SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:5

2:5a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

5a For their mother has played the whore; (New Revised Standard Version)

5b
she who conceived them has acted shamefully. (New Revised Standard Version)

Both lines mean that the mother of the children has acted like a prostitute. The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line, because it shows the parallel parts more clearly.

2:5a

(New Revised Standard Version) For their mother has played the whore: The Hebrew word that the New Revised Standard Version translates as For indicates here that the parallel statements in 2:5 are an explanation. They explain the way in which the mother’s children are the children of adultery.

Here are some other ways to introduce this explanation in 2:5a:

Yes, their mother… (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
What I mean is that their mother…

Some English versions leave this Hebrew conjunction implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce an explanation.

their mother: See the note on “on her children” in 2:4a. Here there is a similar change of pronoun from “your” to their. As in 2:4a, the husband (symbolizing the LORD) is still speaking to the children. So in some languages, it may be clearer to use the same pronoun as in 2:2a. For example:

your mother

has played the whore: The Hebrew expression that the New Revised Standard Version translates as has played the whore is literally “she has committed fornication.” The word “fornication” can refer to adultery or prostitution. The latter part of the verse indicates that she received pay for her acts of adultery. So prostitution is the meaning in this context. For example:

acted like a prostitute (God’s Word)

Some versions use a more general expression. For example:

has been unfaithful (New International Version)

Use an expression in your language that fits the context.

2:5b

(New Revised Standard Version) she who conceived them: This phrase is a more specific way to refer to the parallel part “their mother” in 2:5a. Both expressions refer to the same person.

Here are some other ways to translate this expression:

The woman who became pregnant with them (God’s Word)
-or-
the one who gave birth to them

(New Revised Standard Version) has acted shamefully: This phrase describes the mother’s behavior as a prostitute in 2:5a. It was considered shameful or disgraceful for a married woman to engage in prostitution.

Here is another way to translate this expression:

did shameful things (God’s Word)

General Comment on 2:5a–b

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

Yes, your mother, the one who gave birth to you, has behaved like a shameless prostitute.
-or-
For your very own mother has been acting shamefully, selling her body to other men.

2:5c

For: In Hebrew, this verse part begins with a word that the Berean Standard Bible and many versions translate as For. It indicates that the statements that follow give an explanation. They explain the way in which the mother has acted like a shameless prostitute. Other versions leave this connection implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce an explanation.

she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as thought is literally “said” In this statement, the husband used a direct quote to tell his children what their mother had said, thought or decided. In some languages, it may be more natural to use indirect speech for the statement. For example:

she said/decided that she would go after her lovers…

I will go after my lovers: This clause means that the woman will go and look for men who will pay her to have sex with them. It emphasizes her deliberate intention to be unfaithful to her husband. Symbolically, it refers to Israel’s deliberate worship of the gods of other nations, such as Baal, rather than her own God.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

I shall chase after my lovers (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
I will seek out my lovers (NET Bible)
-or-
I will search for men who are willing to have sex with me

2:5d

who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink: This verse part describes her “lovers” in terms of the payments a prostitute expected them to offer in exchange for sexual relations.

Here is another way to translate this verse part:

She herself said, “I will go to my lovers—they give me food and water, wool and linen, olive oil and wine.” (Good News Translation)

give: The word give refers here to payment. It does not refer to gifts. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this clear. For example:

I’ll…sell myself to them for food and water… (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they pay me with food and water…

bread and water: This expression refers to the basic requirements of life. In Hebrew, the word bread is often a figure of speech that represents food.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

what I eat and drink
-or-
the food and water that I need

wool and linen: wool is the hair of sheep. linen is thread made from a plant called flax. Some versions translate this as “flax” (New Revised Standard Version). These were the basic materials that the Israelites used to make their clothing. Some versions make this purpose explicit. For example:

for clothing of wool and linen (New Living Translation (2004))

If your language does not have specific terms for wool and linen, you may use a more general word or phrase. For example:

my clothing
-or-
the clothes that I wear

oil: The word oil is a general term that refers to oil from plants or from animal fat. Here it probably refers to olive oil. It was used mainly for cooking, but also for perfume and incense. For example:

olive oil (Good News Translation)

In areas where olive oil is not known, you may use a more general term that refers to cooking oil.

drink: In Hebrew, the word drink can refer in general to any drink, but it probably refers here to alcoholic drinks. Some versions, including the Good News Translation, have:

wine (Good News Translation)

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:9

4:9a

And it shall be like people, like priest: This verse part focuses on the LORD’s judgment against the priests because of their sins described in 4:8. It affirms along with 4:9b that he will punish them in the future in the same way as the people. There are three main ways to interpret the connection of 4:9a with 4:8.

(1) It indicates a change of topic from the sins of the priests to the LORD’s future punishment. The specific relationship with 4:8 is left implied. For example:

And it shall be like people, like priest (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) Verse 4:9a gives the expected result of 4:8. It is normal to punish sins. This result is specified with a word such as “So” or “Therefore.” For example:

So the priests will be punished like the people. (God’s Word)

(3) Verse 4:9a gives the unexpected result of 4:8. Most did not consider it normal for priests to be punished. This unexpected result is specified with the word “But.” For example:

But people and priest will fare alike. (Revised English Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. This interpretation will allow your readers to understand either of the two results in addition to the change of topic.

And it shall be: Here are some other ways to indicate the future fulfillment of this verse:

In the future,…
-or-
A time is coming when…

like people, like priest: This is a Hebrew proverb. It means that the people and the priests are alike in some way. In this context, it indicates that the LORD will judge the priests in the same way as the people.

Here are some other ways to translate this proverb:

the priests will be punished just like the people
-or-
the priests will have no advantage over the people
-or-
You will suffer the same punishment as the people! (Good News Translation)

The Good News Translation uses the pronoun “you” as if the LORD is speaking directly to the priests. You will need to decide whether it is more natural here to use indirect speech or direct speech in your language.

4:9b–c

The English Standard Version has been used as the source line for 4:9b, because it allows for the recommended interpretation. Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

9b
I will punish them for their ways (English Standard Version)

9c and repay them for their deeds.

The parallelism emphasizes the LORD’s punishment for their sinful behavior.

4:9b

them: In Hebrew, this pronoun is literally “him.” The immediately preceding referent is “priest” in 4:9a. It refers to the priests as a group. But the preceding context also mentions the people, so there are two ways to interpret the referent of them :

(1) It refers to the priests. For example:

I will punish you and make you pay for the evil you do. (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

(2) It refers to both the priests and the people. For example:

I will punish them both for what they have done (New Century Version)

Most versions are ambiguous. They use the pronoun them. These versions include the English Standard Version, God’s Word, King James Version, New American Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version, and Revised English Bible. If you can maintain the ambiguity in your language, you may do so. Otherwise, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This entire section (4:4–11a) focuses on the sinful priests and their punishment.

The first meaning lines in the Display will use an ambiguous pronoun. The second meaning lines will follow the recommended interpretation.

4:9b–c

punish…repay them: The term repay means to do something in exchange for what another person has done. Here repay is another way to say punish. In response to the evil behavior of the priests, the LORD will respond with punishment that is a fair exchange for their evil deeds.

General Comment on 4:9b–c

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

I will punish them for all their wicked deeds.

See 4:9b–c (combined/reordered) in the Display for other examples.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:7

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)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:12

8:12

These two lines contrast the LORD’s provision of the law with the people’s refusal to follow it:

12a Though I wrote for them the great things of My law,

12b they regarded them as something strange.

8:12a–b

There are two main ways to interpret the relationship between 8:12a and 8:12b:

(1) Verse 8:12a describes an existing situation that led to the unexpected result in 8:12b. For example:

12a Though I write for him the multitude of my instructions, 12b they are regarded as a strange thing. (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) Verse 8:12a describes a hypothetical or imagined situation. If this situation happened, then it would lead to the unexpected result in 8:12b. For example:

12a Were I to write for him my laws by the ten thousands, 12b they would be regarded as a strange thing. (English Standard Version)

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

Here are some other ways to indicate this relationship:

12a Though I give him many written laws, 12b they are treated as irrelevant; (Revised English Bible)
-or-

12a I have written many things for them in my teachings, 12b but they consider these things strange and foreign. (God’s Word)

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

8:12a

Though I wrote for them the great things of My law: There is a textual issue here with the phrase (one word in Hebrew) that the Berean Standard Bible translates as great things. There are two options for this phrase in the Masoretic Text:

(1) The first option is the phrase “many things.” For example:

The many teachings I wrote for him (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

(2) The second option is the phrase “ten thousand.” For example:

Though I wrote for him ten thousand precepts of My law (New American Standard Bible)

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

I wrote: The form of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I wrote can indicate either a present or past action. For example:

I have written many teachings for them (New Century Version)
-or-
I write down countless teachings for the people (Good News Translation)

Here the word refers to the teachings or laws that were already written before the time of Hosea. Translate in a way that makes this historical situation clear.

The word does not imply here that the LORD personally wrote the words. It probably refers to the normal way in which he caused/inspired his people to write them.

Here are some ways to translate this line:

I gave them all my laws (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I caused people to write my many teachings/laws

for them: This phrase indicates that God wrote his teachings for the benefit of his people. The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for them is literally “for him.” The pronoun “him” refers back to Ephraim in the previous verse. Translate this word in a way that clearly refers to the people of Israel.

the great things of My law: In Hebrew, the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as law is literally “torah ” (singular). It refers here to a set of laws rather than a single law. The phrase great things of My law refers to the many written teachings contained in the torah. These include instructions about how to conduct religious ceremonies such as offering sacrifices. They also include instructions about how to live in a moral way.

8:12b

they regarded them as something strange: The people responded to the laws that the LORD gave them as if they were something foreign or unknown. This clause implies that the people ignored or rejected God’s laws.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

they reject them as strange and foreign (Good News Translation)
-or-
they act as if those laws don’t apply to them (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
but you ignored them (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
they consider them to be irrelevant

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:13

10:13a–c

In this verse, Hosea continues to speak directly to the people of Israel. These verse parts are another saying about sowing and reaping. It contrasts with the saying in 10:12a–c. There, the saying figuratively reminds the people of Israel that the LORD requires them to be righteous and loving. But here the saying describes how the people actually lived. They were wicked and evil.

Notice the parallel parts:

13a
You have plowed wickedness

13b and reaped injustice;

13c
you have eaten the fruit of lies.

10:13a–b

You have plowed wickedness and reaped injustice: This is a metaphor. It compares people who live in wicked ways to people who plow (and by implication plant seeds) and then harvest a crop. People who plow wickedness will harvest a crop of evil.

Here are some ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

You have planted wickedness and harvested evil. (God’s Word)
-or-
You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice (English Standard Version)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

You have been like people who plant wickedness and harvest a crop of evil.

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

You have lived sinfully and are now full of evil.

In Hebrew, the contrast between 13a–c and 12a–c is implied. Some versions make it explicit by adding the word “but” to introduce this contrast. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this contrast.

You have plowed wickedness: This phrase contrasts with “sow for yourselves righteousness” in 12a. The Hebrew word for “plow” here probably implies sowing in addition to plowing. One method of growing crops was to scatter the seed and then plow it into the ground. Many versions use only the word plowed, but it may be better to use a word or phrase that more clearly shows the contrast to “sow.” For example:

cultivated (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
planted (Good News Translation)

The Hebrew word for wickedness means to do wrong. It is the opposite of the righteousness that God commanded them to sow in 12a.

and reaped injustice: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “you have reaped injustice/badness.” The phrase contrasts with “reap love” in 12b. It indicates that injustice is the result of wicked behavior. The word injustice is very similar to the Hebrew word for wickedness in 13a. Both words mean to do what is wrong.

10:13c

you have eaten the fruit of lies: This clause is part of the metaphor in 13a–b that compares the people of Israel to people who plant seeds and then harvest a crop. In this clause, the people of Israel are compared to people who eat fruit of deception/lies.

Here are some ways to translate this clause:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

you have eaten the fruit of lies (New Revised Standard Version)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

It is as if deception has been your food.

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

You have been deceitful in all you do.

In Hebrew, the word lies refers to either the act of lying or the lies that result from that action. To eat deception/lies is probably a figurative way to say that lies and deceit characterized the people’s conduct. Deception was normal behavior for them. See Hosea 11:12.

There are two main ways to understand the phrase fruit of lies. Either option is valid.

• The phrase fruit of lies means fruit that consists of deception/lies. The deception/fruit that Israel eats is the product of Israel’s wickedness and evil. For example:

You have eaten lies, which is the fruit that your wickedness produced.

• The phrase fruit of lies means fruit that comes/results from deception/lying. The fruit that Israel eats is the product of deception/lies. For example:

You have eaten the fruit that your lies produced. (God’s Word)

10:13d

Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men: There are two main ways to understand the relationship of this clause to the clauses that surround it:

(1) This clause is related to the clauses that follow it. It gives the reason for the coming destruction (see 10:14). For example:

13d Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors, 14a therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed (English Standard Version)

(2) This clause is related to the clause that precedes it. It explains the deception/lies that Israel has eaten. For example:

13c You have eaten the fruit of lies—13d trusting in your military might, believing that great armies could make your nation safe. (New Living Translation (2004))

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

Because: This word introduces the reason for the destruction that 10:14 tells about. Use a natural way in your language to introduce this reason.

you have trusted in your own way: In Hebrew, the pronoun you is plural in 13a–c. However, it is singular in this clause. Hosea may be thinking of the nation as one unit. Translate the pronoun here and in 10:14 in a way that is natural in your language.

The word trusted means to place confidence in a person or an object.

way: There are textual and interpretation issues with the Hebrew word for strength:

(1) The Masoretic Text has “you have trusted in your own way.” Here way should be interpreted as military strength or power. For example:

you have trusted in your power (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) The LXX has “you have trusted in your chariots.” For example:

you have trusted in your chariots (Revised English Bible)

(3) The Masoretic Text has “you have trusted in your own way.” In this context, it may refer to the way that the nation of Israel conducts its affairs. For example:

you have trusted in your way (New American Standard Bible)

You may follow option (1) or (2). Both options make good sense in the context of military strength and the following reference to warriors. The Display will follow option (1).

and in the multitude of your mighty men: In Hebrew, this phrase does not begin with the word and. The Berean Standard Bible and some other versions supply it. The absence of this word in Hebrew probably indicates that Israel’s strength consisted in their mighty men. The mighty men were not a separate item in addition to their strength.

Here are some ways to express the more accurate meaning:

…trusting in your military might, believing that great armies could make your nation safe. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
you have trusted in your power, in your great numbers of warriors (adapted from New Jerusalem Bible)

The Hebrew word for “mighty man” means “strong or valiant man,” or “military hero.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

soldiers (New Century Version)
-or-
mighty men (King James Version)
-or-
powerful forces (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:4

Paragraph 13:4–8

In this paragraph, the LORD is the speaker. He states a complaint against the people of Israel. He always took care of them, but they forgot him. He must punish them in response.

13:4a–d

Notice the parallel lines. Lines a and c are similar in meaning. Lines b and d are also similar in meaning.

4a “Yet I am the LORD your God

4b
ever since the land of Egypt;

4c
you know no God but Me,

4d
for there is no Savior besides Me.

In these lines, the LORD speaks of his special relationship with the people of Israel. He alone is their God. He alone delivered them from slavery in Egypt.

13:4a–b

Yet: This word introduces a contrast between this verse and the preceding ones. Verses 1–3 describe the worthlessness of idols. By contrast, this verse describes the power of the LORD.

Some versions leave the contrast implied. For example:

The Lord says (Good News Translation)

Indicate the connection of this verse to 13:3 in a natural way in your language.

I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “and I [am] Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt.”

There are two main interpretations of the phase “from the land of Egypt.” As in 12:9a, it refers to location rather than to time. See the notes there for advice on how to translate this phrase.

LORD your God: In this phrase, the Hebrew word for LORD is Yahweh. The Hebrew word for God is a form of Elohim. Translate these words/names as you normally translate Yahweh and God.

13:4c

you know no God but Me: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “and gods besides me you not know.” There are two main interpretations of the function of this clause:

(1) This clause is a command. For example:

You must acknowledge no God but me (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) This clause is a statement. For example:

You know no God but me (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
You have never known a [true] God but Me (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This clause probably refers to the first commandment (or implies all ten commandments) in Exodus 20:2–17. The same tense (imperfect) is used both there and here. It is reasonable to understand the clause as a command in both places.

know: Here, know means to know the LORD in an intimate, personal way. See the note in 2:20b, which has the same interpretation. The context here is a close relationship with the LORD in which the people trust him and are faithful to him. To know the LORD also implies having knowledge about his ways, his promises, and his requirements.

God: In this clause, the Hebrew word for God is Elohim, not Yahweh. Use your general term for God here.

13:4d

there is no Savior besides Me: As in 13:4b, this clause probably also refers back to the exodus, when the LORD delivered Israel out of slavery in Egypt.

There are two main interpretations of the function of this clause:

(1) It is a statement. It gives a reason why the people should follow only the LORD. He saved them from slavery in Egypt. For example:

There is no savior except me. (God’s Word)

(2) It is a command. There is an ellipsis (deliberate omission) of the first three words in 13:4d. For example:

[You shall know] no savior except me. (New International Version)

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

Savior: The Hebrew word means deliverer or savior. Here it refers to God as the deliverer of the nation of Israel out of Egypt.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:16

Paragraph 2:16–20

Verses 16–17 describe a future time when the LORD will cause the Israelites to stop worshiping the gods they call Baals. The LORD alone will be the one they worship and serve.

In return for their devotion, he promised to protect them and their crops from wild animals and from war (verses 18–20). Compare the similar promise to the Israelites in Leviticus 26:5–6.

2:16a

In that day: This is the same phrase that Hosea used in 1:5. Here in 2:16a, it refers to a time that is farther in the future than the lifetime of Hosea or his audience.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

At that time (NET Bible)
-or-
In the future (New Century Version)
-or-
When that day comes (New Living Translation (2004))

declares the LORD: The Hebrew phrase here is the same as in 2:13c. See the note there. In some languages, it may be more natural to put this phrase at the beginning of the verse. For example:

The Lord says, “In the future… (New Century Version)

2:16b–c

Notice the parallelism. Verse 2:16b gives a positive command. Verse 2:16c gives a corresponding negative command.

16b
you will call Me ‘my Husband’;

16c
and no longer call Me ‘my Master’.

‘my Husband,’…‘my Master.’: These parallel terms involve a play on words. The Hebrew word ʾiš, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as Husband, connotes an affectionate relationship between a man and his wife. The Hebrew word baʿal, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as Master, has the meanings “owner/master” and “husband.” Women commonly used this word to refer to their husbands, but it had a more formal or legal connotation. It was also the name of the Canaanite god, “Baal.”

In the context of this metaphor, the LORD (Israel’s God) was pictured as Israel’s husband. People who spoke Hebrew would have understood two things from this verse:

(a) The LORD wanted Israel to be loyal to him alone. He did not want her to refer to him by the name of the heathen god Baal or to confuse him in any way with the worship of Baal.

(b) The LORD wanted to have an intimate relationship with Israel. He wanted Israel to think of him as her beloved husband (ʾiš), not just her master (baʿal).

In most languages, it will not be possible to reproduce this play on words so that both meanings can be understood. There are two options:

• Translate baʿal as a proper name. For example:

My Baal (New Jerusalem Bible)

• Translate baʿal as a title. For example:

My master (NET Bible)

The first option fits better with the following context, especially 2:17a. The second option fits better with the preceding context, especially 2:14 and 2:15c. The Display will follow the first option, but you may choose either option. It is recommended that you add a footnote to explain the play on words.

Here is a possible footnote:

There were two words for “husband” in Hebrew: ish and baal. The word baal also meant “master.” The LORD wanted Israel to no longer use the word baal, because Baal was also the name of one of the Canaanite gods. Instead, they should use the word ish.

you: Up through 2:15, the LORD used the pronoun “she” to refer to Israel. But in this verse, he used the pronoun you to address the nation of Israel directly. In Hebrew poetry, it is common for an author to alternate pronouns in this way, even though the pronoun referent remains the same. It happens frequently in this chapter.

One way that versions reduce the potential confusion to readers is by reducing the number of times the pronouns alternate. For example, the New Living Translation (2004) changes to “you” in this verse (2:16) and continues to use “you” until 2:20. The Good News Translation does it differently. It continues to use “she” in this verse:

Then once again she will call me her husband—she will no longer call me her Baal. (Good News Translation)

It changes to “you” in 2:19. In some languages, it may be more natural to use “they” when referring to the Israelites.

You should use the most natural and least confusing way in your language to translate the pronouns here and in 2:17–18. The Display will follow the Berean Standard Bible pronoun choice in the first meaning line and give another pronoun choice in the second meaning line.

General Comment on 2:16b–c

In some languages, it may be more natural to put the negative statement before the positive statement. For example:

16c you will no longer call me by the name of your god, Baal. 16b Instead, you will acknowledge that I am your husband.

In some languages, it may also be more natural to combine the parallel verbs. For example:

husband is the word that you will use when you speak to me, not Baal

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:1

Section 5:1–7

The LORD will judge the people of Israel and Judah

In 5:1–4, the LORD condemned the people of Israel and Judah, including the priests and leaders, for their corruption, immorality, and idolatry. In 5:5–7, he warned them that he would leave them and allow them to be destroyed.

Here are some other examples of section headings:

Israel and Judah will be judged (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Punishment Coming for Israel and Judah (English Standard Version)

Paragraph 5:1–4

In this paragraph, the LORD made an accusation against the people of Israel. He made it clear that he knew everything they did. Nothing was hidden from him. He concluded by declaring that his people no longer knew him.

Since this paragraph occurs at the beginning of a new section, it may be helpful in some languages to make explicit that the LORD is the one who was speaking. For example, the Contemporary English Version begins this paragraph with:

The Lord said (Contemporary English Version)

Here is another way to introduce the paragraph:

The LORD continued to speak. He said

5:1a

Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house!: The clauses Hear this, Take heed, and Give ear are three ways of saying the same thing. This repetition called attention to what the LORD was about to say.

Here the LORD addressed three groups in Israel:

(a) the priests

(b) the people of the nation of Israel

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of the phrases in these three lines. For example:

• Name the group of people before the verb:

“Priests, hear this! Israelites, pay attention! Royal house/family, listen!”

• List all of the groups together:

Priests, people of Israel, and royal house ⌊of Israel ⌋, pay attention ⌊to my words ⌋.

• Reorder the groups. For example, here is a list in a different order:

Listen, Royal house! Hear this, Priests! Pay attention, Israelites!

Use the order and forms of address that are most natural in your language for groups like these.

Hear this: This phrase refers to the words of the LORD that follow.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

Hear these words that I am about to say.

priests: These are the same priests as in 4:4b. See the notes at 4:4b.

house of Israel: This phrase refers to the entire nation of the northern kingdom of Israel.

royal house: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “house of the king.” It refers here to the king and his family.

O: There is no Hebrew word here for the word O. In the past, O was used as a formal way to address someone in English, so the Berean Standard Bible and some other versions have added it here. Use a term of address that is appropriate in your language for this context.

5:1b

this judgment is against you: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “the judgment ⌊belongs ⌋ to you.” It can be interpreted in two ways:

(1) It means that the LORD will judge the nation of Israel. For example:

because you will all be judged (New Century Version)

(2) It means that Israel is responsible to act justly. For example:

Justice was your duty (Contemporary English Version)

In some versions, both interpretations (1) and (2) are made explicit. For example:

You are supposed to judge with justice—so judgment will fall on you! (Good News Translation)

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

5:1c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

because you have been a snare at Mizpah,

a net spread out on Tabor.

There is an ellipsis in the second line. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from the first line. For example:

⌊ You have been⌋a net spread out on Tabor.

Each line is a metaphor. Both metaphors compare the leaders and influential people of Israel to traps used for catching birds. The birds represent the people. The meaning is that the leaders have led the people to worship false gods.

you have been a snare…a net spread out: The words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as snare and net refer to two kinds of bird traps. The difference of meaning between the two words is not important here. Both represent people who enticed others away from the LORD and into false worship.

If it is confusing or unnatural in your language to use metaphors like this, here are some other options:

• Change the metaphors into similes. For example:

You have been like a trap at Mizpah and like a net spread out at Mount Tabor. (New Century Version)

• Translate the meaning directly without using a figure of speech. For example:

For you have led the people to worship idols.

• Use a different idiom or figure of speech that conveys the right meaning in your language.

at Mizpah…on Tabor: Mizpah and Tabor are two locations in Israel where people worshiped idols. Here they are probably used as a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents all the places in Israel where the people worshiped false gods.

Tabor is a site on a mountain. For that reason some versions make that explicit. For example:

like a net spread out at Mount Tabor. (New Century Version)

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 2:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:9

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:13

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:1

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