¹⁴ This is what the Lord says: “As for all my wicked neighbors who seize the inheritance^(A) I gave my people Israel, I will uproot^(B) them from their lands and I will uproot^(C) the people of Judah from among them. ¹⁵ But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion^(D) and will bring^(E) each of them back to their own inheritance and their own country. ¹⁶ And if they learn^(F) well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’^(G)—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal^(H)—then they will be established among my people.^{(I) 17} But if any nation does not listen, I will completely uproot and destroy^(J) it,” declares the Lord.

⁷ If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted,^(A) torn down and destroyed,

⁹ And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built^(A) up and planted,

⁷ “‘In this place I will ruin^[a] the plans^(A) of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies,^(B) at the hands of those who want to kill them, and I will give their carcasses^(C) as food^(D) to the birds and the wild animals.

⁶ My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back^(A) to this land. I will build^(B) them up and not tear them down; I will plant^(C) them and not uproot them.

²⁸ Just as I watched^(A) over them to uproot^(B) and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster,^(C) so I will watch over them to build and to plant,”^(D) declares the Lord.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,^(A) continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted^(B) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,^(C) and overflowing with thankfulness.