The structure in verses 18 and 19, Because you have obeyed … therefore thus says the LORD …, is not always natural. A restructuring such as in Good News Translation may prove more helpful: “You have obeyed … So [because of that], I … promise that….”

Shall never lack …: This is often better expressed in a positive way; for example, “will always have…” (Good News Translation). See 33.17.

To stand before me: New American Bible has “standing in my service,” while Good News Translation has simply “to serve me.” Though the phrase is commonly used of priestly service, and is used of intercession in 15.1; 18.20, it can be used of lay people, and it is thought that its function here is more general.

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 .