⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried^(A) into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ⁵ “Build^(B) houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. ⁶ Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.^{(C) 7} Also, seek^(D) the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray^(E) to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years^(A) are completed for Babylon, I will come to you^(B) and fulfill my good promise^(C) to bring you back^(D) to this place. ¹¹ For I know the plans^(E) I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper^(F) you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.^{(G) 12} Then you will call^(H) on me and come and pray^(I) to me, and I will listen^(J) to you. ¹³ You will seek^(K) me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.^{(L) 14} I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back^(M) from captivity.^[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”^(N)