17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

19 Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

20 We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

21 Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

22 Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

Read full chapter

17 “Speak this word to them:

“‘Let my eyes overflow with tears(A)
    night and day without ceasing;
for the Virgin(B) Daughter, my people,
    has suffered a grievous wound,
    a crushing blow.(C)
18 If I go into the country,
    I see those slain by the sword;
if I go into the city,
    I see the ravages of famine.(D)
Both prophet and priest
    have gone to a land they know not.(E)’”

19 Have you rejected Judah completely?(F)
    Do you despise Zion?
Why have you afflicted us
    so that we cannot be healed?(G)
We hoped for peace
    but no good has come,
for a time of healing
    but there is only terror.(H)
20 We acknowledge(I) our wickedness, Lord,
    and the guilt of our ancestors;(J)
    we have indeed sinned(K) against you.
21 For the sake of your name(L) do not despise us;
    do not dishonor your glorious throne.(M)
Remember your covenant(N) with us
    and do not break it.
22 Do any of the worthless idols(O) of the nations bring rain?(P)
    Do the skies themselves send down showers?
No, it is you, Lord our God.
    Therefore our hope is in you,
    for you are the one who does all this.(Q)

Read full chapter