Paragraph 3:4–5
In this paragraph, Hosea’s words predicted that the LORD will judge/punish the nation of Israel (3:4). But after the LORD punishes them, they will seek him again (3:5).
Verse 4 gives details of the LORD’s punishment. He will punish Israel by keeping them from having three things: its own government, worship, and supernatural guidance. These things are arranged in three pairs. In Hebrew, the first five items in these pairs are introduced with a negative existential “there is no/not” (“without” in English versions):
4a
without king and without prince
4b
without sacrifice and without pillar
4c
without ephod and idols
3:4a
For: In Hebrew, this word introduces the reason that the LORD told Hosea to stop having sexual relations with Gomer in 3:3. The reason was to illustrate that the LORD will refrain from closeness to Israel. Some versions use a phrase that makes this connection between 3:3 and 3:4 more explicit. For example:
This shows that…. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
In just this way…. (Good News Translation)
Use a natural way in your language to introduce this connection.
the Israelites: See the note on the same phrase in 3:1c.
must live many days: This is the same phrase as in 3:3a. You should translate this phrase in a way that shows the parallel between Gomer and Israel. For example, the Good News Translation has “for a long time” in both verses.
without king or prince: During the time that the people of Israel are in exile, the Assyrians will rule them. They will not be able to govern themselves anymore. In Hebrew, the word prince refers here to any leader, chief, or official who serves in the government of the king, the highest ruler.
Here are some other ways to translate these terms:
without kings or leaders (Good News Translation)
-or-
without king and without officials (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
3:4b
without sacrifice: When the people are in exile, they will no longer be able to make animal sacrifices. This term can refer to sacrifices to the LORD or sacrifices to idols. At that time, the people worshiped both the LORD and idols, so if possible, translate it so that it can refer to either kind of sacrifice. For example:
there will be no ⌊animal ⌋ sacrifices
-or-
they will not be able to make sacrifices
If you need to specify the LORD or idols, you should specify the LORD. This gives a better contrast with the pagan worship indicated by the next term.
sacred pillar: In Hebrew, this word is literally “a pillar.” It refers to a tall, thin pillar or column made of stone that was placed vertically in the ground. Some scholars think that these pillars were statues or idols of pagan gods that the people used in their worship.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
sacred stone pillars (Good News Translation)
-or-
stones that they set up for worshiping idols
3:4c
without ephod: The ephod that is mentioned here was probably used by the High Priest. It was an embroidered sleeveless vest to which was attached a breast piece that contained the Urim and Thummim. The High Priest used these objects to ask the LORD for guidance (Exodus 28:6–15, 28–30).
Here are some ways to translate this term:
• Transliterate the Hebrew term ephod. The Berean Standard Bible and many other versions do not add any details that describe the ephod or its intended function.
• Translate a brief description of an ephod along with its function. For example:
without any embroidered garment that has objects to use to get answers from the LORD.
• Translate the function of an ephod or the High Priest in obtaining guidance from the LORD. For example:
without anything to use to contact the LORD
-or-
without a High Priest to ask the LORD for guidance
With any of these options, consider adding a footnote that gives more information. Here is a suggested footnote:
In Hebrew, the word ephod refers here to an embroidered vest/garment that the High Priest wore. In a pocket/pouch attached to this garment were two small objects called Urim and Thummim. (Exodus 28:6–15, 28–30). He used them to find out what the LORD wanted the nation of Israel to do.
idol: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as idol is literally “teraphim.” It refers to small household idols that represented pagan gods or the spirits of dead ancestors. The people consulted them for guidance.
Here are some other ways to translate this term:
• Transliterate the Hebrew term teraphim, as in the Revised English Bible.
• Translate a brief description of teraphim. For example:
family idols (God’s Word)
-or-
household gods (English Standard Version)
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