16:26 For all the gods of the nations are worthless, 1
but the Lord made the heavens. 2
16:31 Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be happy!
Let the nations say, 3 ‘The Lord reigns!’
1 tn The Hebrew word אֱלִילִים (’elilim, “worthless”) sounds like אֱלֹהִים (’elohim, “gods”). The sound play draws attention to the statement. Many modern English translations render this term as “idols” here.
2 tn Or “the sky” (also in v. 31). The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) may be translated “heaven(s)” or “sky” depending on the context.
3 tn Heb “let them say among the nations.”