| New International Version (NIV) |
New International Version (NIV) |
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1 How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at the head of every street.
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1 How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at the head of every street.
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2 How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands!
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2 How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands!
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3 Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.
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3 Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.
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4 Because of thirst the infant's tongue sticks to the roof of its mouth; the children beg for bread, but no one gives it to them.
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4 Because of thirst the infant's tongue sticks to the roof of its mouth; the children beg for bread, but no one gives it to them.
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5 Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those nurtured in purple now lie on ash heaps.
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5 Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those nurtured in purple now lie on ash heaps.
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6 The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand turned to help her.
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6 The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand turned to help her.
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7 Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.
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7 Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.
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8 But now they are blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
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8 But now they are blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
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9 Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.
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9 Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.
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10 With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.
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10 With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.
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11 The LORD has given full vent to his wrath; he has poured out his fierce anger. He kindled a fire in Zion that consumed her foundations.
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11 The LORD has given full vent to his wrath; he has poured out his fierce anger. He kindled a fire in Zion that consumed her foundations.
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12 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the world's people, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
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12 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the world's people, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
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| Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
