Chapter IV

¹But know ¹ Lit. ‘Now, therefore, know (pl.)’ that the Lord will execute judgement on men, because when the rocks are being rent, and the light of the sun extinguished, and the waters dried up, and fire losing its power, ² Lit. ‘cowering’. and all creation in confusion, and the unseen spirits wasting away, and Hades despoiled through the suffering of the Most High, men will be unbelieving and persist in their iniquities; and on this account will they be judged and punished. ³ Lit. ‘in punishment will they be judged’. ²But the Most High has heard your prayer: he will separate you from iniquity and make you his son ⁴ Lit. ‘to separate you from iniquity and to become to him a son’. and servant and a minister of his presence.³

A bright light of knowledge will make you to shine in Jacob, And like the sun will you be to the whole race ⁵ Lit. ‘seed’. of Israel. ⁴ And a blessing shall be given to you and to all your sons, ⁵ Lit. ‘seed’. Until the Lord looks upon all the Gentiles with the affection of his son for ever.

Nevertheless, your sons will lay hands on him to get him out of their way. ⁶ So bk: II ‘to crucify him’. ⁵And this is why wisdom and understanding have been given you, that you may instruct your sons about him. ⁶For blessed shall he be who blesses him, and they who curse him shall perish.