8:6a

For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God: This verse part probably gives the reason why the LORD was angry with the people of Israel. He was angry because they worshiped a calf idol that a person from Israel had made.

For this thing is from Israel: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “For from Israel.” There are two main interpretations of this phrase:

(1) This phrase refers to the calf idol that was made in Israel. For example:

The calf was made in Israel (Revised English Bible)

(2) This phrase refers to the people of Israel. For example:

They are from Israel! (New International Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most English versions.

Here is another way to translate this verse part:

For it is the product of Israel (New Jerusalem Bible)

For: In Hebrew, this phrase begins with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible and many other versions translate as For. It probably introduces the reason for the LORD’s anger. Some versions do not have an explicit word to introduce the reason. Instead, they leave it implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce this reason.

a craftsman made it, and it is not God: In Hebrew, these words emphasize that the idol was made by a person. Therefore, it cannot be God. Try to give the same emphasis in your translation. For example:

This thing—it was made by a human workman! How can it be God?
-or-
The idol is something a craftsman made; it is not God. (New Century Version)

8:6b

It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria: This clause means that the calf idol will be completely destroyed. In Hebrew, this clause begins with a conjunction. There are three main ways to interpret the function of this conjunction:

(1) It introduces what will happen to the calf idol. The idol will be completely destroyed. The relationship between this clause and the preceding verse part is left implied. For example:

The calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. (English Standard Version)

(2) It indicates result. The people worship a manmade idol that is not God. As a result, it will be destroyed. For example:

Therefore, it must be smashed to bits. (New Living Translation (2004))

(3) It indicates certainty. The people worship a manmade idol that is not God. It is certain that it will be destroyed. For example:

Surely the calf of Samaria will be broken to pieces. (New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.

broken to pieces: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as broken to pieces occurs only once in the OT.

Another way to translate it is to use a more general phrase. For example:

completely destroyed

A few versions suggest an alternate meaning in a footnote. For example:

smashed to pieces: Or “destroyed by fire.” (Contemporary English Version footnote)

Consider whether a similar footnote will be useful for your readers.

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