Add parallel Print Page Options

The Purification of Jerusalem

21 How she has become a prostitute,
    the faithful city,[a] so upright!
Justice used to lodge within her,
    but now, murderers.(A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1:21–28 Faithful city: the phrase, found in v. 21 and v. 28, forms an inclusio which marks off the passage and also suggests three chronological periods: the city’s former ideal state, its present wicked condition (described in vv. 21b–23), and the future ideal conditions intended by God. This will be brought about by a purging judgment directed primarily against the leaders (“judges…counselors”).

21 See how the faithful city
    has become a prostitute!(A)
She once was full of justice;
    righteousness(B) used to dwell in her—
    but now murderers!(C)

Read full chapter

Swearing, lying, murder,
    stealing and adultery break out;[a]
    bloodshed follows bloodshed.(A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 4:2 Similar to the decalogue (Ex 20:1–17; cf. Jer 7:9).

There is only cursing,[a] lying(A) and murder,(B)
    stealing(C) and adultery;(D)
they break all bounds,
    and bloodshed follows bloodshed.(E)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Hosea 4:2 That is, to pronounce a curse on