Whereas verse 28 is written in the second masculine singular, verses 29-32 appear in the second masculine plural. However, there is no need to reflect this alteration in translation. This is simply a stylistic feature that results from the gathering together of prophetic discourses from different times and situations.

Complain translates the same verb rendered “contend” in verse 9. The prophet affirms that Israel’s troubles are due to their own sins, not to the failure of the LORD. Therefore, they have no grounds on which to raise a legitimate complaint against him. Translators may have “What is your complaint?” or “Why do you feel you have something against me?” or, perhaps even better, “By what right do you complain about me?” Translators could even have “Since you have rebelled against me, do you have the right to complain about me?” It may also be a statement: “You have no right to complain about me, since it is you who have rebelled against me.”

Rebelled is the same verb translated “transgressed” in 2.8.

Says the LORD: See 1.8.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .