12:6a–c
Notice the parallel parts that are related in meaning:
6a
But you must return to your God,
6b
maintaining love and justice,
6c and always waiting on your God.
In these lines, Hosea urges the descendants of Jacob to return to the LORD. In the first line, he gives a general command. In the second and third lines he explains the actions that their return to God should include.
12:6a
But: The Hebrew clause has a word that connects this verse to the previous verses. Here are some acceptable ways to understand how this verse connects to the previous ones:
• As a response. The logical response of the people to the actions of their ancestor Jacob and to the greatness of God is to turn to God. For example:
Therefore, return to your God (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
So return to your God (Contemporary English Version)
• As a contrast. Hosea urged the people to turn to God. This contrasts with Jacob, who struggled with God. For example:
But you must return to your God (NET Bible)
Some versions do not explicitly connect this verse to the previous ones. They leave the logical connection implied. For example:
You must return to your God! (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
Translate the connection to the previous verse in a natural way in your language.
you…your: In Hebrew, the pronouns you and your are singular. Most versions and commentaries regard them as collective singular pronouns that refer to the people of Israel in Hosea’s time. The Display will use “you/your” plural, referring to the people.
you must return to your God: In Hebrew, this command is more literally “in your God you will return.” There are two main interpretations of this command:
(1) God is the goal or destination to which they must return. For example:
You must return to your God (God’s Word)
(2) God will help them return. This interpretation does not assume that the people are to return to God. It may refer to a return to love and justice as described in 6b. For example:
Turn back with God’s help (New Jerusalem Bible)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. In some languages, the subject you can be left implied. For example:
So now, come back to your God (New Living Translation (2004))
12:6b
maintaining love and justice: The Hebrew word for maintaining in this context means to “keep” or obey God’s commands to show love and justice.
love: This is the same Hebrew word Hosea uses elsewhere. See the comment on “loving devotion” under 4:1c. It is a primary attitude and behavior required by God’s covenant with Israel.
justice: The Hebrew word for justice is also found elsewhere in Hosea. Here the meaning is the same as in 10:4b, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “judgment.” It refers to legal transactions and conduct that are fair and just.
In some languages, it may be more natural to translate “love” and justice using different forms of the words. For example:
Be loyal and just (Good News Translation)
12:6c
and always waiting on your God: This clause urges the people to wait for God to save and protect them. It implies an attitude of faith and trust in God instead of other sources of security. The Hebrew word for always means “lasting” or “continually.”
waiting: In Hebrew, this word refers to patient, trustful endurance. The same Hebrew word is often translated in other places as “hope.” Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
and always trust in him as your God (New Century Version)
-or-
Patiently trust him (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and always depend on him (New Living Translation (2004))
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