SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021 – Page 25

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:18

4:18a–19b

There is a slight change in reference from 4:18a to 4:18b. Verse 4:18a refers to the people in general, whereas 4:18b specifies the rulers. The pronouns “them/their” in 4:19a–b probably refers to the rulers as well as the people, because both groups were taken into exile.

4:18a

When their liquor is gone, they turn to prostitution:
These clauses describe the Israelites’ regular pattern of behavior. As part of their idol worship, the people regularly became drunk and then had sexual relations with prostitutes.

Here are some other ways to translate these clauses:

You get drunk, then sleep with prostitutes (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They consume their alcohol, then engage in cult prostitution (NET Bible)

they turn to prostitution: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “committing fornication they have committed fornication.” The purpose of this repetition is to emphasize the meaning.

Here are some ways to express this emphasis:

they delight in their prostitution (Good News Translation)
-or-
they continue to have sex with the prostitutes (God’s Word)
-or-
they indulge in sexual orgies (New Revised Standard Version)

Use a natural way in your language to emphasize their immoral behavior.

4:18b

their rulers dearly love disgrace: There is a textual issue here. The Notes will discuss the two main options:

(1) The Masoretic Text probably has “its shields have loved, love shame.” The word “shields” here is figurative. It means rulers or “leaders.” For example:

Their rulers dearly love to act shamefully. (God’s Word)
-or-
their rulers dearly love shame (English Standard Version)

(2) The LXX has “they love disgrace more than their pride.” It means that the people love shameful behavior more than honorable behavior. For example:

preferring disgrace to honor (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Both options have some unusual word forms or uses, but the MT makes reasonable sense. The guideline for TN is to follow the MT unless there is strong reason to do otherwise. However, both options have good version support, so it is recommended that you give the other option in a footnote. Here is a possible footnote:

This is what the Masoretic Text probably means. The LXX (Septuagint) means that the people love shameful behavior more than their honor or pride.

dearly love: In Hebrew, the repeated words “have loved, love” may intensify the meaning of love.

disgrace: This phrase refers to immoral behavior.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:5

Paragraph 7:5–7

7:5a

The princes are inflamed with wine:
In Hebrew, this clause is literally “⌊the ⌋ princes became sick ⌊with ⌋ heat from wine.” This clause describes the effects of drinking a lot of wine.

The words “became sick” may imply that the princes were so drunk that they vomited (see the description in Isaiah 28:7–8). The word “heat” may also imply that their faces were flushed. However, it is more likely that these two descriptions are simply figurative ways to indicate that the princes were very drunk. English versions that use words such as inflamed or “heat” may do so to fit the simile of a hot oven in 7:4 and 7:6.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

• Use a natural way in your language to describe the effect of drunkenness. For example:

The rulers became crazy with wine (New Century Version)
-or-
The leaders were overcome with wine.

• Translate the idea of drunkenness directly. Leave the effects of drunkenness implied. For example:

the princes get drunk. (New Living Translation (2004))

on the day of our king: This refers to a celebration of some kind. The celebration may have been the king’s coronation day, his birthday, or some other special day to honor him. Many versions do not specify the kind of celebration it was.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

On the day of the king’s celebration (God’s Word)
-or-
At the holiday for our king (New Jerusalem Bible)

7:5b

so he joins hands with those who mock him: This clause probably means that the king participated with his officials and other wicked people in showing scorn and mockery for God or for other people. The historical context is not known, so it is not possible to determine who the mockers were or what they were saying or doing to show their scorn.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the king joins mockers. (God’s Word)
-or-
the king joined in with others who were showing their scorn

those who mock him: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as those who mock him refers to people who are arrogant as well as scornful. But the focus of this word is on the disdainful way that mockers treat others rather than their feelings of pride. In the context of 7:1–4, they are people who reject God and refuse to follow his wise commands.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

scoffers (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
arrogant people who show their scorn/contempt for others

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:7

Paragraph 9:7–9

In this paragraph, Hosea warns the people that God’s judgment is certain because of their many sins. This judgment will involve the total destruction of their cities (See Paragraph 8:11–14). Because of this devastation, few if any people will be able to live in the land. Those who escape death will face future punishment as slaves/exiles in Assyria (See the notes on 8:10b and 8:10c).

9:7a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

7a
The days of punishment have come;

7b
the days of retribution have arrived —

These lines are a warning. The underlined parts refer to the time when the LORD will begin to punish the people to pay for their sins. The parts in bold print indicate that this will happen very soon. See the first note on 9:6a.

The days of punishment…days of retribution: These parallel phrases both describe the same time and the same event(s). They refer to the suffering that the people of Israel will experience in exile. The first phrase indicates that this suffering is a punishment. The second phrase indicates that the LORD will require them to suffer as payment for the wrongs they have done.

days…days: In Hebrew and in many English versions, these words are identical. They refer here to an indefinite period of time.

Here are some acceptable ways to translate these parallel terms:

• Use the same term in both lines. For example:

The days…the days (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
The time…the time (Good News Translation)

• Use different terms in each line. For example:

The time…the day (New Living Translation (2004))

Here are some other ways to translate the parallel lines:

7a The time for them to be punished will come. 7b The time for them to pay for their sins will come. (God’s Word)
-or-

7a The time of punishment is about to arrive! 7b The time of retribution is imminent! (adapted from NET Bible)

General Comment on 9:7a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder these two parallel lines. See 9:7a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display for an example.

9:7c

let Israel know it: There is a textual issue here:

(1) The Masoretic Text has let Israel know. For example:

Let Israel know this! (New American Standard Bible)

(2) The LXX has “Israel cries out.” For example:

Israel cries (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) along with most versions and scholars. With this option, the clause let Israel know it functions as a conclusion to the preceding lines (9:7a–b).

There are two main ways to interpret this conclusion:

(1) Hosea informs the people of Israel that they will know when the time of punishment begins. For example:

The time for them to be punished will come…When this happens, Israel will know it. (God’s Word)

(2) Hosea urges/admonishes the people of Israel that they need to know when the time of punishment will begin. For example:

…The time of retribution is imminent! Let Israel know ! (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with a majority of versions and scholars. However, interpretation (2) is also well supported. If you decide to follow interpretation (2), it is recommended that you give the other interpretation in a footnote. Here is a suggested footnote:

Another way to interpret this part of the verse is: “Israel will know it” or “Israel knows this!”

9:7d–e

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

7d
The prophet is called a fool,

7e and the inspired man insane.

The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane: In Hebrew, these clauses are more literally “the prophet a fool the person of the spirit mad.” In many languages, one or more verbs must be supplied to make the meaning clear. For example, the Berean Standard Bible supplies the verb phrase is called. In addition, some versions make the speaker explicit. For example:

You think the prophet is a fool, and you say the spiritual person is crazy (New Century Version)
-or-
“The prophets are crazy!” the people shout. “The inspired men are mad!” So they taunt (New Living Translation (2004) 96)

Most commentaries think that the words in 7d–e were spoken by Hosea’s hearers. These words indicate that they did not believe Hosea’s warning that the LORD would soon begin to punish them. Their response to Hosea was to discredit him (and perhaps all true prophets) by comparing him to a crazy person.

fool…insane: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fool means “stupid.” It describes someone whose words are not worth listening to. The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as insane is literally “mad/crazy.” Here the people probably used the word to mock Hosea because of what he said.

The prophet…the inspired man: In these parallel phrases, the second phrase further describes a prophet in terms of the source of the prophet’s message.

the inspired man: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “the man of the spirit.” This phrase occurs only here in the Old Testament. It indicates that the person’s words are inspired by the spirit of the LORD.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the man whose words come from the LORD
-or-
a person whom the spirit of the LORD causes to speak

9:7f–g

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

7f because of the greatness of your iniquity

7g and hostility.

because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility: In Hebrew, the words are literally “on the multitude of your iniquity and great animosity.” There are two main interpretations of the function of the Hebrew preposition “on” that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as because :

(1) The preposition introduces reasons why the people call the prophet a fool and a madman. They call him that because they are filled with sin and hatred. For example:

The prophet is a fool; the man of the spirit is mad, because of your great iniquity and great hatred. (English Standard Version)

(2) The preposition introduces the reason for their great hostility. They have great hostility because they have many sins. For example:

Because of your great iniquity, your hostility is great. (New Revised Standard Version)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version)

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

your…hostility: In Hebrew, this word probably means “to have animosity” or “to hold a grudge.” It refers here to the hostility that the people of Israel have against Hosea, or perhaps against both Hosea and Yahweh.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:7

11:7a

My people are bent on turning from Me: The relationship of this line to the surrounding context is not clear. This line may be stating again the theme of turning away from the LORD as in 11:5. Some versions translate this line as a reason for the war described in 11:6 by starting the verse with the word “For.” The majority of versions leave implied the relationship of this line to the context. Translate the relationship of this line to the context in a natural way in your language.

bent on turning from Me: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “hung up to/on my apostasy.” Here the word “hung up” has the figurative meaning of “determined” or “fixated upon.” It means that the people will not change their attitude or behavior. The Hebrew word “to/on my apostasy” means to reject or rebel against the LORD.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

My people are bent on turning away from me (English Standard Version)
-or-
They insist on turning away from me (Good News Translation)
-or-
my people are determined to desert me (New Living Translation (2004))

11:7b

Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them: In Hebrew, this sentence is literally “and to a height they call him together not he will exalt them.” This sentence has one main textual issue and various interpretations. The textual issue will be discussed first.

There is a textual issue concerning the Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Most High :

(1) The Masoretic Text has the phrase “and to a height.” See the separate note on the interpretations of this phrase. For example:

the One on high (New American Standard Bible)

(2) Some ancient versions have the word “yoke” instead of “height.” For example:

the yoke that is on them (Good News Translation)

(3) Some scholars think that the original text had “Baal” instead of “height.” For example:

they call to Baal (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). It has good support from scholars, ancient versions and most modern versions.

Though: This word is not in the Hebrew text. The Berean Standard Bible supplies it to make explicit the logical relationship between the first clause of the sentence “they call to the Most High” and the second clause “he will by no means exalt them.” The logical relationship is that the people’s action of calling to the LORD does not result in the LORD exalting them.

Here are some other ways to indicate this connection:

To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-

Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them. (New International Version)

Indicate this relationship between the clauses in a natural way in your language.

they call: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “they call him.” There are two main interpretations of this phrase:

(1) The people call to the LORD. The referent of they is the people of Israel. The word call means to pray. The referent of “him” is the Most High. For example:

they call out to the Most High (English Standard Version)

(2) The prophets called the people to return to the LORD. The referent of they is the prophets. The word call means to urge or summon. The referent of “him” is Israel. For example:

The prophets call them to turn to me (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with a majority of versions. It makes sense in this context and has the support of one of the ancient versions.

to the Most High: The Hebrew text is literally “and to a height.” There two main interpretations:

(1) The phrase “and to a height” is a short form of the descriptive phrase Most High. It refers to the LORD. For example:

To the Most High they call (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) The phrase “and to a height” means an upward direction. It refers figuratively to a high level of devotion/piety. For example:

if they are summoned to come up (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

He will by no means exalt them: This clause is literally “together not he will exalt them.” There are two main interpretations:

(1) The LORD will not exalt/lift the people. The verb “exalt/lift” means to help them in some way, perhaps by answering their prayers. This clause depicts the LORD’s negative response to the peoples’ apostasy. For example:

he shall not raise them up at all (English Standard Version)

(2) The people will not exalt the LORD. The verb “exalt/rise” means to honor or worship God. This clause depicts the people’s apostasy. For example:

They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. (New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It makes good sense as the LORD’s negative response to the people calling to him.

by no means: There are two main interpretations of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by no means :

(1) The Hebrew word means “altogether.” It functions as a superlative or to give emphasis to something in the following clause. Here it gives emphasis to the following verb “exalt.” For example:

He does not raise them up at all (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) The Hebrew word means “together” or “all at once.” It refers back to the people who call on the LORD in the previous clause. For example:

In unison they cry out to him (New American Bible)

The Display will follow interpretation (1), but the Hebrew word can have either meaning. The context does not clearly favor one over the other.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:13

13:13a

Labor pains come upon him: This line is a figure of speech that describes the pain that Israel experiences. The pain is like the pain a mother feels when she gives birth to a child.

There are two main interpretations of the time reference in this clause.

(1) Present. It refers to Israel at the time of Hosea. For example:

Pangs of childbirth assail him (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

(2) Future. It refers to Israel at a time yet to come. For example:

The labor pains of a woman will overtake him (NET Bible)
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It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with a majority of versions. The verse makes good sense as a description of Israel at that time.

There are at least two possible aspects of this pain:

(a) It is severe. The nation of Israel suffers terribly as a result of sin.

(b) It signals a time for birth. The nation of Israel has the opportunity to be reborn, by repenting and returning to the LORD.

Both aspects may be intended here. Some versions make the second aspect explicit. For example:

They have the opportunity to live again (God’s Word)

13:13b

but: In Hebrew, there is no explicit contrast. However, many versions regard 13b to contrast with 13a. They supply a word such as but to indicate that contrast. Some versions do not indicate it. Indicate the connection of 13b to 13a in a natural way in your language.

he is an unwise son: This is a new figure of speech that compares Israel to an unwise child. Wisdom in the Old Testament means to live according to the LORD’s standards of right and wrong. In this figure of speech, Israel, like the infant, is described as being capable of such wisdom, but he does not use it.

13:13c

When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb: This clause gives the reason for the previous line. The child has no wisdom, because he chooses not to be born.

The Hebrew clause begins with a word that introduces this clause as a reason. Some versions use a word such as “for” to indicate it. For example:

…for at the right time he does not present himself at the opening of the womb. (English Standard Version)

Many other versions, such as the Berean Standard Bible above, allow the context to indicate that this is a reason. Indicate that this is a reason in a natural way in your language.

Some versions make it explicit that the child chooses not to be born. For example:

like a child about to be born, who refuses to come out of the womb. (Good News Translation)
-or-
they are like a child who resists being born. (New Living Translation (2004))

When the time arrives: In Hebrew, this phrase is a single word meaning time. The context indicates that here time refers to the time to be born.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

at the right time (English Standard Version)
-or-
his time is due (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
like a child about to be born (Good News Translation)

he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb: The phrase he fails to present himself refers to the infant failing to move into the birth position.

The phrase at the opening of the womb is more literally “at the breaking forth of children.” It refers to the part of a woman’s body through which an infant is born.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

he does not leave the womb (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
but won’t come out of its mother’s womb (God’s Word)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 4:18

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:13

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