Paragraph 6:7–7:2

In this paragraph, the LORD gave examples of how the people of Israel had failed to know him and had failed to show love to him and others.

6:7a–b

The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 6:7a, because it follows the recommended textual option. Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

7a But at Adam, they transgressed the covenant; (New Revised Standard Version)

7b
there they were unfaithful to me.

6:7a

(New Revised Standard Version) But: This verse gives an example of what the people did that was in contrast to what the LORD wanted. Some versions indicate this contrast explicitly. For example:

But they broke the covenant at Adam (New Jerusalem Bible)

Some versions do not indicate this contrast explicitly. Instead they let the context imply the relationship between the previous verse and this one. For example:

At Adam they broke the covenant (NET Bible)

Use a natural way in your language to indicate this contrast.

(New Revised Standard Version) at Adam: There are several textual and interpretation issues here. The notes will discuss only the main options. It will be helpful to remember that in Hebrew, the word Adam (ʾadam) does not have a capital letter.

(1) Some scholars think that the original text had the phrase “at -Adam.” It means that the people had broken the covenant at the town of Adam. For example:

At a place named Adam (Contemporary English Version)

(Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation, New American Bible, Revised Edition, NET Bible, NIV2011, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version)

(2) The Masoretic Text has “like Adam.” It means that the people had broken the covenant like the first man Adam did when he disobeyed God in the garden of Eden. For example:

But like Adam they transgressed the covenant (English Standard Version)

(3) The Masoretic Text has “like Adam.” It means that the people had broken the covenant like all ⌊sinful ⌋ men do. For example:

But they like men have transgressed the covenant (King James Version)

The Display will follow option (1) along with many versions and scholars. It forms a better parallel with the word “there” in 6:7b. It also fits well with the place names that Hosea mentions in the two following verses.

However, option (2) is also supported by many versions and scholars. You may want to follow this option if it is followed by a major language translation in your area.

Whichever option you choose, it is recommended that you put the other option in a footnote. For example, if you choose option (1), here is a suggested footnote:

Some scholars think that the original Hebrew text had “at Adam.” The Masoretic Text has “like Adam.” In Hebrew, the word “like” looks almost the same as the word “at.” According to Joshua 3:16, the Jordan River backed up as far as Adam. Adam was a town in the Jordan Valley on the way to Shechem.

If you choose option (2), here is a suggested footnote:

The Masoretic Text has “like Adam.” In Hebrew, the word “like” looks almost the same as the word “at,” so another way to translate this phrase is “at Adam.” According to Joshua 3:16, the Jordan River backed up as far as Adam. Adam was a town in the Jordan Valley on the way to Shechem.

(New Revised Standard Version) they transgressed the covenant: The word covenant probably refers to the covenant that the LORD made with Moses on Mount Sinai. That covenant included the people’s promise that they would obey his laws. See Exodus 19:5–8. This clause means that the people disobeyed the laws that they and their ancestors had promised to obey.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

they violated my covenant (Revised English Bible)
-or-
breaking our agreement (Contemporary English Version)

they: The pronoun they probably refers to the people of Israel. Hosea makes it explicit elsewhere that the people are guilty of breaking the LORD’s covenant with them. See 8:1. However, it is also possible that it refers to the priests who are mentioned in 6:9. If possible, translate the pronoun in a way that can refer to both the people and the priests.

6:7b

there they were unfaithful to Me: This clause refers to the event mentioned in 6:7a. When the people broke the LORD’s covenant with them at the town of Adam (6:7a), they were unfaithful to him.

unfaithful: This word means “to act treacherously” toward someone or “to betray” someone’s trust. It describes someone who does not honor an agreement.

Here is another way to translate this clause:

there they have betrayed me (New Jerusalem Bible)

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