⁵ “Build^(A) houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. ⁶ Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.^{(B) 7} Also, seek^(C) the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray^(D) to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

¹¹ For I know the plans^(A) I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper^(B) you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.^{(C) 12} Then you will call^(D) on me and come and pray^(E) to me, and I will listen^(F) to you. ¹³ You will seek^(G) me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.^{(H) 14} I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back^(I) from captivity.^[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”^(J)