4:18a–19b

There is a slight change in reference from 4:18a to 4:18b. Verse 4:18a refers to the people in general, whereas 4:18b specifies the rulers. The pronouns “them/their” in 4:19a–b probably refers to the rulers as well as the people, because both groups were taken into exile.

4:18a

When their liquor is gone, they turn to prostitution:
These clauses describe the Israelites’ regular pattern of behavior. As part of their idol worship, the people regularly became drunk and then had sexual relations with prostitutes.

Here are some other ways to translate these clauses:

You get drunk, then sleep with prostitutes (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They consume their alcohol, then engage in cult prostitution (NET Bible)

they turn to prostitution: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “committing fornication they have committed fornication.” The purpose of this repetition is to emphasize the meaning.

Here are some ways to express this emphasis:

they delight in their prostitution (Good News Translation)
-or-
they continue to have sex with the prostitutes (God’s Word)
-or-
they indulge in sexual orgies (New Revised Standard Version)

Use a natural way in your language to emphasize their immoral behavior.

4:18b

their rulers dearly love disgrace: There is a textual issue here. The Notes will discuss the two main options:

(1) The Masoretic Text probably has “its shields have loved, love shame.” The word “shields” here is figurative. It means rulers or “leaders.” For example:

Their rulers dearly love to act shamefully. (God’s Word)
-or-
their rulers dearly love shame (English Standard Version)

(2) The LXX has “they love disgrace more than their pride.” It means that the people love shameful behavior more than honorable behavior. For example:

preferring disgrace to honor (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Both options have some unusual word forms or uses, but the MT makes reasonable sense. The guideline for TN is to follow the MT unless there is strong reason to do otherwise. However, both options have good version support, so it is recommended that you give the other option in a footnote. Here is a possible footnote:

This is what the Masoretic Text probably means. The LXX (Septuagint) means that the people love shameful behavior more than their honor or pride.

dearly love: In Hebrew, the repeated words “have loved, love” may intensify the meaning of love.

disgrace: This phrase refers to immoral behavior.

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