Jer.18.1

GOD told Jeremiah,

Jer.18.1

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

Jer.18.1

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying:

Jer.18.1

The LORD gave another message to Jeremiah. He said,

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"Up on your feet! Go to the potter's house. When you get there, I'll tell you what I have to say."

Jer.18.2

"Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message."

Jer.18.2

"Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words."

Jer.18.2

"Go down to the shop where clay pots and jars are made. I will speak to you while you are there."

Jer.18.3

So I went to the potter's house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel.

Jer.18.3

So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel.

Jer.18.3

Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel.

Jer.18.3

So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel.

Jer.18.4

Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot.

Jer.18.4

But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Jer.18.4

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.

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But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so the potter squashed the jar into a lump of clay and started again.

Jer.18.5

Then GOD's Message came to me:

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Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Jer.18.5

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

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Then the LORD gave me this message:

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"Can't I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?" GOD's Decree! "Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel.

Jer.18.6

"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

Jer.18.6

"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!

Jer.18.6

"O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand.

Jer.18.7

At any moment I may decide to pull up a people or a country by the roots and get rid of them.

Jer.18.7

If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed,

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The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it,

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If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed,

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But if they repent of their wicked lives, I will think twice and start over with them.

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and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.

Jer.18.8

if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.

Jer.18.8

but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned.

Jer.18.9

At another time I might decide to plant a people or country,

Jer.18.9

And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted,

Jer.18.9

And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it,

Jer.18.9

And if I announce that I will build up and plant a certain nation or kingdom, making it strong and great,

Jer.18.10

but if they don't cooperate and won't listen to me, I will think again and give up on the plans I had for them.

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and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

Jer.18.10

if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it.

Jer.18.10

but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless that nation as I had said I would.

Jer.18.11

"So, tell the people of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem my Message: "Danger! I'm shaping doom against you, laying plans against you. Turn back from your doomed way of life. Straighten out your lives.'

Jer.18.11

"Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, 'This is what the LORD says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.'

Jer.18.11

"Now therefore, speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, "Thus says the LORD: "Behold, I am fashioning a disaster and devising a plan against you. Return now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.""'

Jer.18.11

"Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, `This is what the LORD says: I am planning disaster against you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.'"

Jer.18.12

"But they'll just say, "Why should we? What's the point? We'll live just the way we've always lived, doom or no doom.'" [JC]

Jer.18.12

But they will reply, 'It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.'"

Jer.18.12

And they said, "That is hopeless! So we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one obey the dictates of his evil heart."

Jer.18.12

But they replied, "Don't waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, following our own evil desires."

Jer.18.13

GOD's Message: "Ask around. Survey the godless nations. Has anyone heard the likes of this? Virgin Israel has become a slut!

Jer.18.13

Therefore this is what the LORD says: "Inquire among the nations: Who has ever heard anything like this? A most horrible thing has been done by Virgin Israel.

Jer.18.13

Therefore thus says the LORD: "Ask now among the Gentiles, Who has heard such things? The virgin of Israel has done a very horrible thing.

Jer.18.13

Then the LORD said, "Has anyone ever heard of such a thing, even among the pagan nations? My virgin Israel has done something too terrible to understand!

Jer.18.14

Does snow disappear from the Lebanon peaks? Do alpine streams run dry?

Jer.18.14

Does the snow of Lebanon ever vanish from its rocky slopes? Do its cool waters from distant sources ever cease to flow?

Jer.18.14

Will a man leave the snow water of Lebanon, Which comes from the rock of the field? Will the cold flowing waters be forsaken for strange waters?

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Does the snow ever melt high up in the mountains of Lebanon? Do the cold, flowing streams from the crags of Mount Hermon ever run dry?

Jer.18.15

But my people have left me to worship the Big Lie. They've gotten off the track, the old, well-worn trail, And now bushwhack through underbrush in a tangle of roots and vines.

Jer.18.15

Yet my people have forgotten me; they burn incense to worthless idols, which made them stumble in their ways and in the ancient paths. They made them walk in bypaths and on roads not built up.

Jer.18.15

"Because My people have forgotten Me, They have burned incense to worthless idols. And they have caused themselves to stumble in their ways, From the ancient paths, To walk in pathways and not on a highway,

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These can be counted on, but not my people! For they have deserted me and turned to worthless idols. They have stumbled off the ancient highways of good, and they walk the muddy paths of sin.

Jer.18.16

Their land's going to end up a mess--a fool's memorial to be spit on. Travelers passing through will shake their heads in disbelief.

Jer.18.16

Their land will be laid waste, an object of lasting scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and will shake their heads.

Jer.18.16

To make their land desolate and a perpetual hissing; Everyone who passes by it will be astonished And shake his head.

Jer.18.16

Therefore, their land will become desolate, a monument to their stupidity. All who pass by will be astonished and shake their heads in amazement at its utter desolation.

Jer.18.17

I'll scatter my people before their enemies, like autumn leaves in a high wind. On their day of doom, they'll stare at my back as I walk away, catching not so much as a glimpse of my face." [JC]

Jer.18.17

Like a wind from the east, I will scatter them before their enemies; I will show them my back and not my face in the day of their disaster."

Jer.18.17

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back and not the face In the day of their calamity."

Jer.18.17

I will scatter my people before their enemies as the east wind scatters dust. And in all their trouble I will turn my back on them and refuse to notice their distress."

Jer.18.18

Some of the people said, "Come on, let's cook up a plot against Jeremiah. We'll still have the priests to teach us the law, wise counselors to give us advice, and prophets to tell us what God has to say. Come on, let's discredit him so we don't have to put up with him any longer."

Jer.18.18

They said, "Come, let's make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let's attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says."

Jer.18.18

Then they said, "Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us attack him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words."

Jer.18.18

Then the people said, "Come on, let's find a way to stop Jeremiah. We have our own priests and wise men and prophets. We don't need him to teach the law and give us advice and prophecies. Let's spread rumors about him and ignore what he says."

Jer.18.19

And I said to GOD: "GOD, listen to me! Just listen to what my enemies are saying.

Jer.18.19

Listen to me, O LORD; hear what my accusers are saying!

Jer.18.19

Give heed to me, O LORD, And listen to the voice of those who contend with me!

Jer.18.19

LORD, help me! Listen to what they are planning to do to me!

Jer.18.20

Should I get paid evil for good? That's what they're doing. They've made plans to kill me! Remember all the times I stood up for them before you, speaking up for them, trying to soften your anger?

Jer.18.20

Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember that I stood before you and spoke in their behalf to turn your wrath away from them.

Jer.18.20

Shall evil be repaid for good? For they have dug a pit for my life. Remember that I stood before You To speak good for them, To turn away Your wrath from them.

Jer.18.20

Should they repay evil for good? They have set a trap to kill me, though I pleaded for them and tried to protect them from your anger.

Jer.18.21

But enough! Let their children starve! Let them be massacred in battle! Let their wives be childless and widowed, their friends die and their proud young men be killed.

Jer.18.21

So give their children over to famine; hand them over to the power of the sword. Let their wives be made childless and widows; let their men be put to death, their young men slain by the sword in battle.

Jer.18.21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, And pour out their blood By the force of the sword; Let their wives become widows And bereaved of their children. Let their men be put to death, Their young men be slain By the sword in battle.

Jer.18.21

So let their children starve! Let the sword pour out their blood! Let their wives become widows without any children! Let their old men die in a plague, and let their young men be killed in battle!

Jer.18.22

Let cries of panic sound from their homes as you surprise them with war parties! They're all set to lynch me. The noose is practically around my neck!

Jer.18.22

Let a cry be heard from their houses when you suddenly bring invaders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet.

Jer.18.22

Let a cry be heard from their houses, When You bring a troop suddenly upon them; For they have dug a pit to take me, And hidden snares for my feet.

Jer.18.22

Let screaming be heard from their homes as warriors come suddenly upon them. For they have dug a pit for me, and they have hidden traps along my path.

Jer.18.23

But you know all this, GOD. You know they're determined to kill me. Don't whitewash their crimes, don't overlook a single sin! Round the bunch of them up before you. Strike while the iron of your anger is hot!"

Jer.18.23

But you know, O LORD, all their plots to kill me. Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins from your sight. Let them be overthrown before you; deal with them in the time of your anger.

Jer.18.23

Yet, LORD, You know all their counsel Which is against me, to slay me. Provide no atonement for their iniquity, Nor blot out their sin from Your sight; But let them be overthrown before You. Deal thus with them In the time of Your anger.

Jer.18.23

LORD, you know all about their murderous plots against me. Don't forgive their crimes and blot out their sins. Let them die before you. Deal with them in your anger.

Jer.19.1

GOD said to me, "Go, buy a clay pot. Then get a few leaders from the people and a few of the leading priests

Jer.19.1

This is what the LORD says: "Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests

Jer.19.1

Thus says the LORD: "Go and get a potter's earthen flask, and take some of the elders of the people and some of the elders of the priests.

Jer.19.1

The LORD said to me, "Go and buy a clay jar. Then ask some of the leaders of the people and of the priests to follow you.

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and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom, just outside the Potsherd Gate, and preach there what I tell you.

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and go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. There proclaim the words I tell you,

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And go out to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the Potsherd Gate; and proclaim there the words that I will tell you,

Jer.19.2

Go out into the valley of the son of Hinnom by the entrance to the Potsherd Gate, and repeat to them the words that I give you.

Jer.19.3

"Say, "Listen to GOD's Word, you kings of Judah and people of Jerusalem! This is the Message from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel. I'm about to bring doom crashing down on this place. Oh, and will ears ever ring!

Jer.19.3

and say, 'Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and people of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Listen! I am going to bring a disaster on this place that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.

Jer.19.3

and say, "Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Behold, I will bring such a catastrophe on this place, that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle.

Jer.19.3

Say to them, `Listen to this message from the LORD, you kings of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem! This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such a terrible disaster on this place that the ears of those who hear about it will ring!

Jer.19.4

Doom--because they've walked off and left me, and made this place strange by worshiping strange gods, gods never heard of by them, their parents, or the old kings of Judah. Doom--because they have massacred innocent people.

Jer.19.4

For they have forsaken me and made this a place of foreign gods; they have burned sacrifices in it to gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah ever knew, and they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent.

Jer.19.4

"Because they have forsaken Me and made this an alien place, because they have burned incense in it to other gods whom neither they, their fathers, nor the kings of Judah have known, and have filled this place with the blood of the innocents

Jer.19.4

" `For Israel has forsaken me and turned this valley into a place of wickedness. The people burn incense to foreign gods--idols never before worshiped by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah. And they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children.

Jer.19.5

Doom--because they've built altars to that no-god Baal, and burned their own children alive in the fire as offerings to Baal, an atrocity I never ordered, never so much as hinted at!

Jer.19.5

They have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal-something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind.

Jer.19.5

(they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind),

Jer.19.5

They have built pagan shrines to Baal, and there they burn their sons as sacrifices to Baal. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing!

Jer.19.6

And so it's pay day, and soon'--GOD's Decree!-"this place will no longer be known as Topheth or Valley of Ben-hinnom, but Massacre Meadows.

Jer.19.6

So beware, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when people will no longer call this place Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.

Jer.19.6

therefore behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "that this place shall no more be called Tophet or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.

Jer.19.6

So beware, for the time is coming, says the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.

Jer.19.7

I'm canceling all the plans Judah and Jerusalem had for this place, and I'll have them killed by their enemies. I'll stack their dead bodies to be eaten by carrion crows and wild dogs.

Jer.19.7

"'In this place I will ruin the plans of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, at the hands of those who seek their lives, and I will give their carcasses as food to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.

Jer.19.7

And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place, and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies and by the hands of those who seek their lives; their corpses I will give as meat for the birds of the heaven and for the beasts of the earth.

Jer.19.7

For I will upset the battle plans of Judah and Jerusalem and let invading armies slaughter them. The enemy will leave the dead bodies as food for the vultures and wild animals.

Jer.19.8

I'll turn this city into such a museum of atrocities that anyone coming near will be shocked speechless by the savage brutality.

Jer.19.8

I will devastate this city and make it an object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff because of all its wounds.

Jer.19.8

I will make this city desolate and a hissing; everyone who passes by it will be astonished and hiss because of all its plagues.

Jer.19.8

I will wipe Jerusalem from the face of the earth, making it a monument to their stupidity. All who pass by will be appalled and will gasp at the destruction they see there.

Jer.19.9

The people will turn into cannibals. Dehumanized by the pressure of the enemy siege, they'll eat their own children! Yes, they'll eat one another, family and friends alike.'

Jer.19.9

I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another's flesh during the stress of the siege imposed on them by the enemies who seek their lives.'

Jer.19.9

And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and everyone shall eat the flesh of his friend in the siege and in the desperation with which their enemies and those who seek their lives shall drive them to despair."'

Jer.19.9

I will see to it that your enemies lay siege to the city until all the food is gone. Then those trapped inside will have to eat their own sons and daughters and friends. They will be driven to utter despair.'

Jer.19.10

"Say all this, and then smash the pot in front of the men who have come with you.

Jer.19.10

"Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching,

Jer.19.10

"Then you shall break the flask in the sight of the men who go with you,

Jer.19.10

"As these men watch, Jeremiah, smash the jar you brought with you.

Jer.19.11

Then say, "This is what GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says: I'll smash this people and this city like a man who smashes a clay pot into so many pieces it can never be put together again. They'll bury bodies here in Topheth until there's no more room.

Jer.19.11

and say to them, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter's jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room.

Jer.19.11

and say to them, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Even so I will break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, which cannot be made whole again; and they shall bury them in Tophet till there is no place to bury.

Jer.19.11

Then say to them, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: As this jar lies shattered, so I will shatter the people of Judah and Jerusalem beyond all hope of repair. They will bury the bodies in Topheth until there is no more room.

Jer.19.12

And the whole city will become a Topheth.

Jer.19.12

This is what I will do to this place and to those who live here, declares the LORD. I will make this city like Topheth.

Jer.19.12

Thus I will do to this place," says the LORD, "and to its inhabitants, and make this city like Tophet.

Jer.19.12

This is what I will do to this place and its people, says the LORD. I will cause this city to become defiled like Topheth.

Jer.19.13

The city will be turned by people and kings alike into a center for worshiping the star gods and goddesses, turned into an open grave, the whole city an open grave, stinking like a sewer, like Topheth.'"

Jer.19.13

The houses in Jerusalem and those of the kings of Judah will be defiled like this place, Topheth-all the houses where they burned incense on the roofs to all the starry hosts and poured out drink offerings to other gods.'"

Jer.19.13

And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to other gods.""'

Jer.19.13

Yes, all the houses in Jerusalem, including the palace of Judah's kings, will become like Topheth--all the houses where you burned incense on the rooftops to your star gods, and where drink offerings were poured out to your idols.'"

Jer.19.14

Then Jeremiah left Topheth, where GOD had sent him to preach the sermon, and took his stand in the court of GOD's Temple and said to the people,

Jer.19.14

Jeremiah then returned from Topheth, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy, and stood in the court of the LORD's temple and said to all the people,

Jer.19.14

Then Jeremiah came from Tophet, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the Lord's house and said to all the people,

Jer.19.14

Then Jeremiah returned from Topheth where he had delivered this message, and he stopped in front of the Temple of the LORD. He said to the people there,

Jer.19.15

"This is the Message from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies to you: "Warning! Danger! I'm bringing down on this city and all the surrounding towns the doom that I have pronounced. They're set in their ways and won't budge. They refuse to do a thing I say.'"

Jer.19.15

"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Listen! I am going to bring on this city and the villages around it every disaster I pronounced against them, because they were stiff-necked and would not listen to my words.'"

Jer.19.15

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words."'

Jer.19.15

"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will bring disaster upon this city and its surrounding towns just as I promised, because you have stubbornly refused to listen to me."

Jer.20.1

The priest Pashur son of Immer was the senior priest in GOD's Temple. He heard Jeremiah preach this sermon.

Jer.20.1

When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the chief officer in the temple of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things,

Jer.20.1

Now Pashhur the son of Immer, the priest who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.

Jer.20.1

Now Pashhur son of Immer, the priest in charge of the Temple of the LORD, heard what Jeremiah was saying.

Jer.20.2

He whipped Jeremiah the prophet and put him in the stocks at the Upper Benjamin Gate of GOD's Temple.

Jer.20.2

he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the LORD's temple.

Jer.20.2

Then Pashhur struck Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Jer.20.2

So he arrested Jeremiah the prophet and had him whipped and put in stocks at the Benjamin Gate of the LORD's Temple.

Jer.20.3

The next day Pashur came and let him go. Jeremiah told him, "GOD has a new name for you: not Pashur but Danger--Everywhere,

Jer.20.3

The next day, when Pashhur released him from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD's name for you is not Pashhur, but Magor-Missabib.

Jer.20.3

And it happened on the next day that Pashhur brought Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD has not called your name Pashhur, but Magor-Missabib.

Jer.20.3

The next day, when Pashhur finally released him, Jeremiah said, "Pashhur, the LORD has changed your name. From now on you are to be called `The Man Who Lives in Terror.'

Jer.20.4

because GOD says, "You're a danger to yourself and everyone around you. All your friends are going to get killed in battle while you stand there and watch. What's more, I'm turning all of Judah over to the king of Babylon to do whatever he likes with them--haul them off into exile, kill them at whim.

Jer.20.4

For this is what the LORD says: 'I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; with your own eyes you will see them fall by the sword of their enemies. I will hand all Judah over to the king of Babylon, who will carry them away to Babylon or put them to the sword.

Jer.20.4

For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and your eyes shall see it. I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive to Babylon and slay them with the sword.

Jer.20.4

For this is what the LORD says: I will send terror upon you and all your friends, and you will watch as they are slaughtered by the swords of the enemy. I will hand the people of Judah over to the king of Babylon. He will take them captive to Babylon or run them through with the sword.

Jer.20.5

Everything worth anything in this city, property and possessions along with everything in the royal treasury--I'm handing it all over to the enemy. They'll rummage through it and take what they want back to Babylon.

Jer.20.5

I will hand over to their enemies all the wealth of this city-all its products, all its valuables and all the treasures of the kings of Judah. They will take it away as plunder and carry it off to Babylon.

Jer.20.5

Moreover I will deliver all the wealth of this city, all its produce, and all its precious things; all the treasures of the kings of Judah I will give into the hand of their enemies, who will plunder them, seize them, and carry them to Babylon.

Jer.20.5

And I will let your enemies plunder Jerusalem. All the famed treasures of the city--the precious jewels and gold and silver of your kings--will be carried off to Babylon.

Jer.20.6

And you, Pashur, you and everyone in your family will be taken prisoner into exile--that's right, exile in Babylon. You'll die and be buried there, you and all your cronies to whom you preached your lies.'" [JC]

Jer.20.6

And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into exile to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied lies.'"

Jer.20.6

And you, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity. You shall go to Babylon, and there you shall die, and be buried there, you and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied lies."'

Jer.20.6

As for you, Pashhur, you and all your household will go as captives to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you promised that everything would be all right."

Jer.20.7

You pushed me into this, GOD, and I let you do it. You were too much for me. And now I'm a public joke. They all poke fun at me.

Jer.20.7

O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.

Jer.20.7

O LORD, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me.

Jer.20.7

O LORD, you persuaded me, and I allowed myself to be persuaded. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked by everyone in the city.

Jer.20.8

Every time I open my mouth I'm shouting, "Murder!" or "Rape!" And all I get for my GOD-warnings are insults and contempt.

Jer.20.8

Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long.

Jer.20.8

For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, "Violence and plunder!" Because the word of the LORD was made to me A reproach and a derision daily.

Jer.20.8

Whenever I speak, the words come out in a violent outburst. "Violence and destruction!" I shout. So these messages from the LORD have made me a household joke.

Jer.20.9

But if I say, "Forget it! No more GOD-Messages from me!" The words are fire in my belly, a burning in my bones. I'm worn out trying to hold it in. I can't do it any longer!

Jer.20.9

But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Jer.20.9

Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Jer.20.9

And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!

Jer.20.10

Then I hear whispering behind my back: "There goes old "Danger--Everywhere.' Shut him up! Report him!" Old friends watch, hoping I'll fall flat on my face: "One misstep and we'll have him. We'll get rid of him for good!"

Jer.20.10

I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side! Report him! Let's report him!" All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, "Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him."

Jer.20.10

For I heard many mocking: "Fear on every side!" "Report," they say, "and we will report it!" All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, "Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him."

Jer.20.10

I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me "The Man Who Lives in Terror." And they say, "If you say anything, we will report it." Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. "He will trap himself," they say, "and then we will get our revenge on him."

Jer.20.11

But GOD, a most fierce warrior, is at my side. Those who are after me will be sent sprawling--Slapstick buffoons falling all over themselves, a spectacle of humiliation no one will ever forget.

Jer.20.11

But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.

Jer.20.11

But the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.

Jer.20.11

But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him they will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will be shamed and thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.

Jer.20.12

Oh, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, no one fools you. You see through everyone, everything. I want to see you pay them back for what they've done. I rest my case with you.

Jer.20.12

O LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.

Jer.20.12

But, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous, And see the mind and heart, Let me see Your vengeance on them; For I have pleaded my cause before You.

Jer.20.12

O LORD Almighty! You know those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts of hearts and minds. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you.

Jer.20.13

Sing to GOD! All praise to GOD! He saves the weak from the grip of the wicked. [JC]

Jer.20.13

Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.

Jer.20.13

Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He has delivered the life of the poor From the hand of evildoers.

Jer.20.13

Now I will sing out my thanks to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For though I was poor and needy, he delivered me from my oppressors.

Jer.20.14

Curse the day I was born! The day my mother bore me--a curse on it, I say!

Jer.20.14

Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed!

Jer.20.14

Cursed be the day in which I was born! Let the day not be blessed in which my mother bore me!

Jer.20.14

Yet I curse the day I was born! May the day of my birth not be blessed.

Jer.20.15

And curse the man who delivered the news to my father: "You've got a new baby--a boy baby!" (How happy it made him.)

Jer.20.15

Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, "A child is born to you-a son!"

Jer.20.15

Let the man be cursed Who brought news to my father, saying, "A male child has been born to you!" Making him very glad.

Jer.20.15

I curse the messenger who told my father, "Good news--you have a son!"

Jer.20.16

Let that birth notice be blacked out, deleted from the records, And the man who brought it haunted to his death with the bad news he brought.

Jer.20.16

May that man be like the towns the LORD overthrew without pity. May he hear wailing in the morning, a battle cry at noon.

Jer.20.16

And let that man be like the cities Which the LORD overthrew, and did not relent; Let him hear the cry in the morning And the shouting at noon,

Jer.20.16

Let him be destroyed like the cities of old that the LORD overthrew without mercy. Terrify him all day long with battle shouts,

Jer.20.17

He should have killed me before I was born, with that womb as my tomb, My mother pregnant for the rest of her life with a baby dead in her womb.

Jer.20.17

For he did not kill me in the womb, with my mother as my grave, her womb enlarged forever.

Jer.20.17

Because he did not kill me from the womb, That my mother might have been my grave, And her womb always enlarged with me.

Jer.20.17

for he did not kill me at birth. Oh, that I had died in my mother's womb, that her body had been my grave!

Jer.20.18

Why, oh why, did I ever leave that womb? Life's been nothing but trouble and tears, and what's coming is more of the same.

Jer.20.18

Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?

Jer.20.18

Why did I come forth from the womb to see labor and sorrow, That my days should be consumed with shame?

Jer.20.18

Why was I ever born? My entire life has been filled with trouble, sorrow, and shame.

1Thess.1.1

I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace!

1Thess.1.1

Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

1Thess.1.1

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thess.1.1

This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. It is written to the church in Thessalonica, you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May his grace and peace be yours.

1Thess.1.2

Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers

1Thess.1.2

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

1Thess.1.2

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

1Thess.1.2

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.

1Thess.1.3

as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father.

1Thess.1.3

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thess.1.3

remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

1Thess.1.3

As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thess.1.4

It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.

1Thess.1.4

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

1Thess.1.4

knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

1Thess.1.4

We know that God loves you, dear brothers and sisters, and that he chose you to be his own people.

1Thess.1.5

When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you,

1Thess.1.5

because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

1Thess.1.5

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

1Thess.1.5

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.

1Thess.1.6

and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!-taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.

1Thess.1.6

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

1Thess.1.6

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

1Thess.1.6

So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.

1Thess.1.7

Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you?

1Thess.1.7

And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

1Thess.1.7

so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

1Thess.1.7

As a result, you yourselves became an example to all the Christians in Greece.

1Thess.1.8

The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore--you're the message!

1Thess.1.8

The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

1Thess.1.8

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

1Thess.1.8

And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Greece, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it,

1Thess.1.9

People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God.

1Thess.1.9

for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

1Thess.1.9

For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

1Thess.1.9

for they themselves keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God.

1Thess.1.10

They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.

1Thess.1.10

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

1Thess.1.10

and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1Thess.1.10

And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven--Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

1Thess.2.1

So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time.

1Thess.2.1

You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.

1Thess.2.1

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

1Thess.2.1

You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure.

1Thess.2.2

We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition.

1Thess.2.2

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

1Thess.2.2

But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

1Thess.2.2

You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, even though we were surrounded by many who opposed us.

1Thess.2.3

God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message.

1Thess.2.3

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

1Thess.2.3

For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

1Thess.2.3

So you can see that we were not preaching with any deceit or impure purposes or trickery.

1Thess.2.4

Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval--only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas.

1Thess.2.4

On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

1Thess.2.4

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

1Thess.2.4

For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.

1Thess.2.5

We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you.

1Thess.2.5

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness.

1Thess.2.5

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness.

1Thess.2.5

Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you very well know. And God is our witness that we were not just pretending to be your friends so you would give us money!

1Thess.2.6

Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else.

1Thess.2.6

We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

1Thess.2.6

Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

1Thess.2.6

As for praise, we have never asked for it from you or anyone else.

1Thess.2.7

We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children.

1Thess.2.7

As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

1Thess.2.7

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

1Thess.2.7

As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but we were as gentle among you as a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

1Thess.2.8

We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.

1Thess.2.8

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

1Thess.2.8

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

1Thess.2.8

We loved you so much that we gave you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too.

1Thess.2.9

You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you.

1Thess.2.9

Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

1Thess.2.9

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

1Thess.2.9

Don't you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that our expenses would not be a burden to anyone there as we preached God's Good News among you.

1Thess.2.10

You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders!

1Thess.2.10

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

1Thess.2.10

You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;

1Thess.2.10

You yourselves are our witnesses--and so is God--that we were pure and honest and faultless toward all of you believers.

1Thess.2.11

You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child,

1Thess.2.11

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,

1Thess.2.11

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,

1Thess.2.11

And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children.

1Thess.2.12

holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.

1Thess.2.12

encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

1Thess.2.12

that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

1Thess.2.12

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you into his Kingdom to share his glory.

1Thess.2.13

And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers!

1Thess.2.13

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

1Thess.2.13

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

1Thess.2.13

And we will never stop thanking God that when we preached his message to you, you didn't think of the words we spoke as being just our own. You accepted what we said as the very word of God--which, of course, it was. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

1Thess.2.14

Friends, do you realize that you followed in the exact footsteps of the churches of God in Judea, those who were the first to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ? You got the same bad treatment from your countrymen as they did from theirs, the Jews

1Thess.2.14

For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews,

1Thess.2.14

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

1Thess.2.14

And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God's churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews.

1Thess.2.15

who killed the Master Jesus (to say nothing of the prophets) and followed it up by running us out of town. They make themselves offensive to God and everyone else

1Thess.2.15

who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men

1Thess.2.15

who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

1Thess.2.15

For some of the Jews had killed their own prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us and driven us out. They displease God and oppose everyone

1Thess.2.16

by trying to keep us from telling people who've never heard of our God how to be saved. They've made a career of opposing God, and have gotten mighty good at it. But God is fed up, ready to put an end to it. [JC]

1Thess.2.16

in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

1Thess.2.16

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

1Thess.2.16

by trying to keep us from preaching the Good News to the Gentiles, for fear some might be saved. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

Ps.119.1

You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.

Ps.119.1

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.

Ps.119.1

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!

Ps.119.1

Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD.

Ps.119.2

You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.

Ps.119.2

Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

Ps.119.2

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!

Ps.119.2

Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.

Ps.119.3

That's right--you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.

Ps.119.3

They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.

Ps.119.3

They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.

Ps.119.3

They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.

Ps.119.4

You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.

Ps.119.4

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Ps.119.4

You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.

Ps.119.4

You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.

Ps.119.5

Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;

Ps.119.5

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

Ps.119.5

Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!

Ps.119.5

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!

Ps.119.6

Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.

Ps.119.6

Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

Ps.119.6

Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.

Ps.119.6

Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.

Ps.119.7

I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.

Ps.119.7

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

Ps.119.7

I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.

Ps.119.7

When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should!

Ps.119.8

I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me. [JC]

Ps.119.8

I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

Ps.119.8

I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

Ps.119.8

I will obey your principles. Please don't give up on me!