Verses 3-10 may reflect the same event referred to in 21.1-7, though there are differences.

Jehucal: This is the only place where this name occurs, but it is probably the same as “Jucal” (38.1). Zephaniah is first mentioned in 21.1; see also 29.25. He is not listed among those who asked for Jeremiah to be put to death (38.1).

Pray for us to the LORD our God: Good News Translation retains the first person reference to Jeremiah and shifts to indirect discourse. Translators should decide which is better for their readers, either direct speech (as in Revised Standard Version) or indirect. It may be that the expression Pray for us to the LORD our God can be retained and understood. However, for many readers, it may be necessary to say “Pray to the LORD our God that he will help us.” Good News Translation renders us as “our nation.”

Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch places verses 3-5 together in order to give the historical situation of verse 5 first. This is then followed by the information of verse 4, and the mention of the two men coming to Jeremiah from Zedekiah of verse 3.

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 .