9:12a

Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one: This clause continues the description of Israel’s punishment from 9:11b. This is a conditional clause. When the condition, they raise their children, is true, the result is that the LORD will bereave them of every one.

This clause is probably a figure of speech that adds emphasis to the previous statement in 9:11b. It indicates how complete and serious the punishment from the LORD will be. Verse 9:11b says that no more children will be born. This verse part, 9:12a, describes an imagined situation in which someone was still able to give birth to and raise children. Even if that could happen, the LORD would take them away.

I will bereave them of each one: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “and I will bereave them from everyone/man.” The words I will bereave them mean to make them childless or to make them miscarry. However, there are different interpretations of the meaning of the entire clause, “I will bereave them from everyone/man”:

(1) This clause means that every child will die. For example:

I will bereave them until no one is left. (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) This clause means that there will be no future generations. The population will dwindle until Israel ceases to be a nation. For example:

I will make them childless, without posterity. (Revised English Bible)

(3) This clause means that the children will never grow up to become adults. It refers to children that will die while still young. For example:

I shall take them away before they grow up! (New Jerusalem Bible)

(God’s Word, New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions and commentaries.

9:12b

Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!: In this clause, the LORD announces that the people will soon experience terrible sorrow. He will abandon them. This will fulfill the warning he gave them through Hosea in chapter 5:6, 15. He will no longer be their God. He will no longer protect and guide them.

woe be to them: See the note on this expression for 7:13a. Here the Hebrew clause begins with two particles that give strong emphasis to the clause. The Berean Standard Bible shows emphasis here by using an exclamation mark. The New Revised Standard Version does this also and adds an emphasis word: “Woe to them indeed…!.” Show this emphasis in a natural way in your language.

Some languages may not have a word similar to woe.

Here are some other ways to translate this warning:

Yes, how horrible it will be for them when I leave them. (God’s Word)
-or-
It will be a terrible day when I turn away and leave you alone. (New Living Translation (2004))

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