2:15a

There I will give back her vineyards: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as There is literally “From there,” as in the New Revised Standard Version. In this context, it refers to the same image of Israel in the wilderness as 2:14b. It was from this desert that the LORD promised to restore to Israel her vineyards. This promise referred to the future restoration of vineyards in Israel. Some versions leave the word “there” or “from there” implied.

I will give back her vineyards: In 2:12, the LORD said that he would destroy Israel’s vineyards, but here in 2:15, he promised to restore them. Some versions indicate this idea of restoration explicitly. For example:

I will give back to her the vineyards she had (Good News Translation)
-or-
I shall restore her vineyards to her (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I will return her vineyards to her (New Living Translation (2004))

Other versions leave it implied. For example:

From there I will give her her vineyards (New Revised Standard Version)

Be sure that the idea of restoration is clear in your translation.

2:15b

and make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope: The Hebrew word Achor means “trouble, disturbance.” The Valley of Achor was the place where Achan disobeyed the LORD. As a result, the LORD allowed the enemies of Israel to defeat them. This happened when they were entering the promised land of Canaan (Joshua 7:1–26).

Hosea probably uses the Valley of Achor as a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents the whole land. He means that the LORD will change Israel from a nation that experienced trouble to a nation where people have hope.

Some versions translate the meaning rather than the actual place name. For example:

Valley of Trouble (NET Bible)
-or-
Trouble Valley (Good News Translation)

Some versions include a footnote that gives the Joshua reference and a brief explanation as above. Consider whether any of these options will help your readers better understand the meaning.

a gateway of hope: The change from a place of disaster to a gateway of hope illustrated that Israel’s disastrous relationship with the LORD could be changed. Here, hope means “expectation, optimistic outlook.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

gateway of hope (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Opportunity for Hope (NET Bible)

Notice that the NET Bible uses capital letters to show that this phrase is parallel to “Valley of Trouble.” Consider whether capital letters will help your readers to understand the parallelism.

If it is necessary to specify an object of hope, you may use a phrase that refers to prosperity or a better life. For example:

a place where people have hope for a good life

2:15c

There: This word refers to the same place as it does in 2:15a. Some versions leave it implied.

she will respond: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as respond :

(1) It means respond. When the nation of Israel was young, she responded to the LORD’s love by accepting his covenant and obeying him. In this verse, the LORD said that she will respond like this again. For example:

There she will respond (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) It means sing. When the LORD rescued the nation of Israel from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, they sang a song of thanksgiving (Exodus 15). For example:

There she will sing (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. “Respond” is the usual meaning of this verb. It also allows for more kinds of responses than just singing.

In some languages, it may be more natural to use direct speech to express her response. For example, here is a slight adaptation of the Contemporary English Version:

she will say ‘Yes’ to me

In some languages, a verb such as respond is used only in the context of answering a question. If that is true in your language, you may need to use a different expression. For example:

She will give herself to me there (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
As a result, she will accept my love for her

2:15d

Notice the parallelism:

as she did in the days of her youth,

as in the day she came up out of Egypt

The first line describes a period of time in the past. The second line describes an event that happened during that time.

days…day: These words refer here to periods of time, not to literal 24-hour days. In some languages, it may be more natural to use different expressions. For example:

as in her youth,

as when she came up from Egypt. (Revised English Bible)

youth: This word refers here to Israel as a young nation, when the LORD established his covenant with her at Mt. Sinai. It also refers figuratively to a young lady of marriageable age. Do not use a term that applies only to small children.

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