SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021 – Page 24

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:7

13:7–8

Notice the parallel lines that are similar in meaning:

7a So like a lion I will pounce on them;

7b like a leopard I will lurk by the path.

8a Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests.

8b There I will devour them like a lion,

8c like a wild animal would tear them apart.

These lines contain figures of speech (similes) in which the LORD compares himself to fierce animals that attack and kill other animals or people.

These multiple animal similes give emphasis to the power and fierceness of the LORD in his judgment of them. That judgment will be carried out through Assyria when their armies attack and destroy the nation of Israel. These similes are intentionally intense and shocking and should be translated accordingly.

13:7a

So: Verses 13:7–8 describe the consequence of Israel forgetting the LORD. Most versions introduce this consequence with a word such as So or “Therefore” (New American Bible). Introduce this consequence in a natural way in your language.

like a lion I will pounce on them: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I will pounce is literally “I became.”

There are two interpretations of the time reference:

(1) It is future tense. It refers to what will soon occur. For example:

So I will become like a lion to them (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) It refers to what has begun to occur and is ongoing in Hosea’s time. For example:

So I am to them like a lion (English Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. Translate this time reference in a natural way in your language.

There are also two main interpretations of the meaning of the Hebrew word for “I became” here:

(1) It means “be/become.” His actions toward the people will be like those of a lion. The specific behavior of a lion is left implied. For example:

So now I shall be like a lion to them (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) It means “attack.” He attacks the people like a lion does. For example:

So I will attack you like a lion. (Good News Translation)

Interpretation (1) will be used in the Display. However, either interpretation is acceptable. Each one implies the other.

lion: A lion is a large cat that is capable of killing humans as well as other animals. If lions are not known in your language area, it is suggested that you provide a picture or describe it in a footnote.

13:7b

leopard: A leopard is similar to a lion. It is a large, spotted cat that is capable of killing humans as well as other animals. Leopards hunt by silently stalking their prey before attacking. If leopards are not known in your language area, it is suggested that you provide a picture or describe it in a footnote.

I will lurk by the path:
The Hebrew word for I will lurk is literally “I will watch.” In this context, the meaning is to watch in order to ambush.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Like a leopard I will lie in wait along your path. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Like a leopard I will wait by the road to ambush you. (God’s Word)

© 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 2:19

2:19–20

These two verses are one unit. The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “betroth” is repeated three times. This term refers figuratively to the LORD’s restored relationship with the people of Israel. Although the people had been unfaithful to him, he will restore their relationship as if he will get married to them again.

In Hebrew, the three repetitions of “I will betroth you” in 2:19–20 emphasize the image of a new marriage. If this kind of repetition expresses the same emphasis in a natural way in your language, you may want to maintain it. You may also want to format these verses to show the poetic structure more clearly. For example, the following fairly literal Hebrew translation indents the parallel lines.

19a I will betroth you to me

forever;

19b I will betroth you to me

in righteousness and in justice,

in love and compassion.

20a I will betroth you to me

in faithfulness,

20b and you will know the LORD.

2:19a

I will betroth you to Me forever: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as betroth refers to a legally binding commitment to begin a marriage relationship. In this context, it is a promise to be married forever.

Here are some other ways to translate this meaning:

I will make you my wife forever. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I will commit myself to you forever (NET Bible)

you: In Hebrew, verse 2:18a uses the pronoun “them.” Verse 2:19a uses the pronoun you, because the LORD is speaking directly to the Israelites. In Hebrew, this pronoun is singular, because it compares the nation of Israel as a group to the LORD’s unfaithful wife.

Some versions add the vocative “Israel” to make clear who the LORD is speaking to. For example:

Israel, I will make you my wife forever. (God’s Word)

to Me: In Hebrew, this phrase occurs following each of the three occurrences of “betroth.” This repetition emphasizes the personal relationship that the LORD will have with his people. Use a natural way in your language to emphasize the personal nature of this relationship.

2:19b–20a

I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion: The phrases in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion and “in faithfulness” refer to the qualities that the LORD promises to show to Israel.

betroth you in…: In Hebrew, this phrase normally refers to a bride price, a gift that the husband gives to the bride’s father or to his bride. In this context, it probably refers to the qualities that the LORD promises to show to his bride, Israel.

Here are some other ways to translate these lines:

I will be true and faithful; I will show you constant love and mercy and make you mine forever. I will keep my promise and make you mine (Good News Translation)
-or-
I will be good and fair; I will show you my love and mercy. I will be true to you as my promised bride (New Century Version)

righteousness and justice: The words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as righteousness and justice have similar meanings in this context. They refer here to the LORD’s promise to meet all his legal obligations as a figurative husband and to treat Israel fairly and properly.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

I will be good and fair (New Century Version)
-or-
The way I treat you will be right and just/proper

loving devotion and compassion: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as loving devotion refers to the loyal love and kindness that the LORD shows to the people with whom he has made a covenant. The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as compassion refers to a strong feeling of mercy and kindness.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

constant love and mercy (Good News Translation)
-or-
in steadfast love, and in mercy (New Revised Standard Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:4

5:4a

Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God: This clause is a figure of speech (personification). It describes evil deeds as if they have the ability to control a person.

Here are some ways to translate this figure of speech:

• Keep the figure of speech. This is the best option if the figure is natural in your language and people will understand the meaning correctly. For example:

Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God. (NET Bible)

• Translate the meaning without using the figure of speech. This is a good option if the figure of speech is unnatural or confusing in your language. For example:

They will not give up their deeds and return to their God. (New Century Version)
-or-
Your evil deeds are the reason you won’t return to me (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They do not want to stop doing evil, so they are not able to return to their God.

deeds: The word deeds refers here to the evil things that people do.

5:4b

for a spirit of prostitution is within them: This clause means that their thoughts and decisions are motivated by their strong desire to be immoral and to worship idols.

spirit of prostitution: See the note on spirit of prostitution in 4:12c.

is within them: This phrase refers to attitudes and thoughts. Some languages use a body organ, such as the liver, to signify attitudes and thoughts. Use an expression that is natural in your language for this purpose.

Here is another way to translate this line:

A spirit of prostitution is in their heart (New International Version)

5:4c

and they do not know the LORD: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “the LORD they do not know.” It means that they do not know the LORD or have a relationship with him. They do not know what the LORD wants his people to do. It is implied that they do not acknowledge his authority or obey him. See the note on “no knowledge of God” in 4:1d, where it probably has the same meaning.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:10

Paragraph 7:10

7:10a

Israel’s arrogance testifies against them: This clause is identical to 5:5a. See the notes there.

7:10b–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

10b yet they do not return to the LORD their God

10c despite all this, they do not seek Him.

Both lines describe the result of Israel’s arrogance.

7:10b

yet: In Hebrew, there is no word here that means yet. However, the context indicates that the statement that follows contrasts with the previous statements. The Berean Standard Bible and most versions supply the word yet or “but” to indicate this contrast. For example:

but even after all this (God’s Word)
-or-
yet they do not return (New Revised Standard Version)

return to the LORD their God: This phrase means to repent of sin and do what God approves.

7:10c

despite all this: This phrase indicates a concessive idea. Although Israel’s deteriorating circumstances should motivate the people to turn to God, nevertheless they do not do that.

Here are some other ways to express this idea:

even after all this (God’s Word)
-or-
In spite of everything that has happened (Good News Translation)

all this: These words probably refer back to 7:8–10a: Israel’s ruined condition, their weakness, and the pride that kept them from perceiving or acknowledging these things.

they do not seek Him: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as they do not seek Him means to earnestly desire the LORD, his promises, and his requirements. For more information, see the note on “return and seek the LORD their God” in 3:5a and the note on “turn back to me…they will look for me” in 5:15b–c.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:12

9:12a

Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one: This clause continues the description of Israel’s punishment from 9:11b. This is a conditional clause. When the condition, they raise their children, is true, the result is that the LORD will bereave them of every one.

This clause is probably a figure of speech that adds emphasis to the previous statement in 9:11b. It indicates how complete and serious the punishment from the LORD will be. Verse 9:11b says that no more children will be born. This verse part, 9:12a, describes an imagined situation in which someone was still able to give birth to and raise children. Even if that could happen, the LORD would take them away.

I will bereave them of each one: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “and I will bereave them from everyone/man.” The words I will bereave them mean to make them childless or to make them miscarry. However, there are different interpretations of the meaning of the entire clause, “I will bereave them from everyone/man”:

(1) This clause means that every child will die. For example:

I will bereave them until no one is left. (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) This clause means that there will be no future generations. The population will dwindle until Israel ceases to be a nation. For example:

I will make them childless, without posterity. (Revised English Bible)

(3) This clause means that the children will never grow up to become adults. It refers to children that will die while still young. For example:

I shall take them away before they grow up! (New Jerusalem Bible)

(God’s Word, New Jerusalem Bible)

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

9:12b

Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!: In this clause, the LORD announces that the people will soon experience terrible sorrow. He will abandon them. This will fulfill the warning he gave them through Hosea in chapter 5:6, 15. He will no longer be their God. He will no longer protect and guide them.

woe be to them: See the note on this expression for 7:13a. Here the Hebrew clause begins with two particles that give strong emphasis to the clause. The Berean Standard Bible shows emphasis here by using an exclamation mark. The New Revised Standard Version does this also and adds an emphasis word: “Woe to them indeed…!.” Show this emphasis in a natural way in your language.

Some languages may not have a word similar to woe.

Here are some other ways to translate this warning:

Yes, how horrible it will be for them when I leave them. (God’s Word)
-or-
It will be a terrible day when I turn away and leave you alone. (New Living Translation (2004))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:12

Section 11:12–12:14

Israel is deceitful and refuses to return to the LORD

In this section, the LORD accuses both Israel and Judah of wrongdoing, but then focuses on the wicked behavior of Israel (11:12–12:1). Hosea continues to describe Israel, giving examples from the life of their ancestor Jacob to show that Israel followed his bad behavior (12:2–8). The LORD then reminded the people how they had responded wickedly when he led them in the past (12:9–11). Hosea concludes this section by comparing Jacob’s care of sheep in Aram with the LORD’s care of his people through a prophet or prophets.

Here are some other examples of section headings:

Israel’s Sin (New International Version)
-or-
Israel and Judah Are Condemned (Good News Translation)

Paragraph 11:12–12:1

In this paragraph, the LORD brings charges against both Israel and Judah. The statements here are similar to opening remarks made by a prosecutor in a court case. Some versions use headings that correspond to such a context.

Here are some examples of other headings:

God’s Lawsuit against Israel: Breach of Covenant (NET Bible)
-or-
Charges against Israel and Judah (New Living Translation (2004))

In the Masoretic Text, the first verse of Hosea chapter 12 begins here. The Notes and Display will follow the majority of English versions that regard this verse as Hosea 11:12.

11:12

This verse has similarities to 11:9c–d. Both verses use a less common Hebrew term for God and both refer to God as “Holy One.” 11:9c–d describes the holy God in the midst of people. 11:12 uses a similar description. It is not a happy picture of a father surrounded by his loving children. Rather it is a picture of someone encircled by hostile enemies, who attack him with lies and deception.

11:12a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12a
Ephraim surrounds Me with lies,

12b
the house of Israel with deceit;

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:

12b
the house of Israel ⌊surrounds me ⌋ with deceit.

These lines are metaphors that compare the people of Israel to an enemy army that surrounds a person or a city. The lies and deceit of the people are like the weapons of the enemy.

Ephraim…house of Israel: Both of these terms refer to the people of Israel. (See 4:17a “Ephraim” and 1:6c “the house of Israel”). See the General Comment on 11:12a–b for translation options.

surrounds Me: This figurative phrase was probably well known to Hosea’s audience because of Psalms that use it in a similar way. Here, the pronoun Me refers to the LORD.

lies…deceit: In Hebrew, these two words have similar meanings. The word for lies means “evasion of truth.” The word for deceit means “deceive,” “mislead.” It describes speech and behavior that intends to mislead, such as a merchant using inaccurate scales.

General Comment on 11:12a–b

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

Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit (New Living Translation (2004))

11:12c–d

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12c but Judah still walks with God

12d and is faithful to the Holy One.

In Hebrew, these lines are more literally “and/but Judah still it has roamed with God and with [the] holy [one(s)] faithful.” There are two main interpretations of this verse part:

(1) These lines say that Judah remains faithful to God. The meaning of the word “roamed” is “follow.” The people of Judah continue to follow God. The word “faithful” refers to Judah. For example:

But Judah still roams about with God; he remains faithful to the Holy One. (NET Bible)

(2) These lines say that Judah wanders from God who is faithful. The meaning of the word “roamed” is “wander restlessly.” The word “faithful” refers to God. For example:

and the people of Judah are still rebelling against me, the faithful and holy God. (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). At the time of Hosea, Judah was not yet as rebellious against God as Israel.

11:12c

but Judah still walks with God: This line and 11:12d contrast the people of the southern kingdom of Judah with those of the northern kingdom of Israel. The people of Israel surrounded God with lies and deceit, but Judah continued to follow God.

still: The word still refers to something that continues. Here it indicates the continuation of a past or present event.

walks: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as walks, means “to roam about freely” or “to wander.” The meaning can be positive or negative. Here the word is used in a positive way. See the interpretations above.

with: The Hebrew word has meanings such as with, “beside,” “by,” or “accompanying.” It is commonly used of a close relationship.

God: Here the Hebrew word for God is el and not YHWH. This is the same word as in 11:9c. Some versions translate el as God instead of “LORD.” Use your general term for God here.

11:12d

faithful: The Hebrew word means “to prove to be firm, reliable, faithful.” The word commonly applies to trust in God.

the Holy One: This term is more literally “and with holy [ones].” The term Holy One is also in 11:9. See 11:9d “the Holy One among you.” In 11:9 the word is singular. Here it is plural. It is probably an honorific plural, also called a plural of majesty. The term refers to God in both verses.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 14:2

14:2

In this verse, Hosea explains how the people should return to the LORD. He offers a model prayer. It shows that a true return requires humility and sincere words.

14:2a

Bring your confessions and return to the LORD: According to OT teaching, people took an offering to God when they came to him. See Exodus 23:15; 34:20. The usual offering was an animal. Here, however, Hosea told them to take an offering of their words instead of an animal.

The words they should offer are the words that Hosea tells them to say to the LORD in the rest of this verse and in 14:3.

Some versions make clearer what words Hosea refers to here. For example:

Come back to the Lord and say these words to him: “Take away all our sin and kindly receive us…. (New Century Version)
-or-
Come back to the Lord with your words of confession (Revised English Bible)

14:2b

The Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures has been used as the source line for 2b–c because it follows the recommended interpretations.

(Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures) Say to him: “Forgive all guilt and accept what is good: In this clause Hosea tells the people how to begin their prayer.

Forgive all guilt:
The word Forgive means to “take away guilt.” For information on the word guilt see the note in Hosea 13:12 on “guilt…sins.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause part:

Take away all iniquity (English Standard Version)
-or-
Forgive all our sins (New Living Translation (2004))

And accept what is good: There is a textual issue regarding the Hebrew word that the Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures translates as what is good.

(1) The Hebrew word is: good. For example:

accept what is good (English Standard Version)

(2) The Hebrew word is: “word/speech.” For example:

accept our prayer (Good News Translation)

#(3) The Hebrew word is: “graciously.” For example:

and graciously receive us (New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow option (1). It has the best support from lexicons. However, in this context, the phrase what is good refers to words of confession and repentance in prayer. For that reason option (2) is also acceptable.

14:2c

(Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures) instead of bulls we will pay [the offering of] our lips: The Hebrew clause is more literally “so that (or: and) we may pay bulls our lips.” There is a textual issue concerning the Hebrew word for bulls :

(1) The Hebrew MT has bulls. For example:

Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bulls. (Contemporary English Version)
#
(2) The LXX has “fruit.” For example:

accept that which is good and we will offer the fruit of our lips (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) along with the majority of versions. It is similar to the first part of the verse in which Hosea urges the people to take their words of repentance to the LORD.

There are two acceptable ways to understand the connection of this clause to the preceding one:

• This clause explains the phrase “what is good” in the preceding clause The offering of praise from our lips is what is good. For example:

Accept what is good, namely the praise of our lips as equal to an offering of bulls.

• This clause gives the result of what is said in the preceding clause. God’s acceptance of our prayer of repentance allows us to offer praise as a result. For example:

Accept our penitential prayer, that we may offer the praise of our lips as sacrificial bulls. (NET Bible)

we will pay [the offering of] our lips: Here the Hebrew word for pay means to make a payment to fulfill a vow. The words the offering of are not in the Hebrew text but they are implied by the reference to bulls.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause part:

we may offer you the sacrifice of praise (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
we will dedicate to you our lips. (New Jerusalem Bible)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:9

1:9a

Name him Lo-ammi: The literal meaning of the Hebrew name Lo-ammi is “Not my people.” It is important that your translation communicates the meaning of the name to your readers. If possible, use the same method to express the meaning of Lo-ammi as you used to express the meaning of Lo-ruhamah in 1:6b.

1:9b

for: This word introduces the reason that the LORD told Hosea to name his child Lo-ammi. Most English versions translate it as for or “because.” Some versions leave this connection implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce this reason.

you are not My people: This is the reason that the LORD told Hosea to name his son Lo-ammi. The name will indicate to the people of Israel that the LORD will no longer regard them as his people.

The pronoun you here is plural. Although God was speaking to Hosea, the plural pronoun indicates that these words referred to the people of Israel. If it is confusing to use a plural you pronoun, you may need to change the wording to make it clear that this clause refers to a group of people. For example:

because the people of Israel are not my people (Good News Translation)
-or-
because you, the people of Israel, are not my people

and I am not your God: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “and I, I will not be to you(plur).” The word God is not in the Hebrew, but it is clearly implied. It is recommended that you make it explicit, as in most English versions.

If you translated the previous phrase “you are not my people” similarly to the Good News Translation, it is suggested that you follow a similar approach here. For example:

and I am not their God (Good News Translation)

In some languages, a phrase such as your God may imply “God belongs to you.” If that is true in your language, you may need to express the meaning of this phrase in a different way. For example:

I am no longer the God whom you worship/serve.

If you have a section heading between this verse and 1:10, you will need to decide whether to use a closed quote mark at the end of the LORD’s words. Some versions do, others do not. The meaning lines in the Display will use closed quote marks.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 14:2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:9

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