⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb^(A) I knew^[a](B) you,
    before you were born^(C) I set you apart;^(D)
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.^(E)”

¹⁵ Cursed be the man who brought my father the news,
    who made him very glad, saying,
    “A child is born to you—a son!”
¹⁶ May that man be like the towns^(A)
    the Lord overthrew without pity.
May he hear wailing^(B) in the morning,
    a battle cry at noon.
¹⁷ For he did not kill me in the womb,^(C)
    with my mother as my grave,
    her womb enlarged forever.
¹⁸ Why did I ever come out of the womb^(D)
    to see trouble^(E) and sorrow
    and to end my days in shame?^(F)