⁷ I will bring Judah^(A) and Israel back from captivity^[a](B) and will rebuild^(C) them as they were before.^{(D) 8} I will cleanse^(E) them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive^(F) all their sins of rebellion against me. ⁹ Then this city will bring me renown,^(G) joy, praise^(H) and honor^(I) before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble^(J) at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’

¹⁰ “This is what the Lord says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.”^(K) Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted,^(L) inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more ¹¹ the sounds of joy and gladness,^(M) the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings^(N) to the house of the Lord, saying,

For I will restore the fortunes^(Q) of the land as they were before,^(R)’ says the Lord.

⁸ I will bring them back^(A) to live^(B) in Jerusalem; they will be my people,^(C) and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.^(D)”