Daughter of my people: See 4.11. Here translators can say something like “My dear people,” “My people,” or even, as one commentator has it, “My poor people.”

Gird on sackcloth: See 4.8.

The verb rendered roll in (so also Good News Translation, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version) may also mean “sprinkle” (Revised English Bible, Moffatt). Although the meaning of the verb is debated by some scholars, most give the meaning as reflected in Revised Standard Version. Compare its occurrences in 25.34; Ezek 27.30 (Revised Standard Version “wallow in”); Micah 1.10.

The Hebrew word translated ashes can also be “dust,” but it makes little difference in this context since either would convey the idea of deep mourning. That putting on sackcloth and rolling in ashes have to do with mourning is clear from the context in this verse, but for the first three lines some translators have found it better to say “My poor people, put on your coarse clothes and roll in the ashes, for you are in mourning. Mourn as you would for your only son.”

An only son is the proper interpretation of the Hebrew word, but it also carries the meaning of “dear” or “beloved.” An only son (or an oldest son) played a special role in the ancient Israelite culture; it was through him that the family line would continue, and he was the primary heir of his father’s possessions and position in the affairs of the family.

Mourning is intensified by most bitter lamentation. Good News Translation translates this “Mourn with bitter tears.”

It is important that the destroyer be identified as the enemy spoken of in verse 22: “Suddenly the enemy is here, and they will destroy everything!” or “For suddenly the enemy is here to destroy you.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .