Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day.

Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.

There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed.

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD?