^{2 [a] (A)}But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of ^(B)Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ^(C)ruler in Israel,
^(D)whose coming forth is ^(E)from of old,
    from ancient days.

^6 (A)For to us a child is born,
    to us ^(B)a son is given;
^(C)and the government shall be ^(D)upon^[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[b]
Wonderful ^(E)Counselor, ^(F)Mighty God,
    ^(G)Everlasting ^(H)Father, Prince of ^(I)Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace
    ^(J)there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
^(K)with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
^(L)The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

¹⁰ The ^(A)scepter shall not depart from Judah,
    nor the ruler's staff ^(B)from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;^[a]
    and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

^11 (A)He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
    ^(B)he will gather the lambs in his arms;
^(C)he will carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead those that are with young.