After reminding his people of the history of their ancestor Jacob, the prophet now reminds them of what their responsibilities are toward the God who revealed himself to Jacob.

This verse repeats the theme of Hosea, which is “return to God.” It is possible that Revised Standard Version uses quotation marks around it to show that this is a message clearly proclaimed at other times, by Hosea or by other prophets. Unless it is possible to show when and where the exact statement was spoken, quotation marks should not normally be used. However, if in verse 5 the approach of Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch and Bijbel in Gewone Taal is followed, this verse should be translated as a promise of God and therefore a continuation of the speech that began in verse 5. In that case the quotation that was opened in verse 5 should be closed at the end of this verse.

So you, by the help of your God, return …: So you (literally “And you”) renders the Hebrew waw conjunction and an independent pronoun. The independent pronoun adds emphasis here. The previous verses have shown the history of Jacob’s encounters with God, and now the prophet turns to what this all means for Israel, the people he is speaking with at this moment. Translators may use an expression that shows the change from history to application of the lesson now. Good News Translation adds “descendants of Jacob” to show that the previous history of their ancestor now applies to the descendants. However, this is implicit information, not literally in the Hebrew text.

By the help of your God is literally “in/by your God.” Revised Standard Version adds the help of to clarify the sense of this phrase. It is only through a restored relationship with their God that they will be able to return to him. Good News Translation renders this phrase as “trust in your God,” which is a possible meaning. However, the Hebrew preposition that is used here has a large diversity of meanings. In the present context it can simply mean “to”; for example, New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh say “return to your God.”

In most versions the verb return is translated as an imperative. Strictly speaking, Hebrew does not use an imperative, but an imperfect verb. However, in this context it expresses a kind of moral obligation, “you ought to do this.” In many languages an imperative is a correct way of expressing this. The Hebrew verb for return is often translated “repent” elsewhere, but return seems better in this context. A total change of life is involved, one that brings the people back to the proper way of doing things as God’s people. Here again, the story of Hosea’s wife is related to this idea of “returning.” It can be viewed as a call to live in accordance with the rules of the covenant. The imperative verbs in the next two lines provide the guidelines. NET Bible makes this explicit by rendering this verse as “But you must return to your God, by maintaining love and justice, and by waiting for your God to return to you.”

Hold fast to love and justice: Hold fast (New International Version “maintain”) means practicing these things in a steady, dependable manner. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “Practice goodness and justice.”

For love, which renders the Hebrew word chesed, see the comments on 2.19. This word does not refer so much to emotional love but rather to steady love, often expressed as “kindness” to those who need help. “Loyal” (Good News Translation) may not be the best word in this context, since it may seem to apply to loyalty to God, while the intended meaning is loyal kindness to one another.

The Hebrew word for justice refers to just and fair treatment (see comments on 2.19). Hosea tells his people they should be fair and honest with each other. Good News Translation says “Be … just.”

And wait continually for your God: The Hebrew verb rendered wait … for basically has the sense of hoping or longing for something. This line means the people should not stop looking for help from God if that help does not come immediately. For example, some people may be tempted to turn to other gods if Yahweh does not help immediately. The Hebrew word for continually emphasizes the idea of waiting “patiently” (Good News Translation) for God’s help. The idea of steadfastness applies here both to the love people show each other and to their patient reliance upon God.

A translation model for this verse is:

• So you, you must return to your God.
Hold on to love and justice,
and always put your hope in God.

Quoted with permission from Dorn, Louis & van Steenbergen, Gerrit. A Handbook on Hosea. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2020. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .