5:4a

Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God: This clause is a figure of speech (personification). It describes evil deeds as if they have the ability to control a person.

Here are some ways to translate this figure of speech:

• Keep the figure of speech. This is the best option if the figure is natural in your language and people will understand the meaning correctly. For example:

Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God. (NET Bible)

• Translate the meaning without using the figure of speech. This is a good option if the figure of speech is unnatural or confusing in your language. For example:

They will not give up their deeds and return to their God. (New Century Version)
-or-
Your evil deeds are the reason you won’t return to me (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They do not want to stop doing evil, so they are not able to return to their God.

deeds: The word deeds refers here to the evil things that people do.

5:4b

for a spirit of prostitution is within them: This clause means that their thoughts and decisions are motivated by their strong desire to be immoral and to worship idols.

spirit of prostitution: See the note on spirit of prostitution in 4:12c.

is within them: This phrase refers to attitudes and thoughts. Some languages use a body organ, such as the liver, to signify attitudes and thoughts. Use an expression that is natural in your language for this purpose.

Here is another way to translate this line:

A spirit of prostitution is in their heart (New International Version)

5:4c

and they do not know the LORD: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “the LORD they do not know.” It means that they do not know the LORD or have a relationship with him. They do not know what the LORD wants his people to do. It is implied that they do not acknowledge his authority or obey him. See the note on “no knowledge of God” in 4:1d, where it probably has the same meaning.

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