The \bk Wisdom of Solomon\bk* is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.

The Wisdom of Solomon is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.

The \bk Wisdom of Solomon\bk* is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches. 

Think of the Lord\f + \fr 1:1  \ft Gr. \fqa in goodness. \f* with a good mind. 

+ \fr 1:6  \ft Some authorities read \fqa the spirit of wisdom is loving to man.

1:6  Some authorities read the spirit of wisdom is loving to man.

For\f + \fr 1:6  \ft Some authorities read \fqa the spirit of wisdom is loving to man. \f* wisdom is a spirit who loves man, 

and she will not hold a\f + \fr 1:6  \ft Or, \fqa reviler \f* blasphemer guiltless for his lips, 

Because the spirit of the Lord has filled\f + \fr 1:7  \ft Gr. \fqa the inhabited earth. \f* the world, 

and the sound of his words will come to the Lord to bring his lawless deeds to conviction;

and the sound of his words will come to the Lord to bring his lawless deeds to conviction; 

Don’t draw destruction upon yourselves by the works of your hands;

Don’t draw destruction upon yourselves by the works of your hands; 

nor has Hades\f + \fr 1:14  \ft Or, \fqa a royal house \f* royal dominion upon earth; 

deeming him a friend they\f + \fr 1:16  \ft Or, \fqa were consumed \ft with love of him \f* pined away. 

For they said\f + \fr 2:1  \ft Or, \fqa amongst \f* within themselves, with unsound reasoning, 

and no one was ever known who\f + \fr 2:1  \ft Or, \fqa returned out of Hades \f* was released from Hades. 

and\f + \fr 2:4  \ft Gr. \fqa weighed down. \f* overcome by its heat. 

because it is securely sealed, and no one\f + \fr 2:5  \ft Or, \fqa comes again \f* turns it back. 

nor did they discern that there is a prize for blameless souls. 

Having borne a little chastening, they will receive great good; 

But the ungodly will be punished even as their reasoning deserves,

But the ungodly will be punished even as their reasoning deserves, 

So is the eunuch which has done no lawless deed with his hands, 

victorious in the competition for the prizes that are undefiled.

victorious in the competition for the prizes that are undefiled. 

Their branches will be broken off before they come to maturity. 

But a righteous man, even if he dies before his time, will be at rest.

But a righteous man, even if he dies before his time, will be at rest. 

For honourable old age is not that which stands in length of time,

For honourable old age is not that which stands in length of time, 

For the fascination of wickedness obscures the things which are good,

For the fascination of wickedness obscures the things which are good, 

not considering this, that grace and mercy are with his chosen, 

but a righteous man who is dead will condemn the ungodly who are living,

but a righteous man who is dead will condemn the ungodly who are living, 

and youth who is quickly perfected will condemn the many years of an unrighteous man’s old age.

and youth who is quickly perfected will condemn the many years of an unrighteous man’s old age. 

We\f + \fr 5:7  \ft See Proverbs 14:14. \f* took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction. 

and torn apart with the violent rush of the moving wings, is passed through.

and torn apart with the violent rush of the moving wings, is passed through. 

Because the hope of the ungodly man is like chaff carried by the wind,

Because the hope of the ungodly man is like chaff carried by the wind, 

+ \fr 5:14  \ft Gr. \fqa like foam chased to thinness: \ft or, \fqa as thin foam chased.

5:14  Gr. like foam chased to thinness: or, as thin foam chased.

+ \fr 5:14  \ft Most Greek authorities read \fqa hoar frost: \ft some authorities, perhaps rightly, \fqa a spider’s web.

5:14  Most Greek authorities read hoar frost: some authorities, perhaps rightly, a spider’s web.

and\f + \fr 5:14  \ft Gr. \fqa like foam chased to thinness: \ft or, \fqa as thin foam chased. \f* as\f + \fr 5:14  \ft Most Greek authorities read \fqa hoar frost: \ft some authorities, perhaps rightly, \fqa a spider’s web.\f* foam vanishing before a tempest; 

and passes by as the remembrance of a guest who stays just a day.

and passes by as the remembrance of a guest who stays just a day. 

and will make the whole creation his weapons to punish his enemies:

and will make the whole creation his weapons to punish his enemies: 

The universe will go with him to fight against his frenzied foes.

The universe will go with him to fight against his frenzied foes. 

They will leap to the mark from the clouds, as from a well-drawn bow.

They will leap to the mark from the clouds, as from a well-drawn bow. 

and make your boast\f + \fr 6:2  \ft Or, \fqa in the multitudes of your nations \f* in multitudes of nations, 

because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly,

because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly, 

because a stern judgement comes on those who are in high places.

because a stern judgement comes on those who are in high places. 

For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone,

For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone, 

For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy.

For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy. 

Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defence.

Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defence. 

because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her,

because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her, 

If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples,

If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples, 

But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare.

But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare. 

I myself am also\f + \fr 7:1  \ft Many authorities read \fqa a mortal man.\f* mortal, like everyone else, 

I moulded into flesh in the time of ten months in my mother’s womb,

I moulded into flesh in the time of ten months in my mother’s womb, 

being compacted in blood from the seed of man and pleasure of marriage.

being compacted in blood from the seed of man and pleasure of marriage. 

but all men have one entrance into life, and a common departure.

but all men have one entrance into life, and a common departure. 

because he is one who guides even wisdom and who corrects the wise.

because he is one who guides even wisdom and who corrects the wise. 

For he himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are,

For he himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are, 

to know the structure of the universe and the operation of the elements;

to know the structure of the universe and the operation of the elements; 

the violence of\f + \fr 7:20  \ft Or, \fqa spirits \f* winds and the thoughts of men; 

For there is in her a spirit that is quick to understand, holy, 

unique, manifold, subtle, freely moving, clear in utterance, unpolluted,

unique, manifold, subtle, freely moving, clear in utterance, unpolluted, 

beneficent, loving towards man, steadfast, sure, free from care, all-powerful, all-surveying,

beneficent, loving towards man, steadfast, sure, free from care, all-powerful, all-surveying, 

and penetrating through all spirits that are quick to understand, pure, most subtle.

and penetrating through all spirits that are quick to understand, pure, most subtle. 

Yes, she pervades and penetrates all things by reason of her purity.

Yes, she pervades and penetrates all things by reason of her purity. 

who more than\f + \fr 8:6  \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* wisdom is an architect of the things that exist? 

the fruits of wisdom’s labour\f + \fr 8:7  \ft Gr. \fqa her labours\f* are virtues, 

for she teaches soberness, understanding, righteousness, and courage.

for she teaches soberness, understanding, righteousness, and courage. 

There is nothing in life more profitable for people than these. 

She understands subtleties of speeches and interpretations of dark sayings.

She understands subtleties of speeches and interpretations of dark sayings. 

She foresees signs and wonders, and the issues of seasons and times.

She foresees signs and wonders, and the issues of seasons and times. 

If I continue speaking, they will put their hands on their mouths.

If I continue speaking, they will put their hands on their mouths. 

Amongst the people, I will show myself to be good, and courageous in war.

Amongst the people, I will show myself to be good, and courageous in war. 

and thought in my heart how immortality is in kinship to wisdom,

and thought in my heart how immortality is in kinship to wisdom, 

But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess wisdom unless God gave her to me—

But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess wisdom unless God gave her to me— 

I pleaded with the Lord and implored him, and with my whole heart I said:

I pleaded with the Lord and implored him, and with my whole heart I said: 

that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by you,

that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by you, 

Don’t reject me from amongst your\f + \fr 9:4  \ft Or, \fqa children \f* servants, 

if the wisdom that comes from you is not with him, he will count for nothing.

if the wisdom that comes from you is not with him, he will count for nothing. 

and\f + \fr 9:8  \ft Or, \fqa a place of sacrifice \f* an altar in the city where you live, 

and I will be worthy of my father’s\f + \fr 9:12  \ft Gr. \fqa thrones. \f* throne. 

It was thus that the ways of those who are on earth were corrected,

It was thus that the ways of those who are on earth were corrected, 

Wisdom guarded to the end the first formed father of the world, who was created alone,

Wisdom\f + \fr 10:1  \ft Gr. \fqa She. \f* guarded to the end the first formed father of the world, who was created alone, 

he perished himself in the rage with which he killed his brother.

he perished himself in the rage with which he killed his brother. 

Moreover, when nations consenting together in wickedness had been confounded,

Moreover, when nations consenting together in wickedness had been confounded, 

wisdom knew the righteous man, and preserved him blameless to God,

wisdom\f + \fr 10:5  \ft Gr. \fqa she \f* knew the righteous man, and preserved him blameless to God, 

While the ungodly were perishing, wisdom delivered a righteous man,

While the ungodly were perishing, wisdom\f + \fr 10:6  \ft Gr. \fqa she \f* delivered a righteous man, 

when he fled from the fire that descended out of heaven on the five cities.

when he fled from the fire that descended out of heaven on the five cities. 

not only were they disabled from recognising the things which are good,

not only were they disabled from recognising the things which are good, 

but they also left behind them for their life a monument of their folly,

but they also left behind them for their life a monument of their folly, 

to the end that where they stumbled, they might fail even to be unseen;

to the end that where they stumbled, they might fail even to be unseen; 

When a righteous man was a fugitive from a brother’s wrath, wisdom guided him in straight paths.

When a righteous man was a fugitive from a brother’s wrath,\f + \fr 10:10  \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* wisdom guided him in straight paths. 

She showed him God’s kingdom, and gave him knowledge of holy things.

She showed him God’s kingdom, and gave him knowledge of holy things. 

She prospered him in his toils, and multiplied the fruits of his labour.

She prospered him in his toils, and multiplied the fruits of his labour. 

that he might know that godliness is more powerful than every one.

that he might know that godliness is more powerful than every one. 

When a righteous man was sold,\f + \fr 10:13  \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* wisdom didn’t forsake him, 

She also showed those who had mockingly accused him to be false,

She also showed those who had mockingly accused him to be false, 

Wisdom delivered a holy people and a blameless seed from a nation of oppressors.

Wisdom\f + \fr 10:15  \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* delivered a holy people and a blameless seed from a nation of oppressors. 

and water was given to them out of the\f + \fr 11:4  \ft See Deuteronomy 8:15; Psalm 114:8. \f* flinty rock, 

they learnt how the ungodly were tormented, being judged with wrath.

they learnt how the ungodly were tormented, being judged with wrath. 

For when they heard that through their own punishments the others benefitted,

For when they heard that through their own punishments the others benefitted, 

For him who long before was thrown out and exposed they stopped mocking.

For him who long before was thrown out and exposed they stopped mocking. 

But in return for the senseless imaginings of their unrighteousness,

But in return for the senseless imaginings of their unrighteousness, 

wherein they were led astray to worship irrational reptiles and wretched vermin,

wherein they were led astray to worship irrational reptiles and wretched vermin, 

you sent upon them a multitude of irrational creatures to punish them,

you sent upon them a multitude of irrational creatures to punish them, 

that they might learn that by what things a man sins, by these he is punished.

that they might learn that by what things a man sins, by these he is punished. 

didn’t lack means to send upon them a multitude of bears, fierce lions,

didn’t lack means to send upon them a multitude of bears, fierce lions, 

Yes and without these they might have fallen by a single breath,

Yes and without these they might have fallen by a single breath, 

being pursued by Justice, and scattered abroad by the breath of your power;

being pursued by Justice, and scattered abroad by the breath of your power; 

and as a drop of dew that comes down upon the earth in the morning.

and as a drop of dew that comes down upon the earth in the morning. 

But you have mercy on all men, because you have power to do all things,

But you have mercy on all men, because you have power to do all things, 

and you overlook the sins of men to the end that they may repent.

and you overlook the sins of men to the end that they may repent. 

Or that which was not called by you, how would it have been preserved?

Or that which was not called by you, how would it have been preserved? 

Therefore you convict little by little those who fall from the right way,

Therefore you convict little by little those who fall from the right way, 

and, putting them in remembrance by the things wherein they sin, you admonish them,

and, putting them in remembrance by the things wherein they sin, you admonish them, 

that escaping from their wickedness they may believe in you, O Lord.

that escaping from their wickedness they may believe in you, O Lord. 

hating them because they practised detestable works of enchantments and unholy rites—

hating them because they practised detestable works of enchantments and unholy rites— 

might receive a worthy colony of God’s servants.\f + \fr 12:7  \ft Or, \fqa children \f* 

and you sent hornets\f + \fr 12:8  \ft Or, \fqa wasps \f* as forerunners of your army, 

Not that you were unable to subdue the ungodly under the hand of the righteous in battle,

Not that you were unable to subdue the ungodly under the hand of the righteous in battle, 

or by terrible beasts or by a stern word to make away with them at once,

or by terrible beasts or by a stern word to make away with them at once, 

but judging them little by little you gave them a chance to repent,

but judging them little by little you gave them a chance to repent, 

It wasn’t through fear of any that you left them unpunished for their sins.

It wasn’t through fear of any that you left them unpunished for their sins. 

Who will accuse you for the perishing of nations which you caused?

Who will accuse you for the perishing of nations which you caused? 

Or who will come and stand before you as an avenger for unrighteous men?

Or who will come and stand before you as an avenger for unrighteous men? 

For when men don’t believe that you are perfect in power, you show your strength,

For when men don’t believe that you are perfect in power, you show your strength, 

and in dealing with those who think this, you confuse their boldness.

and in dealing with those who think this, you confuse their boldness. 

For if on those who were enemies of your servants and deserving of death,

For if on those who were enemies of your servants\f + \fr 12:20  \ft Or, \fqa children \f* and deserving of death, 

giving them times and opportunities when they might escape from their wickedness,

giving them times and opportunities when they might escape from their wickedness, 

to whose fathers you gave oaths and covenants of good promises! 

Therefore while you chasten us, you scourge our enemies ten thousand times more,

Therefore while you chasten us, you scourge our enemies ten thousand times more, 

Taking as gods those animals which even amongst their enemies were held in dishonour,

+ \fr 12:24  \ft Gr. \fqa living creatures: \ft and so elsewhere in this book.

Taking as gods those animals\f + \fr 12:24  \ft Gr. \fqa living creatures: \ft and so elsewhere in this book. \f* which even amongst their enemies were held in dishonour, 

Therefore, as to unreasoning children, you sent your judgement to mock them.

Therefore, as to unreasoning children, you sent your judgement to mock them. 

being punished in these creatures which they supposed to be gods,

being punished in these creatures which they supposed to be gods, 

they saw and recognised as the true God him whom they previously refused to know.

they saw and recognised as the true God him whom they previously refused to know. 

Therefore also the result of extreme condemnation came upon them.

Therefore also the result of extreme condemnation came upon them. 

For truly all men who had no perception of God were foolish by nature,

For truly all men who had no perception of God were foolish by nature, 

and didn’t gain power to know him who exists from the good things that are seen.

and didn’t gain power to know him who exists from the good things that are seen. 

If it was through delight in their beauty that they took them to be gods,

If it was through delight in their beauty that they took them to be gods, 

let them know how much better their Sovereign Lord is than these,

let them know how much better their Sovereign Lord is than these, 

But if it was through astonishment at their power and influence,

But if it was through astonishment at their power and influence, 

then let them understand from them how much more powerful he who formed them is.

then let them understand from them how much more powerful he who formed them is. 

mankind forms the corresponding perception of their Maker.\f + \fr 13:5  \ft Gr. \fqa is the first maker of them seen.\f* 

and they trust their sight that the things that they look at are beautiful.

and they trust their sight that the things that they look at are beautiful. 

Yes and some woodcutter might saw down a tree that is easily moved,

Yes and some\f + \fr 13:11  \ft Gr. \fqa carpenter who is a woodcutter. \f* woodcutter might saw down a tree that is easily moved, 

and fashion it in attractive form, make a useful vessel to serve his life’s needs.

and fashion it in attractive form, make a useful vessel to serve his life’s needs. 

When he makes his prayer concerning goods and his marriage and children,

When he makes his prayer concerning goods and his marriage and children, 

For a good journey, he asks that which can’t so much as move a step.

For a good journey, he asks that which can’t so much as move a step. 

Again, one preparing to sail, and about to journey over raging waves,

Again, one preparing to sail, and about to journey over raging waves, 

calls upon a piece of wood more fragile than the vessel that carries him.

calls upon a piece of wood more fragile than the vessel that carries him. 

It is your will that the works of your wisdom should not be ineffective.

It is your will that the works of your wisdom should not be ineffective. 

Therefore men also entrust their lives to a little piece of wood,

Therefore men also entrust their lives to a little piece of wood, 

For\f + \fr 14:6  \ft The Greek text here may be corrupt. \f* in the old time also, when proud giants were perishing, 

but the idol made with hands is accursed, itself and he that made it;

but the idol made with hands is accursed, itself and he that made it; 

because his was the working, and the corruptible thing was called a god.

because his was the working, and the corruptible thing was called a god. 

For both the ungodly and his ungodliness are alike hateful to God;

For both the ungodly and his ungodliness are alike hateful to God; 

for truly the deed will be punished together with him who committed it.

for truly the deed will be punished together with him who committed it. 

Therefore also there will be a visitation amongst the idols of the nation,

Therefore also there will be a visitation amongst the idols of the nation, 

because, though formed of things which God created, they were made an abomination,

because, though formed of things which God created, they were made an abomination, 

For they didn’t exist from the beginning, and they won’t exist forever.

For they didn’t exist from the beginning, and they won’t exist forever. 

and delivered to those that were under him mysteries and solemn rites.

and delivered to those that were under him mysteries and solemn rites. 

Afterward the ungodly custom, in process of time grown strong, was kept as a law,

Afterward the ungodly custom, in process of time grown strong, was kept as a law, 

and the engraved images received worship by the commandments of princes.

and the engraved images received worship by the commandments of princes. 

And when men could not honour them in presence because they lived far off,

And when men could not honour them in presence because they lived far off, 

that by their zeal they might flatter the absent as if present. 

But worship was raised to a yet higher pitch, even by those who didn’t know him,

But worship was raised to a yet higher pitch, even by those who didn’t know him, 

So the multitude, allured by reason of the grace of his handiwork,

So the multitude, allured by reason of the grace of his handiwork, 

now consider an object of devotion him that a little before was honoured as a man.

now consider an object of devotion him that a little before was honoured as a man. 

invested stones and stocks with the Name that shouldn’t be shared.

invested stones and stocks with the Name that shouldn’t be shared. 

Afterward it was not enough for them to go astray concerning the knowledge of God,

Afterward it was not enough for them to go astray concerning the knowledge of God, 

but also, while they live in a great war of ignorance, they call a multitude of evils peace.

but also, while they live in a great war of ignorance, they call a multitude of evils peace. 

For either slaughtering children in solemn rites, or celebrating secret mysteries,

For either slaughtering children in solemn rites, or celebrating secret mysteries, 

but one brings upon another either death by treachery, or anguish by adultery.

but one brings upon another either death by treachery, or anguish by adultery. 

And all things confusedly are filled with blood and murder, theft and deceit,

And all things confusedly are filled with blood and murder, theft and deceit, 

+ \xo 14:27  \xt Exodus 23:13; Psalm 16:4; Hosea 2:17; Wisdom 14:21

For the worship of idols that may not be named \x + \xo 14:27  \xt Exodus 23:13; Psalm 16:4; Hosea 2:17; Wisdom 14:21\x* 

For their worshippers either make merry to madness, or prophesy lies,

For their worshippers either make merry to madness, or prophesy lies, 

when they have sworn a wicked oath, they expect not to suffer harm.

when they have sworn a wicked oath, they expect not to suffer harm. 

and swore unrighteously in deceit through contempt for holiness.

and swore unrighteously in deceit through contempt for holiness. 

but we will not sin, knowing that we have been accounted yours. 

For to be acquainted with you is\f + \fr 15:3  \ft Gr. \fqa entire. \f* perfect righteousness, 

the sight of which leads fools into\f + \fr 15:5  \ft Some authorities read \fqa reproach. \f* lust. 

both the vessels that minister to clean uses, and those of a contrary sort,

both the vessels that minister to clean uses, and those of a contrary sort, 

Also, labouring to an evil end, he moulds a vain god out of the same clay,

Also, labouring to an evil end, he moulds a vain god out of the same clay, 

after a short space goes his way to the earth out of which he was taken,

after a short space goes his way to the earth out of which he was taken, 

when he is required to render back the\f + \fr 15:8  \ft Or, \fqa life \f* soul which was lent him. 

and he imitates molders in\f + \fr 15:9  \ft Or, \fqa copper \f* brass, 

and of him that inspired into him\f + \fr 15:11  \ft Gr. \fqa a soul that moves to activity. \f* an active\f + \fr 15:11  \ft Or, \fqa life \f* soul, 

But\f + \fr 15:12  \ft Some authorities read \fqa they accounted. \f* he accounted our life to be a game, 

and our\f + \fr 15:12  \ft Or, \fqa way of life \f* lifetime a festival for profit; 

for, he says, one must get gain however one can, even if it is by evil.

for, he says, one must get gain however one can, even if it is by evil. 

out of earthy matter making brittle vessels and engraved images.

out of earthy matter making brittle vessels and engraved images. 

because they even considered all the idols of the nations to be gods,

because they even considered all the idols of the nations to be gods, 

But, being mortal, he makes a dead thing by the work of lawless hands;

But, being mortal, he makes a dead thing by the work of lawless hands; 

for, being compared as to lack of sense, these are worse than all others;

for, being compared as to lack of sense, these are worse than all others; 

Neither, as seen beside other creatures, are they beautiful, so that one should desire them,

Neither, as seen beside other creatures, are they beautiful, so that one should desire them, 

For this cause, they were deservedly punished through creatures like those which they worship,

For this cause, they were deservedly punished through creatures like those which they worship, 

Instead of this punishment, you, giving benefits to your people,

Instead of this punishment, you, giving benefits to your people, 

For it was necessary that inescapable lack should come upon those oppressors,

For it was necessary that inescapable lack should come upon those oppressors, 

but that to these it should only be showed how their enemies were tormented.

but that to these it should only be showed how their enemies were tormented. 

For even when terrible raging of wild beasts came upon your people,

For even when terrible raging of wild beasts came upon your people, 

for he who turned towards it was not saved because of that which was seen,

for he who turned towards it was not saved because of that which was seen, 

But your children weren’t overcome by the very fangs of venomous dragons,

But your children weren’t overcome by the very fangs of venomous dragons, 

For they were bitten to put them in remembrance of your oracles,

For they were bitten to put them in remembrance of your oracles, 

for ungodly men, refusing to know you, were scourged in the strength of your arm,

for ungodly men, refusing to know you, were scourged in the strength of your arm, 

that it might not burn up the creatures sent against the ungodly,

that it might not burn up the creatures sent against the ungodly, 

but that these themselves as they looked might see that they were chased by the judgement of God.

but that these themselves as they looked might see that they were chased by the judgement of God. 

At another time even in the midst of water it burns more intensely than fire,

At another time even in the midst of water it burns more intensely than fire, 

Instead of these things, you gave your people angels’ food to eat,

Instead of these things, you gave your people angels’ food to eat, 

and you provided ready-to-eat bread for them from heaven without toil,

and you provided ready-to-eat bread for them from heaven without toil, 

that people might know that fire was destroying the fruits of the enemies,

that people might know that fire was destroying the fruits of the enemies, 

and that this fire, again, in order that righteous people may be nourished,

and that this fire, again, in order that righteous people may be nourished, 

and in kindness, slackens it on behalf of those who trust in you.

and in kindness, slackens it on behalf of those who trust in you. 

that it might be known that we must rise before the sun to give you thanks,

that it might be known that we must rise before the sun to give you thanks, 

for the hope of the unthankful will melt as the winter’s hoar frost,

for the hope of the unthankful will melt as the winter’s hoar frost, 

For when lawless men had supposed that they held a holy nation in their power,

For when lawless men had supposed that they held a holy nation in their power, 

they, prisoners of darkness, and bound in the fetters of a long night,

they, prisoners of darkness, and bound in the fetters of a long night, 

For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins,

For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins, 

they were divided from one another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness,

they were divided from one another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness, 

For neither did the dark recesses that held them guard them from fears,

For neither did the dark recesses that held them guard them from fears, 

neither were the brightest flames of the stars strong enough to illuminate that gloomy night;

neither were the brightest flames of the stars strong enough to illuminate that gloomy night; 

but only the glimmering of a self-kindled fire appeared to them, full of fear.

but only the glimmering of a self-kindled fire appeared to them, full of fear. 

For those who promised to drive away terrors and disorders from a sick soul,

For those who promised to drive away terrors and disorders from a sick soul, 

yet, scared with the creeping of vermin and hissing of serpents,

yet, scared with the creeping of vermin and hissing of serpents, 

refusing even to look at the air, which could not be escaped on any side.

refusing even to look at the air, which could not be escaped on any side. 

For wickedness, condemned by a witness within, is a coward thing,

For wickedness, condemned by a witness within, is a coward thing, 

and, being pressed hard by conscience, always has added forecasts of the worst.

and, being pressed hard by conscience, always has added forecasts of the worst. 

For fear is nothing else but a surrender of the help which reason offers;

For fear is nothing else but a surrender of the help which reason offers; 

and which came upon them out of the recesses of powerless Hades,

and which came upon them out of the recesses of powerless Hades, 

was kept captive, shut up in that prison which was not barred with iron;

was kept captive, shut up in that prison which was not barred with iron; 

yet for that they do not hurt them, though wronged by them before, they are thankful;

yet for that they do not hurt them, though wronged by them before, they are thankful; 

and because they had been at variance with them, they begged for pardon.

and because they had been at variance with them, they begged for pardon. 

For the Egyptians well deserved to be deprived of light and imprisoned by darkness,

For the Egyptians well deserved to be deprived of light and imprisoned by darkness, 

through whom the incorruptible light of the law was to be given to the race of men.

through whom the incorruptible light of the law was to be given to the race of men. 

After they had taken counsel to kill the babes of the holy ones,

After they had taken counsel to kill the babes of the holy ones, 

and when a single child had been abandoned and saved to convict them of their sin,

and when a single child had been abandoned and saved to convict them of their sin, 

that, having sure knowledge, they might be cheered by the oaths which they had trusted.

that, having sure knowledge, they might be cheered by the oaths which they had trusted. 

Salvation of the righteous and destruction of the enemies was expected by your people.

Salvation of the righteous and destruction of the enemies was expected by your people. 

and with one consent they agreed to the covenant of the divine law,

and with one consent they agreed to the covenant of the divine law, 

that they would partake alike in the same good things and the same perils,

that they would partake alike in the same good things and the same perils, 

and a pitiful voice of lamentation for children was spread abroad.

and a pitiful voice of lamentation for children was spread abroad. 

Since at a single stroke, their most cherished offspring was consumed.

Since at a single stroke, their most cherished offspring was consumed. 

For while they were disbelieving all things by reason of the enchantments,

For while they were disbelieving all things by reason of the enchantments, 

upon the destruction of the firstborn they confessed the people to be God’s children.

upon the destruction of the firstborn they confessed the people to be God’s children. 

your all-powerful word leapt from heaven, from the royal throne,

your all-powerful word leapt from heaven, from the royal throne, 

that they might not perish without knowing why they were afflicted.

that they might not perish without knowing why they were afflicted. 

by bringing to remembrance oaths and covenants made with the fathers.

by bringing to remembrance oaths and covenants made with the fathers. 

For when the dead had already fallen in heaps one upon another, 

and the glories of the fathers were upon the engraving of the four rows of precious stones,

and the glories of the fathers were upon the engraving of the four rows of precious stones, 

But indignation without mercy came upon the ungodly to the end; 

and pursued as fugitives those whom they had begged to leave and driven out.

and pursued as fugitives those whom they had begged to leave and driven out. 

that they might fill up the punishment which was yet lacking from their torments,

that they might fill up the punishment which was yet lacking from their torments, 

For the whole creation, each part in its diverse kind, was made new again,

For the whole creation, each part in its diverse kind, was made new again, 

For they still remembered the things that happened in the time of their sojourning,

For they still remembered the things that happened in the time of their sojourning, 

and instead of fish, the river spewed out a multitude of frogs. 

not without the signs that were given beforehand by the violence of the thunder,

not without the signs that were given beforehand by the violence of the thunder, 

for the hatred which they practised towards guests was grievous indeed.

for the hatred which they practised towards guests was grievous indeed. 

For while the others didn’t receive the strangers when they came to them,

For while the others didn’t receive the strangers when they came to them, 

the Egyptians made slaves of guests who were their benefactors. 

And not only so, but while punishment of some sort will come upon the former,

And not only so, but while punishment of some sort will come upon the former, 

as may clearly be conjectured from the sight of the things that have happened.

as may clearly be conjectured from the sight of the things that have happened. 

For creatures of the dry land were turned into creatures of the waters,

For creatures of the dry land were turned into creatures of the waters, 

On the contrary, flames didn’t consume flesh of perishable creatures that walked amongst them,

On the contrary, flames didn’t consume flesh of perishable creatures that walked amongst them, 

neither did they melt the crystalline grains of ambrosial food that were melted easily.

neither did they melt the crystalline grains of ambrosial food that were melted easily. 