Why should I forgive you?
Your children have abandoned Me
and sworn by those who are not gods.(A)
I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery;(B)
they gashed themselves(C) at the[a] prostitute’s house.
They are well-fed,[b] eager[c] stallions,(D)
each neighing(E) after someone else’s wife.(F)
Should I not punish them for these things?(G)
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Should I not avenge Myself(H)
on such a nation as this?

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 5:7 Or adultery and trooped to the, or adultery and lodged at the; Hb obscure
  2. Jeremiah 5:8 Lit well-equipped; Hb obscure
  3. Jeremiah 5:8 Lit early-rising; Hb obscure

“How can I pardon you?
    For even your children have turned from me.
They have sworn by gods that are not gods at all!
    I fed my people until they were full.
But they thanked me by committing adultery
    and lining up at the brothels.
They are well-fed, lusty stallions,
    each neighing for his neighbor’s wife.
Should I not punish them for this?” says the Lord.
    “Should I not avenge myself against such a nation?

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