Hosea

Hosea front

Introduction to Hosea

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Hosea

1. God tells Hosea to marry Gomer as a picture of how Israel relates to Yahweh (1:1–3:5)
2. Israel betrays, wanders, and sins; Yahweh appeals and pleas to return to him (4:1–7:3)
3. The conflict between Yahweh and Israel explained in various ways (7:4–13:8)
   • Similes: oven, cake, dove, bow (7:4–16)
   • Israel openly lies and rebels (8:1–14)
   • The end of Israel predicted (9:1–17)
   • Similes: grapes, vine, calf, lion, children, birds, and doves (10:1–11:11)
   • Israel sins, betrays, and breaks alliances (11:12–12:1)
   • Israel’s history remembered (12:2–13:16)
   • Idolatry (13:1–8)
4. Israel is hostile to Yahweh (13:9–16)
5. Yahweh’s last appeals to Israel (14:1–9)

What is the Book of Hosea about?

This book contains the prophecies of Hosea, son of Beeri. Hosea lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. He often called this kingdom Ephraim or Samaria. Hosea prophesied for about 38 years and predicted that Assyria would destroy the northern kingdom of Israel.

Hosea began to prophesy around 753 B.C., just before King Jeroboam II died. At this time, the kingdom of Israel was prosperous but spiritually weak. Hosea warned how Yahweh would punish Israel unless the people turned back to Yahweh and were faithful to him.

How should the title of this book be translated?

This book is traditionally named “The Book of Hosea” or just “Hosea.” Translators may also call it “The Book About Hosea” or “The Sayings of Hosea.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Book of Hosea?

Although this book tells what Hosea prophesied, it is uncertain whether Hosea wrote the book himself. It was probably written after Samaria, the capital of the norther kingdom, was destroyed in 721 B.C.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why did God command Hosea to marry a prostitute?

God told Hosea to marry the prostitute Gomer. This represented how the kingdom of Israel related to Yahweh. Israel was unfaithful to Yahweh and broke the covenant with him. This is compared to a woman who is unfaithful to her husband breaks her marriage agreement with him. (See: Metaphor and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and covenant)

What is a lawsuit?

Many cultures have a process for resolving disputes through law courts. These legal disputes are called lawsuits. The Book of Hosea contains some legal terms. This is because Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a husband accusing his wife in court of being unfaithful to him. Part of the Book of Hosea follows the form of a lawsuit. A problem is identified (4:1), someone is accused (4:4), someone is found guilty (4:15), and the guilty ones will be punished (5:1).

Who did the people of the kingdom of Israel worship?

Israel was supposed to worship Yahweh alone. But they worshiped both Yahweh and the Canaanite gods such as Baal. This was a major reason why Yahweh judged the kingdom of Israel. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and judge, judgment)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What does the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” mean?

The prophet used the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” to mark a message as truly coming from God.

Why are English translations of Hosea very different?

Hosea 4–14 has many problems of interpretation. Some phrases in Hosea are beyond how we currently understand the Hebrew language. Many English versions have translated these difficult sections very differently.

What does the term “Israel” mean in Hosea?

In Hosea, “Israel” is used only to refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. It is not used to refer to the southern kingdom or to the two kingdoms together. (See: kingdom of Israel)

Hosea 1

Hosea 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:2–11.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hosea’s marriage

God does not approve of prostitution, but he told Hosea to marry a prostitute so that the message of Israel’s unfaithfulness would be shown to the people. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Hosea’s marriage to Gomer is a metaphor for the kingdom of Israel’s relationship to Yahweh. Israel was unfaithful to Yahweh and broke the covenant with him. Gomer was a woman who was unfaithful to her husband broke her marriage agreement with him. (See: Metaphor and covenant)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Hosea 1–4 is controlled by a metaphor that Hosea lived out. He was personifying the relationship between Israel and Yahweh. Hosea played the part of Yahweh, and Gomer played the part of Israel.

Hosea 1:1

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Quote: Beeri (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a man.

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Quote: Uzziah … Jotham … Ahaz … Hezekiah … Jeroboam … Joash (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The events in this book happened during the time of these kings.

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Quote: Yahweh (0)

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Hosea 1:2

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Quote: great prostitution (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “prostitution” represents the people being unfaithful to God.

Hosea 1:3

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Quote: Gomer … Diblaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of people.

Hosea 1:4

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Quote: the house of Jehu (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” means “family,” including Jehu’s descendants.

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Quote: the house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This expression refers to kingdom of Israel.

Hosea 1:5

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Quote: the bow of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “bow” refers to the power of the army. Alternate translation: “the military power of Israel”

Hosea 1:6

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Quote: Lo-Ruhamah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This name means “no mercy.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. Alternate translation: “No Mercy”

Hosea 1:8

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Quote: Lo-Ruhamah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This name means “no mercy.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. See how you translated this in Hosea 1:6. Alternate translation: “No Mercy”

Hosea 1:9

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Quote: Lo-Ammi (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This name means “not my people.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. Alternate translation: “Not My People”

Hosea 1:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

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Quote: like the sand of the seashore (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This emphasizes the great number of Israelites.

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Quote: which cannot be measured or counted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which no one can measure or count”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be that where it was said to them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Where God said to them”

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Quote: where it was said to them (0)

This expression probably refers to Jezreel, the city where crimes had been committed by kings of Israel, and which was a symbol of God’s punishment of them.

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Quote: it will be said to them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will say to them”

Hosea 1:11

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Quote: will be gathered together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will gather them together”

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Quote: go up from the land (0)

This expression might refer to the land where the people of Israel were in captivity.

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Quote: the day of Jezreel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the time when God will put his people back in the land of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Hosea 2

Hosea 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of this chapter, which is poetry, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. Hosea 1–2 is a single series forming one narrative.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Many relationships are used in this chapter that are metaphors for the relationship between Israel and her God. Brother, sister, husband, wife, mother, and children are examples. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter creates an abrupt change of address. The prophet is now addressing the children directly in the first few verses, but the whole chapter is written against Gomer as an illustration of Israel as an adulterous people. God uses Gomer as an illustration to teach the people of Israel how they should be faithful to him. (See: adultery, adulterous, adulterer, adulteress and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Hosea 2:1

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

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Quote: My people! (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations

This exclamation may be presented as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are my people!”

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Quote: You have been shown compassion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has shown you compassion”

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Quote: compassion (0)

Alternate translation: “kindness” or “mercy”

Hosea 2:2

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lawsuit (0)

This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law.

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Quote: your mother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “mother” refers to the nation of Israel.

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Quote: for she is not my wife (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is stating that Israel, spoken of here as a woman, is no longer acting like a wife to Yahweh. Instead Israel has turned away from following and worshiping him.

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Quote: neither am I her husband (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh can no longer be in relationship with the nation of Israel as a husband would be to his wife.

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Quote: her acts of adultery (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A wife who is adulterous leaves her husband to sleep with another man. This is how Israel was acting toward Yahweh.

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Quote: from between her breasts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This imagery suggests that Israel is relying on the idols and not Yahweh.

Hosea 2:3

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Quote: I will strip her naked and show her nakedness as on the day that she was born (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh will no longer protect and provide for Israel because the nation has turned away from him. In Israel, husbands were obliged by law to provide clothes for their wives.

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Quote: I will make her like the wilderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh will change Israel to resemble the wilderness, which is a region that is bare and unproductive.

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Quote: I will make her die from thirst (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “thirst” refers to the need to worship and rely on Yahweh, not idols, or Israel will not be able to survive as a nation.

Hosea 2:4

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for they are children of prostitution (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The Israelites are acting like they do not belong to Yahweh. Just as their parents did not worship God, Neither do they.

Hosea 2:5

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Quote: For their mother has been a prostitute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The previous generation who sought out other gods were considered prostitutes for they were unfaithful to Yahweh.

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Quote: I will go after my lovers, for they give me my bread and water, my wool and flax, my oil and drink (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “my lovers” refers to Baal and other false gods, whom Israel has chosen to worship instead of Yahweh. The list of things are essential items that allow the people to live.

Hosea 2:6

General Information:

Yahweh is talking to Hosea.

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Quote: Therefore I will build up a hedge to block her way with thorns. I will build up a wall against her so she cannot find her way (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This passage indicates that Yahweh will prevent his people from finding success and prosperity, because they continue to worship idols.

Hosea 2:7

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Quote: Then she will say, “I will return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than it is now.” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Israel will return to Yahweh not because of their love for him, but because they are disappointed by their worship of Baal.

Hosea 2:8

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

Hosea 2:9

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Quote: I will take back my wool and flax that were used to cover her nakedness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This probably means that Israel’s harvests and flocks will fail. Yahweh will remove his blessings from Israel, and the people will be left alone and in danger of attack.

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Quote: were used to cover her nakedness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people used to clothe themselves”

Hosea 2:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then I will strip her naked in the sight of her lovers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means God will humiliate the people of Israel in front of the other nations nearby. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:3.

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Quote: no one will rescue her out of my hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

No one will try to help Israel. Here “hand” refers to God’s power to punish.

Hosea 2:12

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do to Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These are the wages that my lovers gave me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to payment that Israel received from the false gods or Baals. Alternate translation: “that these were the wages that her lovers had given to her”

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Quote: make them a forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh will destroy the vineyards and fruit trees by allowing other trees and weeds to grow among them.

Hosea 2:14

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

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Quote: So I am going to win her back (0)

Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will bring her back to me”

Hosea 2:15

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Quote: the Valley of Achor as a door of hope (0)

As Yahweh lead Israel out of Egypt, he will lead Israel to the Valley of Achor so that Israel will hope again in Yahweh.

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Quote: She will answer me there as she did in the days of her youth, as in the days that she came out of the land of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh hopes that the nation of Israel will repent and again choose to worship him as their God.

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Quote: She will answer (0)

Some modern versions understand the Hebrew word to mean “She will sing.”

Hosea 2:16

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Quote: My husband (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means the people of Israel will love and be faithful to Yahweh just as a wife is to a husband.

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Quote: My Baal (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“Baal” means “master” and also refers to the false god that the Canaanites worship.

Hosea 2:17

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Quote: For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The Israelites will not speak the names of Baal and the idols again. The people are represented by their mouths. Alternate translation: “For I will cause you to not speak the names of the Baals”

Hosea 2:18

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do to Israel.

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Quote: On that day (0)

This phrase is used to talk about a future restoration between Israel and Yahweh.

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Quote: I will make a covenant for them (0)

Yahweh’s new covenant will include peace for the animals.

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Quote: I will drive away the bow, the sword, and the battle from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh will keep Israel’s enemies away from them, there will be no more war, the people will be safe. Here “the bow, the sword, and the battle” represent war.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lie down in safety (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This expression refers to living in safety.

Hosea 2:19

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do for Israel.

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Quote: I will promise to be your husband forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh will be like the husband, and Israel will be like Yahweh’s wife.

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Quote: in righteousness, justice, covenant faithfulness, and mercy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “and do what is right, just, faithful, and merciful”

Hosea 2:20

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Quote: you will know Yahweh (0)

Here “know” means to acknowledge Yahweh as their God and to be faithful to him.

Hosea 2:21

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do for Israel.

Hosea 2:22

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Quote: The earth will answer the grain, the new wine and the oil, and they will answer Jezreel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The land will meet the need for grain, new wine, and olive oil. These things will also meet the needs of Jezreel. The land and these products are spoken of as if they were people who could meet the needs of others.

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Quote: Jezreel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the name of this valley stands for all the people of Israel.

Hosea 2:23

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do for Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will plant her for myself in the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When God makes his people safe and prosperous in their land again, they are spoken of if they were agricultural crops. Alternate translation: “I will take care of the Israelite people as a farmer plants his crops and takes care of them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lo-Ruhamah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This name means “no mercy.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. See how you translated this in Hosea 1:6. Alternate translation: “No Mercy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lo-Ammi (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This name means “not my people.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. See how you translated this in Hosea 1:9. Alternate translation: “Not My People”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ammi Attah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This name means “you are my people.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. Alternate translation: “You Are My People”

Hosea 3

Hosea 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter focuses on the meaning of the illustration of Hosea’s marriage. It is a very short chapter written in prose to show the truth of Israel’s relationship with Yahweh. After bearing a number of children for Hosea, Gomer leaves him and prostitutes herself with other men, showing little to no regard for their marriage covenant. (See: covenant)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

This chapter contains a continuation of the metaphor played out in chapter 2. Hosea is told to go and buy his wife out of slavery. Gomer must have been captured and held as a slave due to her adulterous activity. (See: Metaphor and adultery, adulterous, adulterer, adulteress)

Hosea 3:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Go again, love a woman, loved by her husband, but who is an adulteress (0)

This refers back to Hosea 1:2. Yahweh again tells Hosea to love an adulterous woman.

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Quote: Love her just as I, Yahweh, love the people of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

By loving the adulterous woman, Hosea will be an example of Yahweh’s love for Israel.

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Quote: they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes (0)

People ate raisin or fig cakes during festivals where they worshiped false gods.

Hosea 3:2

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Quote: fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley (0)

This was the price to buy a slave.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fifteen pieces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“15 pieces”

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Quote: a homer and a lethek of barley (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume

This can be stated in modern units. Alternate translation: “330 liters of barley”

Hosea 3:4

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Quote: For the people of Israel will live for many days without a king, prince, sacrifice, stone pillar, ephod or household idols (0)

Just as Hosea lived without his wife because she committed adultery, Israel will live without a king and without worshiping God, because they committed idolatry.

Hosea 3:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seek Yahweh their God (0)

Here “seek” means they are asking God to accept them and their worship.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: David their king (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “David” represents all the descendants of David. Alternate translation: “a descendant of David to be their king”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the last days (0)

Alternate translation: “in the future”

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Quote: they will come trembling before Yahweh and his goodness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “trembling” represents feelings of awe and humility. Alternate translation: “they will come back to Yahweh and will humble themselves, honor him, and ask for his blessings”

Hosea 4

Hosea 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The author stops using the metaphor of a husband/wife relationship and begins using a new illustration using lawsuits. God is suing the people of Israel because of all the wrong they have done. (See: Metaphor)

Special concepts in this chapter

Lawsuits

Lawsuits are special cases where people go to court when they have a legal issue to resolve between them. Normally, one party is accusing another party of having done wrong.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

Metonymy is used in the first few verses of this chapter. Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or idea is called not by its own name, but by the name of something closely associated with it. Bloodshed is associated with murder. Stumbling represents sinning. (See: Metonymy and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Hosea 4:1

General Information:

This chapter begins Yahweh’s argument against the unfaithful Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has a lawsuit against the inhabitants of the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh stating that the people of Israel have sinned against him and broken his covenant is spoken of as if Yahweh were accusing them in court.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lawsuit (0)

This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:2.

Hosea 4:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The people have broken all bounds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “bounds” stands for the limits of what the law allows. Alternate translation: “The people have disobeyed the law in every possible way”

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Quote: bloodshed comes after bloodshed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here “bloodshed” stands for “murder” which often involves making the victim bleed. Alternate translation: “you commit one murder after another” (See also: Metonymy)

Hosea 4:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So the land is drying up (0)

This expression refers to drought, when no rain falls for a long time.

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Quote: wasting away (0)

becoming weak and dying because of sickness or lack of food

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Quote: are being taken away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “are dying”

Hosea 4:4

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lawsuit (0)

a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law

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Quote: do not let anyone accuse anyone else (0)

No one should accuse another person of anything because everyone is guilty of something.

Hosea 4:5

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Quote: You priests will stumble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “stumble” means to disobey God or even to stop trusting him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will destroy your mother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “mother” refers to the nation of Israel. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:2.

Hosea 4:6

General Information:

In 4:6, Yahweh is talking to the priests about the people of Israel. But in 4:7, he is talking about the priests, not to them. It is possible for the translator to follow the example of the UST, which portrays Yahweh as talking to the priests also in 4:7.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My people are being destroyed because of the lack of knowledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My people are perishing because you, the priests, have not properly taught them about me so that they will obey me”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: knowledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “knowledge” refers to the knowledge of God.

Hosea 4:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They exchanged their honor for shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) “honor” is a metonym that represents Yahweh, and “shame” is a metonym that represents idols. Alternate translation: “They have stopped worshiping me, their honorable God, and now worship shameful idols” or (2) some Bible versions translate this as “I will exchange their honor for shame.” This means Yahweh will take away the things which the priests honor and cause the priests to be ashamed.

Hosea 4:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They feed on the sin of my people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

When people sinned, they would offer sacrifices so God would forgive them. The priests were allowed to eat these sacrifices.

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Quote: they are greedy for more of their wickedness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The priests want the people to sin more so that the people will offer more sacrifices that the priests may eat.

Hosea 4:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be the same for the people as for the priests (0)

Alternate translation: “The people and the priests will be punished in the same way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their practices (0)

Alternate translation: “their habits” or “their conduct”

Hosea 4:10

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but not increase (0)

Alternate translation: “but not have children”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they have gone far away (0)

The people have stopped worshiping and following God.

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Quote: from Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “from me”

Hosea 4:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sexual promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which have taken away their understanding (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The people of Israel are pursuing sex outside of marriage and drinking too much wine. In doing these activities they have forgotten Yahweh’s commands. These actions are spoken of here as if they were someone who could prevent other people from understanding the importance of obeying Yahweh.

Hosea 4:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their walking sticks give them prophecies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Idol worshipers used walking sticks to help them predict the future. The walking sticks are spoken of here as if they were people who spoke prophecies.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a mind of promiscuity has misled them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Worshiping the idols and sleeping with the temple prostitutes has developed in the people of Israel the desire to always sin against Yahweh in these ways. Here “mind” is spoken of as if it were a separate person who was able to convince the people to disobey Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has misled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

has convinced the people to sin

Hosea 4:13

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on the tops of the mountains … on the hills (0)

It was common for the people to set up idols in these places, often called “high places” in the Old Testament.

Hosea 4:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sacred prostitutes (0)

These were women who had sexual relations with men who came to worship certain idols. This was viewed as a sacred action in honor of the false gods.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So this people who does not understand will be thrown down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh will destroy the nation of Israel because they do not understand or obey God’s commandments.

Hosea 4:15

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may Judah not become guilty (0)

God knows how sinful Israel has become and does not want Judah to do the same thing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not go to Gilgal, you people; do not go up to Beth Aven (0)

The people of Judah are being warned not to go to the cities of Gilgal or Beth Aven to worship idols in those places. Gilgal was once a place where Yahweh had been worshiped, but it had become a place of idol worship.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Beth Aven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom.

Hosea 4:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a stubborn heifer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Israel is compared to a young cow that will not obey its master.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How can Yahweh bring them to pasture like lambs in a meadow? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he cannot continue to take care of the people because they are stubborn. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not shepherd a rebellious people.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How can Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Here Yahweh is speaking of himself in the third person. It can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “How can I”

Hosea 4:17

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim united himself with idols; leave him alone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Ephraim” represents the whole northern kingdom of Israel, which is a metonym for the people who live there. They chose to worship idols, instead of Yahweh.

Hosea 4:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her rulers dearly love their shame (0)

The rulers are not ashamed of what they are doing when they worship idols and turn against Yahweh.

Hosea 4:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The wind will wrap her up in its wings (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “wind” represents God’s judgment and anger against the nation of Israel.

Hosea 5

Hosea 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using the poetic form exclusively.

Special concepts in this chapter

The author uses Ephraim and Israel interchangeably. They both refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. Judah is also mentioned and refers to the southern kingdom of Judah. Benjamin is part of the southern kingdom of Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

This chapter is full of metaphors and similes. The writer uses these figures of speech to show how Yahweh will treat his people for not obeying his instructions. (See: Metaphor and Simile and people of God)

Hosea 5:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

Hosea 5:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The rebels stand deep in slaughter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “rebels” refers to all of those people who had turned away from Yahweh, and “deep in slaughter” could refer to the murder of innocent people, or to the slaughter of animals offered to pagan idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The rebels (0)

The translator can represent this as “You rebels,” because God is really talking to the rebellious people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in slaughter (0)

Some modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression as standing for wickedness.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will punish all of them (0)

The translator can represent this as “I will punish all of you.”

Hosea 5:3

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, “Ephraim” and “Israel” both refer to the whole northern kingdom of Israel, and represent the people who live there.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim, now you have become like a prostitute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Ephraim is presented in terms of a prostitute because the people have become unfaithful to God, as a prostitute is faithful to no man.

Hosea 5:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the mind of adultery is in them (0)

This means they have the desire to be unfaithful to God. They want to worship idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to turn to God … they do not know Yahweh (0)

The translator can represent this as “to turn to me … they do not know me,” or “to turn to me … they do not know me, Yahweh.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they do not know Yahweh (0)

Israel no longer obeys Yahweh in any way. They do not acknowledge Yahweh as their God.

Hosea 5:5

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The pride of Israel testifies against him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This describes “pride” as a person who testifies against the people of Israel in court. Their prideful attitude and behavior show that they are guilty of no longer obeying Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their guilt; and Judah also will stumble with them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The two kingdoms will become completely disobedient to God because of their pride and sin.

Hosea 5:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They were unfaithful to Yahweh, for they have borne illegitimate children (0)

This could mean: (1) this means the Israelites were marrying people from other nations and having children with them or (2) this means the Israelite parents were unfaithful to Yahweh and they were teaching their children to worship idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now the new moon festivals will devour them with their fields (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The people of Israel were supposed to celebrate during the new moon. Here this expression seems to describe the new moon festival as a beast that will eat the people and their fields. However, it is hard to interpret this expression; many versions translate it without making much sense of it. However, the overall meaning is certainly that God will punish the people for their unfaithfulness to him.

Hosea 5:8

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Blow the horn in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here “horn” and “trumpet” mean the same thing. This command is given to the people of Gibeah and Ramah to emphasize that the enemy is coming.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sound a battle cry at Beth Aven: ‘We will follow you, Benjamin!’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Benjamin” represents the soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin. This may be a request for them to lead the people into battle. But modern versions make various attempts to interpret this expression.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Beth Aven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom. See how you translated this in Hosea 4:15.

Hosea 5:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Among the tribes of Israel I have declared what is certain to happen (0)

Alternate translation: “I will do to the tribes of Israel what I have declared”

Hosea 5:10

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The leaders of Judah are like those who move a boundary stone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

To “move a boundary stone” refers to moving the landmark that marked the border of some property, which was a crime under Israelite law.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will pour my wrath on them like water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh’s wrath against Judah will be like a large stream of water that destroys them. In the scriptures, emotions and moral qualities are often spoken of as if they were liquids.

Hosea 5:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim is crushed; he is crushed in judgment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This statement is made twice for emphasis. Here “Ephraim” refers to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will punish the people of Israel severely” (See also: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: walked after idols (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “walked” represents the idea of worshiping.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: idols (0)

The Hebrew word translated here as “idols” is uncertain in its meaning, and is translated by modern versions in many different ways.

Hosea 5:12

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will be like a moth to Ephraim, and like rot to the house of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

A moth on a piece of wool and rot in a piece of wood are both destructive. Yahweh will destroy both nations.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: moth … rot (0)

These two terms are translated in various ways because the meaning of the Hebrew word is either very broad or it is uncertain.

Hosea 5:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Both Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) realized that they were in danger.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then Ephraim went to Assyria, and Judah sent messengers to the great king (0)

Ephraim and Judah asked Assyria for help instead of asking Yahweh for help. “Great king” was a title for the king of Assyria.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But he was not able (0)

Here “he” refers to the king of Assyria.

Hosea 5:14

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So I will be like a lion to Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh is going to pursue and attack Ephraim like a lion.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a young lion to the house of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh is going to treat Judah in a similar way. Yahweh is showing his displeasure with both the northern and the southern kingdoms.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, even I (0)

Yahweh is emphasizing that he is the one that is bringing judgment on all of his people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will tear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

As a lion tears apart the animal it is eating, so Yahweh will tear his people away from their homes and country.

Hosea 5:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will go and return to my place (0)

Yahweh will leave his rebellious people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seek my face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Try to come into God’s presence by means of worship and sacrifice. Alternate translation: “ask me to pay attention to them”

Hosea 6

Hosea 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using the poetic form to show how Yahweh will still show mercy to his wayward people, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Gilead is an area in the northern kingdom of Israel where several of the tribes lived. (See: mercy, merciful)

Special concepts in this chapter

Change in speaker

There is a change in person from 6:1–3 to 6:4–11. In the first passage, the speaker is an anonymous Israelite, but in the rest of the chapter, the speaker is Yahweh.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Throughout the chapter, the author uses the metaphor of prostitution to say that his people have abandoned him. (See: Metaphor)

Hosea 6:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

The people of Israel confess their need to repent.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has torn us to pieces … he has injured us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

God has punished the people of Israel because they disobeyed him and worshiped idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will heal us … he will bandage our wounds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Israel believes that God will be merciful to them when they repent and he will deliver them from their troubles.

Hosea 6:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: After two days he will revive us; he will raise us up on the third day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This represents a short period of time. Israel believes God will quickly come to rescue them from their enemies.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: two days … the third day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“2 days … day 3” (See also: Ordinal Numbers)

Hosea 6:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let us know Yahweh (0)

Here “know” means not only to learn God’s character and laws, but also to become faithful to him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His coming out is as sure as the dawn (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh will come to help his people just as surely as the sun rises each morning.

Hosea 6:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what will I do with you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

God is expressing that his patience is coming to an end and what remains is judgment. Alternate translation: “it is hard to know what to do with you!”

Hosea 6:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So I have cut them to pieces by the prophets (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Through his prophets, Yahweh has pronounced destruction on the rebellious nation. The destruction, here called “cutting to pieces,” is as sure as the condemnation.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your decrees are like the light that shines out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here the prophet Hosea is speaking to God. He may mean that when God gives the command for someone to die as punishment, it is like a bolt of lightning that strikes. Or he may mean that God’s commandments allow people to know the truth, just as light makes objects visible.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your decrees (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s commands”

Hosea 6:6

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For I desire faithfulness and not sacrifice (0)

This grammatical construction in Hebrew signals here the idea of “more than,” as the next line shows (“and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings”). Alternate translation: “For I desire faithfulness more than sacrifice”

Hosea 6:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Like Adam (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) this refers to Adam, the first man or (2) this is a metonym that represents the people who live in a city in Israel called Adam. Alternate translation: “Like the people in the city of Adam” or (3) this refers to people in general. The word “Adam” means “man” or “humankind.” Alternate translation: “Like all of humankind”

Hosea 6:8

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Gilead is a city … with footprints of blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“Footprints of blood” probably represents the evildoers and their acts of murder.

Hosea 6:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the priests band together to commit murder on the way to Shechem (0)

We do not know what this refers to. Were priests actually guilty of attacking people on their way to Shechem, which was an important religious and political center? Or is the prophet saying that the priests have “killed” true knowledge and worship of Yahweh? It is best to translate this expression as plainly as possible.

Hosea 6:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim’s prostitution (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “prostitution” refers to Ephraim’s worship of false gods.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel has become unclean (0)

Israel has become unacceptable to God because of her actions.

Hosea 6:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For you also, Judah, a harvest has been appointed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have set a time of harvest for you also, Judah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: harvest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “harvest” represents God’s final judgment on Israel and Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fortunes (0)

prosperity and security

Hosea 7

Hosea 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using poetic forms to speak of Yahweh’s anger over the sin of the people. The people are not seeking Yahweh; they are seeking other gods and looking for salvation from other nations like Egypt and Assyria. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning, god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and save, saved, safe, salvation)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Baking

Baking of bread is an extended metaphor in this chapter. Yahweh uses various aspects of this activity to show his displeasure with their sins. (See: Metaphor)

Hosea 7:1

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I want to heal Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Making Israel obedient to God again and receivers of his blessing is spoken of as if it were healing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for they practice deceit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people are selling and buying products dishonestly.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: marauding band (0)

This is a group of people who are attacking other people without cause.

Hosea 7:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their deeds surround them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people’s evil deeds are probably spoken of here as if they were other people ready to accuse them of their crimes.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are before my face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here God is represented by his “face” which emphasizes his presence and awareness. Alternate translation: “and I see it all”

Hosea 7:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They are all adulterers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people committed spiritual adultery by worshiping idols and being unfaithful to Yahweh. They were probably also being unfaithful to their husbands or wives by sleeping with other people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like an oven heated by the baker (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This means the people had strong desires to do evil. Alternate translation: “like an oven which the baker heats”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: kneading of the dough (0)

This is a part of the process of making bread.

Hosea 7:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: On the day of our king (0)

This is perhaps a festival held by the king.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He reached out with his hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This probably means to unite or join with someone. It may mean that the king joins with his officials to mock things or people that should not be mocked, even God himself.

Hosea 7:6

General Information:

The court officials’ plotting is described. Their anger is what motivates them to kill their king.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For with hearts like an oven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means like a fire burns in an oven, these people have strong evil desires within them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their anger smolders (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “smolders” means something is burning slowly without a flame. Alternate translation: “Their anger grows slowly and quietly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it burns high like a flaming fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The intensity of their anger is spoken of as if it was a very hot fire. Alternate translation: “it gets very intense”

Hosea 7:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They all are as hot as an oven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This compares their anger to the heat that comes from an oven.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they devour those who rule over them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This seems to mean that the court officials kill their kings.

Hosea 7:8

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples (0)

This is probably a reference to the efforts made by the northern kingdom’s kings to ally themselves with other nations for protection against attack.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim is a flat cake that has not been turned over (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Ephraim” refers to the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “The people of Ephraim are like a cake that no one has turned over”

Hosea 7:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Gray hairs are sprinkled on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “gray hairs” represent old age.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but he does not know it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

However, this “old age” is clearly a way of saying that the northern kingdom is getting weaker and weaker, because the nation does not know it is “old.”

Hosea 7:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The pride of Israel testifies against him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This describes “pride” as a person who testifies against the people of Israel in court. This means their prideful attitude and behavior show that they are guilty of no longer obeying Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor have they sought him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Israel’s lack of interest in Yahweh is spoken of as if he was lost and they were not trying to find him. Alternate translation: “nor have they tried to get him to pay attention to them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in spite of all this (0)

Here “this” refers God allowing foreigners to defeat them and make them weak.

Hosea 7:11

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Quote: Ephraim is like a dove, gullible and without sense (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Doves were thought to be foolish birds.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Egypt … Assyria (0)

These were powerful nations that Israel could ask for help.

Hosea 7:12

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will spread my net over them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a way to catch birds. Yahweh continues to compare the people of Israel to doves. When they go to Egypt or Assyria for help, Yahweh will punish them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will bring them down like the birds of the sky (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh speaks of the way he will judge Israel as if they were birds that he would catch in a net. Alternate translation: “I will hunt them like birds” or “I will catch them like a hunter catches birds”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in their flocking together (0)

This expression extends the metaphor of the birds.

Hosea 7:14

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they wail on their beds (0)

It was usual for idol worshipers to eat ceremonial meals while reclining on couches or beds.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they turn away from me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here no longer worshiping God is spoken of as turning away from him. Alternate translation: “they no longer worship me”

Hosea 7:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Though I trained them and strengthened their arms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This may be a military metaphor, in which God training the Israelites to love him and obey him is spoken of as if he had been training their men for war.

Hosea 7:16

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They are like a slack bow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

That is, a bow that has no bowstring, or that has no tension.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of the insolence of their tongues (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “tongue” refers to what the officials say. Alternate translation: “because they insult me” or “because they curse me”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This will become their mockery in the land of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mockery, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “This is why people in Egypt will mock and laugh at Israel”

Hosea 8

Hosea 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to use the poetic form to communicate several other ways the people of Israel have sinned against God. First, Yahweh notes that they have set up a king without consulting him. Next, they set up or reinstalled the golden calves of Samaria. Last, they were seeking help from other nations like Egypt and Assyria. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Special concepts in this chapter

This chapter contains some references to the “calf of Samaria.” This most likely refers to an image that was set up by an earlier king of Israel. He did this in order to discourage his people from going to Jerusalem, which was part of the southern kingdom of Judah.

Hosea 8:1

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about the coming of the Assyrian army to attack the northern kingdom.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: An eagle is coming over the house of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The eagle, a bird of prey, is sometimes used to represent the enemies of Israel. Alternate translation: “As an eagle hunts another animal, the enemies of Israel are coming to capture my people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: broken my covenant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “broken” represents “disobeyed,” “violated.”

Hosea 8:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: know you (0)

Alternate translation: “are faithful to you”

Hosea 8:4

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but it was only so they might be cut off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but the result will be that I will destroy the people”

Hosea 8:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your calf has been rejected (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

This could mean: (1) this is the prophet speaking. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has rejected your calf” or (2) Yahweh is speaking. Alternate translation: “I myself have rejected your calf”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your calf (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The people worshiped an idol that looked like a calf, so Yahweh is speaking of their worship as if it were the calf itself. Alternate translation: “Because you worship your calf idol, your worship”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My anger is burning against these people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Anger is often spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “I am very angry with these people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For how long will they stay guilty? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh asks this question to express his anger about his people being impure. “I am angry with these people because they have no desire to be innocent.”

Hosea 8:6

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

Hosea 8:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the people sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

To sow or plant the wind is to act in useless or destructive ways. To reap the whirlwind is to suffer disaster from one’s own actions.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The standing grain has no heads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “head” refers to the part of the plant where the grain is. A stalk with no head has nothing to give to the farmer. In the same way, Israel’s actions will result in nothing good.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If it does come to maturity, foreigners will devour it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If any of Israel’s actions do happen to result in something good, Israel’s enemies will come and take it from them.

Hosea 8:8

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel is swallowed up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, “swallowed” means to be defeated and taken into exile. Alternate translation: “The enemies of Israel have taken the Israelites away to other lands”

Hosea 8:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a wild donkey all alone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

People often think of donkeys as being stubborn. This means the people of Israel refused to listen to Yahweh but instead went to the people of Assyria for help.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim has hired lovers for herself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Ephraim’s alliances with other nations are spoken of as if they had paid them to become prostitutes for Ephraim. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel have tried to pay other nations to protect them”

Hosea 8:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of the oppression of the king of princes (0)

That is, because the Assyrian king, also called “the Great King,” will make the people suffer.

Hosea 8:11

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

Hosea 8:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I could write down my law for them ten thousand times, but they would (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Yahweh is describing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Even if I wrote down my law for them very many times, they would”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ten thousand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“10,000”

Hosea 8:13

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will return to Egypt (0)

Because of their sin, God will send his people away as slaves to the Egyptians.

Hosea 9

Hosea 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter is written in poetic form to speak of Yahweh’s displeasure with Israel’s sins. He is showing the many ways in which they do not honor him. The priests and kings do not understand how they have totally broken their covenant with Yahweh. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and priest, priesthood and covenant)

Special concepts in this chapter

Exile

Because the covenant has been broken, the people will be exiled into another land. This actually shows the mercy of God toward his people. He did not destroy them; he simply moved them to another place. However, this chapter goes into detail about many parts of their society to show how far they have moved away from truly worshiping Yahweh. (See: mercy, merciful and people of God)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Change in speaker

In verse 16, Yahweh is speaking; but in verse 17, Hosea starts speaking. There is a change in pronouns; the use of “my God” must imply that someone other than Yahweh is speaking.

Hosea 9:1

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

Hosea 9:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the new wine will fail them (0)

There will not be enough grape juice to make wine with.

Hosea 9:3

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh’s land (0)

This expression signals that Yahweh continues to view the land of Israel as his property, not the property of the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: unclean food (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is food that the Israelites would normally refuse to eat because it would make them unacceptable to Yahweh.

Hosea 9:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their sacrifices will be to them like mourners’ food (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here “mourners’ food” refers to what people would eat while they mourning because they were defiled and not acceptable to God. This means Yahweh will consider the people’s sacrifices to be defiled and he will not accept them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For their food will be for themselves only; it will not come into the house of Yahweh (0)

The people of Israel will have food to eat, but Yahweh will not accept it as a sacrifice.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not come into the house of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The unclean food is spoken of as if it were able to go places by itself. Of course, people actually had to take it with them.

Hosea 9:5

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What will you do on the day of an appointed festival, on the day of a festival for Yahweh? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Hosea uses this question to emphasize that the people will no longer be able to observe their festivals when their enemies defeat them and take them captive. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to celebrate the festivals that Yahweh appointed for you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the day of an appointed festival … the day of a festival for Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both of these mean the same thing.

Hosea 9:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if they escape (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Here “they” still refers to the people of Israel. You can continue stating this is second person. Alternate translation: “if you escape”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Egypt will gather them, and Memphis will bury them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Egypt and Memphis refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the army of Egypt will capture you. You will die there, and the people in the city of Memphis will bury you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As for their treasures of silver—sharp briers will possess them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Briers growing in the places where Israelites stored their silver is spoken of as if the briers were human enemies that would take the Israelite’s precious possessions for themselves. Alternate translation: “Sharp briers will grow where they store their treasures of silver”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sharp briers will possess them, and thorns will fill their tents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here “sharp briers” and “thorns” mean the same thing. To have briers and thorns growing represents a land that has become desolate and like a wilderness. (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their tents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “tents” represents the Israelites’ homes.

Hosea 9:7

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The days for punishment are coming; the days for retribution are coming (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Hosea says these two similar phrases to emphasize that Yahweh will soon judge the people of Israel for their evil deeds.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The prophet is a fool, and the inspired man is insane (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These phrases mean basically the same thing. This could mean: (1) that the people regarded the prophets as madmen or (2) that the prophets had become crazy because of the sins that the people had committed.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The prophet is a fool, and the inspired man is insane (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here “prophet” and “inspired man” both mean a person who claims to receive messages from God.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of your great iniquity and great hostility (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases “great iniquity” and “great hostility” share similar meanings. The iniquity of the people manifested itself in hostility towards Yahweh and his prophets.

Hosea 9:8

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A “watchman” watches outside his city to see if danger is coming. The prophet warning the people when they are sinning and are in danger of having his God punish them is spoken of as if he were a watchman for the city. Alternate translation: “The prophet is like a watchman for God over Ephraim”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim (0)

Some versions translate this passage as “The prophet with my God is the watchman over Ephraim.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The prophet is (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to prophets in general that God has appointed. Alternate translation: “Prophets are” or “True prophets are”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Ephraim” represents all the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a bird snare is on all of his paths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A “bird snare” is a trap used to catch a bird. This means the people of Israel do whatever they can to stop God’s prophet. Alternate translation: “the people set a trap for him wherever he goes” or “the people do all they can to harm him”

Hosea 9:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah (0)

“The people of Israel have sinned and become very corrupt as they did at Gibeah long ago.” This is probably a reference to the shocking actions of the tribe of Benjamin recounted in Judges 19–21.

Hosea 9:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When I found Israel (0)

This refers to when Yahweh first started his relationship with the people of Israel by claiming them as his own special people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it was like finding grapes in the wilderness. Like the very first fruit of the season on the fig tree (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both of these statements emphasize situations that are pleasing to a person. This means Yahweh was very happy when his relationship with the people of Israel started.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Baal Peor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain in the land of Moab where the false god Baal was worshiped.

Hosea 9:11

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their glory will fly away like a bird (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The people of Ephraim, or the northern kingdom of Israel, will lose everything that makes other nations respect them. Their glory will quickly disappear, as a bird flies away. Alternate translation: “their glory will be like a bird that flies away from them”

Hosea 9:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when I turn away from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When God stops helping the northern kingdom, it will be as if he physically turned away from them.

Hosea 9:13

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have seen Ephraim, just like Tyre, planted in a meadow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of the people being in a safe place as if they were a tree planted in a peaceful meadow. Alternate translation: “The nation of Israel was once beautiful and pleasant like the city of Tyre, like a tree that someone plants in a meadow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim … Tyre (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Ephraim” represents the whole northern kingdom of Israel. These places refer to the people who live in them. (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but Ephraim will bring out his children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “children” are the people from that nation. Alternate translation: “but the people of Israel will bring out their children”

Hosea 9:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Give them, Yahweh—what will you give them? Give them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Hosea uses a question to emphasize that he wants Yahweh to give the people of Israel what they deserve. Alternate translation: “This is what I ask you, Yahweh, to give them: give them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a miscarrying womb (0)

To “miscarry” means that a pregnancy ends too early and the baby dies. Hosea is asking that all the nation’s women be like that.

Hosea 9:15

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will drive them out of my house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is stating that he will force Israel out of his land, the land of Canaan. Here “my house” represents Canaan.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their officials (0)

the men who serve the king

Hosea 9:16

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking in verse 16. Hosea begins speaking in verse 17.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim is diseased, and their root is dried up; they bear no fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a diseased tree that does not produce fruit and is ready to be cut down. This is a statement that the people have become weak, and that soon their enemies will come and defeat them.

Hosea 10

Hosea 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is written in poetic form and continues the theme of Israel’s many sins against Yahweh. Even though Israel prospered for a time as they multiplied their sins, Yahweh was leading them toward destruction. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s relationship to his people was not based on his people’s actions. Even though they rebelled, Yahweh still desired to rescue them. (See: people of God)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Jacob

The repeated use of different names for the two kingdoms can be confusing. In verse 11, “Ephraim” refers to the northern kingdom of Israel, and “Judah” refers to the southern kingdom of Judah. However, Jacob is also mentioned. This use of “Jacob” makes us think of the earlier unified nation and may also refer to a future unified nation. (See: How to Translate Names)

Hosea 10:1

General Information:

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Israel is spoken of as a vine that was very fruitful. For a while the people prospered and were strong.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a luxuriant vine (0)

This vine produces more fruit than normal.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As his fruit increased … As his land produced more (0)

Both of these mean as the people prospered and grew stronger and richer.

Hosea 10:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their heart is deceitful (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The “heart” refers to the whole person, emphasizing their emotions and desires. Alternate translation: “They are deceitful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: now they must bear their guilt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “guilt” is a metonym for the punishment that is associated with it. Alternate translation: “now is the time that Yahweh will punish them for their sins”

Hosea 10:3

General Information:

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and a king—what could he do for us? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The people wills say that their kings could not have helped them. Alternate translation: “Even if we had a king now, he could not help us.”

Hosea 10:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They speak empty words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “empty words” refers to lies. Alternate translation: “They speak lies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So justice springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

What they people called justice in their laws and legal decisions is spoken of as if it were a plant sprouting up. Alternate translation: “So their decisions are not just; instead, they are harmful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Their lies and injustice spread throughout their nation and harm everyone like poisonous plants.

Hosea 10:5

General Information:

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Beth Aven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom. See how you translated this in Hosea 4:15.

Hosea 10:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will be carried to Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will carry them away”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: its idol (0)

Many versions interpret the Hebrew word in this passage as “advice,” “plans,” or “intentions.”

Hosea 10:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Samaria’s king will be destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will destroy the king of Samaria”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a chip of wood on the surface of the water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means the king of Samaria will be as helpless as a small piece of wood that waves of the water toss back and forth.

Hosea 10:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The high places of wickedness will be destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will destroy Israel’s high places, where the people acted very wickedly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The people will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

People do not normally speak to things that cannot think or hear them. Translators may choose to have a different format for this passage if their languages do not allow such speech. Alternate translation: “The people will say, ‘We wish the mountains would cover us!’ and ‘We wish the hills would fall on us!’”

Hosea 10:9

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: days of Gibeah (0)

This is probably a reference to the shocking actions of the tribe of Benjamin recounted in Judges 19–21. See how you translated this in Hosea 9:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there you have remained (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This passage probably means that the people of the present time continue to act in the same ways that their ancestors did at Gibeah. Alternate translation: “and you think just as they did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Will not war overtake the sons of wrong in Gibeah? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that those in Gibeah who do wrong will certainly have to endure war. Alternate translation: “War will certainly come on those who do wrong in Gibeah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sons of wrong (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “son of” is an idiom that means “having the characteristic of.” Alternate translation: “those who do wrong” or “the evildoers”

Hosea 10:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: double iniquity (0)

This refers to the many sins of Israel.

Hosea 10:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A heifer loves to thresh because they can walk around freely without a yoke. Yahweh means that he has allowed the people of Israel to be free and have a pleasant life.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will put a yoke on her fair neck. I will put a yoke on Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “yoke” refers to suffering and slavery. Yahweh has been kind to the people of Israel, but the people have been unfaithful to him. So he will punish them and send them away as slaves.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Judah will plow; Jacob will pull the harrow by himself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “Judah” refers to the people of the southern kingdom. This means God will cause difficult times for both kingdoms.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: harrow (0)

a tool used to smooth the land and cover the seeds after plowing

Hosea 10:12

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sow righteousness for yourselves, and reap the fruit of covenant faithfulness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Righteousness and covenant faithfulness are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Break up your unplowed ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When the ground is “unplowed” it is not ready to be planted. Yahweh means he wants the people to repent so they can start doing what is right.

Hosea 10:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have plowed wickedness; you reaped injustice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Wickedness and injustice are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have eaten the fruit of deception (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The result of deception are spoken of as if they were a food that could be eaten. Alternate translation: “You now suffer the consequences of having deceived each other”

Hosea 10:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel on a day of battle (0)

The coming war is being compared to a battle long ago.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shalman (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a king who destroyed the city of Beth Arbel around 740 BC. His army murdered women and children in the attack.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Beth Arbel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is likely the name of a city of the tribe of Naphtali.

Hosea 10:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So it will happen to you, Bethel, because of your great wickedness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Bethel” represents the people who live there.

Hosea 11

Hosea 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using the poetic form to communicate about Yahweh’s relationship to the northern kingdom of Israel.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

This chapter contains an extended metaphor of Israel as a male child in the care of Yahweh, his parent. (See: Metaphor)

Rhetorical question

Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to show his disappointment and anger at Israel’s persistent rejection of him. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Hosea 11:1

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking of caring for Israel like a parent cares for a child.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When Israel was a young man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking about the people of Israel as if they were a young man. Yahweh is referring to when he first started his relationship with the nation.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I called my son out of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“son” refers to the people of God the Father. Alternate translation: “I led my son out of Egypt”

Hosea 11:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The more they were called, the more they went away from me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The more I called them to be my people, the more they refused me”

Hosea 11:3

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about how he cared for Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it was I who taught Ephraim to walk (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh refers to Israel as a small child whom he taught to walk.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lifted them up by their arms (0)

This expression continues the metaphor. Alternate translation: “took care of them”

Hosea 11:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I led them with cords of humanity, with bands of love (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Yahweh loved his people in ways that they as humans could understand and appreciate.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was to them like someone who eased the yoke on their jaws (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh is speaking of the nation of Israel as a hardworking animal whose work he made easier.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I bent down to them and fed them (0)

This expression continues the metaphor in which Israel is pictured as a young child. It may mean that Yahweh provided for all their physical needs.

Hosea 11:5

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Will they not return to the land of Egypt? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This question means that the nation of Israel will once again be slaves as they were in Egypt.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Will Assyria not rule over them because they refuse to return to me? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The nation of Israel will be captives of Assyria as a result of their refusal to remain faithful to Yahweh.

Hosea 11:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The sword will fall on their cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “sword” represents the enemies of Israel who will destroy Israel’s cities.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: destroy the bars of their gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Gates offered security to city inhabitants from their enemies, and the bars secured the closed gates. To destroy the bars meant to take away the people’s security.

Hosea 11:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Though they call to the Most High (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Here God is speaking about himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “Though they call to me, the Most High”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no one will help them (0)

Yahweh will not allow anyone to help Israel because they turned away from him.

Hosea 11:8

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh loves his people so much that he will not totally destroy them. These questions may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “I will not give you up, Ephraim. I will not hand you over, Israel.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh loves his people so much that he will not totally destroy them. These questions may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “I do not want to act toward you as I acted toward Admah or make you like Zeboyim—cities that I destroyed along with Sodom”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My heart has changed within me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents God’s will and decisions.

Hosea 11:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For I am God and not a man (0)

God is not like people, who often decide very quickly to take revenge.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not come in wrath (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wrath, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “angry.” Alternate translation: “I will not come to you and be angry with you”

Hosea 11:10

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about when he will restore his people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will follow Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Worshiping and honoring Yahweh is spoken of as if it were following him

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will roar like a lion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh making it possible for his people to return to his land is spoken of as if he were calling to his people.

Hosea 11:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will come trembling like a bird … like a dove (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

They will come home quickly as a bird returns to its nest. “Trembling” may refer to the fluttering of a bird’s wings. It may also signal the people’s feelings of humility and reverence for God

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the declaration of Yahweh (0)

“what Yahweh has declared” or “what Yahweh has solemnly said.” See how you translated this in Hosea 2:13.

Hosea 11:12

General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel and Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But Judah is still going about with me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Judah” refers to the people who live there.

Hosea 12

Hosea 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob

There is a parallel between Jacob and the northern kingdom of Israel. In the same way that Jacob returned to Yahweh, the northern kingdom should repent of their idolatry and turn back to Yahweh. (See: repent, repentance)

Hosea 12:1

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim feeds on the wind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Ephraim” represents all the people of Israel. Also “wind” represents something that is useless or temporary.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: follows after the east wind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

East winds were very hot and destructive to the land. Here it represents anything that is destructive.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: carry olive oil to Egypt (0)

The people of Israel sent olive oil as a present to the king of Egypt to try and persuade him to help them.

Hosea 12:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh also has a lawsuit against Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh stating that the people of Judah have sinned against him and broken his covenant is spoken of as if Yahweh were accusing them in court. See how you translated a similar phrase in Hosea 4:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lawsuit (0)

This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:2.

Hosea 12:3

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking about Jacob the ancestor of the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the womb Jacob grasped his brother by the heel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Jacob wanted to take his brother’s place as the firstborn, so he tried to keep his brother from being born first.

Hosea 12:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He struggled with the angel and won (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Jacob fought with an angel so that the angel would bless him.

Hosea 12:5

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: is his name to be called on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is his name to which we pray”

Hosea 12:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Keep covenantal faithfulness and justice (0)

This refers to obeying God’s law and doing what is right.

Hosea 12:7

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking about Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: false scales (0)

The merchants use scales that do not accurately measure the weight of the money or products they are buying or selling.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they love to defraud (0)

The merchants cheat their customers by lying to them and taking more money than they should.

Hosea 12:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have certainly become very rich; I have found wealth for myself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing and mean that the people of Ephraim consider themselves to be very prosperous.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have found wealth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Becoming wealthy by trading is spoken of as finding wealth. Alternate translation: “I have made much money”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will not find any iniquity in me, anything that would be sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the people of Ephraim consider themselves to be blameless. Alternate translation: “they will not discover that I have done anything sinful”

Hosea 12:9

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt (0)

This could mean: (1) “I am Yahweh your God, who brought your ancestors from the land of Egypt” or (2) “I have been your God ever since you were in the land of Egypt” or (3) “I became your God when you were in the land of Egypt”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will again make you live in tents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Yahweh is threatening to force the people of Israel from their homes and make them live in tents. So, here to “live in tents” would represent being sent into exile, or (2) it is a promise that after their exile the people will live in tents again, and Yahweh will take care of them as he did when the Israelites left Egypt. So, here “to live in tents” would represent a return to an ideal situation when Yahweh took care of his people.

Hosea 12:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: By the hand of the prophets (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the one who carries out an action. Alternate translation: “Through the prophets”

Hosea 12:11

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their altars will be like heaps of stone in the furrows of the fields (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The altars where the people worshiped will be thrown down and become piles of stones.

Hosea 12:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob fled to the land of Aram; Israel worked in order to get a wife (0)

Here “Jacob” and “Israel” refer to the same person. Jacob’s name became Israel later in his life.

Hosea 12:13

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by a prophet (0)

That is, Moses.

Hosea 12:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bitterly (0)

The anger that the people have caused in Yahweh is extremely great.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So his Lord will leave his blood on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “blood” refers to the guilt incurred by people who murder others. God will not forgive their sins.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will turn back on him his disgrace (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The idea of making someone suffer the results of his own actions is spoken of as if those actions were objects that were thrown back at him. Alternate translation: “will make him suffer from his own disgraceful actions”

Hosea 13

Hosea 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter uses poetry to communicate Yahweh’s disgust and anger with the northern kingdom of Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Israel” and “Ephraim” are terms used to speak about the people of the northern kingdom. Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom. (See: How to Translate Names)

This chapter makes it clear that the northern kingdom is going to be nearly decimated as a people. They will no longer exist as a nation.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Hosea uses rhetorical questions throughout this chapter. They are not questions requesting information but rather questions indicating some emotion like anger or dissatisfaction. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Hosea 13:1

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When Ephraim spoke (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Hosea uses the term “Ephraim” to refer to the entire northern kingdom, although it was also the name of one of the ten tribes. Hosea seems to be speaking of a long-past time, when the northern kingdom was strong and honored, unlike at the present time.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there was trembling (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is understood that people were trembling because they were afraid of Ephraim. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “there was trembling among the people” or “people trembled in fear”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He exalted himself in Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “exalting” means to make oneself important.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but he became guilty because of Baal worship, and he died (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When the people of Ephraim began worshiping Baal, they grew weak, and their enemies defeated them. Here “died” refers to the nation growing weak.

Hosea 13:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now they sin more and more (0)

Here “they” refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the entire nation of Israel, who followed Ephraim’s example.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These men who sacrifice kiss calves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Part of idol worship was kissing idol figures that were images of calves.

Hosea 13:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So they will be like the morning clouds … like the dew … like the chaff … like smoke out of a chimney (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These expressions state that Israel is temporary and will soon disappear if they continue to worship idols instead of following Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that is driven by the wind away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the wind blows away”

Hosea 13:4

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking of his people as if they had been a flock of sheep that he found wandering in the wilderness. He says that he claimed them there for his own.

Hosea 13:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I knew you in the wilderness (0)

Yahweh claimed the Hebrew people as his own special people, and he took care of them there.

Hosea 13:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you had pasture, then you became full (0)

The image of sheep is continued with this expression.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your heart became lifted up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Becoming arrogant is spoken of as one’s heart being lifted up. Alternate translation: “you became proud”

Hosea 13:7

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a lion … like a leopard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These are wild animals that attack and kill other animals. Yahweh continues to say that he will destroy his people for their sins.

Hosea 13:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a bear … as a lion … as a wild beast (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These are wild animals that attack and kill other animals. Yahweh continues to say that he will destroy his people for their sins.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a bear that is robbed of her cubs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The words “would attack” are left out because they are understood. Alternate translation: “like a bear would attack an animal that takes her cubs”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a lion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The words “would devour them” are left out because they are understood. Alternate translation: “as a lion would devour them”

Hosea 13:9

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will be able to help you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that no one will be able to help the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “there will be no on able to help you.”

Hosea 13:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where now is your king, that he may save you in all your cities? Where are your rulers, about whom you said to me, ‘Give me a king and princes’? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh asks these questions to tell Israel that when they rebel against him, no king or ruler can help them. Only Yahweh can save them from destruction.

Hosea 13:12

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim’s iniquity has been stored up; his guilt has been stored up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases are similar and mean basically the same thing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has been stored up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The northern kingdom’s iniquity and guilt are spoken of as if they were objects that could be kept for a purpose.

Hosea 13:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pains of childbirth will come on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh speaks of the suffering the people of Israel will suffer as if it were the pains of child birth.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but he is an unwise son, for when it is time to be born, he does not come out of the womb (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh now describes the people of Israel as the baby to which the mother is giving birth. The baby is unwise because it does not want to be born. The people do not want to repent and obey Yahweh.

Hosea 13:14

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Will I rescue them from the hand of Sheol? Will I rescue them from death? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses these questions to tell the people of Israel that he is not going to save them from dying. He will certainly punish them. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not rescue them from death and from going down to Sheol”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where, death, are your plagues? Where, Sheol, is your destruction? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh speaks to “death” and “Sheol” as if they were people. Alternate translation: “Now I will cause plagues and let the people of Israel die. I will destroy them and send them to Sheol”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Compassion is hidden from my eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Not to think about having compassion is spoken of as if compassion were hidden so that it cannot be seen. Alternate translation: “I have no compassion for them” or “I will not be compassionate towards them”

Hosea 13:15

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his brothers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This expression seems to stand for the nations around the northern kingdom, especially Judah, the southern kingdom.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an east wind will come; the wind of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A wind from the east was very hot and destructive. Here it refers to the armies from the east that Yahweh will send to destroy the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim’s spring will dry up, and his well will have no water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Hosea continues to describe how God will punish the people of Israel. Here water represents life, vitality, and strength.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his storehouse (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to all of the peoples’ possessions.

Hosea 13:16

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Samaria will be guilty, for she has rebelled against her God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Samaria” refers to the people in the city of Samaria who are guilty of rebelling against God.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

Here to “fall” represents dying.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the “sword” represents the enemy soldiers who used swords in battle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their young children will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

These phrases can be put into the active voice. Alternate translation: “the enemy will dash their young children to pieces, and they will rip open the pregnant women”

Hosea 14

Hosea 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This last chapter of Hosea ends with hope. In this chapter, Hosea calls for Israel to confess to Yahweh and repent. This chapter continues to be written in poetic form, using metaphors and other devices to communicate God’s love for his sinful people. (See: confess, confession, repent, repentance, love, beloved, sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and people of God and Metaphor)

Why are confession and repentance even suggested here for a people that Yahweh has already condemned to be destroyed? It is because this is a teaching that Yahweh is a merciful God who loves his people. (See: mercy, merciful)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Speaker

The use of first and second person in this chapter often signifies a change in speaker. In this chapter, Hosea is speaking to the northern kingdom to tell them that Yahweh loves them. There are several places in this chapter where the writer switches from the third person to the second or the first person. This may cause some confusion about who is speaking.

Hosea 14:1

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

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Quote: for you have fallen because of your iniquity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Sinning is spoken of here as if it were falling.

Hosea 14:2

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Quote: Take with you words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This probably means words of confession and praise. Alternate translation: “Confess your sins”

Hosea 14:3

General Information:

Hosea is speaking

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Quote: to the work of our hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here people are represented by their “hands” to refer to the people making things. Alternate translation: “to the idols we made”

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Quote: the fatherless person (0)

This expression stands perhaps for the entire nation. It indicates God’s enormous compassion for his people.

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Quote: finds compassion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word compassion, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “finds one who is compassionate”

Hosea 14:4

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

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Quote: I will heal their turning away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Stopping the people from turning away from God is spoken of as if he were healing them.

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Quote: their turning away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The failure of the people to obey God is spoken of as if they had physically turned away from him.

Hosea 14:5

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Quote: I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

God is spoken of as if he were dew that brought needed moisture to plants, and Israel is spoken of as if it were one person, and as if he were a flower that could blossom.

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Quote: take root like a cedar in Lebanon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The picture of Israel in the form of a plant is continued here, but this time in the form of a tall cedar tree in Lebanon, which was known for such trees.

Hosea 14:6

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Quote: His branches will spread out … like the cedars in Lebanon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This passage continues the same image.

Hosea 14:7

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

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Quote: The people who live in his shade will return (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people of Israel will once again live protected by God. Israel is spoken of as living in his shade.

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Quote: they will revive like grain and blossom like vines (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Israel’s new prosperity is spoken of in agricultural terms.

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Quote: His fame will be like the wine of Lebanon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Just as Lebanon’s wine was famous, so Israel will be famous. Alternate translation: “People everywhere will know about the nation of Israel”

Hosea 14:8

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Quote: what more have I to do with idols? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This passage signifies that God will stop the people of Israel from worshiping idols any longer.

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Quote: a cypress whose leaves are always green (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

A cypress is a tree whose leaves stay green all year. This represents Yahweh and his blessings on Israel.

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Quote: from me comes your fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “fruit” represents every good thing that comes from Yahweh.

Hosea 14:9

General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who is wise that he may understand these things? Who understands these things so that he may know them? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The prophet uses these questions to say that wise people will understand and listen to what has been said to them.

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Quote: For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous will walk in them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh’s commandments are spoken of as ways to walk in.

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Quote: stumble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking.