In Hebrew this verse starts with an unusual combination of a particle (gam) and a conjunction (ki), which can be translated literally “Also for.” The conjunction ki is discussed in 8.6-7, 9. This combination only occurs eight times in the Old Testament, with two references in Hosea (also 9.16). Here, as in many other references (Psa 23.4; Isa 1.15; Lam 3.8), it is best translated Though, “Even though” ( NET Bible), or “Although” (New International Version).

They hire allies among the nations is literally “they hire [themselves] among the nations.” Davies explains that this expression may refer to the Israelites hiring themselves out as mercenaries to foreign nations. This line is similar to the last line of the 8.9, so it probably refers to Israel’s payments as it seeks alliances with other nations, especially Assyria. Since it repeats much of the previous line, Good News Translation does not translate it but transfers the reference to the nations to the previous line. However, repetition may be a common, and from a stylistic point of view, even a commendable feature in the receptor language.

I will soon gather them up: Some scholars think that this line refers to God bringing the Israelites back from exile. But the context of judgment here makes this meaning unlikely. In fact, this expression may be one of irony, or sarcasm, as the prophet uses an expression normally introducing something good but changing it into a gathering for punishment. Most agree with the interpretation of Good News Translation: “now I am going to gather them together and punish them.” The Hebrew verb for gather is also used for the gathering of the nations for judgment in Joel 3.2 and Zeph 3.8.

There are two basic readings for the last two lines of this verse, one following the Hebrew and the other following the Septuagint. One literal translation of the Hebrew is “And they will begin [or, suffer pain] under the weight of [or, from an anointed one,] a king of princes.” Revised Standard Version follows the Septuagint: And they shall cease for a little while from anointing king and princes. Revised English Bible is similar with “Soon they will have to abandon the setting up of kings and rulers.”

Good News Translation‘s “Soon they will writhe in pain when the emperor of Assyria oppresses them” follows the Hebrew with one exception. “Writhe in pain” (like a child-bearing woman) follows a slight emendation of the Hebrew vowels and makes good sense, especially in the context of comparing Israel with a prostitute.

The Hebrew text has the verb “begin,” but this does not make clear sense, although one can understand the verb to mean “begin fear.” Hebrew Old Testament Text Project suggests “begin” with the implicit meaning “begin to diminish in numbers,” but admits that the evidence for it is not strong (a {C} decision). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh agrees with Hebrew Old Testament Text Project, saying “And they shall begin to diminish in number from the burden of king [and] officers.” New International Version is similar with “They will begin to waste away under the oppression of the mighty king.” The Hebrew text has the title “king of princes,” and Good News Translation is probably right in interpreting it as “emperor of Assyria,” although Assyria is not mentioned. Compare Ezek 26.7, where the emperor of Babylonia is called “king of kings.” According to Mays, the Assyrian title, “king of princes,” was likewise applied to their emperor. This interpretation fits with the reference to Assyria in 8.9. “When … oppresses them” (Good News Translation) is literally “under the weight of,” which is Hebrew Old Testament Text Project‘s preferred reading (a {B} decision).

As stated above, the other main reading follows the Septuagint. One problem with this reading is that it was not customary in Israel to anoint princes in addition to kings. If footnotes are used, this reading can be mentioned there. If the translation is based on the Septuagint, this reading should be followed.

Translation models for this verse are:

• Even though they have sold themselves to the nations,
I will gather them together to punish them.
They are already shrinking
under the pressure of the great king.

• Although they have seduced the nations with their gifts,
I will round them up to be punished.
They will soon cease
anointing kings and princes.

Quoted with permission from Dorn, Louis & van Steenbergen, Gerrit. A Handbook on Hosea. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2020. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .