5 ^aThe earth is also defiled under its inhabitants,
Because they have ^btransgressed the laws,
Changed the ordinance,
Broken the ^ceverlasting covenant. ‡

6 Therefore ^athe curse has devoured the earth,
And those who dwell in it are¹ desolate.
Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are ^bburned,
And few men are left. ‡

7 ^aThe new wine fails, the vine languishes,
All the merry-hearted sigh. ‡

8 The mirth ^aof the tambourine ceases,
The noise of the jubilant ends,
The joy of the harp ceases. ‡