SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:8

Paragraph 1:8–9

This paragraph tells about the birth of Gomer’s third child. Once again, the LORD told Hosea to give his child a name that would communicate a message of judgment to the people of Israel. This was the third and most severe judgment. In Exodus 6:7, the LORD described to Moses the covenant he would later make with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai. He said, “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” (See also Leviticus 26:12). For many generations the people of Israel continued to break their covenant with the LORD and continued to reject him. As a result, the LORD negated the words of the covenant by saying: “you are not my people, and I am not your God.” (See the note on 1:9b.)

1:8

After she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, Gomer conceived and gave birth to a son: As in 1:6a, the verse does not explicitly say that Hosea is the father, but it is implied here.

After she had weaned Lo-ruhamah: Unlike 1:6a, the author added these words to indicate that a certain amount of time (perhaps three years or so) passed by between the births of these two children.

Gomer conceived and gave birth to a son: Refer to the way you translated the similar expressions in 1:3b and 1:6a. For example:

she became pregnant again and had another son (Good News Translation)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:1

Division 4:1–10:15

Messages against Israel

In Division 1:2–3:5, Hosea’s relationship with his unfaithful wife, Gomer, was used as an illustration of the relationship between the LORD and Israel. In Division 4:1–10:15, Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness continues to be described figuratively as prostitution. But the relationship between Hosea and Gomer is not mentioned again. These chapters describe the LORD’s response to his people’s unfaithfulness. The LORD condemned Israel and announced his plans to punish them. He also expressed his disappointment at their refusal to repent.

Section 4:1–3

The LORD brought a charge against the people of Israel

The words “Hear the word of the LORD” in 4:1 indicate the beginning of a new prophecy. In 4:1–3, the LORD brought an accusation or charge against the people of Israel. The charge consisted of three parts. First, the LORD stated their crimes (4:1). Second, he presented the evidence of their crimes (4:2). Third, he announced the resulting judgment (4:3). The charge serves as a general introduction to the messages that follow in the remainder of chapter 4.

Here are some other examples of section headings:

The Lord ’s Legal Case Against Israel (God’s Word)
-or-
The Lord Accuses Israel (English Standard Version)

Paragraph 4:1–3

4:1a

Hear the word of the LORD: In the Old Testament, this command was a standard way to introduce a prophetic message or warning of judgment. It emphasized that the message that followed was important because it was from the LORD. Hosea told the message to the people, but the LORD was the source of the message.

Here is another way to translate this command:

hear what Yahweh says (New Jerusalem Bible)

O children of Israel: See the note on “the Israelites” in 3:1c. The same phrase also occurs in 3:4a. Hosea used this phrase here to address the Israelites directly.

Here is another way to translate this vocative:

O people of Israel (New Revised Standard Version)

Use a term of address (vocative) that is natural in your language when a person speaks to a group of people.

4:1b

for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: In Hebrew, the word for probably introduces the reason or motivation for the Israelites to listen carefully to the LORD’s message. For example:

Israel, hear the word of the LORD; for the Lord has a charge to bring against the inhabitants of the land: (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel; for the Lord has an indictment against the inhabitants of the land. (New Revised Standard Version)

Some versions leave this connection implied. For example:

Listen to the word of the LORD, you Israelites. The Lord has brought these charges against those who live in the land: (God’s Word)

Use a natural way in your language to translate the relationship between 4:1a and 4:1b.

for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: This statement indicates that the LORD was making a very serious accusation against the people of Israel.

case: This is the same word that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “rebuke” in 2:2. In Hebrew, it means “to fight with words,” as in a quarrel or a legal case.

Some English versions use an expression that refers to an actual trial. For example:

The Lord has filed a lawsuit against you (New Living Translation (1996))

But this verse may also refer to an informal accusation, so it is better to use a more general expression. For example:

The Lord has an accusation to bring against the people who live in this land. (Good News Translation)

the people of the land: This phrase refers to the inhabitants of the land of Israel.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

citizens of the country (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
you (New Living Translation (2004))

The New Living Translation (2004) probably left the rest of the phrase implied because it is clear from both the preceding and following context.

General Comment on 4:1a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder these two clauses. For example:

1b The Lord has an accusation to bring against the people who live in this land. 1a Listen, Israel, to what he says: (Good News Translation)

4:1c–d

There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land: In 4:1c–d, the LORD stated his charge. The people of Israel were guilty of these three crimes.

In some languages, it may be more natural to make explicit a human subject here. For example:

No one is faithful or loyal or truly cares about God. (Contemporary English Version)

4:1c

There is no truth, no loving devotion: In Hebrew and in most versions, the object of no truth and no loving devotion is left implied. Two possible objects are other people and God:

• There is no truth and no love towards other people.

• There is no truth and no love towards God.

If possible, you should translate in a way that allows either or both objects to be understood. If you need to make an object explicit in your language, it is recommended that you specify other people. This better fits the context of 4:2 that lists cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery. These are sins that the people committed against other people.

truth: In Hebrew, this word describes a person who is honest and dependable in what he says and does. Some languages may have a single expression that has these meanings. In other languages, it may be appropriate to use more than one expression.

Here are some other ways to translate the statement “There is no truth”:

No one is faithful (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
There are no trustworthy people
-or-
No one tells the truth or can be trusted

loving devotion: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as loving devotion has several aspects of meaning:

(a) steadfastness, loyalty

(b) love

A number of versions translate one aspect of the meaning. For example:

love (Good News Translation)
-or-
loyalty (NET Bible)
-or-
kindness (New Living Translation (2004))

Some versions have two aspects. For example:

faithful love (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
steadfast love (English Standard Version)

In some languages, it may be possible to express all three aspects. For example:

consistent/unchanging love and kindness

Translate this term in a way that fits naturally in the context. Here it may refer particularly to showing a concern for the needs of others. The LORD’s covenant with Israel required them to have this concern in response to the love that the LORD had shown to them.

4:1d

no knowledge of God: The phrase knowledge of God means that a person knows God and has a relationship with him. He also knows who God is and what God wants his people to do. It is implied that a person who knows God will obey him. He will acknowledge God’s authority by his actions.

In verses such as 2:20b, there is a difference of interpretation between “know” and “acknowledge.” Here (4:1d), both senses fit the context. Most English versions choose one sense or the other. For example:

no knowledge of God (English Standard Version)
-or-
people do not acknowledge me as God (Good News Translation)

If possible, translate in a way that allows or includes both senses of meaning. See the meaning lines in the Display for 4:1d for two examples.

God: The Hebrew word here is ʾelohim and not Yahweh. Versions indicate this by translating this word as God and not as “LORD.”

in the land: This phrase also occurs in 4:1b. In some languages, it may be natural to translate this phrase explicitly both here and in 4:1b, as in the Berean Standard Bible. In other languages, it may be better to translate this phrase explicitly in only one of these places. For example, the Contemporary English Version makes this phrase explicit only in 4:1b:

1b the Lord accuses everyone in the land ! 1c No one is faithful or loyal 1d or truly cares about God. (Contemporary English Version)

The New Living Translation (2004) makes this phrase explicit only in 4:1d:

1b The Lord has brought charges against you, 1c saying: There is no faithfulness, no kindness, 1d no knowledge of God in your land. (New Living Translation (2004))

With any of these options, make sure that the meaning is clear in the context.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:14

5:14a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

14a For I am like a lion to Ephraim,

14b and like a young lion to the house of Judah

These lines contain parallel similes. In these similes, the LORD compares himself to a lion that attacks and destroys his prey.

For: This word introduces the reason that the king of Assyria cannot heal Ephraim and Judah. It is because the LORD himself is the one who attacks and destroys them like a powerful animal. No one is able to rescue them from the LORD’s judgment.

I: In Hebrew, I is an emphatic pronoun. For example:

It is I who will be like a lion

Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis on the LORD.

lion…young lion: In Hebrew, there is no clear difference in meaning between these parallel terms. The Berean Standard Bible translates the second word as young lion, but the word probably has nothing to do with the lion’s age.

There is no need to translate these two terms in different ways unless it is desirable for poetic style. In this context, the two terms function together to convey the idea of a dangerous and powerful animal that the Hebrew people greatly feared.

The word lion occurs figuratively in both the OT and NT, so it is recommended that you keep this figure of speech if possible. If lions are not known in your language group, you could substitute a similar animal that has the same figurative meaning and impact, such as a panther, leopard, or tiger.

General Comment on 5:14a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder these parallel statements. For example:

For it is I who am like a ⌊fierce ⌋ lion to Israel and Judah.
-or-
For I am the one that ⌊attacks ⌋ Israel and Judah like a strong lion.

5:14c–d

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

14c I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away.

14d I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.

In these lines, the LORD continues to compare himself to a lion who kills and carries off his prey. As in 5:14a–b, he emphasizes that he is the one who will destroy them. Since he is in control, no one is able to rescue them from his judgment.

I: In Hebrew, the pronoun I is repeated, literally “I, I.” It also occurs in an emphatic position in the clause. These two factors give it very strong emphasis.

Here is another way to indicate this emphasis:

I myself will tear them to pieces and then leave them. (Good News Translation)

Translate this emphasis in a natural way in your language.

tear them to pieces…no one can rescue them: The first phrase describes what a lion does to its prey. The next phrase continues this description. No one will be able to rescue them from the lion that tears them to pieces. A lion kills and destroys. Similarly, the LORD will cause the people of Israel and of Judah to suffer and die. He will do that by giving their enemies the power to defeat them in war.

go away…carry them off: The parallel phrases go away and carry them off describe the same event. If they imply two separate events in your language, here are some translation options:

• Make it clear that the two phrases refer to the same event. For example:

14c I will tear them to pieces and go away,

14d
Yes, I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them.
-or-

14c I, I will attack and stride away,

14d
Carrying the prey that no one can rescue (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

• Do not translate the phrase go away. This idea is already implied in the phrase carry them off. For example:

14c I will tear them to pieces!

14d I will carry them off, and no one will be left to rescue them. (New Living Translation (2004))

General Comment on 5:14a–d

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder these four verse parts. See 5:14a–d (combined/reordered) in the Display for an example.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:4

Paragraph 8:4–6

This paragraph gives two specific examples of ways that Israel disobeyed the covenant and rejected what is good.

8:4a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

4a
They set up kings, but not by Me.

4b
They make princes, but without My approval.

These parallel lines give the first example of Israel’s disobedience. They chose their own kings and other government leaders without consulting the LORD.

8:4a

They set up kings: This phrase means “they chose kings” or “they caused kings to rule.”

They: The pronoun They refers to the people of Israel as a group. In Hebrew, there are two pronouns here. These two pronouns emphasize that it was They who chose their leaders and not the LORD who chose them. If possible, try to express this emphasis in your translation. For example:

They chose their own kings (New Century Version)
-or-
It was they themselves who decided what person would rule as king.

but not by Me: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “and not from me.” This indicates that the LORD had nothing to do with the process of choosing these kings.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

not by my authority (New American Bible)
-or-
they did it on their own (Good News Translation)
-or-
without asking my permission (New Century Version)

8:4b

They make princes: This phrase means “they chose/appointed officials/leaders” or “they have caused officials/leaders to rule.”

princes: In Hebrew, this word refers to government officials or leaders other than kings. It does not refer here to the sons of kings.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

they set up rulers (Revised English Bible)
-or-
they appointed other leaders ⌊in the government ⌋

but without My approval: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “but I did not know.” In this context, the phrase implies that the people chose their leaders without informing the LORD or asking him for his approval.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

without my knowledge (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
but they did not consult me

General Comment on 8:4a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. For example:

You chose kings and leaders without consulting me (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The people have appointed kings and princes, but not with my consent. (New Living Translation (1996))

8:4c

With their silver and gold they make themselves idols: This verse part gives another example of Israel’s disobedience. They used their own silver and gold materials to make themselves idols to worship.

to their own destruction: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as to :

(1) It indicates that the result of making idols was destruction. For example:

Because of this, they will be destroyed. (God’s Word)
-or-
You made silver and gold idols that led to your downfall (Contemporary English Version)

(2) It indicates that the purpose of making idols was destruction. For example:

they made idols for their own destruction (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
that they may be cut off (King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The LXX supports this interpretation. This interpretation is more logical, because destruction was the normal result of idol worship. Commentaries that prefer interpretation (2) agree that the purpose of destruction was not what the people themselves intended.

their own destruction: There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) The phrase refers to someone destroying the people of Israel. For example:

you made silver and gold idols that led to your downfall. (Contemporary English Version)

(2) The phrase refers to someone destroying the idols. For example:

With their silver and gold, they have made themselves idols, but only to be destroyed. (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with the Septuagint and most versions. It best fits the overall theme of the chapter (a warning that the LORD will punish Israel). It also fits the following context of 8:5 (the LORD’s anger against Israel), and the various punishments that are specified in 8:7–14).

Here are some other ways to translate 8:4c:

By making idols for themselves from their silver and gold, they have brought about their own destruction. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Of their silver and gold they have made themselves images, to their own undoing. (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:5

Paragraph 10:5–8

In this paragraph, Hosea tells how the LORD will punish the people of Israel. He will cause the Assyrian army to take away the calf idol at Bethel and destroy the altars where they worshiped idols. The Assyrians will also take captive the king of Samaria. The people’s response will be to mourn the loss of their calf idol and to beg to die.

10:5a

The people of Samaria:
In this verse, Samaria, the capital of Israel, is a figure of speech that represents the nation of Israel. Some versions make the name “Israel” explicit here. For example:

The people from Israel (New Century Version)

will fear for the calf: The expression fear for means to be concerned about someone or something. The calf refers to an idol shaped like a calf. Here it refers to the people’s concern about their calf-idol. They are fearful that the Assyrians will take it away from them. The phrase does not mean that the calf-idol frightens them.

Here are some other ways to translate 10:5a:

The people of Samaria tremble in fear for their calf idol (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
the people from Israel are worried about the calf-shaped idol (New Century Version)

Beth-aven: The term Beth-aven means “house of wickedness.” This is the name that Hosea normally uses for “Bethel.” See also the note on Beth-aven in 4:15b.

10:5b–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

5b Indeed, its people will mourn

5c
with its idolatrous priests —

There is an ellipsis (deliberate omission) in 10:5c. In some languages, it will be necessary to supply the missing verb from 10:5b. For example:

5c and its idolatrous priests ⌊will mourn ⌋ over it also,

Priests as well as people mourned over the loss of the calf-idol.

10:5b

Indeed, its people will mourn: In Hebrew, this clause begins with the word ki. In this context, some scholars think that it indicates emphasis. The Berean Standard Bible indicates this emphasis explicitly.

Most versions leave the relationship implied. You may follow either approach. The Display will give an example of each.

its people: There are two main ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) The pronoun its refers to Samaria. The phrase its people refers to Samaria’s people, the residents there. For example:

the people there will mourn for it (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation, New Century Version, NET Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible)

(2) The pronoun its refers to the calf. The phrase its people refers to the calf’s people, the people who worship the calf. For example:

those that worship the calf will mourn over it

The Notes and Display will follow interpretation (1). However either interpretation is acceptable. Both interpretations describe the same people. The difference is that interpretation (1) focuses more on their place of residence. Interpretation (2) focuses more on their devotion to the idol. Many versions are ambiguous.

will mourn: This phrase means that the people will express their sorrow over the loss of their calf idol. Normally people mourn when a family member or other loved one dies. Mourning was usually expressed in a way that others could see and hear.

10:5c

with its idolatrous priests: In Hebrew, the phrase idolatrous priests is a single word. It is used only for pagan priests. This line refers to the priests that were associated with the worship of the calf idol.

The pronoun referent in the phrase its idolatrous priests is parallel to the phrase “its people” in 10:5b, so the referent of both phrases is probably Samaria. For example:

5b
Samaria’s people mourn over it

5c
and Samaria’s pagan priests wail for it

10:5d

those who rejoiced in its glory: In Hebrew, this line is a clause that is more literally “they rejoice on its glory.” This line further describes the mourners in 10:5b–c. They normally rejoice over the calf’s splendor.

The rejoicing of the people in 10:5d contrasts with their mourning in 10:b-c. In Hebrew, the form of the verb “rejoice” here indicates incomplete or continuous action. In this context, it may refer to habitual rejoicing in the past or in the present.

Here are some ways to show this contrast:

• Use past tense. One example is the Berean Standard Bible above. Here are other examples:

those who rejoiced over it and over its glory (English Standard Version)
-or-
They used to shout for joy about its glory (New Century Version)

• Use a clause that indicates an unexpected result. For example:

Those that worship the calf will mourn over it, although they now praise its glory with joy.

those who rejoiced: The last antecedent of those is “its idolatrous priests.” But since “its people” and “its idolatrous priests” are parallel terms, it probably refers to both these groups, not only to the priests. Many versions are ambiguous. You should either translate in a way that is ambiguous or in a way that can refer to both these groups.

rejoiced: There is a textual issue with this word:

(1) The Hebrew word in the Masoretic text means “rejoice.” For example:

They used to shout for joy about its glory (New Century Version)

(2) Some scholars think that the original text was “cry/wail.” For example:

They will wail when it is stripped of its golden splendor. (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). The LXX also supports this option. There is no support for option (2) from Hebrew manuscripts or ancient versions.

its glory: This refers to the glory or splendor of the calf. The term glory here could indicate that those who worshiped the calf thought that it was a deity. It could also refer to a physical attribute such as beauty or to its monetary value.

Here are some other ways to translate its glory :

its deity/godlikeness
-or-
its beauty/magnificence
-or-
its great value

In some languages, it may be appropriate and natural to use more than one of these terms.

General Comment on 10:5b–d

10:5b–c describes action in the near future. 10:5d describes action in the past or perhaps both past and present. In some languages, it may be more natural to rearrange the verse parts to first describe past and present action before speaking of future action. For example:

5b–c The people and priests 5d rejoice now over the glory of the calf-idol 5b–c but they will soon mourn over it.

10:5e–6a

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning.

10:5e for it has been taken from them into exile.

10:6a Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king.

These lines give the reason why the people mourned and why they could no longer rejoice over the glory of the calf. It is because that glory will be taken away when the calf is taken into exile.

10:5e

for it has been taken from them into exile: In Hebrew, this clause begins with the word ki (see 10:5b). Here ki introduces the reason that the people mourned. Many versions translate it with the word for or “because.” Use a natural way in your language to introduce this reason.

The Hebrew clause is more literally: “it has departed (or “gone into exile”) from it.” Each pronoun has more than one possible referent. Also the Hebrew verb can mean either “depart/leave” or “go into exile.” For these reasons, there are various ways to interpret this clause.

Here are two main interpretations:

(1) “It” (the glory) has left “it” (the calf idol). For example:

its glory will be taken away into captivity. (God’s Word)
-or-
the glory that has departed from it. (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) “It” (the calf idol) has gone into exile from “it” (Beth-aven or Israel). The idol is taken to Assyria either as plunder or as a gift for the king of Assyria. For example:

for the image of their god which is carried away into exile. (Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with a majority of versions. It makes good sense to understand the Hebrew pronouns here to refer to the calf and the calf’s glory as in 10:5d. However, interpretation (2) is also acceptable. It makes good sense if 10:6a is understood to be parallel to 10:5e.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 12:10

12:10

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

10a
I spoke through the prophets

10b and multiplied their visions;

10c
I gave parables through the prophets.

In these lines, the LORD continues to speak. He tells the people that he has communicated in various ways by means of his prophets.

In Hebrew, this verse begins with a word that connects it to the previous verse. In many other places, this word is translated as “and” or “but.”

Here the connection to the previous verse is unclear. These are some possibilities:

(a) This verse expands on 12:9a. The LORD led them out of Egypt through his prophet Moses. The LORD continued to guide and teach them through other prophets in the years afterward.

(b) This verse gives a reason why the LORD will make them live in tents again. They knew what the LORD expected from them. He clearly revealed his expectations through the prophets.

(c) This verse is information that is secondary to the main prophecy. It is only loosely connected to the surrounding verses.

Many versions leave the connection of this verse to the previous one implied. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the connection of this verse to 12:9.

12:10a

I spoke through the prophets: This phrase may indicate that the LORD gave the prophets authority to speak as his representatives. Here is another way to make that explicit:

I sent my prophets to warn you (New Living Translation (2004))

12:10b

and multiplied their visions: This clause refers to the many visions that the LORD gave to the prophets throughout Israel’s history. In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “and I, I multiplied visions.” The explicit pronoun “I” at the front of the clause may indicate emphasis. Here are two ways that versions indicate this emphasis:

I myself revealed many visions (NET Bible)
-or-
It was I who gave vision after vision (Revised English Bible)

visions: The Hebrew word can mean either “vision” or word of “revelation.”

12:10c

I gave parables through the prophets: This clause is more literally “and by/through the hand of the prophets I gave parables.” The Hebrew expression “by/through the hand of” indicates the means by which something is done.

There are two main interpretations of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gave parables :

(1) The word means to tell parables or to use figures of speech. For example:

and told parables through the them (New International Version)

(2) The word means to ruin/destroy. For example:

and through the prophets I will bring destruction (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Most versions follow this view, and it fits the context of the parallel lines well.

Some versions make explicit the purpose of giving parables. The purpose is to teach. For example:

I taught lessons through the prophets. (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:8

Paragraph 2:8–13

In this paragraph, Hosea continues to use the image of an adulterous wife to represent the unfaithful nation of Israel. The LORD will punish the Israelites for their worship of the false god Baal. They trusted Baal to provide for their needs instead of trusting the LORD. Similarly, Hosea will punish Gomer, because she was unfaithful to him.

The notes and translation advice in this paragraph focus mainly on the way that the LORD intends to punish Israel. So you may want to add a footnote to remind your readers that this paragraph also refers to the way that Hosea will punish his wife Gomer.

2:8a

she does not acknowledge: The Hebrew verb that is used here can mean either “know” or “acknowledge/admit.” So there are two ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) “She does not acknowledge.” She (Israel) knew the truth, but she refused to admit that her husband (the LORD) was the one who supplied her needs. For example:

she would never acknowledge (Good News Translation)
-or-
she has refused to acknowledge (NET Bible)

(2) “She did not know.” She (Israel) was not aware that her husband (the LORD) provided her food. For example:

she did not know (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
she had never realized before (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most commentaries. Verse 2:7d implies that Israel did know that the LORD had been her provider in the past.

2:8b

that it was I who gave her: In Hebrew, the pronoun I that is used here indicates emphasis. The Berean Standard Bible expresses this emphasis by using special wording.

Other languages may be able to use an emphatic pronoun. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis.

grain, new wine, and oil: These three items are often listed together in the Old Testament (for example, Deuteronomy 7:13). They were basic products of agriculture that the nation depended upon to sustain them. Together they represented everything that the LORD had provided for the Israelites.

grain: This word refers to any kind of grain. In languages that do not have a general word for grain, here are two other options:

• Use the word for a specific grain crop, such as wheat or rice.

• Use a more general term, such as “crop” or “what is harvested.”

new wine: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as new wine refers to wine that has been pressed recently from grapes. It is not yet fermented or is just beginning to ferment.

Here is another way to translate this word:

fresh wine

Some versions do not specify new wine, probably because the emphasis is on the LORD’s provision of the wine, not on its age. If it is awkward to express the concept of newly made wine, you may want to use a more general term. For example:

wine (New Revised Standard Version)

wine: wine is an alcoholic drink. It is made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. When grape juice ferments, it becomes wine.

In some areas, people may not be familiar with grapes or with wine.

If that is true in your area, here are some other ways to translate wine :

• Use a specific term for another alcoholic drink made from fruit. For example:

pomegranate wine
-or-
a drink like palm wine

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

fruit juice/water
-or-
grape juice

oil: See the note in 2:5d.

2:8c

who lavished on her: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lavished is literally “multiplied.” It indicates that the LORD gave it generously.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

giving her more and more (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
I gave her much (New Century Version)

silver and gold—which they crafted for Baal: These two phrases describe the unexpected way in which the people used the silver and gold that the LORD gave them. The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as crafted is a somewhat general verb for action taken on an item. It could mean “to do,” “to use,” or “to make.” It does not indicate specifically how the people used silver and gold for Baal. They may have used it to make idols of Baal, but they may also have used it in other ways that were related to Baal worship. For that reason, you should use a general phrase to translate this statement. For example:

which they used for Baal (New International Version)
-or-
which they have spent on Baal (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
which they used in worshiping Baal (NET Bible)

Some versions use punctuation marks to emphasize the fact that the Israelite’s behavior was unexpected. It was the LORD who gave them these gifts, but instead they used the gifts to honor a false god. For example, the NET Bible uses a hyphen and exclamation mark for emphasis:

silver and gold—which they used in worshiping Baal! (NET Bible)

The New Century Version creates similar emphasis by using the word “but”:

I gave her much silver and gold, but she used it for Baal. (New Century Version)

Use a natural way in your language to emphasize that this behavior was unexpected.

they: The preceding pronouns “she/her” in 2:8a–c refer to the nation or people of Israel. The following pronouns in 2:9b–10a are the same. Here in 2:8c, the pronoun they is used. You should use a phrase or pronoun in your language that clearly refers to the nation or people of Israel.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:12

4:12a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12a
My people consult their wooden idols

12b and their divining rods inform them.

These lines show that the people of Israel no longer sought guidance from the LORD. Instead they turned to idols and divination to guide them.

4:12a

My people consult their wooden idols: To consult their wooden idols means to ask an idol carved from wood to guide them. For example:

ask their wooden idols for help (God’s Word)

4:12b

and their divining rods inform them: The people did some kind of divination using a wooden stick or rod to obtain an answer to their requests.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

A piece of wood tells them what to do (God’s Word)
-or-
they ask those sticks of wood to advise them (New Century Version)

General Comment on 4:12a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder and combine the parallel parts. For example:

You expect wooden idols and other objects of wood to give you advice. (Contemporary English Version)

4:12c–d

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12c For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray

12d and they have played the harlot against their God.

In these lines the LORD said that the people’s devotion to prostitution had led them away from devotion to him. See the General Comment on 4:12c–d at the end of 4:12d for ways to translate the literal and figurative meanings of prostitution in these parallel lines.

4:12c

For: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the reason why the people seek guidance from wooden idols and divination instead of the LORD. It is because a spirit of prostitution has led them away from him. Other translations leave this connection implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce this reason.

a spirit of prostitution: In this context, this phrase probably refers to a strong desire to be immoral. It probably does not refer to a demon or evil spirit. For example:

an urge to go whoring (New Jerusalem Bible)

leads them astray: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as leads them astray is literally “has-caused-to-wander.” It indicates here that the people’s desire to be immoral has led or caused them to do what is wrong. The form of the Hebrew verb indicates that the people had been led astray in the past and were still being led astray. The Berean Standard Bible uses present tense to translate this idea. Some versions use past tense forms. For example:

an urge to go whoring has led them astray (New Jerusalem Bible)

4:12d

and they have played the harlot against their God: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “and they have committed fornication from under their God.” It means here that the people rejected the authority of the LORD and devoted themselves to idolatry and self-indulgence instead.

General Comment on 4:12c–d

Some verse parts in the following context (4:13a–c) focus on idolatry. Other verse parts (4:13d–e) focus on the literal prostitution that was part of idol worship. If possible, your translation of “spirit of prostitution” and “played the harlot against their God” in 4:12c–d should include both meanings.

It is suggested that you use at least one expression that refers to sexual unfaithfulness between people. Use other expressions that refer to idolatry or unfaithfulness to God. In the following examples, sexual unfaithfulness will be marked with an underline. Idolatry or unfaithfulness to God will be marked with bold print:

12c Their strong desire for sexual pleasure and idol worship has led them to abandon what is right. 12d They have left their God to serve other gods.
-or-

12c Their uncontrolled lusts have caused them to sin. 12d They are no longer faithful to one another or to God .
-or-

12c Like prostitutes, they have chased after other gods 12d and have left their own God. (New Century Version)
-or-

12c A spirit of prostitution leads them astray. 12d They commit adultery by giving themselves to other gods. (God’s Word)

You may also want to clarify the relationship between literal and figurative prostitution in a footnote. Here is a suggested footnote:

People who worshiped idols at mountain shrines sacrificed animals and incense to the idols. As part of the ritual, they often had sex with the prostitutes who worked at the shrines (see 4:13–14). When they did this, they were acting immorally. They were also being unfaithful to God by worshiping other gods.

In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder and/or combine the parallel parts in 4:12c–d. For example:

Their longing for the pleasures of sexual immorality and idolatry has led them to abandon me, their God.

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:14

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 12:10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:12

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

American Bible Society