16 Heb “For testing (will come) and what if also a scepter, it despises, will not be?” The translation understands the subject of the verb “despises,” which is a feminine form in the Hebrew text, to be the sword (which is a feminine noun) mentioned in the previous verses. The text is very difficult and any rendering is uncertain.

In other versions

For it will not be a testing—what could it do if you despise the rod?” declares the Lord God.

“ ‘Testing will surely come. And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign Lord.’

Surely it will be a trial! And what if the sword despises even the scepter? The scepter will not continue.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.

It will put them all to the test.

What chance do they have?

says the Sovereign Lord.

For examine! And what if also the rod will not be despising?’ declares the Lord Yahweh.

Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord God.

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