SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:8

4:8a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

8a They feed on the sins of My people

8b and set their hearts on iniquity.

Line 4:8a is the reason for 4:8b. The reason that the priests set their hearts on iniquity (4:8b) is that the priests feed on their sins (4:8a). The priests wanted the sins of the people to increase, in order that they might receive a greater supply of sacrificial meat to eat. Some versions make explicit that 4:8a is the reason for 4:8b. For example:

8a Since the priests live off the sin offerings of the people, 8b they want the people to sin more and more. (New Century Version)

4:8a

They feed on the sins of My people: In Hebrew, the word sins has a double meaning here. One meaning is sins, and a second meaning is “sin offerings.” Sin offerings were animals that the people brought to the priest to be sacrificed for sin. The laws in the book of Leviticus allowed the priests to eat a portion of these sacrificial animals. See Leviticus 6:24–30.

The double meaning of sins makes this clause a play on words. The priests were feeding on the people’s sins by eating the sin offerings that the people brought. The New Living Translation (1996) translates both parts of the double meaning:

The priests get fed when the people sin and bring their sin offerings to them (New Living Translation (1996))

Most versions do not include both meanings of this word play. Instead, they translate one of the meanings and leave the other meaning implied. For example:

they feed on the sin of my people (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
They feed on the sin offerings of my people (NET Bible)

The clause may imply that the priests were eating large quantities of the meat from the sacrifices. For example:

you can stuff yourselves on their sin offerings (Contemporary English Version)

It may also be a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents a prosperous lifestyle. For example:

You grow rich from the sins of my people (Good News Translation)

4:8b

set their hearts on iniquity: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as set their hearts is literally “they lift up their throat/appetite.” This is a Hebrew idiom that emphasizes a person’s desire or greed. In this phrase, it means that they intensely desired the people to sin against the LORD.

Some versions keep a figurative word such as “appetite” or “greed” because of the connection with eating the sin offerings (4:8a). For example:

their appetites long for their iniquity (NET Bible)
-or-
they are greedy for their iniquity (New Revised Standard Version)

Other versions translate the meaning without using a figurative term. For example:

you want them to sin more and more (Good News Translation)
-or-
they want them to do wicked things (God’s Word)

General Comment on 4:8a–b

In some languages, it will be more natural to put 4:8b first and the reason second. For example:

8b You encourage others to sin, 8a so you can stuff yourselves on their sin offerings. (Contemporary English Version)

© 2021 by SIL International®
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SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:6

6:6a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

6a For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

6b and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

For: In this verse, the LORD explained to the people of Israel what he wanted from them. He told them the reason for his frustration and the motive for his discipline. The Hebrew text and some English versions indicate explicitly that this verse is an explanation or reason. For example:

For I desire steadfast love…. (New Revised Standard Version)

Some versions rely on the context to clarify the relationship between the previous verses and this one. They do not indicate the relationship explicitly. For example:

I want your constant love, not your animal sacrifices. (Good News Translation)

Use a natural way in your language to indicate that this verse tells the reason for the LORD’s feelings and actions in the previous verses.

I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings: In these lines, the LORD told the people of Israel what was important to him. He wanted them to faithfully love him and one another. He also wanted them to show by their attitudes and actions that they truly knew him. Otherwise, he would not accept their sacrifices and burnt offerings.

It is implied from the previous context that the people did not show that they truly knew him. It is also implied that the kind of sacrifices and burnt offerings that the LORD rejected were mere rituals. He did not want the people to offer sacrifices at all, if the sacrifices were not accompanied by a loving relationship with him.

You may want to add a footnote that cross-references 1 Samuel 15:22 and Psalm 51:16–19. These verses have similar ideas.

mercy: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy is the same word that it translates as “loving devotion” in 4:1c. See the note on that verse for the different aspects of meaning. Here it may refer particularly to faithful love for God that results in a concern for others. Translate this term in a way that fits naturally in the context.

the knowledge of God: See the notes on 4:1d and 5:4c, where this phrase has the same meaning.

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

sacrifice…burnt offerings: The parallel terms sacrifice and burnt offerings refer to animal sacrifices that the people offered to God.

The word sacrifice is the general word for an offering to God. The phrase burnt offerings refers to animals that were completely burned as offerings to God.

General Comment on 6:6a–b

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

It is not your animal sacrifices that I care about. What I want is for you to know me, your God, and to show love to me and others.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:11

Paragraph 8:11–14

This paragraph describes how the people of Israel sinned when they offered sacrifices to the LORD. There is a contrast between the many altars that the people built for sinning (8:11) and the many teachings that the LORD wrote for the people’s good (8:12). In both situations, the people rejected what God wanted them to do. As a result, the LORD did not accept their sacrifices (8:13), so their cities faced total destruction (8:14).

8:11

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

11a “Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin,

11b
they became his altars for sinning.

In Hebrew, these clauses are more literally:

11a…Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning,

11b
they have become for him altars for sinning.

The same Hebrew word, “sinning,” is used in each line. However, in 11a, the word probably means “to sacrifice an animal as a sin offering.” In 11b, it probably means “to sin.”

8:11a–b

There are two main ways to interpret the relationship between 8:11a and 8:11b:

(1) Verse 8:11a describes an existing situation that led to the unexpected result in 8:11b. The people built many altars as places to offer their sin offerings, so they expected the Lord to take away their sin. Instead, the altars became places where their sin increased. For example:

11a “Although Israel built more altars to remove sin, 11b they have become altars for sinning. (New Century Version)

(2) Verse 8:11a describes the situation that caused the result in 8:11b. There is no emphasis on whether the result was expected or not. For example:

11a Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, 11b they have become to him altars for sinning. (English Standard Version)

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

Here are some other ways to translate the relationship between 8:11a and 8:11b:

• Emphasize the unexpected consequence in 8:11b. For example:

Although Ephraim has built many altars for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning! (NET Bible)
-or-
When Ephraim multiplied altars to expiate sin, they became to him altars for sinning. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Israel has built many altars to take away sin, but these very altars became places for sinning!

• Emphasize the direct relation between the number of altars and the number of places for sinning. For example:

The more altars the people of Israel build for removing sin, the more places they have for sinning! (Good News Translation)

Use a natural way in your language to indicate one of these options.

8:11b

they became his altars for sinning: Here are some other ways to translate this line:

they became places where people’s sins increased when they offered sacrifices
-or-
they became altars where people committed various kinds of sin when they sacrificed

became: The word became indicates that the function of the altars changed. They were now places that violated God’s original command. In Deuteronomy 12, God repeatedly commanded that all twelve tribes worship him at one location with one altar. The people disobeyed God’s command in at least two ways: they built many altars, and they often sacrificed to false gods on these altars.

In some languages, it may be helpful to make some of this information explicit. For example:

these altars became places where people increased their sins ⌊by disobeying God’s commands ⌋.

It may also be helpful to add a footnote that gives some of the OT context. Here is a suggested footnote:

See Deuteronomy 12:5–6, 11, 13–14. In these verses, God commanded that the people from all twelve tribes of Israel worship him in one location and offer sacrifices to him on one altar. He wanted them to be different from the Canaanite people around them who worshiped false gods at many different altars.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:12

Paragraph 10:12–15

Hosea is the speaker in this paragraph. He speaks to the people directly, using second person pronouns such as “you” and “yourselves.” He urges the people to seek the LORD instead of sinning as in their past. He also warns them how terrible the future judgment will be.

10:12–13

In 10:12–13, there is a new metaphor that compares Israel to a farmer. This replaces the metaphor of Israel as a heifer in 10:11.

10:12a–c

10:12a–c is a saying about sowing and reaping. It has a different purpose from the saying about sowing and reaping in Hosea 8:7a–b. Here Hosea urges the people to begin living righteous lives.

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12a
Sow for yourselves righteousness

12b and reap the fruit of loving devotion;

12c
break up your unplowed ground.

10:12a–b

Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion: This is a metaphor. It compares people who live in righteous ways to people who plant seeds and then harvest a crop. People who plant seeds of righteousness will harvest a crop of unfailing love.

Here are some ways to translate these two commands:

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Sow justice, and reap loyalty. (Revised English Bible)

Here are three ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. (New Living Translation (2004))

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

You should be people who are righteous, like someone who plants good seeds. The crop that you harvest later will be like a crop of love.

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

Live righteous lives and love will be the result.

10:12a

Sow for yourselves righteousness: To sow/plant righteousness is a figurative way to tell people to live righteous lives. righteousness is behavior that is fair and proper and conforms to the standards of the LORD’s covenant with Israel. It especially concerns good relationships between people. The meaning of the Hebrew word for righteousness includes being loyal, honest and just.

Here are other ways to translate this command:

Plant goodness (New Century Version)
-or-
Sow saving justice for yourselves (New Jerusalem Bible)

Sow: This word implies planting seeds. Some versions make “seeds” explicit. For example:

I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
scatter seeds of justice (Contemporary English Version)

for yourselves: In Hebrew, this phrase emphasizes the importance of the command for the people Hosea is addressing. Some versions, including the New Living Translation (2004) and Contemporary English Version quoted above, do not make this phrase explicit.

10:12b

reap the fruit of loving devotion:
This clause is a figurative way to tell people that righteous conduct will result in love.

reap the fruit: The word reap normally means to harvest ripened grain or fruit. Some versions make it explicit that love is a figurative crop or fruit. For example:

and you will harvest a crop of love (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
harvest the fruit of loyalty (New Century Version)

loving devotion: This is the kind of love that conforms to the standards of the LORD’s covenant with Israel. The meaning of the Hebrew word for loving devotion includes being loyal, faithful, gracious, kind and merciful. See also the note on “loving devotion” at 4:1c.

Here are other ways to translate this clause:

harvest faithfulness (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Reap loyalty (Revised English Bible)

10:12c

break up your unplowed ground: This command is part of the metaphor in 12a–b that compares the people of Israel to people who plant seeds and then harvest a crop. In order to plant seeds they must first prepare the ground by loosening up the soil. In this metaphor the hard, unplowed ground is similar to the people’s stubborn hearts or minds. That hardness must become soft. Then they will be willing to start living according to righteousness and love.

The Hebrew clause is more literally “plow for yourselves unplowed-ground.” See the note on “for yourselves” under 12a–b above.

Here are some ways to translate this command:

• Keep the metaphor. Make the implicit similarity explicit if it will be helpful. For example:

Plow up the hard ground of your hearts (New Living Translation (2004))

• Change the metaphor to a simile. Make the implicit similarity explicit if it will be helpful. For example:

Loosen your hard hearts/livers like people break up hard ground for planting.

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

Open your hearts/minds and start following the ways of the LORD.

General Comment on 10:12a–c

In some languages, it may be confusing that the command to prepare the ground in 12c follows the commands to sow and reap in 12a–b. A farmer will normally break up unplowed ground first, before he sows and reaps. For that reason, it may be preferable to rearrange the order of these three clauses. See 10:12a–c (combined/reordered) in the Display.

10:12d

For it is time to seek the LORD: There is a textual issue here:

(1) The Masoretic Text has “and it is time.” For example:

break up your fallow ground; It is time to seek the Lord (Revised English Bible)

(2) The LXX has “of knowledge.” For example:

plow the new ground of knowledge (New Century Version)

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

In the Hebrew text, this clause begins with a conjunction that often means “and.” However, in this context, it probably introduces a reason. The reason to sow righteousness, reap love and break up hard ground is because it is time to seek him. Some versions make it clear that this is a reason by using a word such as “for.” For example:

Break up the unplowed ground for yourselves, for it is time to seek the LORD (NET Bible)

Some versions leave it implied that this is a reason. Some use punctuation to indicate it. For example, the New Jerusalem Bible has a colon that implies reason:

break up your fallow ground: it is time to seek out Yahweh (New Jerusalem Bible)

it is time: This phrase indicates that the people should not delay to seek the LORD. The words may add a sense of urgency to the command. Some versions make this urgency explicit. For example:

for now is the time to seek the Lord (New Living Translation (2004))

to seek the LORD: This phrase implies serious and persistent effort. It may refer to a time of distress or crisis in which the people turn away from their sin and turn to him in order to worship and serve him. For more information on what it means to seek the LORD, see the note on 3:5a.

10:12e

until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain: In this clause, Hosea tells the people how long they should seek the LORD and what his response will be when they seek him.

until He comes: They should seek the LORD until He comes. This phrase is a figurative way to say that the LORD will restore his relationship with them. He will be gracious to them again. This statement implies that previously the LORD had withdrawn from them. See 5:6 and 5:15 for more information.

and sends righteousness upon you like rain: More literally, this clause part says “he will rain down righteousness on you.” The words like rain or showers imply that the righteousness he gives is refreshing and life-giving. The phrase indicates that the LORD will treat them justly and bless them according to what is right.

The word righteousness here is the same Hebrew word as in 12a, that the people are to sow. For the meaning of this word see the note on “Sow for yourselves righteousness” in 10:12a.

Here are some other ways to translate 10:12e:

until he comes and pours goodness on you like water. (New Century Version)
-or-
and I will come and pour out blessings upon you. (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:3

13:3a–d

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

3a Therefore they will be like the morning mist,

3b like the early dew that vanishes,

3c like chaff blown from a threshing floor,

3d like smoke through an open window.

There is an ellipsis (deliberate omission) of the first three words in 13:3b–d. In many languages, these words will need to be supplied from 13:3a. For example:

3b
⌊ they will be⌋like the early dew that vanishes.

3c
⌊ they will be⌋like chaff blown from a threshing floor,

3d
⌊ they will be⌋like smoke through an open window.

These lines contain four figures of speech (similes) that compare the people to temporary things. In a short time, they will quickly and completely disappear. The repetition of these similar lines gives emphasis to this consequence of their idolatry.

Here are some ways to translate these similes:

• Make explicit that it is the people who will disappear. For example:

So those people will be like the morning mist; they will disappear like the morning dew. (New Century Version)

• Shorten and combine parts of the lines. For example:

And so, all of you will vanish like the mist or the dew of early morning, or husks of grain in the wind or smoke from a chimney. (Contemporary English Version)

13:3a

Therefore: This word introduces the consequence of their ongoing sin of making idols and kissing calves.

Here are some other ways to translate it:

So (New Century Version)

That is why (God’s Word)

like the morning mist: The phrase the morning mist probably refers to low-lying clouds or fog that disappears by the time the morning is over.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the morning cloud (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
like fog in the morning (God’s Word)

13:3b

like the early dew that vanishes: This phrase refers to water droplets that collect on plant leaves in the early morning. It evaporates quickly. In some languages, it may be redundant to make the word early explicit.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the dew that quickly disappears (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
like dew in the morning sun (New Living Translation (2004))

13:3c

like chaff blown from a threshing floor: This phrase refers to the husks and dust that remain behind after a farmer threshes grain. The wind carries it off. The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blown means to be blown away by a strong wind.

13:3d

like smoke through an open window: This phrase probably refers to smoke from cooking fires or burning lamps that escapes through an opening in the wall.

window: The Hebrew word for window is literally “hole in the wall.” The word meaning does not indicate which part of the wall has the hole. It may be in the upper part of the wall near the roof or elsewhere.

Many versions translate the word as window. Some, such as the Good News Translation, translate it as “chimney.” Note, however, that the Hebrew word does not refer to the kind of window or chimney that is common in modern buildings. Translate this with a word or phrase in your language that best fits the meaning of a hole in the wall through which smoke passes.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:15

2:15a

There I will give back her vineyards: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as There is literally “From there,” as in the New Revised Standard Version. In this context, it refers to the same image of Israel in the wilderness as 2:14b. It was from this desert that the LORD promised to restore to Israel her vineyards. This promise referred to the future restoration of vineyards in Israel. Some versions leave the word “there” or “from there” implied.

I will give back her vineyards: In 2:12, the LORD said that he would destroy Israel’s vineyards, but here in 2:15, he promised to restore them. Some versions indicate this idea of restoration explicitly. For example:

I will give back to her the vineyards she had (Good News Translation)
-or-
I shall restore her vineyards to her (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I will return her vineyards to her (New Living Translation (2004))

Other versions leave it implied. For example:

From there I will give her her vineyards (New Revised Standard Version)

Be sure that the idea of restoration is clear in your translation.

2:15b

and make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope: The Hebrew word Achor means “trouble, disturbance.” The Valley of Achor was the place where Achan disobeyed the LORD. As a result, the LORD allowed the enemies of Israel to defeat them. This happened when they were entering the promised land of Canaan (Joshua 7:1–26).

Hosea probably uses the Valley of Achor as a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents the whole land. He means that the LORD will change Israel from a nation that experienced trouble to a nation where people have hope.

Some versions translate the meaning rather than the actual place name. For example:

Valley of Trouble (NET Bible)
-or-
Trouble Valley (Good News Translation)

Some versions include a footnote that gives the Joshua reference and a brief explanation as above. Consider whether any of these options will help your readers better understand the meaning.

a gateway of hope: The change from a place of disaster to a gateway of hope illustrated that Israel’s disastrous relationship with the LORD could be changed. Here, hope means “expectation, optimistic outlook.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

gateway of hope (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Opportunity for Hope (NET Bible)

Notice that the NET Bible uses capital letters to show that this phrase is parallel to “Valley of Trouble.” Consider whether capital letters will help your readers to understand the parallelism.

If it is necessary to specify an object of hope, you may use a phrase that refers to prosperity or a better life. For example:

a place where people have hope for a good life

2:15c

There: This word refers to the same place as it does in 2:15a. Some versions leave it implied.

she will respond: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as respond :

(1) It means respond. When the nation of Israel was young, she responded to the LORD’s love by accepting his covenant and obeying him. In this verse, the LORD said that she will respond like this again. For example:

There she will respond (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) It means sing. When the LORD rescued the nation of Israel from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, they sang a song of thanksgiving (Exodus 15). For example:

There she will sing (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. “Respond” is the usual meaning of this verb. It also allows for more kinds of responses than just singing.

In some languages, it may be more natural to use direct speech to express her response. For example, here is a slight adaptation of the Contemporary English Version:

she will say ‘Yes’ to me

In some languages, a verb such as respond is used only in the context of answering a question. If that is true in your language, you may need to use a different expression. For example:

She will give herself to me there (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
As a result, she will accept my love for her

2:15d

Notice the parallelism:

as she did in the days of her youth,

as in the day she came up out of Egypt

The first line describes a period of time in the past. The second line describes an event that happened during that time.

days…day: These words refer here to periods of time, not to literal 24-hour days. In some languages, it may be more natural to use different expressions. For example:

as in her youth,

as when she came up from Egypt. (Revised English Bible)

youth: This word refers here to Israel as a young nation, when the LORD established his covenant with her at Mt. Sinai. It also refers figuratively to a young lady of marriageable age. Do not use a term that applies only to small children.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:19

4:19a–b

Notice the similarity between these two parallel lines:

19a The whirlwind has wrapped them in its wings,

19b and their sacrifices will bring them shame.

Both lines indicate the result of the sinful behavior described in the previous verses. Verse 4:19a describes the punishment of being taken away into captivity. Verse 4:19b describes the shame that they will feel.

Most English versions do not indicate explicitly that this verse is a result. In some languages, it may be clearer to introduce this result with a word such as “Therefore” or “So.” For example:

So a mighty wind will sweep them away (New Living Translation (2004))

4:19a

The whirlwind has wrapped them in its wings: This figure of speech probably means that enemy armies will take the people and their leaders captive and remove them from the land of Israel.

The Hebrew verb form used here normally indicates that the action is already complete. For that reason the Berean Standard Bible and some other versions use past tense.

However, in prophecies, the completed form can indicate that a future event will certainly take place. That is probably what it indicates here.

Use a natural way in your language to indicate that this is a future event.

4:19b

and their sacrifices will bring them shame: There is a textual issue here regarding the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sacrifices :

(1) The Masoretic Text has sacrifices. For example:

they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices (New American Standard Bible)

(2) The LXX has “altars.” For example:

they shall be ashamed because of their altars (New Revised Standard Version)

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

The meaning of this clause is that their sacrifices will cause them shame. Here are some other ways to express this relationship:

their sacrifices will lead to their shame
-or-
The result of their idol worship will be their humiliation

sacrifices: Here the word sacrifices is a figure of speech (metonymy) that represents idol worship.

Here are some other ways to translate this figure of speech:

• Make “idols” explicit. For example:

Their sacrifices to idols (New Living Translation (2004))

• Refer to idol worship directly. For example:

their idolatrous worship (NET Bible)

shame: Because the people of Israel continue to worship idols, the LORD will send enemy armies to defeat them in battle and take them captive. This will cause them to feel shame or disgrace.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:6

7:6a

This verse further explains the simile of the oven in 7:4. In Hebrew and in some English versions, this verse begins with a word that introduces this explanation. For example:

For like an oven their hearts burn with intrigue (Revised Standard Version)
-or-

Yes, they burned like an oven with their plotting. (Good News Translation)

Other versions simply let the context imply this relationship. Use a natural way in your language to indicate that this verse adds more details to the oven simile in 7:4.

they prepare their heart like an oven while they lie in wait: In Hebrew, this verse part is literally “they have brought near like (the) oven their heart in their deceit.” There are two main ways to interpret it:

(1) It means that people have intense anger or other emotions as they make plans to assassinate the king. For example:

Their hearts are like an oven as they plot. (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) It means that people approach the king with intense anger or other emotions in order to assassinate him. For example:

the plotters approach with hearts like ovens (New American Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It best fits the Hebrew grammar. It also seems more logical that a period of intense planning (7:6a) would precede the waiting (7:6b) and eventual action (7:6c). It is less likely that the plotters would approach and then allow their emotions to smolder all night.

This statement is a simile. In this simile, the hearts of people are compared to an oven. Their strong feelings as they treacherously make evil plans is like the extreme heat of the oven. See the General Comment on 7:6a–c following 7:6c for other ways to translate this simile and the related figures of speech in this verse.

they: This pronoun probably refers to the princes in 7:5.

heart: The people of Israel considered the heart to be the center of attitudes and thoughts. Some languages use a different body organ, such as the liver, to signify attitudes and thoughts. Use an expression that is natural in your language for this purpose.

lie in wait: In Hebrew, this word usually refers to an ambush in which people wait in hiding in order to kill their enemies or victims. It probably refers here to a treacherous plan to murder the king.

7:6b

all night their anger smolders:
This clause is a metaphor that continues the simile of the oven in 7:6a. In this metaphor, the people’s anger or passion is compared to the coals in an oven. During the night the coals are allowed to smolder or die down. Similarly, the intensity of the people’s emotion is at a low level during the night. They are waiting for the right time to put their plans into action.

Here are some other ways to express this similarity:

All night long their anger is low (New Century Version)
-or-
Their plot smolders through the night (New Living Translation (2004))

all night: In the metaphor of the smoldering coals, the phrase all night refers to a literal night. In terms of the people’s anger or plotting, it may refer to an actual night. It may also refer to a longer period of time during which the people waited to take action.

7:6c

in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire: In the morning, after the coals have smoldered all night, the person who tends the oven causes the fire to burn brightly again. This figure of speech indicates that after a period of relative calm, the people suddenly and vigorously put their evil plans into action.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

then flares up at dawn (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
in the morning it breaks out like a raging fire (New Living Translation (1996))

General Comment on 7:6a–c

If the figures of speech that relate to the heat of an oven are not clear in your language, here are some other translation options:

• Make explicit the way in which the people’s hearts are like an oven. For example:

6a Yes, their hearts become ⌊hot ⌋ like an oven in their evil schemes. 6b ⌊The heat of ⌋ their anger/emotions smolders all night. 6c In the morning it blazes ⌊hot ⌋ like a flaming fire.

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

6a The feelings of those who are plotting ⌊against the king ⌋ are very strong. 6b For a time they restrain their anger. 6c When the opportunity comes they energetically put their plans into action.

• Use similar figures of speech that convey the right meaning in your language. For example:

6a When they make their evil plans ⌊to kill the king ⌋, their livers are ⌊hot ⌋ like a roaring cooking fire. 6b ⌊The flames die down and ⌋ the coals glow through the night. 6c When the morning comes ⌊they fan the coals and ⌋ the fire blazes hotter ⌊than before ⌋.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:15

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:6

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

American Bible Society