Black as Evil

[Stephen Hodge]

G.v.Simson wrote:

> I have no Old Testament at hand here in my office (perhaps I
should), but I
> wonder whether this should not be interpreted as: your sins shall be
white
> i.e. they shall washed off, be no sins any more, they shall
disappear?

I think you are right -- the new JPS bible has:
"Be your sins like crimson,
they can turn snow-white;
Be they red as dyed wool,
they can become like fleece"

Just before this verse, Isa 1.16 has "Wash yourselves clean; put your
evil doings away from My sight" which seems to contextualize v18.

Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge