Jeremiah 10:9

Footnotes

1. 16 Two Qumran scrolls of Jeremiah (4QJera and 4QJerb) reflect a Hebrew text that is very different than the traditional from which modern Bibles have been translated. The Hebrew text in these two manuscripts is similar to that from which was translated. This is true both in small details and in major aspects where the differs from . Most notably, 4QJera, 4QJerb and present a version of Jeremiah about 13% shorter than the longer version found in . One example of this shorter text is Jer 10:3–11 in which and 4QJera both have all nine verses, while and 4QJerb both lack vv. 6–8 and 10, which extol the greatness of God. In addition, the latter part of v. 9 is arranged differently in and 4QJerb. The translation here follows which is supported by 4QJera.
2. 17 This is a place of unknown location. It is mentioned again in Dan 10:5. Many emend the word to “Ophir” following the version and the Aramaic . Ophir was famous for its gold (cf. 1 Kgs 9:28; Job 28:16).
3. 18 The words “to cover those idols” are not in the text but are implicit from the context. They are supplied in the translation for clarity.
4. 19 The words “They are” are not in the text. The text reads merely, “the work of the carpenter and of the hands of the goldsmith.” The words are supplied in the translation for clarity.
5. 20 Heb “Blue and purple their clothing.”
6. 21 There is an ironic pun in this last line. The Hebrew word translated “skillful workers” is the same word that is translated “wise people” in v. 7. The artisans do their work skillfully but they are not “wise.”