5 Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,

I killed you with the words of my mouth—

then my judgments go forth like the sun.

6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets;

I have slain them by the words of my mouth,

and my judgment goes forth as the light.

6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,

the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets;

I have slain them by the words of my mouth:

And thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.

6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice;

And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

5 I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces—

to slaughter you with my words,

with judgments as inescapable as light.

6 I want you to show love,

not offer sacrifices.

I want you to know me

more than I want burnt offerings.

5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets,

I have slain them by the words of My mouth;

And your judgments are like light that goes forth.

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,

And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

5 I have warned you by my prophets

that I will kill you and destroy you.

My justice comes out like bright light.

6 I want faithful love

more than I want animal sacrifices.

I want people to know me

more than I want burnt offerings.

5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6 For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.

5 That is why I cut ⸤you⸥ down by sending the prophets. 

I killed you with the words from my mouth. 

My judgments shined on you like light. 

6 I want your loyalty, not your sacrifices. 

I want you to know me, not to give me burnt offerings. 

5 This is why I have used the prophets

to cut them down;

I have killed them with the words of My mouth.

My judgment strikes like lightning.

6 For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice,

the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets,

I have killed them by the words of my mouth,

and my judgment goes forth as the light.

6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,

the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

5 Therefore, I have hewn them by the prophets;

I have killed them by the words of my mouth,

and my judgment goes forth like the light.

6 Because I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,

and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

5 So I used the words of my prophets to cut you in pieces.

I used my words to put you to death.

When I judged you, I struck you like lightning.

6 I want mercy and not sacrifice.

I want you to recognize me as God

instead of bringing me burnt offerings.

5 Therefore I have hewn them in pieces by the prophets;

I have slain them by the words of My mouth;

And the judgments on you are like the light that goes forth.

6 For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice,

And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.