Both Good News Translation and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch begin verse 17 with the equivalent of to those who despise the word of the LORD. For example, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch starts with “To those who do not take seriously my warning, they dared to proclaim, ‘The Lord says….’ ”

Who despise the word of the LORD (following the Septuagint; also Traduction œcuménique de la Bible and Bible en français courant) is the result of giving different vowels to the Hebrew text, which is literally “who despise me. The LORD says….” Most translations follow this change without a note, though New International Version (similarly Hebrew Old Testament Text Project) follows the Hebrew text as it stands: “They keep saying to those who despise me, ‘The LORD says….’ ” Good News Translation has translated despise the word of the LORD as “refuse to listen to what I have said.” “Reject the word of the LORD” is also possible.

It shall be well: See 4.10 and the comments on “peace” in 6.14.

Every one who stubbornly follows his own heart is shortened and condensed by Good News Translation to “everyone who is stubborn.” It is also possible to say “all who stubbornly do only what they themselves want to do.” See 3.17.

No evil shall come upon you: See 5.12 for a similar expression. Here translators can say “Nothing terrible shall happen to you.”

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 .