Paragraph 6:3–5

In 6:3–5, the LORD stated his charge/accusation against the people. In 6:3, he asked how he had wronged them. The people had no answer. In 6:4–5, he related significant events from Israel’s past that show how he had blessed them, not wronged them. The implicit charge/accusation is that the LORD had kept the covenant but they had not.

6:3a

My people: Starting with this clause, the LORD addressed his people directly. Some versions make it explicit that the LORD is speaking. For example:

The Lord says, “My people…” (Good News Translation)

Here the phrase My people is a term of address (vocative). Some versions have added the word “O” to make it explicit that this is a vocative. Use a term of address that is natural in your language when a person speaks to a group of people.

The pronoun My probably drew attention to the covenant relationship between the LORD and his people. He was their LORD and they were his people.

what have I done to you?: In this question the meaning of the Hebrew word for done is broad and can refer to many actions. However, in this context the phrase to you means “against you.” So with this question the LORD asked in what way he had done something against them. Some versions make this meaning explicit. For example:

“My people! What wrong have I done you? (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
“My people, how have I wronged you? (NET Bible)

6:3b

Testify against Me: In Hebrew, this phrase means “respond to me” in many contexts. However, in the context of legal actions it means “give evidence against me.”

Many versions translate this phrase as “Answer me.” However, if your language has a specific legal term for a response during a court trial, consider using that term here. For example:

Testify against Me. (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
Bring your charges! (Revised English Bible)

how I have wearied you!: In Hebrew, the word wearied means to cause someone to become impatient or frustrated. The LORD asked in what way he had done this to them.

Here are some other ways to translate this question:

What have I done to make you tired of me? (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
How have I been a burden to you? (Good News Translation)

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