SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021 – Page 24

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 14:3

14:3

Hosea’s model prayer continues in this verse. It includes a list of three main sins that the people should confess and turn away from:

(a) trust in foreign powers

(b) trust in military strength

They should stop depending on these things and depend instead on the LORD. They should acknowledge that the Lord is the one who cares for people like themselves, who have become like orphans.

14:3a

Assyria will not save us: In this part of the prayer, the people admit to the LORD that the nation of Assyria will not save them from their enemies. Instead they promise to trust in the LORD to save them from danger.

Assyria may be a figure of speech that represents all foreign nations that Israel relied on to protect them. Most versions leave the figurative meaning implicit.

save: This word means “deliver/save” from peril.

14:3b

nor will we ride on horses: In this part of the prayer, the people promise to trust in the LORD to save them from danger. They will not trust in their own military strength.

At that time, armies used horses in battle to carry soldiers and to pull chariots.

Here, riding horses is probably a figure of speech that represents the armies and the military strength of the Israelites. Hosea refers to horses in a similar way in 1:7.

Some versions make it more explicit that the Hebrew words refer to using horses in war.

Here are some other ways to translate this promise:

we will not mount war-horses (New International Version)
-or-
We will not ride warhorses (NET Bible)
-or-
and war horses cannot protect us. (Good News Translation)

horses: In Hebrew, this word is a collective singular “horse” that indicates horses. In many languages, it is more natural to use plural here, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

14:3c

We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands: In this part of the prayer, the people acknowledge that idols are objects that humans have made. They are not gods, and the people promise to stop worshiping them.

In some languages, it may be more natural to use indirect speech here. For example:

We will never again say that the things our hands have made are our gods. (God’s Word)

gods: In Hebrew, this word is plural. However, there are two interpretations of the intended meaning:

(1) It means gods. The word refers to more than one idol. For example:

Never again will we say to the idols we have made, ‘You are our gods.’ (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It means god/God. The Hebrew word is a plural of majesty that refers to one god. For example:

Nor will we say again, ‘Our god,’ (New American Standard Bible)

The Display will follow interpretation (1), but either interpretation is acceptable. Follow the interpretation that is the most natural in your language in this context.

the work of our own hands: This phrase refers to “idols.”

14:3d

For in You the fatherless find compassion: In this part of the prayer, the people acknowledge that the LORD shows compassion to orphans.

The first word in the clause introduces a reason. The reason that the people should repent and return to the LORD is because he shows compassion to orphans. Some versions use a word such as For or “since” to introduce this reason. Some other versions leave it implied that this clause is a reason. For example:

In you the orphan finds mercy. (English Standard Version)

Use a natural way in your language to indicate that this clause is a reason.

This part of the prayer implies that Israel is fatherless. The people have become orphans because of their rebellion against the LORD. The prayer is a request that the LORD will show compassion and restore his relationship with them as his children.

fatherless: The Hebrew word means “orphan, fatherless.” Many versions translate the word as “orphan.” For example:

for you are the one in whom orphans find compassion. (New Jerusalem Bible)

compassion: The Hebrew word for compassion means to “love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate.”

The words compassion and “fatherless” link this last chapter of Hosea to the first two chapters of the book. Forms of the Hebrew word for compassion rhm occur in Hosea 1:6; 2:1, 19, 23. In those verses, the name of Hosea’s daughter was Lo-ruhamah “not loved” (or “not shown compassion”). The name indicated that the LORD no longer loved or had compassion for Israel.

The name of Hosea’s son, Lo-ammi “not my people” indicated that the LORD was no longer Israel’s father. In 2:23, however, the LORD promised that one day he would again love Israel and that the people would again become his own people. Here in 14:3d, this same promise is affirmed.

© 2021 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:10

Section 1:10–2:1

The LORD promised to make the people of Israel his own again

The Hebrew text has a chapter break here. It has different verse and chapter numbers from the majority of English translations. These Notes follow the system of most English versions (unlike the Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures and the New Jerusalem Bible, which follow the Hebrew numbering system). You need to decide which system you are going to follow and be consistent throughout your translation. Usually it is good to follow the same chapter and verse numbering that is used by most other translations in your area.

In the previous section, 1:2–9, the LORD said that he no longer considered the people of Israel to be his people. In this section, 1:10–2:1, the LORD continued to speak to the people of Israel. He told them that there was still hope. He would make them a great and mighty nation in the future.

The Berean Standard Bible does not start a new section here, but TN and some other versions do.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

God’s Promise to Israel (New Century Version)
-or-
Hope for Israel (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The Restoration of Israel (New Revised Standard Version)

Paragraph 1:10–2:1

The message of future hope for Israel in this paragraph contrasts with the messages of judgment that precede it. The Israelites had been unfaithful to the LORD. They had broken the covenant he made with them through Moses at Mt. Sinai. In spite of that, the LORD reminded them here that he still intended to keep the promise of the earlier covenant that he had made with their ancestor Abraham. In the future, he will once again bless the nation of Israel. He will increase their numbers and reunite the northern kingdom of Israel with the southern kingdom of Judah.

1:10

If you start a new section here, you may need to make explicit at the beginning of 1:10 that the LORD is still speaking. For example:

⌊ The Lord continued to speak. He said⌋…

1:10a

Yet: This verse contrasts strongly with the previous verses. You should translate it in a way that indicates this contrast. If this is a new section in your translation, you may have to make the link to the previous section explicit by repeating part of verse 9. For example:

⌊ Although I have said that you are no longer my people,⌋yet….

the Israelites: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “the number of the sons of Israel.” It refers here to the entire nation.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

the number of the people of Israel (New Revised Standard Version)

will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted: This is a figure of speech (simile) that the LORD first used in Genesis 22:17 and Genesis 32:12. Those verses expressed his covenant promise to Abraham. Here the simile compares the number of Israelites to the sand on the seashore. The point of similarity is that they will be so many that no one will be able to count them.

Hebrew and most English versions state the word “number” explicitly. For example:

the Israelites will become as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore. No one will be able to measure them or count them. (God’s Word)
-or-
the number of the people of Israel will be like the sand of the sea which can be neither measured nor numbered. (NET Bible)

Translate in a natural way that makes the correct meaning of the simile clear.

cannot be measured or counted: The words measured and counted have almost the same meaning in this context. They are used together for the sake of emphasis. The word measured does not occur in either of the similar verses in Genesis. In this context, it refers to measuring the amount of something dry like sand, using a container whose size is known.

If your language has a word for measuring something like sand, you may use it here. If it is confusing to compare the number of people to sand that is measured, you may want to use only one expression, as some English versions have done. For example:

Someday it will be impossible to count the people of Israel, because there will be as many of them as there are grains of sand along the seashore. (Contemporary English Version)

You should translate this figure of speech in a way that is consistent with Genesis 22:17 and 32:12, so that readers can recognize that these words refer back to the LORD’s covenant with Abraham. At the same time, notice that there are some minor differences between these verses. If possible, you should maintain these differences in your translation. It is suggested that you refer to these Genesis verses in a footnote or in some other way.

1:10b

in the very place where it was said to them: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the very place where :

(1) It refers to a literal geographical place, either the land of Israel or the land where the people will be exiled. In this same place, the words that the LORD will say to the people will contrast with his previous words. For example:

at the place where they were told (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It is a special use of the Hebrew phrase. Here it means “in place of ” or “instead of.” It does not refer here to a literal place. It simply introduces the contrasting words that the LORD will say to the people with his previous words. For example:

instead of being told (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with almost all commentaries and lexicons. The Hebrew word for place normally refers to a location. It occurs with this meaning approximately five hundred times in the Old Testament. With this interpretation, the focus in this verse is still on the changed relationship between God and his people.

it was said to them: This is a passive clause. The implied speaker is the LORD.

If it is more natural in your language to use an active verb in this context, here is another way to translate it:

the LORD said to them

You are not My people: This is the same phrase as in 1:9b. Translate it the same way here.

1:10c

they will be called: This is a passive clause like the similar clause in 1:10b. See the General Comment on 1:10b–c for a way to translate this as an active clause.

sons of the living God: The Hebrew expression sons of can refer either to sons or to both sons and daughters. In this context, it refers to the entire nation, so a translation such as “children” is preferable to sons. For example:

they will be told they are ‘Children of the living God.’ (New Jerusalem Bible)

living God: The phrase living God is probably used here to contrast the true God with the false gods that the people worshiped. God was truly alive. The false gods had no life.

General Comment on 1:10b–c

Try to use similar expressions in 1:10b and 1:10c to show the contrast between what the LORD called the people in the past and what he will call them in the future. For example:

10b Wherever they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ 10c they will be told, ‘You are the children of the living God.’ (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:3

4:3a

Therefore: In Hebrew, this phrase introduces the result of something that was said previously. The meaning here is that because of all the sins mentioned in 4:1–2, the land mourns.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

And so (Good News Translation)
-or-
This is why (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Therefore (New American Standard Bible)

the land mourns: There are two ways to interpret this clause:

(1) The land of Israel is undergoing drought. The word land is literal and refers to the land of Israel. The word “mourn” is figurative and refers to drought. For example:

And so the land will dry up (Good News Translation)

(Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation, God’s Word, New Century Version, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, Revised English Bible)

(2) The people of Israel are mourning. The word land is figurative and refers to the people living in the land of Israel. The word “mourn” is literal and refers to people mourning. For example:

This is why the country is in mourning (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. It better fits the following context that describes animals dying. Drought is a logical cause of their death.

The Hebrew form of the verb “mourn” (the imperfect) can indicate either present or future. So there are two ways to interpret this verse:

(1) It refers to the future. This is an announcement of future judgment. The imperfect tense indicates that the mourning had not yet begun. For example:

And so the land will dry up (Good News Translation)

(2) It refers to the present. The imperfect tense indicates that the mourning was already occurring at that time. For example:

Therefore the land mourns (New Revised Standard Version)

The majority of versions use present tense here. However, interpretation (1) is recommended. This interpretation is supported by the occurrence of the same pattern elsewhere.

In some languages, the verbs have either past or nonpast tense. Nonpast verbs refer to either present or future, as in Hebrew. If that is true in your language, a nonpast verb would be appropriate here.

4:3b

and all who dwell in it will waste away: In Hebrew, a preposition that is attached to each group of animals in 4:3c indicates that all the animals will waste away along with the people. English versions make this clear in different ways:

• Use a word or phrase such as “with,” “together with,” or “even.” The Berean Standard Bible and others do this. For example:

all who live in it languish; together with the wild animals… (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
…everyone is wasting away. Even the wild animals…are disappearing. (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use the same word, such as “die” for both people and animals. For example:

…everything that lives on it will die. All the animals…will die. (Good News Translation)

• Combine the terms in 4:3b–c. For example:

Every living creature is dying—people and wild animals, birds and fish. (Contemporary English Version)

Use a natural way in your language to make it clear that both people and animals are included in this judgment.

waste away: Versions translate this term in two main ways:

• To become weak and exhausted. This is the literal meaning of the term. For example:

will languish (Revised English Bible)

• To die. This Hebrew term probably refers to weakness that results in death. Some versions make this result explicit. For example:

will die (Good News Translation)

Either option is acceptable.

4:3c

with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear: These three types of animals, beasts, birds, and fish, are listed together to emphasize the animals that live in the three large regions of the earth—the land, the air, and the water. This list of three types of animals is probably a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents all animals.

the beasts of the field: This phrase usually refers to untamed animals. However, in this context, it may refer to all animals that live on the land.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

wild animals (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
animals (Good News Translation)

the birds of the air: As in 2:18a the phrase of the air may be redundant. So some English versions leave the words of the air implied. For example:

birds (God’s Word)

the fish of the sea: In Hebrew, a word that some versions translate as “even” precedes the phrase fish of the sea. This word emphasizes the great extent of the drought. It will be so severe that even bodies of water will dry up. As a result, the fish in them will die. Some versions do not include this emphasis. Others do include it. For example:

even the fish in the sea will perish. (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you include this emphasis in your translation.

The Hebrew word translated as sea sometimes refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which forms the western boundary of the land of Israel. However, it can also refer to rivers and lakes as well as the sea. Here it probably means that the drought will affect the fish that live in the rivers and lakes within the land of Israel.

In English, the words of the sea are redundant, because the word fish implies this idea. So some English versions leave the words of the sea implied. For example:

fish (Contemporary English Version)

disappear: In Hebrew, the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as disappear can mean to perish or be removed.

Here is another way to translate it:

and the fish of the sea are dying (New International Version)

In this verse, “to die” or disappear are different ways of saying the same thing. The way in which the animals disappear is through death. Use a natural expression in your language to translate the idea of death in this context.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:1

Section 6:1–3

The people will urge one another to repent

In the last paragraph of chapter 5, the LORD warned the people of Israel and Judah that he would abandon them until they turned to him and earnestly desired to worship and serve him. Section 6:1–3 is closely connected to this paragraph. It contains the people’s response to the LORD’s warning.

Here are some other examples of section headings:

The people will respond to the LORD’s warning
-or-
An invitation to repent

Some versions indicate in their section headings that these words of repentance are insincere or temporary. However, the words themselves appear to exemplify the true repentance that the LORD described in 5:15c. It was prophesied that this repentance would take place in the “last days” (3:5). The last chapter (14:1–7) describes the blessings that will result from this repentance. So it is recommended that you not imply in a section heading that this call to repentance is insincere or superficial. You may also want to add a footnote that cross-references the other verses in Hosea that describe this kind of repentance.

Paragraph 6:1–3

This paragraph gives the words that the people will say to each other when they repent and seek the LORD.

6:1a

Come, let us return to the LORD: This verse part is a plea in which one or more of the people urge one another to turn away from evil. They must turn to the LORD to do what is right and good.

In many languages, it will be necessary to specify the speaker(s) of these words. For example:

The people say, “…
-or-
They will say, “…

Come: In this context, the word Come has more than one function:

(a) It is an exclamation that encourages people to listen.

(b) It strengthens the invitation “let us return to the LORD.”

It does not mean that the people are to move closer to the speaker.

If the word Come is not understood correctly in your language, here are some other ways to translate it:

• Leave it implied. For example:

Let’s return to the Lord. (Contemporary English Version)

• Substitute a different word that has the same function in your language. For example:

Listen!

let us return: In Hebrew, this phrase expresses a plea. This phrase does not mean “allow us to return.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

We(incl.) should return
-or-
It will be good if we(incl.) return

6:1b–c

The clauses in this verse contrast with the similar ones in 5:13. In that verse, the people turned to the king of Assyria to heal their wounds, but the king could not heal them. Here the people understand that no human king can heal them, only the LORD.

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

1b For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us;

1c
he has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.

In these lines, the people acknowledge that the LORD has punished them (underlined parts). At the same time, they express confidence that the LORD will show compassion and heal them (parts in bold print).

Verse 6:1b–c gives the reason for the plea in 6:1a. The reason that the people should return to the LORD is because he will heal them. The Berean Standard Bible follows the Hebrew in using a conjunction to indicate that 6:1b–c is the reason for the plea.

Some versions let the context imply the correct relationship. Use a natural way in your language to indicate that 6:1b–c is a reason for the plea in 6:1a.

He has torn us to pieces…He has wounded us: These parallel clauses refer back to 5:14, where the LORD compared himself to a lion. A lion tears apart his prey. Similarly, the LORD had caused them to suffer severe punishment for their sins.

In Hebrew, He (in 6:1b) is an emphatic pronoun. For example:

He himself has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us! (NET Bible)

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

but He will heal us…but He will bind up our wounds: There are several ways to interpret the relationship between the underlined parallel parts (He has torn us to pieces…he has wounded us) and the parts in bold print (He will heal us…He will bind up our wounds). Most versions use the same relationship in both lines, so the examples will show only the first line (6:1b).

(1) The LORD will heal the people. This is a contrast with the hurt that the LORD caused them. For example:

He has hurt us but he will heal us (New Century Version)

(2) Although the LORD caused hurt, yet he will heal. Some versions use a conjunction to indicate that this is a concession. For example:

Even though he has torn us to pieces, he will heal us. (God’s Word)

(God’s Word)

(3) The LORD will heal the people. This is in addition to the hurt that the LORD caused them. For example:

He has rent us and he will heal us (New Jerusalem Bible)

(King James Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, New Revised Standard Version)

(4) The LORD will heal the people. This is the purpose of the hurt the LORD caused them. Some versions use a conjunction to indicate that this is the purpose. For example:

for he has torn us, that he may heal us (English Standard Version)

(English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. But interpretation (2) is also acceptable. Both interpretations clearly show the contrast between hurting and healing.

In some languages, it may be more natural to leave the relationship implied and not have an explicit conjunction here. For example:

He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. (New Living Translation (2004))

Use a natural way in your language to show the contrast between the LORD hurting the people and healing them.

heal us…bind up our wounds: These parallel phrases refer to healing a person who is sick or caring for a person who is injured. In this context, they indicate that the LORD will restore the people to good health.

Here are some other ways to translate these phrases:

heal us…bandage us (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
make us well and bandage our wounds (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:6

8:6a

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

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

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

The calf was made in Israel (Revised English Bible)

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

They are from Israel! (New International Version)

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

Here is another way to translate this verse part:

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

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

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

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

8:6b

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

completely destroyed

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

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

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

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:7

10:7

Samaria will be carried off with her king like a twig on the surface of the water: This clause is a simile. It compares the king of Samaria to a piece of wood or floating debris that a river or ocean current carries away. The simile is probably a figurative way to describe the king of Israel when the Assyrians defeat him and take him into exile. He is helpless and unable to escape.

The clause is literally “[will] be destroyed Samaria its king like a twig on [the] surface of [the] waters.” There are three main interpretations of this clause:

(1) Samaria’s king will be destroyed. The Hebrew phrase “Samaria her king” means the “king of Samaria.” For example:

The king of Samaria will be carried away, like a piece of wood on water. (God’s Word)

(2) Samaria will be destroyed. The Hebrew text should be understood as two clauses. The first clause says, “Samaria will be destroyed.” The second clause says, “Its king [will be] like a twig on the surface of the waters.” For example:

Israel will be destroyed; its king will be like a chip of wood floating on the water. (New Century Version)

(3) Both Samaria and Samaria’s king will be destroyed. The Hebrew text should be understood to say, “Samaria [and] her king.” For example:

Samaria and its king will be carried off like a twig on the surface of the waters. (NET Bible)

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

will be carried off: The Hebrew word is literally “will be destroyed.” It is a passive form of the word that means “destroy” or “perish.” It refers to a violent end.

Here the word may refer to the death of a specific king. Or the word may refer to the end of the monarchy in Israel. There would be no future kings of Israel.

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

Samaria’s king shall perish (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Their king will be carried off (Good News Translation)
-or-
The king of Samaria shall disappear (New American Bible)

twig: The Hebrew word for twig has two main interpretations:

(1) The word means a piece of wood. The same word is in Joel 1:7, where it describes a fig tree. For example:

The king of Samaria will be carried away like a piece of wood on water. (God’s Word)

(2) The word means foam/froth. The word is related to a verb that means, “to be angry.” Here it refers to the churning of water that produces foam/froth. For example:

As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water. (King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with the majority of versions. It has good support from Joel 1:7 and other related Hebrew words.

Here are some other ways to translate this simile:

Like a stick on the surface of the water (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
like a chip of wood floating on the water. (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 12:12

Paragraph 12:12–14

This paragraph compares/contrasts Jacob and the LORD. Jacob took care of sheep in Aram to attain a wife. The LORD took care of the people in Sinai by sending a prophet. Yet Israel provoked the LORD’s anger, and he will hold them accountable.

Hosea is probably the speaker in this paragraph. This is suggested by the use of the phrase “the/his LORD” rather than “I.”

12:12

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12a
Jacob fled to the land of Aram

12b and Israel worked for a wife —

12c
for a wife he tended sheep.

These lines continue to describe Jacob from 12:3–4. (See also Genesis 28–29). The verbs, “fled,” “worked” and “tended” indicate that Jacob had a difficult life. He was of low status and served others. This verse is the first part of a comparison/contrast of Jacob to prophets. The second part is 12:13.

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

Here the connection of this verse to the previous ones is unclear. Most versions leave the connection implied. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the connection of this verse to 12:11.

12:12a

Jacob fled to the land of Aram: The Hebrew word for fled means “ran away.” The word connotes running in a hurry, often from a threatening situation. Here it refers to a time when Jacob fled from Canaan, because Esau threatened to kill him. See Genesis 27:42–45.

Some versions make explicit that Jacob was the ancestor of the people of Israel. For example:

Our ancestor Jacob had to flee to Mesopotamia (Good News Translation)

land of Aram: This phrase is literally “field/territory of Aram.” It refers to Paddan-aram. See Genesis 28:2. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Northwest Mesopotamia (New Century Version)
-or-
country of Syria (God’s Word)

12:12b

Israel worked for a wife: This clause is literally “Israel served for a wife.” It refers to Jacob serving his uncle Laban by caring for sheep. The clause may indicate that Jacob’s work substituted for a bride price.

In this clause, Jacob is called by the name Israel. Some versions use the pronoun “he” here instead. For example:

he worked for another man (Good News Translation)

12:12c

for a wife he tended sheep: The Hebrew text repeats the same phrase for a wife here as in 12b. It has the same meaning in both lines. Some other versions make explicit that the phrase for a wife means to pay for a wife. Here is another way to translate this clause:

and there he earned a wife by tending sheep (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
and to pay for her he tended sheep (New International Version)

The words he tended sheep make explicit the meaning of the Hebrew word “to guard, watch, protect.”

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:10

2:10a

And then: In Hebrew, the phrase And then connects the LORD’s action in 2:9c with the next action that he will take to punish Israel.

Here are some other ways to make this connection clear:

So now (New International Version)
-or-
Soon (NET Bible)

Some versions, such as the Good News Translation and New Living Translation (2004) quoted below, leave the connection implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce the next action that a person will take.

I will expose her lewdness in the sight of her lovers: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lewdness can refer specifically to a woman’s genitals. This figurative clause probably indicates here that the LORD (the husband) will remove Israel’s (his wife’s) clothing so that her lovers will see her naked body, specifically her private parts. The purpose of this punishment was to publicly shame the woman.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

I will strip her naked in front of her lovers (Good News Translation)
-or-
I will strip her naked in public, while all her lovers look on. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I will show her naked body to her lovers (God’s Word)

Translate this clause in a way that is appropriate in your culture and language.

her lovers: This phrase could refer to the Baal gods or other idols that Israel worshiped. It could also refer to other nations that were her allies. If possible, use a general word or phrase that could refer to either kind of lovers.

2:10b

no one will deliver her out of My hands: In Hebrew, the phrase deliver her out of means “rescue her from.” Here the term My hands is a figure of speech that represents the LORD (the husband) or his power. In some languages, it may be clearer to translate only the meaning and not keep the figure of speech. For example:

and no one will rescue her from me (Revised English Bible)
-or-
and no one will be able to save her from my power (Good News Translation)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 14:3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 8:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 10:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 12:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:10

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

American Bible Society