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Jeremiah 2

And the LORD spoke to me: Go and cry out in the ears of Jerusalem: This is what the LORD says. I remember about you the loyalty of your youth, the love of when you were a bride, when you followed me through the wilderness in a land that wasn't sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the first of his harvest. Everyone who ate her was found guil

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The love of your youth

And the LORD spoke to me: Go and cry out in the ears of Jerusalem: This is what the LORD says. I remember about you the loyalty of your youth, the love of when you were a bride, when you followed me through the wilderness in a land that wasn't sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the first of his harvest. Everyone who ate her was found guilty. Trouble came on them, declares the LORD. Listen to the word of the LORD, house of Jacob, and all the families of the people of Israel. This is what the LORD says: What fault did your fathers find in me that they went so far off me and chased after worthless things and became worthless themselves? They never said: Where's the LORD who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and gullies, a land of drought and the shadow of death, a land nobody crosses and nobody lives in? I brought you into a plentiful country to eat its fruit and its goodness. But when you entered, you defiled my land and made my inheritance a disgusting thing. The priests never said: Where's the LORD? Those who handled the law didn't know me. The shepherds rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and chased after things that are no profit. So I'll still bring my case against you, declares the LORD, and against your children's children. Cross over to the isles of Chittim and see. Send to Kedar and consider carefully; see whether there has ever been anything like this. Has a nation swapped its gods, when they're not gods at all? But my people have swapped their glory for what's no profit. Be astonished at this, heavens. Be horribly afraid; be utterly desolate, says the LORD. My people have committed two evils: they have abandoned me, the fountain of living waters, and dug themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

And the word of the Lord came to me: Go and call out in the ears of Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says. I remember about you the loyalty of your youth, the love of when you were a bride, when you followed me through the wilderness in a land that wasn't sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the first of his harvest. Everyone who ate her was found guilty. Trouble came on them, declares the Lord. Listen to the word of the Lord, house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. This is what the Lord says: What fault did your fathers find in me that they went so far off me and chased after nothing and turned into nothing themselves? They never said: Where's the Lord who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and gullies, a land of drought and the shadow of death, a land nobody crosses and nobody lives in? And I brought you into a good country to eat its fruit and its best things. But you came in and made my land filthy and turned my inheritance into something disgusting. The priests never said: Where's the Lord? The ones who handled the teaching didn't know me. The shepherds rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and chased after things that are no use. So I'll still bring my case against you, declares the Lord, and against your children's children. Go over to the coasts of Cyprus and have a look. Send to Kedar and think it over carefully. See if there's ever been anything like this. Has a nation swapped its gods, when they're not gods at all? But my people have swapped their glory for what's no use. Be shocked at this, you heavens. Shudder and go bare, declares the Lord. Because my people have done two things wrong: they've walked out on me, the spring of living water, and dug themselves tanks — cracked tanks that won't hold water.

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt? And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children’s children will I plead. For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

1

And the LORD spoke to me:

Plain English

And the word of the Lord came to me:

King James Version, 1611

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

2

Go and cry out in the ears of Jerusalem: This is what the LORD says. I remember about you the loyalty of your youth, the love of when you were a bride, when you followed me through the wilderness in a land that wasn't sown.

Plain English

Go and call out in the ears of Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says. I remember about you the loyalty of your youth, the love of when you were a bride, when you followed me through the wilderness in a land that wasn't sown.

King James Version, 1611

Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.

3

Israel was holy to the LORD, the first of his harvest. Everyone who ate her was found guilty. Trouble came on them, declares the LORD.

Plain English

Israel was holy to the Lord, the first of his harvest. Everyone who ate her was found guilty. Trouble came on them, declares the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.

4

Listen to the word of the LORD, house of Jacob, and all the families of the people of Israel.

Plain English

Listen to the word of the Lord, house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel.

King James Version, 1611

Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel:

5

This is what the LORD says: What fault did your fathers find in me that they went so far off me and chased after worthless things and became worthless themselves?

Plain English

This is what the Lord says: What fault did your fathers find in me that they went so far off me and chased after nothing and turned into nothing themselves?

King James Version, 1611

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

6

They never said: Where's the LORD who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and gullies, a land of drought and the shadow of death, a land nobody crosses and nobody lives in?

Plain English

They never said: Where's the Lord who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and gullies, a land of drought and the shadow of death, a land nobody crosses and nobody lives in?

King James Version, 1611

Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?

7

I brought you into a plentiful country to eat its fruit and its goodness. But when you entered, you defiled my land and made my inheritance a disgusting thing.

Plain English

And I brought you into a good country to eat its fruit and its best things. But you came in and made my land filthy and turned my inheritance into something disgusting.

King James Version, 1611

And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination.

8

The priests never said: Where's the LORD? Those who handled the law didn't know me. The shepherds rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and chased after things that are no profit.

Plain English

The priests never said: Where's the Lord? The ones who handled the teaching didn't know me. The shepherds rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and chased after things that are no use.

King James Version, 1611

The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

9

So I'll still bring my case against you, declares the LORD, and against your children's children.

Plain English

So I'll still bring my case against you, declares the Lord, and against your children's children.

King James Version, 1611

Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children’s children will I plead.

10

Cross over to the isles of Chittim and see. Send to Kedar and consider carefully; see whether there has ever been anything like this.

Plain English

Go over to the coasts of Cyprus and have a look. Send to Kedar and think it over carefully. See if there's ever been anything like this.

King James Version, 1611

For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

11

Has a nation swapped its gods, when they're not gods at all? But my people have swapped their glory for what's no profit.

Plain English

Has a nation swapped its gods, when they're not gods at all? But my people have swapped their glory for what's no use.

King James Version, 1611

Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

12

Be astonished at this, heavens. Be horribly afraid; be utterly desolate, says the LORD.

Plain English

Be shocked at this, you heavens. Shudder and go bare, declares the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD.

13

My people have committed two evils: they have abandoned me, the fountain of living waters, and dug themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Plain English

Because my people have done two things wrong: they've walked out on me, the spring of living water, and dug themselves tanks — cracked tanks that won't hold water.

King James Version, 1611

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

A wild vine

Is Israel a slave? Was he born into the house? So why has he been carried off? The young lions roared over him and let their voices go, and they've made his land a desolation. His cities are burnt out with nobody living in them. The children of Noph and Tahapanhes have also broken the crown of your head. Haven't you brought this on yourself by walking out on the LORD your God while he was leading you along the road? And now, what have you gained by going to Egypt to drink the waters of Sihor? Or what have you gained by going to Assyria to drink the waters of the river? Your own wickedness will set you straight, and your turning away will pull you up. So know it and see it — it's a bad and bitter thing that you've walked out on the LORD your God and there's no fear of me in you, declares the LORD God Almighty. Because a long time back you broke your yoke and snapped your bonds and said, I won't serve. And on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down like a prostitute. But I planted you as a choice vine, the best seed there is. So how have you turned into the twisted branches of a wild vine on me? Even if you wash yourself with nitre and use much soap, your wrongdoing is still marked before me, says the Lord GOD. How can you say, I'm not defiled, I haven't gone after the Baalim? Look at your track in the valley. Know what you've done — you're a young camel running loose, criss-crossing her tracks, A wild donkey used to the wilderness, sniffing the wind when she wants it. Who can turn her back? None of those who want her need wear themselves out. In her month they'll find her. Keep your foot from going bare and your throat from going dry. But you said: There's no hope. No — I've loved strangers, and I'll go after them.

Is Israel a slave? Was he born into the house? So why has he been carried off? The young lions roared over him and let their voices go, and they've made his land a wreck. His towns are burnt out with nobody living in them. The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes too have cracked open the top of your head. Haven't you brought this on yourself by walking out on the Lord your God while he was leading you along the road? And now what have you got out of going off to Egypt to drink the water of the Nile? What have you got out of going off to Assyria to drink the water of the River? Your own wickedness will set you straight, and your turning away will pull you up. So know it and see it — it's a bad and bitter thing that you've walked out on the Lord your God and there's no fear of me in you, declares the Lord God Almighty. Because a long time back you broke your yoke and snapped your bonds and said, I won't serve. And on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down like a prostitute. But I planted you as a choice vine, the best seed there is. So how have you turned into the twisted branches of a wild vine on me? Even if you scrub yourself with lye and use plenty of soap, your wrongdoing is still marked in front of me, declares the Lord God. How can you say, I'm not dirty, I haven't gone after the Baals? Look at your track in the valley. Know what you've done — you're a young camel running loose, criss-crossing her tracks, a wild donkey used to the wilderness, sniffing the wind when she wants it. Who can turn her back? None of the ones who want her need wear themselves out. In her month they'll find her. Keep your foot from going bare and your throat from going dry. But you said: There's no hope. No — I've loved strangers, and I'll go after them.

Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled? The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD. How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.

14

Is Israel a slave? Was he born into the house? So why has he been carried off?

King James Version, 1611

Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?

15

The young lions roared over him and let their voices go, and they've made his land a desolation. His cities are burnt out with nobody living in them.

Plain English

The young lions roared over him and let their voices go, and they've made his land a wreck. His towns are burnt out with nobody living in them.

King James Version, 1611

The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.

16

The children of Noph and Tahapanhes have also broken the crown of your head.

Plain English

The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes too have cracked open the top of your head.

King James Version, 1611

Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.

17

Haven't you brought this on yourself by walking out on the LORD your God while he was leading you along the road?

Plain English

Haven't you brought this on yourself by walking out on the Lord your God while he was leading you along the road?

King James Version, 1611

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

18

And now, what have you gained by going to Egypt to drink the waters of Sihor? Or what have you gained by going to Assyria to drink the waters of the river?

Plain English

And now what have you got out of going off to Egypt to drink the water of the Nile? What have you got out of going off to Assyria to drink the water of the River?

King James Version, 1611

And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

19

Your own wickedness will set you straight, and your turning away will pull you up. So know it and see it — it's a bad and bitter thing that you've walked out on the LORD your God and there's no fear of me in you, declares the LORD God Almighty.

Plain English

Your own wickedness will set you straight, and your turning away will pull you up. So know it and see it — it's a bad and bitter thing that you've walked out on the Lord your God and there's no fear of me in you, declares the Lord God Almighty.

King James Version, 1611

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

20

Because a long time back you broke your yoke and snapped your bonds and said, I won't serve. And on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down like a prostitute.

King James Version, 1611

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

21

But I planted you as a choice vine, the best seed there is. So how have you turned into the twisted branches of a wild vine on me?

King James Version, 1611

Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

22

Even if you wash yourself with nitre and use much soap, your wrongdoing is still marked before me, says the Lord GOD.

Plain English

Even if you scrub yourself with lye and use plenty of soap, your wrongdoing is still marked in front of me, declares the Lord God.

King James Version, 1611

For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.

23

How can you say, I'm not defiled, I haven't gone after the Baalim? Look at your track in the valley. Know what you've done — you're a young camel running loose, criss-crossing her tracks,

Plain English

How can you say, I'm not dirty, I haven't gone after the Baals? Look at your track in the valley. Know what you've done — you're a young camel running loose, criss-crossing her tracks,

King James Version, 1611

How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;

24

A wild donkey used to the wilderness, sniffing the wind when she wants it. Who can turn her back? None of those who want her need wear themselves out. In her month they'll find her.

Plain English

a wild donkey used to the wilderness, sniffing the wind when she wants it. Who can turn her back? None of the ones who want her need wear themselves out. In her month they'll find her.

King James Version, 1611

A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.

25

Keep your foot from going bare and your throat from going dry. But you said: There's no hope. No — I've loved strangers, and I'll go after them.

King James Version, 1611

Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.

Ashamed like a thief caught out

The way a thief is ashamed when he's caught, that's how the people of Israel are ashamed — they and their kings, officials, priests and prophets — Saying to a block of wood, You're my father, and to a stone, You gave me birth. Because they've turned their backs to me and not their faces. But in the time of their trouble they'll say: Rise and save us. So where are your gods, those you made for yourself? Let them rise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble. Because you have as many gods as you have cities, Judah. Why are you arguing with me? The lot of you have rebelled against me, declares the LORD. I struck your children for nothing. They took no correction. Your own sword has eaten your prophets like a lion that destroys everything. You lot of this generation, look at the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness to Israel, a land of thick darkness? So why do my people say, We're free to roam, we won't come to you any more? Can a young woman forget her jewellery, or a bride her sash? But my people have forgotten me for days beyond counting. Why do you trim your way to seek love? You have even taught the wicked ones your ways. And on your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor and innocent. I didn't find it by breaking in — it's out in the open on all of them. But you say: I'm innocent, his anger will turn back off me. Look: I'll take you to court over saying, I haven't sinned. Why do you rush about so much, changing your road? You'll be ashamed of Egypt the same way you were ashamed of Assyria. You'll come out of there with your hands on your head, because the LORD has rejected those you trusted, and you won't get anywhere with them.

The way a thief is ashamed when he's caught out, that's how the house of Israel is ashamed — they and their kings, their officials and their priests and their prophets — saying to a block of wood, You're my father, and to a stone, You gave me birth. Because they've turned their backs to me and not their faces. But in the time of their trouble they'll say: Get up and save us. So where are your gods, the ones you made for yourself? Let them get up, if they can save you in the time of your trouble. Because you've got as many gods as you've got towns, Judah. Why are you arguing with me? The lot of you have rebelled against me, declares the Lord. I struck your children for nothing. They took no correction. Your own sword has eaten your prophets like a lion that wrecks everything. You lot of this generation, look at the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilderness to Israel, a land of thick darkness? So why do my people say, We're free to roam, we won't come to you any more? Can a young woman forget her jewellery, or a bride her sash? But my people have forgotten me for days beyond counting. How well you set up your road to look for love. That's why you've taught even the wicked women your ways. And on your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor and innocent. I didn't find it by breaking in — it's out in the open on all of them. But you say: I'm innocent, his anger will turn back off me. Look — I'll take you to court over saying, I haven't sinned. Why do you rush about so much, changing your road? You'll be ashamed of Egypt the same way you were ashamed of Assyria. You'll come out of there with your hands on your head, because the Lord has knocked back the ones you trusted, and you won't get anywhere with them.

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD. In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria. Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.

26

The way a thief is ashamed when he's caught, that's how the people of Israel are ashamed — they and their kings, officials, priests and prophets —

Plain English

The way a thief is ashamed when he's caught out, that's how the house of Israel is ashamed — they and their kings, their officials and their priests and their prophets —

King James Version, 1611

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

27

Saying to a block of wood, You're my father, and to a stone, You gave me birth. Because they've turned their backs to me and not their faces. But in the time of their trouble they'll say: Rise and save us.

Plain English

saying to a block of wood, You're my father, and to a stone, You gave me birth. Because they've turned their backs to me and not their faces. But in the time of their trouble they'll say: Get up and save us.

King James Version, 1611

Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

28

So where are your gods, those you made for yourself? Let them rise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble. Because you have as many gods as you have cities, Judah.

Plain English

So where are your gods, the ones you made for yourself? Let them get up, if they can save you in the time of your trouble. Because you've got as many gods as you've got towns, Judah.

King James Version, 1611

But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

29

Why are you arguing with me? The lot of you have rebelled against me, declares the LORD.

Plain English

Why are you arguing with me? The lot of you have rebelled against me, declares the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.

30

I struck your children for nothing. They took no correction. Your own sword has eaten your prophets like a lion that destroys everything.

Plain English

I struck your children for nothing. They took no correction. Your own sword has eaten your prophets like a lion that wrecks everything.

King James Version, 1611

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

31

You lot of this generation, look at the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness to Israel, a land of thick darkness? So why do my people say, We're free to roam, we won't come to you any more?

Plain English

You lot of this generation, look at the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilderness to Israel, a land of thick darkness? So why do my people say, We're free to roam, we won't come to you any more?

King James Version, 1611

O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?

32

Can a young woman forget her jewellery, or a bride her sash? But my people have forgotten me for days beyond counting.

King James Version, 1611

Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

33

Why do you trim your way to seek love? You have even taught the wicked ones your ways.

Plain English

How well you set up your road to look for love. That's why you've taught even the wicked women your ways.

King James Version, 1611

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.

34

And on your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor and innocent. I didn't find it by breaking in — it's out in the open on all of them.

King James Version, 1611

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.

35

But you say: I'm innocent, his anger will turn back off me. Look: I'll take you to court over saying, I haven't sinned.

Plain English

But you say: I'm innocent, his anger will turn back off me. Look — I'll take you to court over saying, I haven't sinned.

King James Version, 1611

Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

36

Why do you rush about so much, changing your road? You'll be ashamed of Egypt the same way you were ashamed of Assyria.

King James Version, 1611

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

37

You'll come out of there with your hands on your head, because the LORD has rejected those you trusted, and you won't get anywhere with them.

Plain English

You'll come out of there with your hands on your head, because the Lord has knocked back the ones you trusted, and you won't get anywhere with them.

King James Version, 1611

Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.