¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast.

²⁰ Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn^(A) while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.^{(B) 21} A woman giving birth to a child has pain^(C) because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²² So with you: Now is your time of grief,^(D) but I will see you again^(E) and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.^(F)

⁶ Rather, you are filled with grief^(A) because I have said these things.

⁴ and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem^(A) and put a mark^(B) on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament^(C) over all the detestable things that are done in it.^(D)”

⁵ As I listened, he said to the others, “Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity^(E) or compassion.^{(F) 6} Slaughter^(G) the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children,^(H) but do not touch anyone who has the mark.^(I) Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the old men^(J) who were in front of the temple.^(K)