1.5 KiB
the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, "Should
This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated it in Jeremiah 1:4. AT: "Yahweh gave me a message. He said, 'Should" or "Yahweh spoke this message to me: 'Should" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)
Should I not be able to act like this potter with you, house of Israel?
With this question, Yahweh emphasizes his authority to do as he pleases with Israel. AT: "I am allowed to act toward you, house of Israel, like the potter acts toward the clay." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
house of Israel
The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 3:18. AT: "Israel" or "kingdom of Israel" or "people of Israel" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)
this is Yahweh's declaration
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Jeremiah 1:8. AT: "this is what Yahweh has declared" or "this is what I, Yahweh, have declared" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person)
Behold
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
Like clay in a potter's hand—that is how you are in my hand
Yahweh compares his being able to remake Israel as he see fit to the way that the potter is able to remake a lump of clay as he sees fit. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)