Thus says the LORD: See 2.2. For many languages the use of this clause in both verses 29 and 30 would be less than acceptable. For that reason, Good News Translation simply begins verse 30 by saying, “I will hand over King Hophra of Egypt to his enemies….”

Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt: Since Pharaoh is actually a title equivalent to king (see 25.19), Good News Translation uses only the title “king.” Translators can also say “the Pharaoh Hophra, the king of Egypt.” King Hophra of Egypt (589-570 B.C.) supported Zedekiah in his revolt against Nebuchadnezzar in 588 B.C. (see 37.5). However, one of his court officials by the name of Amasis finally took control of the government, and after ruling alongside Hophra for three years, he managed to gain complete power and had King Hophra put to death.

Into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek his life: Once again the Hebrew text uses unnecessary repetition, which Good News Translation renders “I will hand over King Hophra of Egypt to his enemies who want to kill him….” For the expression who seek his life, see 4.30.

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 .