As indicated in verse 21, many translators will find it more natural to translate the clauses “Therefore thus says the LORD” (verse 21) and therefore thus says the LORD of hosts only once.

For LORD of hosts, see 2.19.

For behold see 1.6.

I will punish them: Translators should make it clear that them refers back to the people of Anathoth (verse 21).

Die by the sword is translated “will be killed in war” by Good News Translation (see the comment at 5.12). As is often the case, famine accompanied war, and so the further threat follows: their sons and their daughters shall die by famine.

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 .