2:4a

I will have no compassion on her children: Here the topic changes from the mother to her children. Some versions indicate this change by adding a word such as “also.” For example:

Upon her children also I will have no mercy (English Standard Version)

You may want to do the same thing to help your readers notice the change of topic.

her children: This phrase refers literally to Gomer’s children. It also refers symbolically to the individual Israelites.

I will have no compassion: In Hebrew, the verb have…compassion is the same verb that was used in 1:6c. See how you translated it in that verse.

on her children: In 2:2a, the LORD says, “your mother” when he speaks to the children. Here in 2:4a, he speaks to the same group of people, but he refers to them as her children instead of “you children.” In some languages, it may be clearer to use the pronoun “you” here. For example:

You children…, I’ll show you no pity. (Contemporary English Version)

2:4b

because: This conjunction introduces the reason that the LORD will not show his love to her children. Some English versions translate it as “for” or because. Other versions leave this conjunction implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a reason.

they are the children of adultery: This is the reason that the LORD will not show his love to her children. The children were born to an immoral mother and shared the disgrace of their association with her.

In Hebrew, this expression is almost identical to the phrase “children of adultery” in 1:2b. The only difference is that a different Hebrew word for children is used. You should translate it in a way that is consistent with your translation there.

Here is another way to translate this clause here:

they are the children of a prostitute (New Century Version)

General Comment on 2:4a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of these verse parts. Notice that if the order is changed, it may be necessary to use a different conjunction between 2:4a and 2:4b. For example:

4b As for you children, your mother is a prostitute, 4a so I will show you no pity.

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