Paragraph 4:7–11a

In this paragraph, the LORD gave more details about the sinful behavior of the priests (4:7–8). He then described his response to that behavior (4:9–11a).

As in chapter 2, the Hebrew pronouns alternate between “you” and “she.” In 4:4–6 the LORD used “you” when speaking to the priests, but in 4:7–10, he referred to the same priests as “they.” The Berean Standard Bible uses the pronoun “they.” The Good News Translation continues to use “you.” Use a natural way in your language to refer to the priests. Be consistent throughout this paragraph. It should be clear in your translation that the LORD is speaking here to the same group of priests as in 4:4–6.

4:7a

The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me: There is a close connection here between the priests increasing and their sins increasing.

Here are some other ways to express this connection:

Whenever the priests increased, their sins also increased.
-or-
The priests kept increasing. When that happened, they also sinned more and more.

they: The pronoun they refers to the priests.

multiplied: The word multiplied refers partly to an increase in the number of priests. Some versions make this idea explicit. For example:

The more of you priests there are, the more you sin against me (Good News Translation)

However, the word multiplied probably also refers to an increase in their prestige and power. As their power grew, so did their sin and so did their influence to corrupt the people.

Here is another way to express their increase in both numbers and prestige:

The more their numbers and influence grew, the more their sins against me grew.

sinned: In Hebrew, the form of the verb sinned indicates here that the sinful behavior of the priests was habitual. Some versions, such as the Berean Standard Bible, use past tense to indicate this. Other versions use present tense. For example:

the more they sin against me (New Living Translation (2004))

Use a natural way in your language to indicate that the sinful pattern of behavior of the priests was already established.

4:7b

This verse part is the result of 4:7a. The result of the priests’ increasing sinfulness is that the LORD will humiliate them. For example:

⌊ therefore⌋will I change their glory into shame (King James Version)
-or-
So I’ll turn their honor into disgrace (Voice)

Most versions leave this relationship implied.

The English Standard Version has been used as the source line for 4:7b, because it follows the textual recommendation regarding the pronoun “I” or “they.” It also follows the recommended interpretation regarding “glory” or “Glory.” Notice that the NET Bible and New Revised Standard Version followed textual option (2), but chose interpretation (1).

(English Standard Version) I will change their glory into shame: There is a textual issue here:

(1) The Masoretic Text has “I will exchange their glory.” This statement continues the pattern that was set in 4:6. The pattern is that the LORD responds to the sin of the priests with a statement of judgment. Here the LORD’s judgment is that he will take away the glory of the priests and give them something disgraceful instead.

(2) An ancient scribal tradition has “They have exchanged their glory.” This tradition is followed by the Targum and by the ancient Syriac translation. In this context, it indicates that the priests rejected their Glory (God) and accepted something disgraceful instead
It is recommended that you follow option (1) along with most versions and commentaries. The MT makes good sense and fits the overall context of the LORD’s punishment of the priests.

(English Standard Version) their glory: There are two main ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) It refers to the glory or honor of the priests. It may refer to their wealth and power or to the high status they enjoyed in the eyes of the people. For example:

their dignity (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
your honor (Good News Translation)

(2) It refers to God, the Glory of Israel. This is the way this phrase is understood in Psalm 106:20 and Jeremiah 2:11. For example:

their Glory (New International Version)
-or-
the glory of God (New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions and commentaries. This interpretation better fits the context, because the previous high status of the priests contrasts with their shameful removal from the priesthood.

(English Standard Version) shame: In Hebrew, this word here means disgrace, humiliation, or dishonor. It is the opposite of glory and honor.

Here are some other ways to translate this whole verse part:

I will take away their honor and give them shame. (New Century Version)
-or-
and so I will turn your honor into disgrace (Good News Translation)

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