¹¹ For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and all the people of Judah to me,’ declares the Lord, ‘to be my people for my renown^(A) and praise and honor.^(B) But they have not listened.’^(C)

⁹ Then this city will bring me renown,^(A) joy, praise^(B) and honor^(C) before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble^(D) at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’

⁵ Now if you obey me fully^(A) and keep my covenant,^(B) then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.^(C) Although the whole earth^(D) is mine, ⁶ you^[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests^(E) and a holy nation.’^(F) These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

⁹ But you are a chosen people,^(A) a royal priesthood,^(B) a holy nation,^(C) God’s special possession,^(D) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.^(E)

³⁷ And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.^(A) You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,^{(B) 38} nor does his word dwell in you,^(C) for you do not believe^(D) the one he sent.^{(E) 39} You study^[a] the Scriptures^(F) diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.^(G) These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,^{(H) 40} yet you refuse to come to me^(I) to have life.

¹⁰ These wicked people, who refuse to listen^(A) to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts^(B) and go after other gods^(C) to serve and worship them,^(D) will be like this belt—completely useless!^(E)