremiah 32:17) with the words "took possession of it" and begins the lament with "but they did not obey."

gave them

"gave the people of Israel"

land flowing with milk and honey

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:23

But they did not obey your voice

The voice is a metonym for the message the speaker gives. Alternate translation: "But they did not obey what you said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:24

General Information:

Jeremiah continues praying to Yahweh.

The siege mounds have reached up to the city to capture it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

because of sword

The word "sword" is a metonym for war, where soldiers use swords. Alternate translation: "because soldiers will attack" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

famine, and plague

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans

Here "hand" means power or control. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have given Jerusalem to the Chaldean army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

happening, and see, you are watching

"happening, as you can see very well"

Jeremiah 32:25

have witnesses witness it

"have people watch you purchase the land so they can tell others that you have purchased the land"

this city is being given

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am giving this city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:26

The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

came to Jeremiah

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person, as the UDB does. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:27

Is anything too difficult for me to do?

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he can do anything. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Nothing is too difficult for me to do." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:28

See, I am about to give

"Listen carefully! I am the one who will give"

give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah.

in order to provoke me

"so that I would become very angry"

Jeremiah 32:30

doing evil before my eyes

Here the metonym "eyes" represents what God sees. Possible meanings are 1) "doing what I consider evil" or 2) "doing evil knowing that I am watching" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

since their youth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 32:31

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah.

this city has been a provocation of my wrath and fury since the day that they built it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

has been a provocation of

The abstract noun "provocation" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "has been something that has provoked" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

It has been that right up to this present day

"They continue to make me angry even now"

from before my face

The face is a metonym for the person's presence. Alternate translation: "from my presence" or "completely" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:32

General Information:

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Jeremiah 32:33

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah about what the people of Israel had done.

They turned their backs to me instead of their faces

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

to receive correction

"to learn how to act correctly"

Jeremiah 32:34

their abominable idols

"their idols which I hate"

the house that is called by my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:35

Valley of Ben Hinnom

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 7:31.

It never entered my mind

Here "mind" refers to Yahweh's thoughts. Alternate translation: "I never thought at all" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:36

which you are saying

Here "you" is plural. These words could refer to 1) Jeremiah and those with him, or 2) all the people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:37

to gather them

"to gather my people"

wrath, fury, and great anger

All three words mean the same thing and emphasize how very angry he is. Alternate translation: "extreme anger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

in security

"where they are safe"

Jeremiah 32:38

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

Jeremiah 32:39

one heart and one way to honor me

The people of Israel will want to work together to honor Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:40

an everlasting covenant

"eternal agreement"

will not turn away from doing good

"stop doing good"

I will set honor for me in their hearts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so that they will never turn away from me

"so that they will never stop obeying and worshiping me"

Jeremiah 32:41

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

doing good to them

Here "them" refers to the people of Israel.

I will faithfully plant them in this land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

with all my heart and all my life

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:42

I have brought all this great disaster on this people, so I will bring on them all the good things

"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

Then fields will be bought in this land

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then people will buy fields in this land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you are saying

Here "you" refers to the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

It has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 32:44

write in sealed scrolls. They will assemble witnesses

The "sealed scrolls" are the deeds that a person would sign to purchase land. Other people would be witnesses to confirm the purchase.

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 33

Jeremiah 33:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenantfaith.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/hope.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/restore.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/peopleofgod.md]])

Jeremiah 33:1

General Information:

See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-poetry/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]]

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was ... guard, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

came to Jeremiah

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. There is no need to translate using first person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

he was still shut within

"he was still a prisoner in"

the courtyard of the guard

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 forms in order to establish

who creates things so he can make them exist forever

Jeremiah 33:3

General Information:

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Jeremiah 33:4

that are torn down because of the siege ramps and the sword

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the sword

This is a metonym for people dying violently when soldiers kill with swords. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:5

in my wrath and fury

The words "wrath" and "fury" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his wrath. Alternate translation: "in my extreme wrath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

I hide my face

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:6

General Information:

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Jeremiah 33:7

I will bring back the fortunes of Judah and Israel

"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 33:8

General Information:

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Jeremiah 33:9

this city ... do for it ... give to it

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

a song of praise and honor for all the nations of the earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

they will fear and tremble

The hendiadys "fear and tremble" can be translated by a single verb. Alternate translation: "they will tremble with fear" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hendiadys/01.md]])

fear

Another possible meaning is "awe."

because of all the good things and the peace that I will give to it

The abstract noun "peace" can be translated as 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:10

General Information:

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Jeremiah 33:11

the house of Yahweh

the temple in Jerusalem

I will restore the fortunes of the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to what they were before

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:12

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Jeremiah 33:13

the flocks will again pass under the hands of the ones counting them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:14

Look

"Listen carefully"

Days are coming ... when I will do

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

the house of Israel

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" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Judah

Judah

This is a metonym for the people who live in Judah. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days and in that time

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

I will make a righteous branch to grow for David

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the land

the nation of Israel (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:16

Judah ... Jerusalem

These towns' names are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah ... the people of Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Judah will be saved

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will save Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jerusalem will live in security

"the people of Judah will be safe from their enemies"

this is what she will be called

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:17

A man from David's line will never be lacking

"There will always be a man from David's line"

A man from David's line

a male descendant of King David

to sit on the throne of the house of Israel

The throne is a metonym for the king. Alternate translation: "to be king over the house of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Israel

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" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:18

nor will a man from the Levitical priests be lacking before me to raise burnt offerings

"and there will always be a man from the Levitical priests to raise burnt offerings"

raise burnt offerings

"offer burnt offerings"

Jeremiah 33:19

The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

to Jeremiah

Jeremiah 33:20

Yahweh says

Yahweh is speaking of himself here. Alternate translation: "I say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

If you can break my covenant with day and night ... proper times

This phrase starting with "If" is a condition that is contrary to fact. No one can break God's covenant with night and day. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:21

then you will be able to break my covenant with David ... and my covenant with the Levitical priests, my servants

This completes the sentence that began in verse 20 with the condition that is contrary to fact, "If you can break my covenant ... proper times." God said this to assure his people that no one can change God's covenants with David and the Levitical priests. This would give the people hope that God will keep his covenant. Alternate translation: "Just as you cannot break my covenant ... proper times, so you will never be able to break my covenant with David ... and my covenant with the Levitical priests, my servants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

to sit on his throne

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:22

As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted

This is part of a simile, and it can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "As the hosts of heaven are so many that they cannot be counted" or "As no one can count the hosts of heaven" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the hosts of heaven

"the armies of heaven." This refers to the lights we see in the sky, including the sun, moon, stars. They are called the hosts because there are so many of them, just as armies have many soldiers. Alternate translation: "the multitude of things in the sky" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

as the sand of the seashores cannot be measured

This is part of a simile, and it can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "as the sand of the seashores is so abundant that it cannot be measured" or "as no one can measure the sand of the seashores" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:23

The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

to Jeremiah

Jeremiah 33:24

Have you not considered what this people has declared when they said, 'The ... them'?

Yahweh wants Jeremiah to think deeply about what the people have said. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have noticed what this people are really saying when they said, 'The ... them.'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

In this way they despise my people, saying ... sight

"What they are really saying is that my people are worthless and that my people will never again be a nation."

my people ... are no longer a nation in their sight

Sight is a metonym for thinking. Alternate translation: "they no longer think of my people as a nation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:25

If I have not established ... and if I have not fixed ... earth

This phrase starting with "If" is a condition that is contrary to fact. God established his covenant with day and night, and he fixed the laws of heaven and earth. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

Jeremiah 33:26

then I will reject the descendants ... and not bring

This completes the sentence that began in verse 25 with the condition that is contrary to fact, "If I have not established ... and if I have not fixed ... earth." God said this to assure his people that he will not reject them and he will bring someone to rule over them. Alternate translation: "Just as I have established the covenant ... so I will never reject the descendants ... and I will bring" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

I will restore their fortunes

"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.

show mercy to

Translate as "have compassion on" is translated in (Jeremiah 30:18).

Jeremiah 34

Jeremiah 34:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:1

The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when Nebuchadnezzar ... her cities, saying:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

waging war

"fighting"

all of her cities

This refers to all the towns around Jerusalem. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:2

to give this city

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:28

into the hand of the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:3

You will not escape from his hand

Here the word "hand" is a metonym for the control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: "You will not escape from his control" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

you will certainly be seized and given

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Babylonians will certainly seize you and give you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:4

You will not die by the sword.

The word "sword" is a metonym for dying in war. Alternate translation: "You will not die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:5

the funeral burning of your ancestors

The people would burn spices in honor of people who had recently died. They did not burn the dead people's bodies.

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 34:6

General Information:

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Jeremiah 34:7

Lachish and Azekah

These are names of cities. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

These cities of Judah remained as fortified cities

"the only fortified cities of Judah that the Babylonians had not yet captured"

Jeremiah 34:8

The word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

word

message

after King Zedekiah had made a covenant ... freedom to them

These words begin to provide background information to events that will be described later. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:9

that each man ... his brother

The background information that begins with the words "after King Zedekiah had made a covenant" in verse 8 ends here. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate:writing_background/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:10

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah continues giving the background information that began in Jeremiah 34:8.

Jeremiah 34:11

General Information:

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Jeremiah 34:12

Connecting Statement:

Jeremiah resumes the story from Jeremiah 34:8 after the background information of Jeremiah 34:8-Jeremiah 11.

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:13

house of slavery

This is an idiom. "place where you were slaves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:14

each man must send away his brother, his fellow Hebrew who had sold himself to you and served you

"each of you must free any fellow Hebrews who sold themselves to you and have been your slaves"

Send him away in freedom

"You must let them be free from serving you"

did not ... incline their ears to me

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:15

Now you yourselves repented

Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

right in my eyes

"Eyes" here is a metonym for someone's opinion or idea. Alternate translation: "what I consider to be right" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house that is called by my name

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the house that belongs to me" or "the building in which they worship me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:16

turned and polluted my name

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:17

So look!

"Listen!" or "Pay attention to the important thing I am going to tell you!"

I am about to proclaim freedom to you ... freedom for the sword, the plague, and famine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

proclaim freedom to you

"proclaim that you are free"

this is Yahweh's declaration

sword

This is a metonym for soldiers who carry swords. Alternate translation: "enemy soldiers to kill you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

am going to make you a horrible thing in the sight of every kingdom on earth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:18

when they cut a bull ... walked between its parts

These words begin to describe how the people established the covenant. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

established before me

"agreed to with me" or "established while I was watching"

Jeremiah 34:19

and then the leaders ... walked between the parts of the bull

The description of how the people established the covenant that began with the words "when they cut" in verse 18 ends here. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:20

I will give them into the hand of their enemies

The word "hand" here is a metonym for the power or control that the enemies will exercise using their hands. Alternate translation: "I will allow their enemies to have complete control over them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

seeking their lives

This is a polite way to say that they wanted to kill them. Alternate translation: "seeking to kill them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

into the hand of their enemies

Here the word "hands" represents control. Alternate translation: "to be conquered by their enemies" or "over to the control of their enemies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 34:21

risen up

"come to fight"

Jeremiah 34:22

bring them

bring the Babylonian armies

Jeremiah 35

Jeremiah 35:intro-0

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 word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh in the days ... of Judah, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to Jeremiah

Jeremiah 35:2

Rekabites

This is a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

my house

the temple

Jeremiah 35:3

Jaazaniah ... Habazziniah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 35:4

Hanan ... Igdaliah ... Maaseiah ... Shallum

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 35:5

Rekabites

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 35:2.

Jeremiah 35:6

Jonadab ... Rekab

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 35:7

live many days in the land

"live many years in the land." "Days" refers to the span of time.

Jeremiah 35:8

the voice of Jonadab

The word "voice" is a metonym for the command that Jonadab spoke. Alternate translation: "the command of Jonadab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

all of our days

"as long as we live." "Days" refers to the span of time.

Jeremiah 35:9

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Jeremiah 35:10

General Information:

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Jeremiah 35:11

General Information:

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Jeremiah 35:12

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to Jeremiah

Jeremiah 35:13

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Will you not receive correction and listen to my words?

Yahweh is telling Israel to listen carefully to his rebuke. Alternate translation: "You must certainly receive this correction and listen to my words." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 35:14

The words of Jonadab son of Rekab that he gave to his sons as a command, not to drink any wine, have been observed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The sons of Jonadab son of Rekab have observed their father's command to not drink wine" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jonadab ... Rekab

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 35:15

let no one walk any longer after other gods

Walking after a god is a metaphor for obeying the laws of that god. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 35:16

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Jeremiah 35:17

Look

This word tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows.

Jeremiah 35:18

Jeremiah said

Rekabites

This is the name of the people group. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 35:2.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Jonadab

a man's name. See how you translated it in Jeremiah 35:5.

Jeremiah 35:19

Jonadab ... Rekab

These are the names of men. See how you translated these in Jeremiah 35:5.

Jeremiah 36

Jeremiah 36:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

Jeremiah 36:1

General Information:

See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-poetry/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]]

It came about

"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.

in the fourth year of Jehoiakim ... king of Judah

Jehoiakim had been king of Judah for more than three years. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 25:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

that this word

The phrase "this word" refers to the message that follows.

to Jeremiah

he said

"Yahweh said"

Jeremiah 36:2

every nation

"all of the nations"

I have told from

"I have told you from"

from the days of Josiah until this very day

"from the time Josiah was king until today"

Jeremiah 36:3

Perhaps the people

"It is possible that the people"

to bring on them

"to cause to happen to them"

his wicked way

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

forgive their iniquity and their sin

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 36:4

Jeremiah called ... at Jeremiah's dictation ... to him

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. You may translate using first person. Alternate translation: "I called ... at my dictation ... to me ... I gave ... I said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Baruch wrote in a scroll, at Jeremiah's dictation, all the words of Yahweh spoken to him

"while Jeremiah was speaking, Baruch wrote in a scroll all of Yahweh's words that Yahweh had spoken to Jeremiah"

Jeremiah 36:5

Jeremiah gave ... He said

Jeremiah 36:6

read from the scroll

"read out loud from the scroll" or "proclaim from the scroll"

must read

"must read out loud" or "must proclaim"

in the hearing of the people in his house

"so that the people in Yahweh's house can hear them." See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

in the hearing of all of Judah who have come from their cities

"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

General Information:

Jeremiah continues to give instructions to Baruch.

Perhaps their pleas

"It is possible that their pleas"

their pleas for mercy will come before Yahweh

"Yahweh will hear them plead for mercy and do as they ask"

their pleas for mercy

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.

from his wicked way

the wrath and fury

"the anger and rage"

Jeremiah 36:8

General Information:

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Jeremiah 36:9

It came about

See how you translated this phrase in Jeremiah 36:1.

in the fifth year and ninth month of Jehoiakim ... king of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah

See how you translated this phrase in Jeremiah 25:1.

proclaimed a fast

"told everyone that they were going to fast"

Jeremiah 36:10

Jeremiah's words

It is not clear why Jeremiah is referring to himself by name here. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Gemariah son of Shaphan

This is the name of a person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the scribe

"who was a scribe"

by the gate of the entrance to the house of Yahweh

"in the entrance of the new gate of the house of Yahweh"

He did this

He read aloud Jeremiah's words.

in the hearing of all the people

"where all the people could hear him." See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:11

Now

Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Micaiah son of Gemariah son of Shaphan

"Micaiah who was the son of Gemariah, who was the son of Shaphan"

Micaiah

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gemariah son of Shaphan

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 36:12

Look

"Pay attention to what I am going to say"

all the officials

"all of the other officials"

Jeremiah 36:13

Micaiah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 36:11.

reported to them

The word "them" refers to officials in Jeremiah 36:12.

in the hearing of the people

"so that the people could hear" See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:14

Jehudi ... Nethaniah ... Shelemiah ... Cushi

These are men's names. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 36:15

in our hearing

"so we can hear you read it" See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

read the scroll

"read the scroll aloud"

Jeremiah 36:16

It happened that

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.

when they heard

The word "they" refers to the officials.

all these words

the words that Baruch read aloud from the scroll

Jeremiah 36:17

how did you come to write

"how did you write"

at Jeremiah's dictation

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:4.

Jeremiah 36:18

dictated

Jeremiah spoke out loud so that Baruch could write down his words.

wrote them in ink

"used ink to write them"

ink

a dark liquid that is used for writing

Jeremiah 36:19

Jeremiah, too

You may need to make this a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "hide Jeremiah, too" or "Jeremiah should hide himself, too" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

where you are

The word "you" refers to Baruch and Jeremiah and so is plural. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Jeremiah 36:20

So they

"Then the officials"

put the scroll in the room of Elishama

"put the scroll in the room of Elishama so it would be safe"

Elishama the secretary

See how you translated "Elishama the scribe" in Jeremiah 36:12.

in the hearing of the king

"where the king could hear him" See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 2:2.

Jeremiah 36:21

Jehudi

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 36:14.

Jeremiah 36:22

Now

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.

in the ninth month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

a brazier was burning in front of him

"the brazier was in front of him with a blazing fire"

a brazier

a fireplace that people can move

Jeremiah 36:23

It happened that

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.

Jehudi

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:14.

columns

these are columns of words on the scroll

would cut it off

"would cut that part of the scroll off"

with a knife

"using a scribe's knife" or "using the kind of knife that scribes use"

brazier

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 36:22.

until all of the scroll was destroyed

"until the scroll was completely gone"

Jeremiah 36:24

all these words

the words from the scroll that Baruch wrote as Jeremiah dictated

nor did they tear their clothes

People tore their cloths when they were extremely sad. Alternate translation: "nor did they mourn by tearing their clothes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 36:25

Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah

See how you translated these names in Jeremiah 36:12.

urged the king

"pleaded with the king"

Jeremiah 36:26

Jerahmeel ... Seraiah ... Azriel ... Shelemiah ... Abdeel

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

a relative

"a relative of the king"

Jeremiah the prophet ... hidden them

Jeremiah 36:27

Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah after ... dictation, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to Jeremiah ... Jeremiah's dictation

at Jeremiah's dictation

See how you translated similar words in Jeremiah 36:4.

Jeremiah 36:28

Go back, take another scroll for yourself

"Take another scroll for yourself again"

the original scroll

"the first scroll"

Jeremiah 36:29

Why have you written on it ... animal from it'?

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 ... animal from it!" or "You were wrong to write ... animal from it'!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

for he will cut off

"for he will destroy"

Jeremiah 36:30

will ever sit on the throne of David

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

your corpse will be thrown out

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will throw your dead body outside" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

your corpse

"your dead body"

into the heat of day

"so that it is exposed to the dry heat of the daytime"

frost

ice that forms on grass during cold nights

Jeremiah 36:31

of you all

"of all of you"

Jeremiah 36:32

Jeremiah took ... Jeremiah's dictation

Jeremiah speaks of himself by name for reasons that are not clear. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Baruch wrote on it at Jeremiah's dictation

The abstract noun "dictation" can be translated as a verb. See how similar words are translated in Jeremiah 36:4. Alternate translation: "while Jeremiah was speaking, Baruch wrote on it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

burned by Jehoiakim king of Judah

"that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire"

Furthermore, many other similar words were added to this scroll

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37

Jeremiah 37:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wordofgod.md]])

Jeremiah 37:1

Jehoiachin

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

of the land

"of the land of Judah"

he proclaimed by the hand of Jeremiah the prophet

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "he had Jeremiah the prophet proclaim" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

he proclaimed

"Yahweh proclaimed"

Jeremiah the prophet

Jeremiah refers to himself by name for reasons that are not clear.

Jeremiah 37:3

Jehukal

This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Shelemiah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 36:14. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 21:1.

on our behalf

"for us" or "for our sake." The word "our" refers to King Zedekiah and the rest of the people of Judah.

Jeremiah 37:4

Now

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

Jeremiah was coming and going among the people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

for he had not yet been put in prison

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "because no one had put him in prison" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37:5

came out

"had set out"

besieging

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 32:2.

Jeremiah 37:6

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37:7

you will say

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

to seek advice from me

The word "me" refers to Yahweh.

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

Jeremiah 37:8

They will fight against this city, capture it, and burn it

Compare how you translated "to wage war against it and take it, and to burn it" in Jeremiah 34:22.

Jeremiah 37:9

Do not deceive yourselves

The word "yourselves" refers to King Zedekiah and the rest of the people of Judah.

Surely the Chaldeans are leaving us

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37:10

they would get up

"the wounded men would get up"

Jeremiah 37:11

So it was

"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

a tract of land

"a piece of land" or "some land"

among his people

"among his relatives." Jeremiah was from the town of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin (Jeremiah 1:1).

Jeremiah 37:13

Benjamin Gate

This is the name of the gate.

Irijah

This is the name of a person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Shelemiah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 36:14. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hananiah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 28:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

deserting

escaping trouble and leaving people who need help

Jeremiah 37:14

deserting

This means escaping trouble and leaving people who need help.

Irijah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 37:13. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

officials

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:18.

Jeremiah 37:15

Jonathan the scribe

"Jonathan, who was a scribe." This is a man's name. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37:16

Jeremiah was put into an underground cell

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the officials put Jeremiah into a room that was under the ground" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37:17

brought him

"brought Jeremiah"

his house

the palace of King Zedekiah

You will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 37:18

How have I sinned against you ... prison?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

this people

the people of the kingdom of Judah

have placed

"have put"

Jeremiah 37:19

Where are your prophets, the ones who prophesied ... against this land?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

your prophets

The word "your" refers to King Zedekiah and the other people of the kingdom of Judah.

will not come against you or against this land

"will not attack you or attack this land"

Jeremiah 37:20

Let my pleas come before you

"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 the scribe

"the house of Jonathan, who is a scribe." See how you translated this in Jeremiah 37:15.

Jeremiah 37:21

the courtyard of the guard

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.

A loaf of bread was given him

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "His servants also gave Jeremiah a loaf of bread" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

from the street of the bakers

"from the street where the bakers worked"

Jeremiah 38

Jeremiah 38:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/godly.md]])

Jeremiah 38:1

Shephatiah ... Mattan, Gedaliah ... Pashhur, Jehukal ... Shelemiah ... Pashhur ... Malkijah

men's names (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:2

Anyone staying in this city will be killed by sword, famine, and plague

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

He will escape with his own life

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

This city will be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

he will capture it

The reader should understand that others will help the king of Babylon capture the city. "his army will capture it"

Jeremiah 38:4

Let this man die

"Order someone to kill this man"

he is weakening the hands of the fighting men who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for this man is not working for safety for this people, but disaster

"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

Look

"Listen carefully"

he is in your hand

The hand is a metonym for the power that the hand has. Alternate translation: "you are able do whatever you want with him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:6

they ... threw him into the cistern

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

cistern

a deep hole in the ground where people collect and store rain water

the courtyard of the guard

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.

They lowered Jeremiah down on ropes

This tells how "they threw him into the cistern."

Jeremiah 38:7

Now Ebed-Melek

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.

Ebed-Melek the Cushite

This is the name of a man from Cush. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Now the king

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

sitting at the Benjamin Gate

King Zedekiah was probably hearing and judging legal cases. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Benjamin Gate

This is an entrance into the city of Jerusalem that people named after Benjamin, Jacob's son.

Jeremiah 38:8

General Information:

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Jeremiah 38:9

General Information:

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Jeremiah 38:10

thirty men

"30 men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:11

let them down by ropes

"used ropes to lower them down"

Jeremiah 38:12

under your arms and on top of the ropes

"between your arms and the ropes"

Jeremiah 38:13

they pulled Jeremiah

Here the word "they" refers to some of the thirty men who were with Ebed-Melech.

the courtyard of the guard

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 38:14

General Information:

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Jeremiah 38:15

If I answer you, will you not certainly kill me?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:16

As Yahweh lives, the one who made us

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I will not ... give you into the hand of those men

Here the word "hand" refers to the men's control or power. Alternate translation: "I will not ... allow those men to capture you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

seeking your life

Jeremiah 38:17

God of Israel

The name of the people group is metonym for the people of that group. Alternate translation: "God of the people of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this city will not be burned

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Babylonian army will not burn this city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:18

this city will be given into the hand of the Chaldeans

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you will not escape from their hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:19

deserted

escaped trouble and left people who needed help. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 37:13.

I might be given over into their hand

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for them to treat me badly

Here the word "them" refers to the people of Judah who have deserted.

Jeremiah 38:20

They will not give you over to them

"The Chaldeans will not give you over to the Judeans." Here "you" refers to Zedekiah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:21

this is what Yahweh has shown me

Here the word "this" refers to what Jeremiah will say next.

Jeremiah 38:22

General Information:

Jeremiah continues speaking with King Zedekiah.

All the women who are left ... will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

You have been deceived by your friends

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your friends have deceived you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Your feet are now sunk into the mud

The king is now helpless. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:23

For all of your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

will not escape from their hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: "will not escape from their power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You will be captured by the hand of the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:24

General Information:

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Jeremiah 38:25

General Information:

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Jeremiah 38:26

Jonathan

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 37:15.

Jeremiah 38:27

the conversation between Jeremiah and the king

The abstract noun "conversation" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "what Jeremiah and the king said to each other" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 38:28

the courtyard of the guard

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.

until the day Jerusalem was captured

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the day that the Babylonian army captured Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39

Jeremiah 39:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

Jeremiah 39:1

came ... against Jerusalem

"came to attack Jerusalem"

In the ninth year and tenth month of Zedekiah king of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]])

ninth ... tenth

See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]]

Jeremiah 39:2

In the eleventh year and fourth month of Zedekiah, on the ninth day of the month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]])

eleventh ... fourth

See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]]

Jeremiah 39:3

Nebo-Sarsekim, Samgar Nebo, and Sarsechim

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in the middle gate

"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

They went out at night from the city by the king's garden path

"They left the city at night going out on a path in the king's garden"

Jeremiah 39:5

the plains of the Jordan River valley

This is the flat land at the southern end of the valley.

at Riblah in the land of Hamath

Riblah was a town in the territory of Hamath, which is in Syria. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

pursued them and overtook

"followed them and caught"

passed sentence on him

"decided how to punish him"

Jeremiah 39:6

slaughtered Zedekiah's sons before his own eyes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39:7

he put out Zedekiah's eyes

"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

the king's house

Zedekiah's house

the people's houses

the houses that had belonged to the people of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 39:9

Nebuzaradan

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the king's bodyguards

"Nebuchadnezzar's guards"

the rest of the people who were left in the city

This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: "the people who were still living in the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39:10

who had nothing for themselves

The word "nothing" is probably an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "who owned nothing of great value" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39:11

General Information:

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Jeremiah 39:12

General Information:

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Jeremiah 39:13

Nebushazban

a man's name (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

sent men out

They sent them out to get Jeremiah. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "sent men out to get Jeremiah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39:14

Gedaliah ... Ahikam ... Shaphan

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the courtyard of the guard

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.

among the people

You may need to make explicit which people the speaker is speaking of. Alternate translation: "among the people who remained in Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39:15

General Information:

This story happened before the events in the first part of the chapter.

Now

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-events/01.md]])

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah while he was ... guard, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the courtyard of the guard

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

Ebed-Melek the Cushite

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 38:7.

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

I am about to carry out my words against this city for disaster and not for good

"I am bringing disaster, not good, against this city, just as I said I would"

For they will all come true before you on that day

"For you will see it all happen on that day"

Jeremiah 39:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah.

you will not be given into the hand of the men whom you fear

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 39:18

You will not fall by the sword

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

with your life

"alive"

Jeremiah 40

Jeremiah 40:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 40:1

The word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Nebuzaradan

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

who were being carried into exile to Babylon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the soldiers were about to take to Babylon as exiles" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 40:2

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Jeremiah 40:3

this thing

"this disaster"

Jeremiah 40:4

But now look!

Nebuzaradan says this to bring Jeremiah's attention to the present moment.

it is good in your eyes

"Eyes" here is a metonym for what the person thinks. Alternate translation: "it is what you consider to be right" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 40:5

Gedaliah ... Ahikam ... Shaphan

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 39:14.

among the people

"among the Judeans"

it is good in your eyes

Jeremiah 40:6

who were left behind in the land

"who stayed in Judah"

Jeremiah 40:7

Now

This marks a new part of the story.

those who had not been exiled to Babylon

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the enemy soldiers had not sent to Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 40:8

Ishmael ... Nethaniah ... Johanan ... Jonathan ... Kareah ... Seraiah ... Tanhumeth ... Ephai ... Jaazaniah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Netophathite ... Maakathite

people from the regions of Netophah and Maakah

Jeremiah 40:9

took an oath to them

"swore to the Judean commanders"

Jeremiah 40:10

Look

"Listen carefully" or "Pay attention"

summer fruit

"fruit that becomes ripe during the summer"

you have occupied

"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

remnant of Judah

"remnant of the people of Judah"

had appointed ... over them

"had put ... in charge of them"

Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan

See how you translated this in Jeremiah 39:14.

over them

"over the people of Judah"

Jeremiah 40:12

where they had been scattered

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "where the Babylonians had driven them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

wine and summer fruit in great abundance

"a huge amount of grapes and summer fruit"

summer fruit

"fruit that becomes ripe during the summer." See how you translated this in Jeremiah 40:10.

Jeremiah 40:13

Johanan ... Kareah

See how you translated these names in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gedaliah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 39:14. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 40:14

Do you realize that Baalis king of the people of Ammon sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to murder you?

Johanan and the commanders use a rhetorical question to warn Gedaliah. It can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Baalis

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ishmael ... Nethaniah

Translate these names as in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ahikim

See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 26:24. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 40:15

Johanan ... Kareah

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gedaliah

See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 39:14.

Ishmael ... Nethaniah

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 40:8.

No one will suspect me

"No one will think that I did it"

Why should he kill you?

Johanan uses a rhetorical question to try to change Gedaliah's thinking. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not allow him to kill you." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why allow all of Judah that has been gathered to you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah destroyed?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

all of Judah

The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many of the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

that has been gathered to you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "who have come to you" or "whom Yahweh has brought to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

to be scattered

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to have the Chaldeans scatter them" or "to flee away to many different lands" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the remnant of Judah destroyed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

remnant of Judah

"remnant of the people of Judah." See how you translated this in Jeremiah 40:11.

Jeremiah 40:16

Ahikam

See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 26:24.

Jeremiah 41

Jeremiah 41:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faithful.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

Jeremiah 41:1

it happened 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.

in the seventh month

Ishmael son of Nethaniah

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 40:8. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Elishama

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:2

Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 39:14. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in charge of the land

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "in charge of the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:3

Then Ishmael killed

Here "Ishmael" represents himself and the ten men with him. Alternate translation: "Then Ishmael and the ten men with him killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

the Chaldean fighting men found there

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "also the Chaldean soldiers there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:4

the second day after

The word "second" is the ordinal form of the number 2. Possible meanings are 1) "the day after" or 2) "two days after" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:5

eighty men

"80 men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

in their hands

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to go to the house of Yahweh

"to go worship Yahweh at his temple"

Jeremiah 41:6

to meet them

"to meet the 80 men"

Then it happened

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

It came about that

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.

Ishmael son of Nethaniah slaughtered them and threw them into a pit, he and the men who were with him

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

ten men among them

The word "them" refers to the 80 men.

for there are provisions of ours in a field

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

provisions

supplies to be used to provide for future needs

Jeremiah 41:9

The cistern where Ishmael ... against King Baasha of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

that King Asa dug

Here King Asa represents his men. Alternate translation: "that King Asa ordered his men to dig" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

against King Baasha of Israel

Here King Baasha represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "against Baasha, king of Israel, and his army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it

Here Ishmael represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: "Ishmael and his men filled it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

with the dead

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "with those who were dead" or "with those they had killed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:10

Ishmael captured

Here Ishmael represents himself and his men. Alternate translation: "Ishmael and his men captured" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Nebuzaradan

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

went to cross over to the people of Ammon

"traveled towards the land of the Ammonites"

Jeremiah 41:11

Ishmael son of Nethaniah

Here "Ishmael" represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: "Ishmael and his men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:12

Ishmael son of Nethaniah ... found him

Here "Ishmael" represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: "Ishmael and his men ... found them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:13

Then it happened that

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.

when all the people who were with Ishmael

Here "people" refers to those whom Ishmael and his men had captured.

Jeremiah 41:14

whom Ishmael had captured

Here "Ishmael" represents himself and all of his men. Alternate translation: "whom Ishmael and his men had captured" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:15

He went to the people of Ammon

"He" refers to Ishmael who represents himself and the eight men with him. Alternate translation: "They went to the people of Ammon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:16

who had been rescued

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom they had rescued" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

This was after Ishmael had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam

The author stops the story to refer to a previous event so that the order of events are understood. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

the strong men, the fighting men

These both refer to soldiers. Alternate translation: "the soldiers"

who had been rescued at Gibeon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom they had rescued at Gibeon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:17

they went

"Johanan, his companions, and all the people they rescued went"

Geruth Kimham

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 41:18

because of the Chaldeans

It is implied that they were afraid that the Chaldeans would attack them. Alternate translation: "because they thought the Chaldeans may attack them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

in charge of the land

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "in charge of the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42

Jeremiah 42:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

Jeremiah 42:1

Johanan ... Kareah

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 40:13. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jezaniah ... Hoshaiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

all the people from the least to the greatest

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

all the people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:2

Let our pleas come before you

"Let us present our urgent request to you." The abstract noun "pleas" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Listen as we plead with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:3

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Jeremiah 42:4

Look

"Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

I will keep nothing back from 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:5

May Yahweh be

This is a way of beginning an oath. Alternate translation: "We ask Yahweh to be" or "Yahweh will be"

true and faithful

Here these words share similar meanings. They describe Yahweh as a witness whom no one will be able to contradict. Alternate translation: "trustworthy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:6

Whether it is good or if it is bad

The people mention both extremes to emphasize that they will obey no matter what Yahweh's answer is. Alternate translation: "Whatever he answers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

the voice of Yahweh our God

Here "voice" represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh our God says" or "we will obey Yahweh our God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:7

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:8

to all the people from the least to the greatest

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

to all the people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:9

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Jeremiah 42:10

I will build you and not tear you down

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will plant you and not pull you up

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

I will turn back the disaster that I have brought on you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:11

to save you and rescue you

The words "save" and "rescue" mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will, indeed, save. Alternate translation: "to save you completely" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

rescue you from his hand

Here the word "hand" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "rescue you from his power" or "rescue you from him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:12

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Jeremiah 42:13

if you do not listen to my voice, the voice of Yahweh your God

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:14

where we will not see any war, where we will not hear the sound of the trumpet

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

we will not go hungry for food

Being hungry for food is used to describe famine. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:15

Now

The word "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

to this word of Yahweh

"to Yahweh's message"

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

set out to go to

"depart for" or "leave for"

Jeremiah 42:16

the sword that you fear will overtake you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

The famine that you are worrying about will pursue you to Egypt

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:17

all the men who set out

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

the disaster that I will bring on them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:18

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

my wrath and my fury were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem

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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I became very angry and punished the people of Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

my wrath and my fury

The words "wrath" and "fury" mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the intensity of his wrath. Alternate translation: "my terrible wrath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

in the same way my fury will be poured out on you

Yahweh punishing people because he is very angry is spoken of as if fury were a liquid that he pours out on the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will became very angry and punish you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

You will become an object of cursing and a horror, an object for speaking curses, and something dishonorable

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:19

I have been a witness against you

The phrase "been a witness against" is an idiom that means to give a warning. Alternate translation: "I have warned you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:20

we will carry it out

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "we will do it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:21

you have not listened

"you have not paid attention"

to the voice of Yahweh your God

Here "voice" represents what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh your God commanded" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 42:22

now

The word "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

you will die by sword

Here "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "you will die in warfare" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in the place where you desired to go to live

They desired to live in Egypt. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "in Egypt, where you thought you would be safe" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43

Jeremiah 43:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:1

It happened 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 43:2

Azariah

Possible meanings are 1) this is another name for Jezaniah in Jeremiah 42:1 or 2) this is a different son of Hoshaiah. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hoshaiah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 42:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Johanan ... Kareah

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 40:13. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:3

inciting

to cause someone to act in a harmful or violent way

to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "to give us over to the Chaldeans" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for you to cause our death and to make us captives in Babylon

The abstract noun "death" can be stated as "to kill." Alternate translation: "for you to cause the Chaldeans to either kill us or to take us as captives to Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:4

all the people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

refused to listen to Yahweh's voice

Here "voice" represents commands. And here "to listen" means "to obey." Alternate translation: "would not obey Yahweh's command" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:5

where they had been scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where Yahweh had scattered them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:6

Nebuzaradan

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Gedaliah ... Ahikam ... Shaphan

See how you translated these men's names in Jeremiah 39:14. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:7

Tahpanhes

See how you translated the name of this city in Jeremiah 2:16. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:8

the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:9

in the sight of the people of Judah

The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "watching." Alternate translation: "while the people of Judah are watching" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

mortar

a substance used to hold bricks together

to Pharaoh's house

"to Pharaoh's royal building"

Jeremiah 43:10

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

I will place his throne over these stones that you, Jeremiah, have buried. Nebuchadnezzar will place his pavilion over them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

pavilion

a very large tent

Jeremiah 43:11

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling his message.

he will come

Here "he" refers to Nebuchadnezzar who represents his whole army. Alternate translation: "Nebuchadnezzar's army will come" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Anyone who is assigned to death will be given to death

The abstract noun "death" can be stated as "die." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone will die whom I have decided must die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Anyone who is assigned to captivity will be taken captive

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Babylonians will take everyone captive whom I have decided must go into captivity" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Anyone who is assigned to the sword will be given to the sword

Here "sword" represents battle. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone will die in battle whom I have decided will die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:12

Then I will light a fire

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Nebuchadnezzar will ... He will

Here Nebuchadnezzar represents his army. Alternate translation: "Nebuchadnezzar's army will ... They will" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

burn them or capture them

"burn the Egyptian idols or take them"

He will clean out the land of Egypt just as shepherds clean vermin off their clothes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 43:13

Heliopolis

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44

Jeremiah 44:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

Jeremiah 44:1

The word came to Jeremiah

Migdol

This is the name of a city. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Tahpanhes ... Memphis

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Jeremiah 2:16. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in Upper Egypt

This refers to the southern region of Egypt. It is sometime called "Pathros."

Jeremiah 44:2

Yahweh of hosts ... says

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

You yourselves have seen

The word "yourselves" is used for emphasis to specify the people of Judea who live in the land of Egypt. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

all the disasters that I brought on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

Jeremiah 44:3

they did to offend me

"the people of Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah did to offend me"

they themselves

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:4

So I repeatedly sent

The word "I" refers to Yahweh.

Jeremiah 44:5

or turn from their wickedness in burning incense to other gods

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:6

my fury and my wrath were poured out

Becoming angry and punishing people is spoken of as if fury and wrath were liquids there could be poured on people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I became very angry and punished them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

my fury and my wrath

The words "fury" and "wrath" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his wrath. Alternate translation: "my terrible wrath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

kindled a fire

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they became ruins and devastations

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

as at this present day

This refers to the current time at which Yahweh was speaking this message.

Jeremiah 44:7

Why are you doing ... yourselves? Why are you causing ... and babies?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why are you doing great wickedness against yourselves?

The abstract noun "wickedness" can be stated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Why are you causing yourselves to be cut off from among Judah ... and babies?

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. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:8

By your wickedness you have offended me with the deeds of your hands

The abstract noun "wickedness" represents actions that are "wicked." Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "You have offended me with the wicked things you have done" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

You have gone there so that ... so that

"The result of going to Egypt is that ... and that"

you will be destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will cause me to destroy you" or "you will destroy yourselves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

you will be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth

Here "nations" represent the people. Alternate translation: "all the people of all the nations of the earth will curse you and hate you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:9

Have you forgotten the wickedness committed by your ancestors and the wickedness committed by the kings of Judah and their wives?

Yahweh rebukes the people for not thinking about the wicked behavior of their ancestors and how Yahweh punished them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Think about what happened to your ancestors and the kings of Judah and their wives when they did wicked things." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Have you forgotten the evil committed by yourselves and your wives in the land of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem?

Yahweh rebukes the people for not thinking about their own wicked behavior and how Yahweh punished them. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the streets of Jerusalem

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:10

they still are not humbled

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

nor do they walk in them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:11

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

I am about to set my face against you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

set my face against

"stare angrily at"

to bring disaster to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:12

They will fall by sword and famine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

From the least to the greatest

will become an object of swearing, cursing, reproaching, and a horrible thing

"people will be horrified because of what happened to the people of Judah, and people will mock and curse them"

Jeremiah 44:13

I punished Jerusalem

Here "Jerusalem" represents the people. Alternate translation: "I punished the people of Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

with the sword, with famine, and with the plague

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:14

none of them will return except a few who escaped from there

This double negative emphasizes that the few people who escaped from there would be the only ones who will return. Alternate translation: "the only ones of them who will return are the few who escaped from there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:15

in the great assembly

"in the large crowd"

Lower ... Egypt

"Lower Egypt" refers to the northern region of Egypt.

Upper Egypt

This refers to the southern region of Egypt. It is sometime called "Pathros."

Jeremiah 44:16

About the word that you have told us in Yahweh's name—we will not listen to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:17

queen of heaven

This a title of a false goddess that the people of Judah worshiped. This goddess is also called "Asherah." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the streets of Jerusalem

Here "streets" represent the public places in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "in the public places of Jerusalem" or "in Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Then we will be filled with food and will prosper, without experiencing any disaster

The people of Judah thought they would prosper because the queen of heaven would bless them if they worshiped her. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Then we will be filled with food

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then we will have plenty of food" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:18

General Information:

The remnant of the people living in Egypt continue to speak. Beginning in 44:19, the women address Jeremiah.

were dying by sword and famine

Here "sword" represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: "enemy soldiers were killing some of us and some of us were dying of hunger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:19

was it against our husbands that we did these things ... to her?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

cakes in her image

These were probably small cakes shaped like stars or the crescent moon.

Jeremiah 44:20

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 44:21

Did not Yahweh remember ... of the land?

Jeremiah uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: "Yahweh certainly knew about ... of the land." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

For Yahweh calls this to mind; it comes to his thoughts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:22

was no longer able to bear it

"was no longer able to tolerate it"

because of the abominations that you did

The abstract noun "abominations" can be stated as "things he hated." Alternate translation: "because you did things that he hated" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Then your land became a desolation, a horror, and a curse so there was no longer an inhabitant as at this present day

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:23

burned incense

Why people burn incense can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "burned incense to false gods" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

you would not listen to his voice

Here "voice" refers to Yahweh's commands. Alternate translation: "you would not obey his commands" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:24

all of Judah

Here "Judah" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:25

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

have said with your mouths and carried out with your hands what you said

Here "mouths" and "hands" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "have done what you promised to do when you said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

carry out the vows

"fulfill the vows" or "complete the vows"

Now fulfill your vows; carry them out

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Now

The word "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Jeremiah 44:26

all of Judah

Here "Judah" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people of Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

My name will no longer be called upon by the mouths of any of the men of Judah in all the land of Egypt

Here "name" represents the whole being of Yahweh. And, "mouth" represents the whole person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No person of Judah living in the land of Egypt will ever call upon me again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

As the Lord Yahweh lives

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:27

Every person of Judah in the land of Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all finished

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:28

Then the survivors of the sword

Here "sword" represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate translation: "Then those whom the enemies do not kill" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:29

I am setting against you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I am opposed to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

my words will certainly attack you with disaster

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 44:30

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention"

I am about to give Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek to kill him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Hophra

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

when I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, his enemy who sought his life

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 45

Jeremiah 45:intro-0

Jeremiah 45 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter forms a break in the narrative sequence. It records prophecies that have already occurred. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

Jeremiah 45:1

in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah

This information can be placed at the beginning of 45:1, as in the UDB.

in the fourth year of Jehoiakim

The words "of the rule" are understood. Alternate translation: "in the fourth year of the rule of Jehoiakim" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

fourth year

The word "fourth" is the ordinal form of the number four. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

He said

"Jeremiah said to Baruch"

Jeremiah 45:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 45:3

for Yahweh has added agony to my pain

"for I was already suffering and now Yahweh causes me to be sad as well"

My groaning has wearied me

The abstract noun "groaning" can be stated as "cry." Alternate translation: "I am tired because I cry so much" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 45:4

This is what you must say to him

Yahweh is telling Jeremiah what to say to Baruch.

Jeremiah 45:5

But are you hoping for great things for yourself?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

For see

"For understand" or "Be aware"

your life as your plunder everywhere you will go

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

plunder

things stolen from a place by force

Jeremiah 46

Jeremiah 46:intro-0

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 ULB does this with the poetry in 46:3-12, 14-24.

This begins a section where Jeremiah prophesies about other nations. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/works.md]])

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

General Information:

This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:2

For Egypt

This phrase indicates this message is intended for the nation of Egypt.

Necho

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Carchemish

This is the name of a city on the west bank of the Euphrates. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

Here Nebuchadnezzar represents his army. Alternate translation: "that the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in the fourth year of Jehoiakim

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the fourth year

The word "fourth" is the ordinal form of "four." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:3

General Information:

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Jeremiah 46:4

Put the harness on the horses; mount up on the horses

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.

helmets

A helmet is armor which protects the head in battle.

polish the spears

This phrase means to "sharpen" the spear.

Jeremiah 46:5

General Information:

Jeremiah's vision for Egypt continues.

What am I seeing here?

The word "I" here refer to Yahweh. Yahweh uses a question to introduce the vision and to draw attention to what he says next. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look at what is happening here" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

They are filled with terror

The abstract noun "terror" can be stated as "terrified." Alternate translation: "The Egyptian soldiers are terrified" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:6

the swift cannot run away, and the soldiers cannot escape

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

They stumble in the north and fall beside the Euphrates River

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:7

General Information:

Jeremiah continues quoting Yahweh's declaration to the nation of Egypt.

Who is this who rises like the Nile ... the rivers?

Yahweh uses a question to draw attention to what he is about to say concerning Egypt. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look at who rises like the Nile ... the rivers." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:8

Egypt rises like the Nile

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Egypt rises ... Egypt says ... I will

Here "Egypt" represents all the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "The Egyptians rise ... The Egyptians say ... We will" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:9

Go up, horses. Be angry, you chariots

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Let the soldiers go out, Cush and Put, men skillful with a shield

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Cush ... Put

These are biblical names for the countries of Ethiopia and Libya. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ludim, men skillful at bending their bows

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Ludim

This is the name of the people group from the nation of Lud. Lud is the biblical name for Lydia. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

skillful at bending their bows

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:10

General Information:

Jeremiah's quotation of Yahweh's declaration to the nation of Egypt continues.

That day

This phrase refers to the day the Egyptians lose the battle to the Babylonians.

for the Lord Yahweh of hosts, and he will avenge himself on his foes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

The sword will devour and be satisfied. It will drink its fill of their blood

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

The sword will devour

Yahweh punishing and killing his enemies is spoken of as if he would use a sword to kill them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

For there will be a sacrifice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:11

General Information:

Yahweh finishes his declaration to Egypt.

Go up to Gilead and obtain medicine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

virgin daughter of Egypt

The people of Egypt are spoken of as if they were the virgin daughter of Egypt. Alternate translation: "people of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:12

disgrace

This word means a condition of feeling ashamed or the loss of respect.

The earth is filled with your laments

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for soldier stumbles against soldier; both of them fall together

Soldiers dying in battle is spoken of as if they were stumbling and falling down. Alternate translation: "for your soldiers die in battle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:13

when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

Here Nebuchadnezzar represents his army. Alternate translation: "when the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the land of Egypt

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "the people of Egypt" or "the Egyptians" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:14

Migdol

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 44:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Memphis ... Tahpanhes

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Jeremiah 2:16. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the sword will devour those around you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:15

Why are your mighty ones face-down on the ground? They will not stand

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 ULB and other versions of the Bible translate this as "strong ones" or "mighty ones," which refers to soldiers.

Why are your mighty ones face-down on the ground? They will not stand

Yahweh uses a question to mock the strength of the Egyptian soldiers. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your soldiers are face-down on the ground and will not stand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:16

He increases the numbers of those who stumble

"Yahweh causes more and more of your soldiers to stumble"

Let us leave this sword that is beating us down

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:17

They proclaimed there

Possible meanings are 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.

Pharaoh the king of Egypt is only a noise, one who has let his opportunity slip away

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:18

declares the King

Here "King" refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "this is what I, the King, declare" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

someone will come like Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel by the sea

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Mount Tabor

This is the name of a mountain in the northern part of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:19

Pack for yourselves baggage to carry into exile

"Prepare to go into exile"

Jeremiah 46:20

Egypt is a very beautiful young cow

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

but a stinging insect

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:21

soldiers in her midst are like a fattened bull

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

They will not stand together

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the day of their disaster is coming against them

This speaks of a day as if it travels and arrives in a location. Alternate translation: "they will experience disaster on that day" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:22

Egypt hisses like a snake and crawls away

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

They are going toward her like woodcutters with axes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:23

They will cut down the forests ... although it is very dense

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

locusts

This is a type of insect that travels in very large groups and can cause great destruction by eating crops.

unable to be counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will be able to count them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:24

The daughter of Egypt will be made ashamed

The people of Egypt are spoken of as if they were the daughter of Egypt. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy army will humiliate the people of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

She will be given into the hand of people from the north

Here "hand" represents power or control. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, will allow the people from the north to defeat the Egyptians" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:25

Amon of Thebes

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Egypt and her gods

Here "Egypt" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people of Egypt and the gods they worship" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:26

I am giving them into the hand of the ones seeking their lives

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his servants

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Then after this Egypt will be inhabited

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then after this, people will live in Egypt again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 46:27

my servant Jacob, do not fear. Do not be dismayed, Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

from the land of their captivity

"from the land where they are captives"

Jeremiah 46:28

I will bring complete destruction against all the nations

The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated using the verb "destroy." Alternate translation: "I will completely destroy all the nations" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

will certainly not leave you unpunished

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will certainly punish you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47

Jeremiah 47:intro-0

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 ULB does this with the poetry in 47:2-7.

Jeremiah's prophesies about other nations continue in this chapter. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47:1

This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

This word came to him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

before Pharaoh

Here "Pharaoh" represents the Egyptians army. Alternate translation: "before Pharaoh's army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47:2

See

The word "see" alerts us to pay attention to what is about to be said.

floods of water are rising in the north. They will be like an overflowing river!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will overflow the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47:3

At the sound of the stamping of their strong horses' hooves, at the roar of their chariots and the noise of their wheels

Together these represent the sounds of an oncoming army. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

at the roar of their chariots and the noise of their wheels

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47:4

For the day is coming that will devastate all of the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every survivor who wants to help them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Caphtor

This is the name of an island of the northern region of the Philistines. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47:5

Baldness will come upon Gaza

The abstract noun "baldness" can be stated as "bald." "Gaza" represents the people. Alternate translation: "The people of Gaza will shave their heads bald" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Baldness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

the people ... will be made silent

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

How long will you cut yourself in mourning?

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. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You will forever cut yourselves in mourning." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

cut yourself in mourning

The cutting of one's skin was another practice done by the idol worshipers when they mourn the dead. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 47:6

sword of Yahweh! How long will it be until you become silent? Go back to your scabbard! Stop and be silent.

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

sword of Yahweh

Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army from the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking them with a sword. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

How long will it be until you become silent?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

you become silent

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

scabbard

This is the case used to protect the blade of a sword.

Jeremiah 47:7

How can it rest ... along the sea?

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. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It cannot rest ... along the sea." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

How can it rest when Yahweh has commanded it, when he has ordered ... the sea?

Jeremiah uses a question to mean that the sword cannot stop since Yahweh has commanded it to continue killing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It cannot stop, for Yahweh has commanded it. He has ordered ... the sea." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48

Jeremiah 48:intro-0

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 ULB does this with the poetry in 48:1-25, 28-33, 39-47.

Jeremiah's prophesies about other nations continue in this chapter. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])

Jeremiah 48:1

General Information:

To Moab

Here "Moab" represents the people. Alternate translation: "To the people of Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

Woe to Nebo, for it has been devastated

Here "Nebo" represents the people. Alternate translation: "How terrible it is for the people of Nebo, for their city is devastated" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Nebo

This is the name of a city near Mount Nebo in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Kiriathaim has been humiliated

Here "Kiriathaim has been humiliated" represents the people being humiliated. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy has captured the city of Kiriathaim and humiliated the people who live there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]]and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Kiriathaim

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Her fortress has been disgraced

Here "fortress has been disgraced" represents the people being disgraced. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy has destroyed the fortress in Kiriathaim and disgraced its people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]]and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:2

The honor of Moab is no more

"People no longer honor Moab" or "People no longer praise Moab"

Heshbon

This is the name of a city. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Madmen will also perish

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

a sword will go after you

Here "sword" represents the enemy army carrying weapons. Alternate translation: "your enemies will chase after you and kill you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:3

General Information:

Jeremiah continues to tell of the destruction of Moab.

Horonaim

This is the name of a town in the south of Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

ruin and great destruction

These two terms mean the same thing. Together they emphasize complete destruction. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:4

Moab has been destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy army has destroyed Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Her children

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:5

Luhith

This is the name of a place in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

because of the destruction

The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated as "destroyed." Alternate translation: "because their town is destroyed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:6

Save your lives

The word "your" refers to the people of Moab.

become like a juniper bush in the wilderness

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:7

because of your trust

The abstract noun "trust" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you trusted" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

in your practices

"in your own efforts" or "in your own work"

you also will be captured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemy army will also capture you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Then Chemosh will go away into captivity

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:8

For the destroyer will come to every city

Here "the destroyer" represents the enemy army. Alternate translation: "For the enemy army will come to every city and destroy it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

no city will escape

Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "no people from any city will escape" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

So the valley will perish and the plain will be devastated

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:9

Give wings to Moab, for she must certainly fly away

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Give wings to Moab, for she must certainly fly away

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

from shedding blood

Here "blood" represents a person's life. And "shedding blood" is an idiom that means to kill. Alternate translation: "from killing people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:11

Moab has felt secure since he was young ... He is ... his wine ... He has never gone ... he tastes ... his flavor

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

He is like his wine that has never been poured from pot to pot

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:12

So see, the days are coming

"Listen carefully because there will be a time"

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will send him those who will tip him over and pour out all his pots and shatter his jars

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

send him ... tip him over ... his pots ... his jars

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:13

Then Moab

Here "Moab" represents the people. Alternate translation: "Then the people of Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Chemosh

Chemosh is the chief god of the Moabites. See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 48:7. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the house of Israel

Bethel

This could be the name of 1) the city in which the Israelites worshiped a golden calf or 2) a false god the Israelites worshiped.

Jeremiah 48:14

How can you say, 'We are soldiers, powerful fighting men'?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:15

Moab will be devastated and its cities attacked

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy army will devastate Moab and attack its cities" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

its finest young men have gone down to the place of slaughter

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

This is the king's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:16

Moab's disaster is soon to happen; calamity is hurrying quickly

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

calamity is hurrying quickly

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:17

the strong staff, the honored rod, has been broken

Here the words "staff" and "rod" represent the power and political support that Moab provided to other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moab's enemies have ended her great power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:18

you daughter living in Dibon

The people of Dibon are spoken of as if they were the daughter of Dibon. Alternate translation: "you people living in Dibon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Dibon

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the one who will destroy Moab

"the enemy army that will destroy Moab"

Jeremiah 48:19

Aroer

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ask the ones

"Ask the people" or "Ask the men and women"

Jeremiah 48:20

Moab has been shamed, for it has been shattered

Here "Moab" represents the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people are disgraced, for the enemy army has destroyed Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Howl and lament

"Cry loudly in pain and anger"

that Moab has been devastated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the enemy army has devastated Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:21

punishment has come to the hill country, to Holon ... Mephaath

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath

These are cities in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:22

General Information:

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Jeremiah 48:23

General Information:

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Jeremiah 48:24

Bozrah

a city in Moab (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:25

The horn of Moab has been hacked off; its arm has been broken

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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moab has become weak; the people are not able to fight anymore" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 48:26

Make him drunk, because he acted proudly against Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-imperative/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Make him drunk

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Let Moab wallow in his vomit ... an object of ridicule

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

let him be an object of ridicule

"so that people will laugh at him"

Jeremiah 48:27

For did not Israel become an object for laughter to you?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Israel ... Was he found ... at him ... about him

Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel ... Were they found ... at them ... about them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Was he found among thieves, so that you shook your head ... about him?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

shook your head at him

This is a symbolic action that shows feeling of scorn or disgust towards someone. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:28

cliffs

A cliff is a steep side of a mountain.

Become like a dove ... in the rocks

This simile emphasizes the people should leave their cities and live in the rocky cliffs to hide from their enemies. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the mouth of a hole in the rocks

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:29

We have heard

Here "We" refers generally to all the people in the surrounding area.

arrogance ... haughtiness ... pride ... self-glory ... conceit in his heart

All of these words have similar meanings. They are used together to emphasize the extreme pride of the people of Moab.

the conceit in his heart

Here "heart" represents a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "his conceit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:30

I myself know his defiant speech

The word "myself" is used to emphasize that Yahweh was the one who knew about Moab's defiant speech. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

his defiant speech ... like his deeds

Here "his" refers to Moab which represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "their defiant speech ... like their deeds" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

his defiant speech

The abstract noun "speech" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "that he has spoken pridefully" or "that he has spoken arrogant words" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:31

I will howl a lament for Moab, and I will shout in sorrow for all of Moab

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "I will cry loudly for the people of Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

I will howl

Possible meanings are 1) "I" refers to Jeremiah or 2) "I" refers to Yahweh.

howl

a sad and loud cry that a person makes when he is in pain or deep sorrow

Kir Hareseth

This is the name of the old capital city of Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:32

Jazer ... Sibmah

These are the names of two towns in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

vine of Sibmah! Your branches passed ... your wine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The destroyers have attacked your summer fruit and your wine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The destroyers have

"The enemy army has"

Jeremiah 48:33

So celebration and rejoicing have been taken away from the fruit trees and the land of Moab

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I have put an end to the wine from their winepresses

"I have stopped the wine from their winepresses" or "I have stopped the people from making wine"

I have put an end

Here "I" refers to Yahweh.

They will not tread

The wine makers would stomp on the grapes to squeeze out the juice. Alternate translation: "The wine makers will not stomp the grapes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:34

Heshbon

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Elealeh ... Jahaz ... Zoar ... Horonaim ... Eglath Shelishiyah

These are names of other cities in Moab. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Nimrim

This is the name of a stream or river near the Dead Sea. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:35

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 48:36

my heart is lamenting for Moab like a flute

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

my heart

Possible meanings are 1) "my" refers to Jeremiah or 2) "my" refers to Yahweh.

Kir Hareseth

Kir Hareseth was an ancient capital of Moab. See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 48:31. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:37

For every head is bald and every beard shaved. Incisions are on every hand, and sackcloth is around their waists

These are all things that the people of Moab did when they were mourning or expressing deep sorrow. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Incisions

cuts made on the skin

Jeremiah 48:38

There is mourning everywhere

The abstract noun "mourning" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "There are people mourning everywhere" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

every flat roof

"every housetop"

plazas

open public areas, such as open marketplaces

For I have destroyed

The word "I" refers to Yahweh

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 48:39

How it has been shattered! How they howl in their lamenting!

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclamations/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

howl

a sad and loud cry that a person makes when he is in pain

Moab turns its back in shame

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

So Moab will become an object of derision and a terror to all those who are around him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:40

the enemy will come flying like an eagle, spreading out his wings

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:41

Kerioth has been captured, and its strongholds have been seized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy has captured Kerioth and seized its strongholds" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Kerioth

This is a city in Moab. See how you translated this name in Jeremiah 48:24. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in that day the hearts of Moab's soldiers ... women in birth labor

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the hearts of Moab's soldiers will be like the hearts of women in birth labor

Here "hearts" represent a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "Moab's soldiers will be afraid like a woman about to give birth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:42

So Moab will be destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the enemy will destroy the people of Moab" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:43

Terror and the pit, and a trap are coming on you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 48:44

fall into the pit ... caught in the trap

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

in the year of

Here, "year" could be translated as "time" or "season" or "time period."

Jeremiah 48:45

The ones who flee

This refers to the people who were able to run away during the destruction of Moab.

will stand in the shadow of Heshbon

Here "in the shadow" represents protection or shelter. Alternate translation: "will hide in Heshbon for protection" or "will go to Heshbon for shelter" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for fire will go out from Heshbon, flame from the middle of Sihon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Heshbon

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Sihon

This is the name of an Amorite king who once ruled over Heshbon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

It will devour the forehead of Moab and the top of the heads of the boastful people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

forehead

the part of the face that is above the eyes, but below the hairline

Jeremiah 48:46

Chemosh's people are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy army has destroyed the people who worship Chemosh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Chemosh

This is the chief god of the Moabites. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 48:7.

your sons are taken as captives and your daughters into captivity

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemy army has taken your sons and daughters as captives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 48:47

I will restore the fortunes of Moab

"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.

this is Yahweh's declaration

The judgment on Moab ends here

"That is the end of what Jeremiah prophesied about Moab"

Jeremiah 49

Jeremiah 49:intro-0

Jeremiah 49 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/curse.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:1

General Information:

See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-poetry/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]]

Yahweh says this

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

Does Israel have no children? Is there no one to inherit anything in Israel? Why does Molech occupy Gad, and his people live in its cities?

Yahweh uses a question to express that the people of Israel should be living in Gad rather than those who worship Molech. This question can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why does Molech

Here "Molech" represents the people who worship Molech. Alternate translation: "Why do the people who worship Molech" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:2

So look

This adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Look and listen"

days are coming ... when I will

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

when I will sound the signal for battle

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

its villages will be set on fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemy army will burn their villages"

For Israel will possess those who possessed him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:3

Howl in lament

"Cry loudly and weep"

Heshbon

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:2. Here "Heshbon" represents the people. Alternate translation: "people of Heshbon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

for Ai will be devastated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for your enemies will devastate Ai" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

daughters of Rabbah

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for Molech is going into captivity

"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

Why do you brag about your valleys ... daughter?

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people for bragging about the large amount of fruit that grows in their valleys. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do not be proud of your valleys ... daughter." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why do you brag about your valleys, your valleys that are so fruitful

Some versions of the Bible read, "Why do you brag about your strength, your strength which is ebbing away"

faithless daughter

Here, the people of Ammon are spoken of as if they were a daughter. Alternate translation: "faithless people" or "rebellious people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

say, 'Who will come against me?'

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:5

you

The word "you" refers to the people of Ammon.

this terror will come from all those who surround you. Each one of you will be scattered before it

The abstract noun "terror" can be stated as 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:6

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 49:7

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

Is there no longer any wisdom to be found in Teman?

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people of Teman for not acting wisely. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It seems that there are no longer any wise people in Teman!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Teman

This is the name of a district in Edom. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Has good advice ... understanding? Has their wisdom become corrupted?

The same idea is expressed in two different ways. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Has good advice disappeared from those who have understanding?

Yahweh uses this question to scold the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It seems that there are no longer any wise people in Teman district in Edom!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Has their wisdom become corrupted?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:8

Dedan

The is the name of a city in Edom. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I am bringing the disaster of Esau on him at the time that I punish him

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

on him ... I punish him

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Edom. This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "on you ... I punish you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:9

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Edom.

If grape harvesters ... would they not leave a little bit behind?

Yahweh uses a question to cause the people to think about how grape harvesters leave some grapes behind. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If grape harvesters ... they would certainly leave some grapes behind." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

If thieves ... would they not steal only as much as they wanted?

Yahweh uses a question to cause the people to think about how thieves only take what they want. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If thieves ... they would only take as much as they wanted." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:10

But I have stripped Esau bare

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Esau ... his hiding ... he will not ... hide himself ... His children ... he is gone

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I have revealed his hiding places

"I have made known to the enemy soldiers where the people of Edom hide"

Jeremiah 49:11

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 49:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Edom.

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

must certainly drink some of the cup ... for you will certainly drink

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Do you yourself think you will go without punishment?

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize the people of Edom have sinned and will certainly be punished. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Certainly, you must be aware that you will personally experience my punishment for your sins." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

you yourself

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:13

this is Yahweh's declaration

Bozrah will become a horror, a disgrace, a devastation, and an object for cursing

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Bozrah

This is the name of a city in Edom. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

All of its cities

"All of Edom's cities"

Jeremiah 49:14

General Information:

Jeremiah is now speaking to the people of Edom.

I have heard

The word "I" refers to Jeremiah.

a messenger has been sent out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has sent out a messenger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

to the nations, 'Gather together ... for battle.'

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

attack her

The word "her" refers to Edom.

Jeremiah 49:15

I have made you

The word "I" refers to Yahweh. Here "you" refers to the nation of Edom.

made you small

Here "small" represents having the least political importance. Alternate translation: "made you least important" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

despised by people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and people despise you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Edom.

As for your fearsomeness

Here the abstract noun "fearsomeness" can be translated 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

your heart's pride has deceived you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so that you may make your nest high like an eagle

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

eagle

This is a very large, powerful bird of prey. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 4:13.

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 49:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Edom.

Edom will become a horror to everyone passing by it

The abstract noun "horror" can be stated using the verb "horrified." Alternate translation: "The people passing by will be horrified when they what happened to Edom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

tremble and hiss

The word "hiss" refers to a sound that shows horror or awe. Alternate translation: "shake from fear and gasp" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:18

no one will live there; no person will stay there

Yahweh says the same thing twice to emphasize that Edom will be completely uninhabited. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Edom.

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

he will go up like a lion from the forests of the Jordan to the green pasturelands

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

pasturelands

This is land covered with grass where animals feed on the grass.

Edom run from it

Here "Edom" represents the people. "It" refers to the land. Alternate translation: "the people of Edom will run from their land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

who will be chosen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom I will choose" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

For who is like me, and who will summon me?

Yahweh uses the question to emphasize that no one is like him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "For no one is like me, no one can summon me." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

who will summon me

"who will challenge me" or "who will call me to account"

What shepherd is able to resist me?

Yahweh uses the question to show no one can defeat him. Here "shepherd" is a metaphor for "king" or "ruler." This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No king is able to resist me!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:20

the inhabitants of Teman

"the people who live in Teman"

Teman

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 49:7.

They will certainly be dragged away, even the smallest flock

This continues speaking of Yahweh punishing the people of Edom as if he would come like a lion and attack the sheep. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will drag them away, even the smallest flock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

even the smallest flock

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Their pasturelands will be turned into ruined places

Here the land of Edom is spoken of as if it were pasturelands for flocks. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will turn their pasturelands into ruined places" or "He will completely get rid of the people who live there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:21

At the sound of their falling the earth shakes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The sound of distressed shouts is heard at the Sea of Reeds

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People at the Sea of Reeds will hear the people of Edom crying" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:22

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

someone will attack like an eagle, and swoop down and spread his wings

This simile means that when the enemy army attacks it will be vicious and unexpected. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Bozrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Jeremiah 48:24. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the hearts of Edom's soldiers will become like the heart of a woman in birth labor

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:23

General Information:

Yahweh tells what will happen to the people of Damascus.

Hamath and Arpad will be ashamed

Here "Hamath" and "Arpad" represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: "The people who live in Hamath and Arpad will be ashamed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Hamath and Arpad

These are cities in Syria. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

They melt away

A person being afraid is spoken of as if the person were melting. Alternate translation: "They are very afraid" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They become as troubled as the sea, which cannot stay calm

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:24

Damascus has become very weak. It turns ... seizes it

Here "Damascus" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "The people of Damascus have become very weak. They turn ... seizes them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

terror seizes it

The abstract noun "terror" can be stated as the verb "terrified." Alternate translation: "Damascus is terrified" or "The people of Damascus are terrified"

Distress and pain seize it, like the pain of a woman giving birth

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:25

How has the city of praise not been forsaken, the town of my joy?

Yahweh uses a question to express that the people should have left the city. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "This famous city once caused me to rejoice, but now the people should leave it." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

How has the city of praise not been forsaken, the town of my joy?

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

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Damascus.

its

The word "its" refers to Damascus and its people.

its young men will fall in its plazas

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts

Jeremiah 49:27

I will light a fire

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

it will devour

"the fire will completely burn up"

Ben Hadad

This the name or title of the king of Damascus. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:28

General Information:

Jeremiah speaks about what will happen to Kedar.

Kedar

This is the name of a land far to the east of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 2:10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hazor

This is the name of kingdom or district far to the east of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

now Nebuchadnezzar

Here "now" introduces background information about Nebuchadnezzar. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was going to attack

Here "Nebuchadnezzar" represents his army. Alternate translation: "the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was going to attack" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:29

Their tents and their flocks will be taken, along with their tent curtains and all of their equipment

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your soldiers will take their flocks, tent curtains, and all of their equipment" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

their camels will be led away from them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your soldiers will take their camels from them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

men will shout to them, "Terror is on every side!"

Possible meanings are 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

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor.

Flee! Wander ... Turn back!

Here Yahweh is speaking to the people of Kedar.

inhabitants of Hazor

"people who live in Hazor"

this is Yahweh's declaration

devised a plan

"made a plan"

Jeremiah 49:31

Arise! Attack ... themselves

Here Yahweh is speaking to Nebuchadnezzar as if he was there listening to him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

Attack the nation at ease, that lives in safety

Here "nation" represents the people living there. Alternate translation: "Attack this nation, whose people feel safe and secure" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They ... them

The words "They" and "them" refer to the people who feel safe and secure.

Jeremiah 49:32

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Nebuchadnezzar to attack the people of Kedar and the kingdom of Hazor.

For their camels will become plunder, and the abundance of their property will become war plunder

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

Then I will scatter to every wind

Here "every wind" represents the nations. Alternate translation: "Then I will send to nations in all different directions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

those who cut the corners of their hair

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.

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 49:33

a lair of jackals

"a place where jackals live." Jackals are fierce wild dogs. See how you translated "jackals" in Jeremiah 9:11.

No one will live there; no human being will stay there

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Hazor will be completely uninhabited. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:34

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about what will happen to Elam.

This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah

Jeremiah 49:35

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

I am about to break the bowmen of Elam, the main part of their power

"The archers made Elam very powerful, but I will stop them"

bowmen

men who are skilled with a bow and arrows

Jeremiah 49:36

I will bring the four winds from the four corners of the heavens

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I will bring the four winds from the four corners of the heavens

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

to all of those winds

Here "winds" represents "nations." Alternate translation: "to all those nations" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

There is no nation to which those scattered from Elam will not go

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will scatter the people of Elam to every nation on earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:37

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Elam.

I will shatter Elam

These words are a metonym for Yahweh causing enemies to destroy Elam. Alternate translation: "I will cause Elam's enemies to destroy Elam" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Elam

the people of Elam (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

those who seek their lives

Seeking a person's life represents wanting or desiring to kill someone. Alternate translation: "those who want to kill them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will bring disaster against them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the sword after them

Here "sword" represents the enemy army carrying their weapons. Alternate translation: "the enemy army to pursue and kill them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:38

I will put my throne in Elam

Here "throne" represents Yahweh's right to rule and judge as the king. Alternate translation: "I will judge the people of Elam" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 49:39

in later days

"in the future"

Jeremiah 50

Jeremiah 50:intro-0

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 ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/fulfill.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:1

General Information:

God gives Jeremiah a message about Babylon. See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-poetry/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]]

This is the word that Yahweh declared

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

by the hand of Jeremiah the prophet

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:2

cause them to listen ... cause them to listen

This phrase is repeated to emphasize the importance of the command. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Lift up a signal

"Put up a sign"

Babylon is taken

"Babylon is conquered"

Bel is made ashamed. Marduk is dismayed. Its idols are put to shame; its images are dismayed

These lines mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh has disgraced the gods of Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Bel ... Marduk

These are two names for the chief god of Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:3

arise against it ... live in it

Here "it" refers to Babylon in both phrases.

her land

The word "her" refers to Babylon.

make her land a desolation

The abstract noun "desolation" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "destroy her land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:4

In those days and at that time

These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the importance of that future time. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 33:15. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

seek Yahweh their God

Seeking Yahweh their God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:5

They will ask

The word "They" refers to the people of Israel or the people of Judah who are returning from Babylon to Jerusalem.

join ourselves to Yahweh

This is figurative language used to explain a spiritual connection to Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

that will not be forgotten

This states that the covenant will be obeyed forever. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one will forget" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:6

My people have been a lost flock

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Their shepherds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

turned them around from hill to hill

"lead them around to many different places"

Jeremiah 50:7

devoured them

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they sinned

The word "they" refers to the people of Israel.

Yahweh, the hope of their ancestors

Yahweh is spoken of as the source of their trust. The abstract noun "hope" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "the one whom their ancestors confidently expected to help them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:8

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to his people in captivity in Babylon.

Leave from the midst of Babylon

This command is addressed to the people of Israel who were in exile in Babylon.

be like male goats that leave

Male goats tend to be more independent than the rest of the flock. Possible meanings are 1) they should be the first to leave Babylon or 2) they should lead the rest of the Israelites away from Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:9

For see

The word "see" alerts the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: "Pay attention, because"

set in motion

"stir up"

Babylon will be captured from there

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "These nations will capture Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

from there

Possible meanings are 1) "from the north" or 2) "from their battle positions."

Their arrows are like a skilled warrior who does not return empty-handed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:10

this is Yahweh's declaration

Chaldea will become plunder

"They will plunder Chaldea"

Jeremiah 50:11

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Babylon.

You rejoice, you celebrate

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

You rejoice ... you jump ... you neigh

Each instance of "You" or "you" is plural and refers to the people of Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]])

you jump around like a calf stamping in its pasture

The joy of the people of Babylon is compared to a calf who runs around joyfully in a pasture. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

stamping

the action a calf makes when kicking the ground

you neigh like a powerful horse

The people of Babylon are compared to stallions that are making loud noises because they are excited. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:12

bore you

The word "you" is plural and refers to the people of Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]])

So your mother will be greatly ashamed; the one who bore you will be embarrassed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the least of nations

"the most unimportant nation"

a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert

These words have basically the same meaning and emphasize the complete barrenness of the land. Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor for an uninhabited place or 2) this refers to Babylon literally becoming a barren wilderness. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:13

a complete devastation

The abstract noun "devastation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "completely destroyed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

shudder

shake violently due to fear

hiss

make a sound like a snake that means great disapproval

Jeremiah 50:14

General Information:

Yahweh tells the other nations to attack Babylon.

Arrange yourselves against Babylon

Yahweh is speaking to the enemies of Babylon. Alternate translation: "You enemies of Babylon arrange yourselves against her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Arrange yourselves

"Line up in military formation" or "Form battle lines"

Everyone who bends a bow

This refers to the soldiers who use bows and arrows to fight.

shoot 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: "shoot at the people in the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Do not keep back any of your arrows

This emphasizes that they should shoot all their arrows. Alternate translation: "Shoot every one of your arrows at her"

she has sinned

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:15

She has surrendered ... she has done

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

her towers ... her walls

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

her walls are torn down

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the nations have torn down her walls" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell the other nations to attack Babylon.

the farmer who sows seed and the one who uses a sickle

These people collectively represent all the farmers and harvesters of Babylon.

the one who uses a sickle at the time of harvest

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.

Let each person turn back to his own people ... let them flee to their own land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

from the oppressor's sword

Here the word "sword" refers to the armies that will attack Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:17

General Information:

Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah about Israel.

Israel is a wandering sheep driven away by lions

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Israel

This refers collectively to all the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the king of Assyria

This refers to the army of the king of Assyria. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

devoured him

The destruction of Israel by Assyria is spoken of as if Israel were a sheep that Assyria ate. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

This refers to the army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

broke his bones

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:18

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

See, I am about to

The word "See" means to pay special attention to what follows.

his land

Here "land" is a metonym for the people who live in the land of Babylon. Alternate translation: "the Babylonian people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Jeremiah about Israel.

I will restore

The word "I" refers to Yahweh.

Israel to his homeland ... he will be satisfied

This refers collectively to all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel to their homeland ... they will be satisfied" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he will graze on Carmel and Bashan

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:20

In those days and at that time

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that future time. See how you translated this in as Jeremiah 33:15. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

iniquity will be looked for in Israel, but none will be found. I will inquire about the sins of Judah, but none will be found

These two lines mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that Yahweh will completely forgive the sins of the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

iniquity will be looked for in Israel, but none will be found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will look for iniquity in the people of Israel, but will not find any" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

that I spare

They will escape the destruction of Babylon. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "that I allow to escape the destruction of Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:21

General Information:

Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah about the enemies of Babylon.

Arise against the land

Yahweh is speaking to the enemies of Babylon. Alternate translation: "You enemies of Babylon, arise against the land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Merathaim

This is another name for Babylon. This is a name that means "double rebellion." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Pekod

This is another name for the Chaldeans. This is a name that means "visitation." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Put them to the sword

This refers to having a sword come down on people to kill them. Alternate translation: "Kill them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Put them to the sword

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:22

The sounds of battle and enormous destruction are in the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:23

General Information:

Yahweh speaks to the people of Babylon.

How the hammer of all the lands has been cut apart and destroyed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

How Babylon has become a destroyed place among the nations

Babylon was a nation like the other nations, but it will become a complete ruin, totally destroyed.

Jeremiah 50:24

I have set a trap for you and you were taken

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you were taken ... You were found and captured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have captured you ... I found you and captured you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:25

Yahweh has opened his armory and is bringing out the weapons for carrying out his anger

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

armory

this is a building or room where weapons of war are stored

Jeremiah 50:26

Attack her from far away

Yahweh speaks to the enemies of Babylon. Alternate translation: "You enemies of Babylon, attack her from far away"

Open her granaries

Here "granaries" represent where Babylon stored its treasures. Alternate translation: "Raid the places where her treasures are stored" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

granaries

buildings where grain is stored

pile her up like heaps of grain

Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Set her apart for destruction

This idiom means to destroy something completely. See how you translated a similar phrase in Jeremiah 25:9. Alternate translation: "destroy her completely" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Leave no remnant of her

This is stated in a negative way to emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: "Kill every person in her"

Jeremiah 50:27

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling how to destroy the people of Babylon and Chaldea.

Kill all her bulls. Send them down to the place of slaughter

Possible meaning of "bulls" is 1) soldiers or 2) strong young men. Killing them is spoken of as taking them to a place of slaughter. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Kill all her bulls

Yahweh speaks this to the enemies of Babylon. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "You enemies of Babylon, kill all her bulls" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

her bulls

The word "her" refers to Babylon.

them ... their

The word "them" and "their" refer to the people of Babylon.

their day has come—the time for their punishment

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:28

There is the sound of those fleeing

"Listen and you will hear those who are fleeing"

those ... those ... These

The words "those" and "These" refer to the survivors from Babylon who will tell others about Yahweh's vengeance.

the vengeance of Yahweh our God for Zion, and vengeance for his temple

The abstract noun "vengeance" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "Yahweh our God has taken revenge for what they did to Zion and to his temple in Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling how to destroy the people of Babylon and Chaldea.

the archers ... those who bend their bows

These phrases refer to the same people and are repeated for poetic effect. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

her ... her ... she

The words "her" and "she" refer to Babylon.

let no one escape

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "capture or kill every person"

Do to her by the measure she has used

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:30

her young men will fall

"they will kill her young men"

all her fighting men will be destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will destroy all her fighting men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 50:31

See, I am against you

Yahweh speaks this to the people of Babylon. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "See, I am against you, people of Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

See

This alerts the reader to pay special attention to what follows.

proud one

This is Yahweh's description of Babylon.

for your day has come ... the time when I will punish you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

your day

"your time." This refers to the entire span of time during which the horrible judgment will come upon Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:32

the proud ones will stumble and fall

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

it will devour everything around him

Fire burning the cities of Babylon is spoken of as if the fire were an animal that ate them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

around him

Here "him" refers to the "proud one" which describes Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:33

General Information:

Yahweh now speaks through Jeremiah about Israel and Judah.

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

The people of Israel are oppressed, together with the people of Judah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Babylonians are oppressing the people of Israel and Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

captured them

The word "them" refers to the people of Israel and Judah who were captured and taken into exile.

Jeremiah 50:34

He will truly plead their case

Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a lawyer who represents the people of Israel in court. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in order to bring rest to the land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

bring rest ... bring strife

These two terms represent opposite ideas and bring a strong contrast to how Yahweh will treat Israel and Babylon.

bring rest

"give peace"

Jeremiah 50:35

A sword is against ... and against

Here "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "War will soon happen to ... and to" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 50:36

A sword against

Here "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "War will soon happen to" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They will become fools

"Their actions are foolish, and everyone will see that they are fools"

They will be filled with terror

"they will be terrified"

Jeremiah 50:37

A sword is coming against

Here "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "War will soon happen to" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

they will become like women

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

storerooms

A storeroom is a place where supplies or valuables are kept.

they will be plundered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "enemy soldiers will plunder them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:38

A drought is coming on her waters

"A drought will soon happen that will affect all her waters"

her waters

Here "waters" represent all the sources of water for the Babylonians, especially the river that went through the city.

Jeremiah 50:39

desert beasts with the jackals

Possible meanings are 1) "wild animals and hyenas" or 2) "wild demons and evil spirits."

jackals

A jackal is a wild dog found in Asia and Africa.

ostriches

very large African birds that run fast but cannot fly. Some versions translate this as "owl."

will live in her

The word "her" refers to Babylon.

For all time, she will no longer be inhabited. From generation to generation, she will not be lived in

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

she will not be lived in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will live in her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:40

no one will live there; no person will stay in her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:41

General Information:

These verses are almost identical to Jeremiah 6:22 and Jeremiah 6:23. See how you translated those verses.

See, a people is coming

Yahweh speaks to the people of Babylon. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "See, people of Babylon, a people is coming" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

See, a people

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: a people"

a great nation and many kings

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

are being stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth

Being "stirred up" represents being urged to take action. Alternate translation: "are preparing to come from the most distant places on earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:42

They will pick up bows and spears

"The soldiers will carry bows and spears"

Their sound is like the sea roar

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

they are riding on horses, set out in order as men for battle

daughter of Babylon

This phrase refers to the Babylonian people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:43

General Information:

This verse is almost identical to Jeremiah 6:24. See how you translated that verse.

his hands fell limp in distress

"his hands were weak because he was anxious"

Anguish seized him

Feeling great anguish is spoken of as if anguish grabs the king of Babylon. Alternate translation: "He felt terrible anguish" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Anguish

suffering and grief that would bring a person to tears

like a woman giving birth

Jeremiah 50:44

General Information:

This verse is almost identical to Jeremiah 49:19. See how you translated that verse.

Behold!

The word "Behold" here tells the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: "Pay attention!"

He goes up like a lion from the heights of the Jordan to the enduring grazing place

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

the enduring grazing place

This is land covered with grass where animals feed on the grass.

I will quickly cause them to run from it

Here "them" refers to the Babylonian people; the word "it" refers to the invasion.

who will be chosen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom I will choose" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

For who is like me, and who will summon me?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

who will summon me

"who will challenge me" or "who will call me to account"

What shepherd is able to resist me?

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:45

General Information:

These verses are almost identical to Jeremiah 49:20 and Jeremiah 49:21. See how you translated those verses.

the plans that Yahweh has decided against Babylon, the plans that he has planned against the land of the Chaldeans

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

They will certainly be dragged away, even the smallest flock

This continues speaking of Yahweh punishing the people of Babylon as if he would come like a lion and attack the sheep. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will drag them away, even the smallest flock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

even the smallest flock

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Their pasturelands will be turned into ruined places

Here the land of Babylonia is spoken of as if it were pasturelands for flocks. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will turn their pasturelands into ruined places" or "He will completely destroy the people who live there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 50:46

At the sound of conquered Babylon the earth shakes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

distress

pain or unhappiness

their shout of distress

"their shout of pain"

Jeremiah 51

Jeremiah 51:intro-0

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 ULB does this with the poetry in 51:1-64.

The prophesied destruction of Babylon continues in this chapter. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/curse.md]])

Jeremiah 51:1

General Information:

See

This draws attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully" or "Pay attention"

a wind of destruction

Possible meanings are 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.

Leb Kamai

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:2

scatter her and devastate her land ... they will come against her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

on the day of disaster

The phrase "day of" is a Hebrew idiom for "when." Alternate translation: "when I destroy Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:3

Do not let ... do not let

Yahweh wants the attack to be so sudden that the archers have no time to prepare for battle.

Jeremiah 51:4

those who are killed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the attackers kill" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:5

Israel and Judah are not forsaken by their God, by Yahweh of hosts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

their land is filled with offenses committed against the Holy One of Israel

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. The abstract noun "offenses" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "they have offended the Holy One of Israel everywhere throughout the land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:6

in her iniquity

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

will repay all of it to her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:7

Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of Yahweh that made all the world drunk

The word "world" is a metonym for the people living in the nations surrounding Babylon. Possible meanings are 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

nations drank her wine and became insane

Possible meanings are 1) "Babylon defeated and destroyed other nations" or 2) "nations enjoyed her riches and power and became evil." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

insane

unable to think clearly

Jeremiah 51:8

Babylon will ... be destroyed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will destroy Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Wail

to make a long, loud cry that shows that the person is sad

perhaps she can be healed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "perhaps Yahweh can heal her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:9

General Information:

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.

Babylon ... she is not healed ... leave her ... her guilt

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

she is not healed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have not been able to heal her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

For her guilt reaches up to the heavens; it is piled up to the clouds

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:10

Yahweh has declared our innocence

Yahweh had punished the Israelites for their sins, but now has let them return to him.

Jeremiah 51:11

General Information:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:12

Lift up a banner over Babylon's walls

"Give a signal to attack Babylon's walls"

make the watch strong

"make sure the guards are strong and have good weapons"

set up watchmen

"make sure there are enough men watching the city"

prepare the ambushes

This was done in order to catch anyone running from the city.

Jeremiah 51:13

General Information:

Jeremiah continues to speak to the people of Jerusalem as if he were speaking to the people of Babylon, who cannot hear him. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]])

The thread of your life is now cut short

The people's lives are spoken of as if they were threads that God could cut. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your lives will be ended quickly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:14

like a swarm of locusts

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

battle cry

This is a shout that a soldier makes in battle.

Jeremiah 51:15

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 51:16

When he thunders, there is the roar of waters in the heavens

These phrases compare the voice of Yahweh to the loud sound made by thunder and rain. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

storehouses

A storehouse is a building where people keep things they might want to use in the future.

Jeremiah 51:17

General Information:

Translate many of the words in this verse as in Jeremiah 10:14.

has become ignorant

"is lacking knowledge" or "does not know"

Every metalworker is put to shame by his idols

Jeremiah 51:18

General Information:

Translate many of the words in this verse as in Jeremiah 10:15.

they will perish at the time of their punishment

Jeremiah 51:19

General Information:

Translate many of the words in this verse as in Jeremiah 10:16.

the portion of Jacob

the molder of all things

"the creator of all things" or "the one who created all things"

Israel is the tribe of his inheritance

Jeremiah 51:20

You are

"You, the Babylonian army, are"

With you I will smash

Yahweh speaks of punishing people as if he were smashing them with a hammer. Alternate translation: "With you I will punish" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

With you I will

"I will use you to"

Jeremiah 51:21

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 51:22

With you I will smash

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

With you I will

"I will use you to." See how you translated this in Jeremiah 51:20.

Jeremiah 51:23

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 51:24

in your sight I will pay

The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "see." Alternate translation: "you will see it when I pay" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 51:25

General Information:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will stretch out my hand against you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

I will ... roll you down from the cliffs

Yahweh stops speaking of Babylon as a mountain and speaks of it as a building that he is breaking down and throwing away. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

cliffs

A cliff is the steep side of a mountain or hill.

I will ... make you a burned-out mountain

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 51:26

you will become an everlasting devastation

The abstract noun "devastation" can be translated as 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:27

Lift up a banner ... Blow the trumpet ... Call ... to attack

Lifting a banner and blowing a trumpet are both ways of calling people to attack. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

banner

"battle flag." This is large flag for the soldiers to follow in battle.

attack her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ararat ... Minni ... Ashkenaz

These are names of nations or people groups. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

bring up horses like swarming locusts

Yahweh compares a great number of horses to a swarm of locusts. Alternate translation: "bring many horses with soldiers quickly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:28

governors ... officials

See how you translated these words in Jeremiah 51:23.

Jeremiah 51:29

the land will shake and be in anguish

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

anguish

suffering and grief that would bring a person to tears

against Babylon

The city of Babylon is a metonym for the people of Babylon. Alternate translation: "against the people of Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

there is no inhabitant

"no one lives"

Jeremiah 51:30

General Information:

Yahweh speaks of what will happen as if it had already happened. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pastforfuture/01.md]])

her homes are on fire, the bars of her gates are broken

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:31

his city has been taken

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemies have overcome the whole city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:32

the fords over the river are seized

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemies have taken control of all the fords over the river" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

fords

shallow parts of a river where people can walk across

marshes

places with shallow water and grasses growing in deep mud

confused

unable to think clearly

Jeremiah 51:33

Yahweh of hosts ... says this

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

The daughter of Babylon

"Daughter of Babylon" here is another name for the people who live in Babylon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

is like a threshing floor

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

It is time to trample her down

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the time of harvest will come to her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:34

General Information:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he has driven me into confusion

Possible meanings are 1) "he has caused me to be unable to think clearly" or 2) "he has crushed me."

has made me an empty pot

Babylon has taken everything from Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Like a monster

Here Babylon is compared to a monster. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

he has swallowed me

Jerusalem compares its destruction to being swallowed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

he has filled his stomach with my delicious foods

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he has spit me out

Nebuchadnezzar took what he wanted and spit out what he did not want. Alternate translation: "he has vomited me up" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:35

The one who lives in Zion

"She who lives in Zion"

The one ... to me and my flesh ... my blood

All of these phrases refer to a woman.

inhabitants of Chaldea

"people who live in Chaldea"

Jeremiah 51:36

General Information:

This begins Yahweh's reply to Jerusalem's request in verses 34 and 35.

I am about to plead your case and bring about vengeance

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:37

heaps of rubble

buildings that have become piles of rock

den of jackals

home for wild dogs

a horror

something that terrifies everyone who looks at it

hissing

a sound people make to show that they dislike something very much

there are no inhabitants

"no one lives"

Jeremiah 51:38

roar

loud sound made by a lion

growl

a sound animals make to frighten other animals

Jeremiah 51:39

become happy

As a soldier is happy when he defeats a strong enemy. Another possible meaning is "are very drunk" .

Jeremiah 51:40

like lambs ... male goats

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:41

How Babylon has been captured ... How Babylon has become a ruined place

The word "how" here shows that something that people thought was impossible has happened. This can be stated in active form. 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the praise of all the earth is seized

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:42

The sea ... roaring waves

Babylon's enemies have overcome her. "Waves" represent many people groups overcoming Babylon. The words "sea" and "water" often represent the nations. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

She is covered with its roaring waves

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Its roaring waves have covered her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:43

Her cities

"Babylon's cities"

Jeremiah 51:44

I will punish Bel

Bel was the main god of the Babylonians and represents the whole country and the people that worshiped it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

out from his mouth what he swallowed

Yahweh compares all the sacrifices and offerings to Bel to things he ate. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

the nations will no longer flow

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:45

General Information:

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Jeremiah 51:46

the news that is heard in the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when you hear the news that is in the land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ruler will be against ruler

The ruler is a metonym for the nations under his control. Alternate translation: "Nations will fight against other nations" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:47

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what i am about to tell you"

days are coming ... when I will punish

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will punish the carved idols of Babylon

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Babylon ... her land ... her slaughtered ones ... her midst

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:48

over Babylon ... come for her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the heavens and the earth

Heaven and earth are viewed as if they were people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 51:49

Babylon has made ... her land

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 ... over the Babylonians ... come for them ... the Babylonians have made ... their land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the killed of all her land

"those whom the Babylonians' enemies have killed in the land"

Jeremiah 51:50

General Information:

Jeremiah speaks to the Israelite people in verse 50.

Survivors of the sword

The sword is a metonym for war, in which soldiers use swords. Alternate translation: "You who have survived the war" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Call Yahweh to mind from far away; let Jerusalem come to mind

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:51

insults

words that one person uses to offend another

reproach has covered our faces

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:52

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what i am about to tell you"

days are coming ... when I will punish

this is Yahweh's declaration

I will punish her carved idols

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

her carved idols ... her land

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

groan

to cry out because of pain or sadness

Jeremiah 51:53

her highest fortresses ... to her

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

even if Babylon went up to the heavens or fortified her highest fortresses, destroyers would come

God says this to assure Israel that it does not matter how strong Babylon might be; God will send people to destroy Babylon.

destroyers would come from me to her

This can be expressed with God as the subject. The word "her" refers to Babylon. Alternate translation: "I would send destroyers to her" or "I would send enemies to destroy Babylon"

Jeremiah 51:54

A shout of distress came from Babylon, a great collapse from the land of the Chaldeans

The same thought is expressed in two different ways for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:55

destroying Babylon ... her loud voice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Their enemies ... their noise

"The enemies of the people of Babylon ... the noise of the enemies"

enemies roar like the waves of many waters

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:56

against her—against Babylon!—and her warriors

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

her warriors have been captured

This phrase can be changed to have an active verb. Alternate translation: "her enemies have captured her warriors" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:57

her princes, her sages, her officials, and her soldiers

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will sleep in an unending sleep and never wake up

They will be dead. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 51:39. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:58

Yahweh of hosts says this

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

The thick walls of Babylon will be completely demolished

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The invaders willl completely demolish the thick walls of Babylon" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

her high gates ... her aid ... for her

The city of Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: "their high gates ... their aid ... for them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

her high gates will be burned

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will burn her high gates" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

everything ... will be burned up

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will burn up everything that the nations try to do for her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:59

Seraiah ... Neriah ... Mahseiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in the fourth year of his reign

"after he had been king for three years." This "fourth" is the ordinal number for four. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Jeremiah 51:60

that were written about Babylon

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he had written about Babylon"

Jeremiah 51:61

General Information:

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Jeremiah 51:62

animal

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 51:63

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jeremiah 51:64

Babylon will sink like this

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

will not arise

"will never again be a city"

they will fall

This means the Babylonians will fall because they are exhausted. Many translations do not include these words.

Jeremiah 52

Jeremiah 52:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]])

Jeremiah 52:1

General Information:

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.

Hamutal

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Libnah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah

This refers to another man named Jeremiah, not the prophet Jeremiah who wrote this book. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:2

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:3

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:4

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

in the ninth year of the reign of King Zedekiah, in the tenth month, and on the tenth day of the month

after Zedekiah had been king for eight years, in the tenth calendar month, on the tenth day of the month (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

in the ninth year

"in year nine" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

in the tenth month, and on the tenth day of the month

This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

They camped opposite it

"Nebuchadnezzar's army camped opposite Jerusalem"

Jeremiah 52:5

until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah's reign

until Zedekiah had been king for more than ten years (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

eleventh year

"year eleven" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

So the city was besieged

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "So they besieged the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:6

By the ninth day of the fourth month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

city

This refers to Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 52:7

the city was broken into

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Babylonians broke through the wall around the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the two walls

the wall of the king's garden and the wall of the city

Jeremiah 52:8

plains

flat land

All his army was scattered

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "the Chaldeans scattered his entire army" or 2) "all of his soldiers ran away in different directions." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:9

at Riblah in the land of Hamath

Riblah was a town in the territory of Hamath. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

passed sentence on him

"decided how to punish him"

Jeremiah 52:10

slaughtered Zedekiah's sons before his own eyes

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:11

he put out Zedekiah's eyes

the day of his death

the day of Zedekiah's death

Jeremiah 52:12

in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

the nineteenth year

"during year nineteen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Nebuzaradan

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

bodyguards

people whose job is to protect someone

Jeremiah 52:13

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:14

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:15

Nebuzaradan

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:16

the poorest of the land

"the poorest people who lived on the land"

Jeremiah 52:17

The Sea

This is a basin of water used in the worship of Yahweh.

Jeremiah 52:18

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:19

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:20

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:21

eighteen cubits ... twelve cubits

A cubit was about 46 centimeters long. Alternate translation: "18 cubits ... 12 cubits" or "about 8.3 meters ... about 5.5 meters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

hollow

The pillars had empty space inside them.

Jeremiah 52:22

capital

This is the top part of each pillar.

five cubits

A cubit was about 46 centimeters long. Alternate translation: "5 cubits" or "about 2.3 meters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:23

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:24

Seraiah

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 36:26.

gatekeepers

people who guard the gate of a city

Jeremiah 52:25

drafting men into the army

"forcing men to fight in the army"

Jeremiah 52:26

Nebuzaradan

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 39:9. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Riblah

This is the name of a city. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:27

General Information:

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Jeremiah 52:28

seventh

(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

3,023

"three thousand and twenty-three" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:29

eighteenth

(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

832

"teight hundred and thirty-two" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:30

twenty-third

(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Nebuzaradan

See how you translated this man's name in Jeremiah 39:9.

745 ... 4,600

"seven hundred and forty-five ... four thousand six hundred" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:31

in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin

after Jehoiachin had been an exile for more than 36 years (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

Awel-Marduk

He became the king of Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:32

He spoke kindly to him

"Awel-Marduk spoke kindly to Jehoiachin"

a seat more honorable

"a seat at the table that was closer to where Awel-Marduk sat"

Jeremiah 52:33

removed Jehoiachin's prison clothes

The reader should understand that removing his prison clothes represents making him a free man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Jeremiah 52:34

General Information:

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Jeremiah

Jeremiah front

Jeremiah front:intro

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:intro-0

Jeremiah 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

# Jeremiah appointed as prophet

# Northern kingdom

# Opposition

Links:

Jeremiah 1:1

Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests

Hilkiah

Anathoth

the land of Benjamin

Jeremiah 1:2

The word of Yahweh came to him

Yahweh

in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah

the thirteenth

Amon

his reign

Jeremiah 1:3

the eleventh

It also came

in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah

the fifth month

of Zedekiah

when the people of Jerusalem were taken away as prisoners

Jeremiah 1:4

The word of Yahweh came to me, saying

Jeremiah 1:5

formed you

before you came out from the womb

Jeremiah 1:6

Ah, Lord Yahweh

I do not know how to speak

Jeremiah 1:7

General Information:

Jeremiah 1:8

Do not be afraid of them

this is Yahweh's declaration

this is Yahweh's declaration

Jeremiah 1:9

Then Yahweh reached out with his hand, touched my mouth

I have placed my word in your mouth

Jeremiah 1:10

I am appointing you ... to uproot and break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant

to uproot and break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant

to uproot

to destroy and overthrow

to build and plant

Jeremiah 1:11

The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, "What

I see an almond branch

an almond branch

Jeremiah 1:12

I am watching over my word to carry it out

for I am watching over my word

Jeremiah 1:13

The word of Yahweh came to me a second time, saying

whose surface is churning

tipping away from the north

Jeremiah 1:14

Disaster will be opened up out of the north