^7:16Here is why this will be so:³² Before the child knows how to reject evil and choose what is right, the land³³ whose two kings you fear will be desolate.³⁴

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Footnotes

32 Heb “for, because.” The particle introduces the entire following context (vv. 16–25), which explains why Immanuel will be an appropriate name for the child, why he will eat sour milk and honey, and why experiencing such a diet will contribute to his moral development.
33 Since “two kings” are referred to later in the verse, the “land” must here refer to Syria-Israel.
34 Heb “the land will be abandoned, which you fear because of its two kings.” After the verb קוּץ (quts, “loathe, dread”) the phrase מִפְּנֵי (mipney, “from before”) introduces the cause of loathing/dread (see Gen 27:46; Exod 1:12; Num 22:3).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

For before the boy knows to reject what is bad and choose what is good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned.

NLTNew Living Translation

For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

For before the boy knows to reject the evil and to choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be abandoned.

KJV 1900King James Version

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good,

The land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

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