17 Heb “Let the wicked one abandon his way.” The singular is collective.
18 Heb “and the man of evil his thoughts.” The singular is collective.
19 Heb “let him return.” The singular is collective, meaning “let them.”
20 The imperfect with vav (ו) conjunctive after the jussive indicates purpose/result.
21 The appeal and promise of vv. 6–7 echoes the language of Deut 4:25–31; 30:1–10; and 1 Kgs 8:46–53, all of which anticipate the exile and speak of the prerequisites for restoration.
22 Or “For” (, , , ).
23 Or “thoughts” (so many English versions).
24 Heb “are not.” “Like” is interpretive, but v. 9 indicates that a comparison is in view.
25 Heb “ways” (so many English versions).
26 Heb “are not.” “Like” is interpretive, but v. 9 indicates that a comparison is in view.

In other versions

let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Let the wicked forsake their ways

and the unrighteous their thoughts.

Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,

and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

Let the wicked one abandon his way

and the sinful one his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord,

so he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will freely forgive.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

and your ways are not my ways.”

This is the Lord’s declaration.

Let the wicked change their ways

and banish the very thought of doing wrong.

Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.

Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.

“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the man of sin his thoughts.

And let him return to Yahweh, that he may take pity on him,

and to our God, for he will forgive manifold.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

and your ways are not my ways,”

declares Yahweh.

Let the wicked forsake his way,

And the unrighteous man his thoughts:

And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him;

And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

Public Domain