The author is speaking of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman who could sit alone in mourning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See the Introduction to Lamentations for further discussion of the term and how to translate it here and throughout this book. Alternate translation: [How the city that was great with people is now deserted]

The point of this comparison is that just as a widow is alone, unprotected, and grieving, so is Jerusalem now without allies or support. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [She has become alone and unprotected, though she was once great among the nations]

Here the author is speaking as if Jerusalem were a princess who has been reduced to slavery. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The city that once ruled over the provinces now serves them]

The author is speaking of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman who weeps and has tears on her cheeks. See the note on verse one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The people of Jerusalem weep bitterly in the night, and their tears are on their cheeks]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and you may want to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation. If it is helpful, you could connect the phrases in a way that shows that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [All her companions have betrayed her; yes, they have become her enemies]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of affliction and greatness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [where she suffers greatly under forced labor]

The author is speaking of having a secure and peaceful home as if it were a resting place that Judah could find. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [she finds no safe place to rest] or [she has found no peace and security]

Here the author is speaking as if being trapped with no escape were being caught between the narrow passes of a mountain gorge. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in a place where they were trapped]

The author is speaking of the roads of Zion as if they were a person who could mourn. He means that the roads are empty and unused. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The roads of Zion are empty and unused]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and you may want to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation. If it is helpful, you could connect the phrases in a way that shows that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Her adversaries have become the head and are prospering]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of greatness and transgressions, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [because she transgressed so greatly against him]

The expression Her children have gone away as captives is a passive verbal form. If it would be unnatural to use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context indicates that it is the adversary. Alternate translation: [The adversary has taken her children away as captives]

The author is speaking of Jerusalem and its people as if the city were a daughter. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from Jerusalem] or [from the people of Zion]

Here the author is speaking as if Jerusalem’s majesty were a person or thing that could depart from her. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [all her honor has been lost]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of majesty, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [everything that made her majestic is gone]

The point of this comparison is that just as deer that have found no pasture are weak and helpless, so are Her princes without strength or resources. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [Her princes have become weak and helpless, like deer that have found no pasture]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of strength, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [being completely weak]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of affliction and wanderings, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [in the days when she was afflicted and displaced]

The author is using fell into the hand of as a common expression of the culture to mean “came under the power of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [When her people came under the power of the adversary]

Here the author is speaking as if Jerusalem were an object of ritual abhorrence, something that people treat as defiling and avoid. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [she has become something people avoid]

By her nakedness, the author means her naked body is being exposed to shame before her enemies. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [how shamefully exposed she is]

Turning backward was a symbolic action by which Jerusalem showed her shame and disgrace before those who saw her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [and retreated in shame]

The author is referring to menstrual impurity in a polite way by using the phrase Her uncleanness is in her skirts. He uses this image to characterize Jerusalem’s profound defilement before God. Depending on what is helpful for your readers, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [She is as unclean as a woman in her menstrual impurity] or [She is deeply defiled by her sin]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uncleanness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [The way she has made herself impure]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of her end, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what would happen to her as a result]

The author is speaking of Jerusalem’s ruin as if she were going down to a lower place. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And she was brought to ruin in an astonishing way]

The word himself indicates that the object of the verb is the same as the subject of the verb. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate that the enemy is the one doing the action to himself. Alternate translation: [the enemy has boasted greatly]

The author is using spread out his hand over as a common expression of the culture to mean “seized and took possession of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The adversary has seized all her precious things]

The author is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [seeking food]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to keep themselves alive]

It would be good to present this as a direct quotation, if possible, to show that the city of Jerusalem is speaking to Yahweh.

Jerusalem is speaking to all you who pass along the way, people who are not in conversation with her. She is doing this to communicate to the people listening to her that she feels very strongly about her suffering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as if she were speaking directly to the people about the passers–by. It would be good to present verse12 through verse16 as a direct quotation, if possible, to show that Jerusalem is speaking to the people. Alternate translation: [Is it nothing to all those who pass along the way]

Jerusalem is using the question form to emphasize that the passers–by should pay attention to its suffering and that no one has ever suffered as it has. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this question as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [You who pass along the way should care deeply about what has happened to me.]

The speaker is using the day of his burning anger as a common expression of the culture to mean the time when Yahweh expressed his fierce anger in judgment. If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [at the time when he was fiercely angry]

Jerusalem is speaking as if God’s judgment were fire that he sent from heaven into her bones and that ruled over them. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [From on high he sent suffering deep inside me, and it overwhelmed me]

Here Jerusalem is speaking as if God were a hunter who spread a net to catch prey and turned her back so she could not escape. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He trapped me and kept me from going forward]

Here Jerusalem is speaking as if her sins were a yoke that was bound fast and intertwined and placed on her neck, like the wooden frame placed on the neck of a draft animal to control it. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [My sins have completely overpowered me] or [Yahweh has made my sins control me completely]

The expression The yoke of my transgressions was bound fast is a passive verbal form. If it would be unnatural to use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context indicates that it is God. Alternate translation: [He bound fast the yoke of my transgressions]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of transgressions, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [of the ways I transgressed]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of strength, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [me to become weak]

Here Jerusalem is speaking as if the Lord were a person who has trodden the winepress, crushing grapes underfoot. She means that the Lord has crushed the people of Judah in judgment. If this image communicates well in your language, please use it. If not, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: [The Lord has crushed the virgin daughter of Judah like grapes in a winepress]

Jerusalem is speaking of the people of Judah as if they were a virgin daughter. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [for the people of Judah]

The repetition of the phrases, I, I am weeping and my eye, my eye is an emphatic form. Jerusalem is using the repetition for emphasis to express the intensity of her weeping. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [I am weeping; my eye is continually running down with water]

Here Jerusalem is speaking as if her eye were a stream of water running down. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [my tears are flowing constantly]

Jerusalem is not referring to a specific comforter. She means anyone in general who could comfort. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an expression that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [anyone to comfort me]

Jerusalem is speaking of her life as if it were something that could be restored and given back to her. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [who could revive my strength]

The author is speaking of Zion as if it were a woman who could spread out her hands in a gesture of pleading. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The people of Zion plead for help]

Here the author is speaking as if Jerusalem were an object of ritual abhorrence, something that the surrounding nations treat as defiling and avoid. See the note on verse 8. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Jerusalem has become something all the surrounding nations consider filthy]

It would be good to present verse18 through verse22 as a direct quotation, if possible, to show that the city of Jerusalem is speaking. In [verses18–19], Jerusalem speaks to passers–by, and in [20–22] she speaks directly to Yahweh.

Here, his mouth represents his commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [for I have rebelled against his commands]

Jerusalem is speaking to all peoples. She is doing this to communicate to the people listening that she feels very strongly about her suffering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as if she were speaking directly to the people as in the UST.

The repetition of the pronoun they, they is an emphatic form. Jerusalem is using the repetition for emphasis to express the depth of betrayal. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [they completely deceived me]

Jerusalem is referring to death in a polite way by using the word expired. Depending on what is helpful for your readers, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [passed away] or [died]

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Jerusalem is urgently appealing to Yahweh to observe her suffering. If the imperative does not communicate a polite request for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. Alternate translation: [Please see, Yahweh, that I am in distress]

Here, my inward parts represent deep emotions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [I am deeply distressed]

Here Jerusalem is speaking as if her heart had been physically overturned within her. She means that she is in complete emotional anguish. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I am in total anguish within myself]

The expression my heart has been overturned is a passive verbal form. If it would be unnatural to use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context indicates that it is God. Alternate translation: [God has overturned my heart within me]

Jerusalem is referring to all of the destruction by naming two extremes, Outside and inside. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [Everywhere there is death, both outside in the streets and inside the buildings]

Jerusalem is not referring to a specific comforter. She means, in a general sense, someone who is willing or able to comfort her. See how you translated the same word in verse16. Alternate translation: [there is no one able to comfort me] or [there is no one willing to comfort me]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of calamity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the tragic events that we have experienced]

When Jerusalem says and let them be like me, she is saying what she wants God to do. Alternate translation: [and I desire that our enemies will suffer as we have] or [and God, you should require our enemies to experience the same]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of transgressions, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the wrong actions I have done]

The exclamation How indicates that Jeremiah is expressing his grief and sorrow over what the Lord has done to Jerusalem. Your language may have its own way of expressing feelings of grief and sorrow. Alternate translation: [The Lord has covered with a cloud in his anger the daughter of Zion]

The writer is speaking of the Lord bringing judgment on Jerusalem as if the Lord covered with a cloud the city, that is, as if he brought darkness and gloom upon it. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [has darkened]

The writer is using the phrase in his nose as a common expression of the culture to mean that the Lord is angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in his wrath]

The writer is speaking of the people of Jerusalem as if they were a daughter of the city. This is a common expression in the original language for referring to a city and its inhabitants. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly here and elsewhere in this lament. See the Lamentations 2 Introduction for more information. Alternate translation: [the people of Jerusalem]

The writer is speaking of the Lord removing Israel’s honor as if the Lord had cast down from heaven to earth the splendor of Israel. The image of heaven represents a high and honored position, while earth represents a low and disgraced position. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has taken away the honor of Israel and made it a disgrace]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of splendor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [everything that made Israel splendid]

Here, the footstool of his feet represents the temple in Jerusalem, since the temple was considered the place where God’s presence rested on earth, as a king rests his feet on a footstool. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [his temple]

The writer is using the possessive form to describe a footstool that belongs to God, that is, the place where God rests his feet. This refers to the temple or the ark of the covenant. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the footstool where he rests his feet]

Here, on the day of his nose represents the time or occasion when God acted in judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [on the occasion of his wrath]

The writer is speaking of the Lord completely destroying the settlements of Jacob as if the Lord has swallowed them up, as a person might consume food. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The Lord has completely destroyed]

Here, all the pastures of Jacob represents the dwelling places of the people of Israel, since pastures were the places where people lived and kept their flocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all the dwelling places of the descendants of Jacob]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [very angrily]

The writer is speaking of the Lord destroying the fortifications as if he has brought them to the ground, that is, knocked them flat. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he has completely destroyed them]

The writer is speaking of the Lord stripping the kingdom and its rulers of their honor and dignity as if they were sacred things that the Lord had made common and unclean. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has dishonored the kingdom and its princes]

The writer is speaking of God removing the power of Israel as if God cut off every horn, since a horn represents the strength and power of an animal. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has destroyed in fierce anger all the power of Israel]

Here, nose represents the emotion of wrath, since the nostrils flare when a person is angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression that has the same meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in burning wrath] or [angrily]

Here, his right hand represents God’s power to help and protect his people, since the right hand was associated with strength and action. The writer says that God turned back this power, meaning he withdrew his protection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has withdrawn his protective power]

Jeremiah is using from the face of as a common expression to mean “from before” or “away from the direction of.” He means that God withdrew his right hand away from facing the enemy, leaving Israel unprotected. If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from before the enemy] or [from the enemy’s advance]

The writer uses this comparison to say that God’s judgment was as destructive to Israel as a fire of flame is to whatever it burns. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [and he has destroyed Jacob with devastating force]

The writer is continuing the image of fire, speaking of God’s judgment as a flame that destroys everything in its path. The word consuming pictures the fire burning to nothing everything it touches. If your language has a comparable expression, you could use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [destroying everything on every side]

The writer uses comparisons to describe God’s hostility toward his own people. He says that God has bent his bow like an enemy; his right hand is stationed like an adversary, meaning that God has prepared to attack his people the way an enemy would and has taken the stance of one ready to fight against them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [He has prepared to attack us as an enemy would; he has positioned himself to fight against us like an adversary]

Here, his right hand represents God’s power and ability to act. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [his power]

Here, the eye represents sight and what is pleasing to behold. The phrase the delights of the eye refers to everything people treasured and found beautiful. Some understand this as referring specifically to the fine young men of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [everything they treasured] or [all the finest young men]

The writer speaks of Zion as if it were a woman, calling it the daughter of Zion, and he describes the city as her tent or dwelling place. For more information, see the Lamentations 2 Introduction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea in another way here and in verse 18. Alternate translation: [In the city of Jerusalem]

The writer uses a comparison to describe God’s anger. He says that God has poured out his anger like fire, meaning that God’s anger has been destructive and consuming. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [his anger has been as destructive as fire]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of anger, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [he has shown how angry he is by burning like fire]

The writer uses a comparison to describe how God has treated his own people. He says that The Lord has become like an enemy, meaning that God has acted against his people as an enemy would. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [The Lord has acted as though he were an enemy]

These three phrases mean basically the same thing. Each one emphasizes the totality of God’s destruction by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Another approach would be to connect the phrases with words that show that the second and third phrases are repeating the first one, not saying something additional. See how you as a team have decided to translate the parallel phrases in Lamentations, and follow that approach here and throughout this chapter. Alternate translation: [He has utterly destroyed Israel, all her citadels, and all his fortifications]

The writer is speaking of God’s destruction of Israel as if God had swallowed the nation like a beast consuming its prey. This emphasizes the completeness of the destruction. Your language may have a comparable expression you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he has completely destroyed Israel]

The terms mourning and groaning mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [great grief]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mourning and groaning, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [and caused people to mourn and lament greatly]

The writer is comparing God’s destruction of his sanctuary to the tearing down of his garden booth, a temporary seasonal shelter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [He violently tore down his sanctuary as if it were a temporary shelter]

The writer is referring to all of Israel’s sacred worship occasions by naming two major components, appointed festival and Sabbath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all their sacred worship occasions]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of indignation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [because he was indignantly angry]

The writer is referring to all of Israel’s leadership by naming two major components, king and priest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all their leaders]

Here, his altar represents the entire sacrificial worship system of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the Israelites’ worship] or [the place where people offered sacrifices to him]

Here, the hand of the enemy represents the power and control of the enemy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [He has given the walls of her palaces over to the enemy’s control]

The writer compares the shouts of the enemies in the house of Yahweh to the shouts of worshipers on an appointed festival day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [They shouted in the house of Yahweh the way worshipers used to shout on a festival day]

The writer is speaking of God’s careful planning for destruction as if God had stretched out the measuring line like a builder measuring before construction. However, God measured not to build but to tear down. If your language does not use this image, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [He carefully planned the destruction]

The writer is speaking of God’s destructive action as if God were swallowing up the city, consuming it completely. The phrase his hand represents God’s active power. If your language does not use this image, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [he did not hold back from completely destroying it]

The writer speaks of the rampart and wall as if they were people who could mourn and languish. He says this because they lie in ruins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And he caused the rampart and wall to fall into ruins]

The writer is referring to all of Jerusalem’s defensive structures by naming two major components, the rampart and the wall. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all of Jerusalem’s defenses]

The writer is speaking of the complete destruction of Her gates as if they had sunk into the ground. If your language does not use this image, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Her gates have been completely destroyed]

The terms destroyed and shattered mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [he has completely destroyed the bars of her gates]

Here, law represents the entire instruction and guidance of God. Without their land and temple, the people have no access to God’s teaching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [No one teaches them God’s law]

The writer is speaking of receiving a vision from Yahweh as if it were something that could be found through searching. He means that Yahweh has ceased communicating with the prophets. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Also, her prophets have received no vision from Yahweh]

Sitting on the ground in silence, throwing up dust on their heads, and putting on sackcloth (rough goat-hair cloth) were mourning customs expressing grief too deep for words. Bowing the head to the ground was a symbolic action expressing utter humiliation and grief. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of these actions in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence to show that they are overwhelmed with grief. They have thrown up dust on their heads; they have put on sackcloth. The virgins of Jerusalem bowed their heads to the ground to show their utter humiliation and grief]

The writer is referring to all of the people of Jerusalem by naming two extremes, the elders (the oldest) and The virgins (the youngest women). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [Everyone in Jerusalem, both old and young, has silently thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth and bowed their heads to the ground]

The writer is using the expression My eyes have failed with tears as a common expression of the culture to mean that one has wept so much that the eyes are exhausted and can no longer produce tears. If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I have cried until my eyes are exhausted]

Here, my inner parts represent deep emotional anguish. Jeremiah uses the internal organs as a way of referring to intense grief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [I am deeply troubled within]

The writer is speaking of his emotional anguish as if his liver had been poured out to the ground, like liquid spilling from a container. He means that he is completely overwhelmed. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I am completely overwhelmed with grief]

The terms child and infant are paired to represent the very youngest and most vulnerable members of the community. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express this with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [the young children]

The writer compares the children to the slain collapsing in the streets, meaning the children fall as though they have been mortally wounded, but from hunger rather than the sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [when they collapse and die in the city streets]

The writer is speaking of the children’s lives slowly draining away as if their souls were poured out like liquid from a container. He means that the children die slowly in their mothers’ arms. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [as they slowly die while their mothers hold them]

The writer uses a series of rhetorical questions to express the idea that he cannot find anything adequate to say about Jerusalem’s suffering, to express the idea that nothing compares to her suffering, and that no comparison is adequate to bring comfort. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [I do not know what I could say to you. Nothing can be compared to your suffering, O daughter of Jerusalem. There is nothing I can say to bring you comfort, O virgin daughter of Zion.]

The writer uses a comparison to describe Jerusalem’s destruction. He compares it to the greatness of the sea, meaning that the brokenness is immeasurable and overwhelming in its vastness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [Your destruction is as vast and deep as the ocean]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of brokenness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [how broken you are]

The writer uses another rhetorical question to express the idea that no one can remedy Jerusalem’s suffering. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [no one can heal you.]

The terms falsehood and worthlessness mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together to emphasize that what the prophets claimed to see had no truth or value. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [things that were completely misleading]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the ways you sinned]

The terms falsehood and enticement are paired to characterize the prophets’ deceptive messages as both untrue and misleadingly appealing. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express this with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [utterly false visions]

Clapping hands at someone was a symbolic action by which they showed scorn, mockery, and contempt. This is not applause. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [mock you by clapping their hands]

Hissing and shaking the head were symbolic gestures of derision and scorn. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could add a short explanation. Alternate translation: [They express their contempt by hissing and shaking their heads]

The passers-by use a rhetorical question to express their disbelief that the once-glorious city has fallen to such ruin. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [This cannot be the city that people used to call the most beautiful, the joy of the entire earth!]

This is a quotation within a quotation. The passers-by are quoting a title that others previously gave to Jerusalem. If your language does not allow quotations within quotations, you could express the inner quotation as indirect speech as in the UST.

The expressions the perfection of beauty and the joy of all the earth are paired to express the former glory of Jerusalem. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express this with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [the pride and joy of all the earth]

Opening the mouth wide against someone was a symbolic action by which someone showed hostility, scorn, and readiness to devour. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [mocked you openly]

Hissing and gnashing the teeth were symbolic gestures expressing hatred, rage, and contempt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could add a short explanation.

The enemies are speaking of their destruction of Jerusalem as if they had swallowed her up like an animal consuming its prey. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [We have completely destroyed her]

The expressions we have found and we have seen mean similar things. The enemies are using the two expressions together to express their satisfaction at finally witnessing the destruction they longed for. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [we have seen what we had been hoping to see]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [spared them]

The writer is speaking of God increasing the power of the enemies as if he had lifted up their horn, since a horn represents the strength of a powerful animal. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he has made your enemies powerful]

The writer speaks of the wall of the daughter of Zion as if it were a person who could weep. He says this because the wall lies in ruins and he urges it to mourn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Let the people of Zion cry out and weep]

The writer uses a comparison to describe how abundant and continuous the weeping should be. He compares the flow of tears to a river, meaning the weeping should be constant and unceasing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [Let your tears flow abundantly and continuously, day and night without stopping]

The writer is referring to all the time without stopping by naming two extremes, day and night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [continually without stopping]

The expression the daughter of your eye was a common expression meaning the pupil of the eye. In this context it means that one should not let the eyes stop weeping. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the pupil of your eye] or [your eyes]

The writer assumes that his readers will know that the night watches were the periods into which the night was divided for keeping guard. You could say this explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [at the start of each period of the night]

The writer uses a comparison to describe complete, unreserved prayer. He compares pouring out the heart to pouring out water, meaning one should hold nothing back and empty oneself completely before God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the comparison plainly. See how you translated the similar expressions in [2:4] and [2:11]. Alternate translation: [Open your heart completely to the Lord]

Here, the face of the Lord represents God’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [in the presence of the Lord]

Here, lift up your hands represents the act of praying and pleading with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [Pray earnestly to him]

By the expression at the head of every street, the writer means that children are fainting from hunger everywhere. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [everywhere]

The imperatives See and look communicate a plea or request to God, not a command. If this does not communicate a polite request for your readers, you could use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: [Please see this, Yahweh, and pay attention]

The writer uses rhetorical questions to express grief that God would allow his own people to suffer so terribly, to express outrage that women have been driven to eat their own children, and to express shock that religious leaders have been killed in the very place that was meant to be holy and safe. The expected answer to all these questions is “No!” If you would not use rhetorical questions for these purposes in your language, you could translate these as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: [You have never dealt with anyone else this way! It is terrible that women are eating their own children! It is horrible that priests and prophets have been killed in the sanctuary of the Lord!]

The expression their fruit was a common expression meaning their children or offspring. If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [their children]

The writer is referring to all of Israel’s religious leaders by naming two representative roles, priest and prophet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all their religious leaders]

The writer is referring to people of every age by naming two extremes, Young and old. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [People of all ages]

Jeremiah is referring to all the young people of the community by naming both groups, my young women and my young men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [All the young among my people]

The expression have fallen by the sword was a common expression meaning to be killed in battle. If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [have been killed in battle]

The writer is using the expression on the day of your anger to refer to the specific time when God executed judgment. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [when you were angry and judged us]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this phrase in [2:17]. Alternate translation: [spared anyone]

The point of this comparison is that just as guests are invited to an appointed festival, so has God summoned numerous terrors from all around. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [You have invited terrors to attack me from all around, as if calling guests to a festival]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of terrors, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [enemies who terrify me from every side]

The writer is using the expression the day of the anger of Yahweh to refer to the time of divine judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [when Yahweh was angry and executed his judgment]

The terms an escapee and a survivor mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together to emphasize that absolutely no one got away. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [any one at all who escaped]

The terms carried and multiplied are paired to express the full cycle of motherhood, both bearing and nurturing children. The writer speaks as a mother figure who carried and raised these people. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express this with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [All those whom I lovingly reared]

The writer is speaking of the enemy’s total destruction of the people as if the enemy had consumed them like food. Your language may have a comparable expression you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [my enemy has completely destroyed them]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [how he has afflicted me]

The writer is speaking of the experience of affliction as if it were something he could see. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [experiencing affliction] or [suffering affliction]

Here the writer is speaking of God’s punishment as if it were a rod used to strike someone. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [by his angry punishment]

The pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [God’s wrath]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [his wrathful punishment]

The pronoun He refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [God drove me]

Here the writer is speaking of suffering as if it were darkness and of well-being as if it were light. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in suffering and not relief]

Here, his hand represents God’s power and action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he directs his power against me]

The writer is saying all the day as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [continually]

The terms my flesh and my skin mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [my whole body]

Here the writer is speaking of God’s opposition as if God built siege works against him and surrounded him like an army besieging a city. Your language may have comparable expressions that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He set himself against me and hemmed me in]

The terms poison and hardship mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [with bitter suffering]

Here the writer is speaking as if God had placed him in dark places, the realm where the forgotten dead dwell without hope. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has made me dwell in a place of utter despair]

The point of this comparison is that just as the dead of long ago are forgotten and have no hope, so the writer feels completely hopeless, as though no one remembers him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [as if I were among those who have been dead and forgotten for a long time]

By He walled me in, and I cannot go out, the writer means that God caused him to be imprisoned so that he could not leave (see Jeremiah 37:15–16). You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [He caused me to be confined so that I cannot escape]

By he made my chains heavy, the writer means that God caused him to be bound in heavy chains (see Jeremiah 40:1). You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [he caused me to be bound with heavy chains]

The terms I cry out and call for help mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [I desperately plead for help]

Here the writer is speaking of his prayer as if it were a physical object that God shuts out or blocks. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he refuses to hear my plea]

Here the writer is speaking of his life direction as if it were a way or path, and of God blocking his progress as if God had walled up those ways with hewn stone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has blocked every direction I try to go with solid obstacles]

Here the writer is speaking of his life direction as if it were paths, and of God confusing his plans as if God had made those paths crooked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he has confused every direction I try to go]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [He has thoroughly blocked every path I try to take]

Here the writer is speaking of God as if he were a bear lying in ambush. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He waits to attack me like a bear]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [He lies in wait to attack me like a dangerous wild animal]

Here the writer is speaking of God as if he were a lion in hiding places. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [like a lion hiding and waiting to pounce]

The writer is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [he is like a lion waiting to attack me in hiding places]

Here the writer is speaking of his life as if it were paths or ways that God turned aside. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He diverted my course]

Here the writer is speaking of God as if he were an archer who bent his bow and aimed at him as a target. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He prepared to attack me and made me]

The point of this comparison is that just as a target is set up to be struck by arrows, so God has set the writer up to receive his arrows of affliction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [as something to be struck by the arrow]

Here the writer is speaking of God’s affliction as if God were an archer whose arrows pierced his kidneys, representing deep inner pain. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He shot deep into my body]

The writer is speaking of the arrows as if they were sons of his quiver. If your language has a comparable expression, you can use it. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the arrows from his quiver]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [I have become a constant source of ridicule to my people]

Here the writer is speaking of becoming an object of ridicule as if he literally became a laughingstock. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I became an object of mockery to all my people]

The writer is saying all my people as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [to my people]

The writer is speaking of God imposing bitter suffering on him as if God had literally filled him with bitter herbs and saturated him with wormwood. Your language may have comparable expressions that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has filled my life with bitter and overwhelming experiences]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [He has completely filled me with bitter suffering]

Here, wormwood refers to a plant that tastes very bitter. If your readers would not be familiar with this plant, you could use the name of a bitter-tasting plant in your area, or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [with a bitter-tasting plant]

Here the writer is speaking of his degrading humiliation as if God had literally made his teeth grind on gravel. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He has humiliated me in a degrading way]

The writer is speaking of being brought low in mourning and shame as if God had literally pressed him down in the ashes. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he has brought me low in shame]

The phrase was deprived is a passive verbal form. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God deprived my soul of peace] or [God deprived me of peace]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [of anything peaceful]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of good, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what is good]

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this so that there is not a direct quotation but an indirect one. Alternate translation: [And I said that my endurance has perished, as has my hope from Yahweh]

Here the writer is speaking of his endurance and hope as if they were living things that could perish. Your language may have comparable expressions that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [My ability to endure is gone and my expectation that Yahweh would help me]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of endurance and hope, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [My ability to endure … and my reason to hope]

The writer is using the imperative form Remember to make a request to God, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. If the imperative does not communicate a polite request for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: [Please remember my affliction and my wandering]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of affliction and wandering, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [Remember how I have been afflicted and how I have wandered]

The terms my affliction and my wandering mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [my great distress]

The terms the wormwood and the poison mean similar things. The writer again is using the two terms together for emphasis and here also you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [the overwhelming bitterness]

Here the writer speaks of his bitter suffering as if it were wormwood and poison that he was forced to taste. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the overwhelming bitterness of my experience]

The writer is repeating forms of the verb remembering, it remembers in order to intensify his expression of the idea that it conveys. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the intensification. Alternate translation: [It certainly remembers]

The subject of the verb translated it remembers is ambiguous. This likely refers to the writer’s soul continuing to remember the suffering described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [my soul remembers] or [I remember]

The writer speaks of his soul as if it were a person who bows down. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and I am bowed down]

Here, This refers forward to what the writer is about to say, not back to what he has just described. Alternate translation: [This is what I recall]

Here the heart represents where the writer’s thoughts and emotions exist. He is speaking of recalling something as if he were physically bringing it back to his heart. You may have a comparable expression in your language, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I recall in my mind]

The word translated as therefore indicates that what follows is a result of what the writer has just brought back to mind. Use a word or phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: [and so I will hope]

Many ancient manuscripts read for we have not been consumed, with the writer and the people as the subject. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “his steadfast love has not ceased,” with the steadfast love of Yahweh as the subject. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of covenant faithfulness and compassions, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [Because Yahweh is faithful to his covenant … his compassionate actions continue and]

The pronoun They refers to “the compassionate actions” of Yahweh. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [His compassion renews every morning]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [you are always faithful]

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this so that there is not a direct quotation but an indirect one. Alternate translation: [I realized that Yahweh is all I need]

Here the writer is speaking of Yahweh as if he were an inherited portion of land. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh is like my inheritance]

Here, my soul represents the writer himself from the perspective of his inner being. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [I said to myself]

The word therefore here indicates that what follows is a result of Yahweh being his portion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this relationship clear. Alternate translation: [and so I will hope in him]

Here, the soul represents the person who seeks God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [to the person who seeks him]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for the saving act of]

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: [for anyone]

Here the writer is speaking of discipline and suffering as if they were a yoke placed on a person’s shoulders. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [if he endures discipline in his youth]

Here, that he bears a yoke in his youth introduces a possible condition. It is good for a man only if this happens. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that could happen. Alternate translation: [when he bears a yoke in his youth]

The writer is using the third-person imperative form Let him sit to give instruction about what a person should do. See the discussion in the introduction to this book about “let” and “may” and follow the decision of your team here and elsewhere in this lament. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this with a different form that communicates instruction or exhortation. Alternate translation: [He should sit alone and be silent] or [I desire that he sit alone and be silent]

The pronoun he in he has laid refers to God, while the pronoun him refers to the suffering person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [God has laid it upon him]

In the writer’s culture, putting one’s mouth in the dust was a symbolic action that signified extreme humility and submission before God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [Let him humble himself completely before God]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [something to hope for]

In the writer’s culture, giving one’s cheek to the one striking him was a symbolic action that signified patient acceptance of suffering and willingness to endure insult without retaliation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [Let him patiently accept the blows of the one who strikes him]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of reproach, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [with insults]

The word For here indicates that what follows is the reason for the exhortation in the preceding verses. Use a word or phrase in your language that makes it clear that what follows is the reason for what came before. Alternate translation: [The reason is that the Lord will not reject forever]

The words For though introduce a contrast between what God does temporarily and what he will do ultimately. In your translation, indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Even though he causes grief, he will still have compassion]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of grief, compassion, and covenant faithfulness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [even though he grieves people, he will show them that he is compassionate because he is faithful to his covenant]

Here the heart represents God’s true desire and will. The writer is saying that God does not afflict people because he desires to do so. You may have a comparable expression in your language, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he does not willingly afflict]

Although the writer uses the masculine term the sons of man, he means this to apply to people in general, both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: [people]

The infinitive phrases in this verse and the following verses list actions that precede the main statement in verse 36. If it would be helpful in your language, you could restructure this so that the relationship between these actions and the main statement is clear. Alternate translation: [When anyone crushes under his feet all the prisoners of the earth]

Here, under his feet represents dominion and oppressive power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [under his authority]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the right to be judged justly]

Here, before the face of the Most High represents being in the presence of the Most High. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [in the presence of the Most High]

The writer is speaking of acting unjustly toward someone as if it were physically twisting or distorting him, using the same image as “turn aside” in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to deal unjustly with a man in his legal case]

This could mean: (1) that the Lord does not regard with approval the wrong actions described in verses 34–36. Alternate translation: [the Lord does not approve] or (2) that the author is using the question form for emphasis. Alternate translation: [does the Lord not see it?] or [the Lord certainly sees it!]

The writer is using these questions to emphasize that no one can speak something into existence apart from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express these questions as statements here and in verses 38–39. Alternate translation: [No one can speak and make it happen unless God has ordained it.]

Here, the mouth of the Most High represents the decrees and commands of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [From the decree of the Most High]

Jeremiah is referring to everything that happens by naming two extremes, the evil things and the good. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all things, whether bad or good]

Although the writer uses the masculine terms a living man and a man, he means these to apply to people in general, both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: [a living person … a person]

By about his sins, the writer means “about the punishment he receives for his sins.” You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [about his punishment for sin]

Here the writer is speaking of examining conduct and behavior as if it were ways or paths that a person could search. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Let us carefully examine our conduct]