Iniquities is the same noun rendered “guilt” in 2.22. In the present context “sins” (Good News Translation, Revised English Bible) is more natural; the remainder of the verse defines the nature of their sins.

In this context turned back means to start doing again: “They have begun to commit again the sins their ancestors committed.”

Who refused to hear my words: It is preferable to render this as “who refused to do what I said” (Good News Translation), for in such a context hear means “obey.”

They have gone after other gods to serve them: For the imagery of going after other gods, see 7.6, 9; for that of serving foreign gods, see 5.19. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch translates the entire expression as “they worship foreign gods,” and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible has “they run after other gods to worship them.”

The house of Israel and the house of Judah means “the people of Israel and the people of Judah” (see 2.4).

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 .