13:7–8

Notice the parallel lines that are similar in meaning:

7a So like a lion I will pounce on them;

7b like a leopard I will lurk by the path.

8a Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests.

8b There I will devour them like a lion,

8c like a wild animal would tear them apart.

These lines contain figures of speech (similes) in which the LORD compares himself to fierce animals that attack and kill other animals or people.

These multiple animal similes give emphasis to the power and fierceness of the LORD in his judgment of them. That judgment will be carried out through Assyria when their armies attack and destroy the nation of Israel. These similes are intentionally intense and shocking and should be translated accordingly.

13:7a

So: Verses 13:7–8 describe the consequence of Israel forgetting the LORD. Most versions introduce this consequence with a word such as So or “Therefore” (New American Bible). Introduce this consequence in a natural way in your language.

like a lion I will pounce on them: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I will pounce is literally “I became.”

There are two interpretations of the time reference:

(1) It is future tense. It refers to what will soon occur. For example:

So I will become like a lion to them (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) It refers to what has begun to occur and is ongoing in Hosea’s time. For example:

So I am to them like a lion (English Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. Translate this time reference in a natural way in your language.

There are also two main interpretations of the meaning of the Hebrew word for “I became” here:

(1) It means “be/become.” His actions toward the people will be like those of a lion. The specific behavior of a lion is left implied. For example:

So now I shall be like a lion to them (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) It means “attack.” He attacks the people like a lion does. For example:

So I will attack you like a lion. (Good News Translation)

Interpretation (1) will be used in the Display. However, either interpretation is acceptable. Each one implies the other.

lion: A lion is a large cat that is capable of killing humans as well as other animals. If lions are not known in your language area, it is suggested that you provide a picture or describe it in a footnote.

13:7b

leopard: A leopard is similar to a lion. It is a large, spotted cat that is capable of killing humans as well as other animals. Leopards hunt by silently stalking their prey before attacking. If leopards are not known in your language area, it is suggested that you provide a picture or describe it in a footnote.

I will lurk by the path:
The Hebrew word for I will lurk is literally “I will watch.” In this context, the meaning is to watch in order to ambush.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Like a leopard I will lie in wait along your path. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Like a leopard I will wait by the road to ambush you. (God’s Word)

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