“Until the cities lie ruined^(B)
    and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted^(C)
    and the fields ruined and ravaged,^(D)

⁴ The earth dries up^(J) and withers,^(K)
    the world languishes and withers,
    the heavens^(L) languish with the earth.^(M)
5 The earth is defiled^(N) by its people;
    they have disobeyed^(O) the laws,
violated the statutes
    and broken the everlasting covenant.^(P)
6 Therefore a curse^(Q) consumes the earth;
    its people must bear their guilt.
Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up,^(R)
    and very few are left.
⁷ The new wine dries up^(S) and the vine withers;^(T)
    all the merrymakers groan.^(U)
8 The joyful timbrels^(V) are stilled,
    the noise^(W) of the revelers^(X) has stopped,
    the joyful harp^(Y) is silent.^(Z)
9 No longer do they drink wine^(AA) with a song;
    the beer is bitter^(AB) to its drinkers.
¹⁰ The ruined city^(AC) lies desolate;^(AD)
    the entrance to every house is barred.
¹¹ In the streets they cry out^(AE) for wine;^(AF)
    all joy turns to gloom,^(AG)
    all joyful sounds are banished from the earth.
¹² The city is left in ruins,^(AH)
    its gate^(AI) is battered to pieces.

²⁶ The gates^(A) of Zion will lament and mourn;^(B)
    destitute,^(C) she will sit on the ground.^(D)

⁷ Your country is desolate,^(A)
    your cities burned with fire;^(B)
your fields are being stripped by foreigners^(C)
    right before you,
    laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.^(D)

¹³ Relent, Lord! How long^(A) will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.^(B)

⁵ How long,^(A) Lord? Will you be angry^(B) forever?
    How long will your jealousy burn like fire?^(C)

¹⁰ How long^(A) will the enemy mock^(B) you, God?
    Will the foe revile^(C) your name forever?