76 Or “indeed.”
77 The Hebrew text reads literally, “for arranged from before [or “yesterday”] is [?].” The meaning of תָּפְתֶּה (taféteh), which occurs only here, is unknown. The translation above (as with most English versions) assumes an emendation to תֹּפֶת (tofet, “Topheth”; cf. , , ) and places the final hey (ה) on the beginning of the next word as an interrogative particle. Topheth was a place near Jerusalem used as a burial ground (see Jer 7:32; 19:11).
78 The Hebrew text reads literally, “Also it is made ready for the king, one makes it deep and wide.” If one takes the final hey (ה) on תָּפְתֶּה (taféteh) and prefixes it to גָּם (gam) as an interrogative particle (see the preceding note), one can translate, “Is it also made ready for the king?” In this case the question is rhetorical and expects an emphatic affirmative answer, “Of course it is!”
79 Heb “its pile of wood, fire and wood one makes abundant.” Apparently this alludes to some type of funeral rite.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

For a burning place has long been prepared; indeed, for the king it is made ready, its pyre made deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Topheth has long been prepared;

it has been made ready for the king.

Its fire pit has been made deep and wide,

with an abundance of fire and wood;

the breath of the Lord,

like a stream of burning sulfur,

sets it ablaze.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Indeed! Topheth has been ready

for the king for a long time.

Its funeral pyre is deep and wide,

with plenty of fire and wood.

The breath of the Lord, like a torrent of burning sulfur,

kindles it.

NLTNew Living Translation

Topheth—the place of burning—

has long been ready for the Assyrian king;

the pyre is piled high with wood.

The breath of the Lord, like fire from a volcano,

will set it ablaze.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

For Topheth has been prepared from yesterday;

indeed, it is made ready for the king.

He makes its pile of wood deep and wide;

he makes fire and wood abundant.

The breath of Yahweh burns in it like a stream of sulfur.

KJV 1900King James Version

For Tophet is ordained of old;

Yea, for the king it is prepared;

He hath made it deep and large:

The pile thereof is fire and much wood;

The breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

Public Domain