The Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 23:22

1830 Edition

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her day shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people: but the wicked shall perish.

Influences

Isaiah 13:22 (KJV)
And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

Changes

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces:; and her time is near to come, and her day shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people:, but the wicked shall perish.

Simple English

Wild animals will cry in their empty houses. Dragons will live in their beautiful palaces. Her time is almost here. Her day will not last much longer. I will destroy her soon. I will be kind to my people. But the wicked will die.

Paraphrase

Hyenas will howl in the abandoned fortresses, jackals in the once-beautiful palaces. Babylon’s time is running out—her days are numbered. I’ll destroy her quickly. I’ll show mercy to my people, but the wicked will perish.“