SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021 – Page 3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:4

11:4

This verse gives another example of the LORD’s love and care for the people of Israel. Here the example is a farmer or a herdsman who cares for his animals.

11:4a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

4a I led them with cords of kindness,

4b
with ropes of love;

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:

4b
⌊ I led them⌋with ropes of love.

Each line is a metaphor that compares the way that the LORD led Israel to the way that a caring herdsman leads his animals.

I led them: The Hebrew word for led can mean to pull an animal with a rope. It can also have the figurative meaning “to lead a person.” In this context, the word may refer to the time when the LORD led his people out of Egypt.

with cords of kindness, with ropes of love: These phrases describe how the LORD led his people. He did so with kindness and love.

The Hebrew words for cords and ropes have the same meaning. Both words mean “rope/cord.”

In Hebrew, the first phrase is literally “with ropes of human.” The meaning may be that these ropes are intended to guide humans in contrast to ropes for animals. The phrase indicates kindness or gentleness instead of harshness.

The parallel phrase ropes of love has a similar meaning. It implies that the LORD showed love toward his people when he led them. He was like a gentle herdsman who cared for his animals with compassion.

11:4c

I lifted the yoke from their necks: This clause is more literally “and I was to them like [those who] lift a yoke on their jaws.” There are two main ways to interpret the Hebrew phrase “lift a yoke on their jaws:”

(1) The phrase means to remove the yoke along with the harness. For example:

and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws (New American Standard Bible)

(2) The phrase means to lighten the weight on the yoke and loosen the harness. For example:

and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws (English Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. However, some scholars think that interpretation (2) better fits the common usage of some of the Hebrew words in this phrase. So it is recommended that you add a footnote with the other interpretation. For example:

Another interpretation of this phrase in Hebrew is: I became to them as one who lightens the weight of the yoke on their jaws.

Here is another way to translate this verse part:

I removed the yokes from their necks (God’s Word)

The phrase lifted the yoke from their neck may refer figuratively to freeing the people of Israel from slavery. In this metaphor, their hardship was compared to the yoke that was attached by a harness so that the animal could pull a plow or cart.

yoke: There is a textual issue concerning the word yoke in this clause:

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

and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws (New American Standard Bible)

(2) Some scholars think that the original text had “infant.” For example:

I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. (New Revised Standard Version)

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

A yoke is an arched frame normally placed on the shoulders of a work animal at the base of its neck. Generally the yoke is fastened to two animals and is attached to a cart or plow that they pull together.

their necks: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “their jaws.” This probably indicates that here the word “yoke” refers both to the yoke and also to the halter or bridle around the animal’s jaws, that was used to direct the animal. See the 2nd ML in the Display for 11:4c for a way to make this explicit in your translation.

and bent down to feed them: The Hebrew phrase here is literally “and I bent down to him I fed.” There are three main interpretations of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bent down :

(1) The Hebrew word means “I bent down.” For example:

I bent down to them and fed them. (English Standard Version)

(2) The Hebrew word means “gently.” For example:

and gently fed them (NET Bible)

(3) The Hebrew word means “I offer.” For example:

and I laid meat unto them (King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. It follows a common meaning of the Hebrew word. Some scholars also support interpretation (2). In both interpretations, the LORD feeds them in a loving way.

feed them: The Hebrew text has “I fed.” English versions supply the object them or “him,” which is required to make the translation sound more natural in English. You may also need to supply an object here if it will sound more natural in your language.

General Comment on 11:4

The Hebrew text uses both plural and singular pronouns to refer to those whom the LORD cared for. In many languages, it is not natural to alternate pronouns in this way. Many versions translate all the pronouns in 11:4 as plural or else all the pronouns as singular. You should translate the pronouns in a natural way in your language. The Display uses plural pronouns, as in the Berean Standard Bible. An example of using singular pronouns is the New Living Translation (2004):

I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. (New Living Translation (2004))

© 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 13:10

13:10a

Where is your king now to save you in all your cities: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “where [is] your king then that he may save you in all your cities?” This is a rhetorical question. The implied answer is “Nowhere.” It implies that their king cannot save them. It does not necessarily mean they have no king.

There are textual issues concerning this clause. There is also an interpretation issue. First, the notes will discuss the textual issues:

There is a textual/interpretation issue concerning the word Where :

(1) The LXX and the Peshitta have Where. For example:

Where then is your king, that he may save you in all your cities? (NET Bible)

(2) The Masoretic Text has the word “I_will_be.” For example:

I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? (King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions and commentaries. It also has the support of the BHS editors.

king: The Hebrew word refers to the highest ruler. See Hosea 3:4a.

now: The Hebrew word has various meanings depending on context. Here it strengthens the word “where.” Some versions translate it as “then.” Some versions leave it implied.

to save you: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “so that he may save you.” It expresses a wish or intention to save them.

in all your cities: There is a textual issue concerning the phrase in all your cities :

(1) The Masoretic Text has in all your cities. This phrase describes the populated locations in Israel where an enemy attack is most likely to occur.For example:

Where now is your king, to save you in all your cities? (English Standard Version)

(2) Some scholars think that the original text has “to defend you.” For example:

Where are all your princes, to defend you… (Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). It requires no changes to the Hebrew text.

There is another interpretation issue concerning the phrase in all your cities :

(1) The phrase in all your cities describes where the king should save people. For example:

Where now is your king, that he may save you in all your cities (New American Standard Bible)

(2) The phrase in all your cities describes where the rulers are located. For example:

Where now is your king, that he may save you? Where in all your cities are your rulers (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It best follows the syntax of the Masoretic Text.

13:10b

and the rulers: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “and your rulers.” There is an ellipsis of the question word “where” in the Hebrew clause. The question is implied from the first clause. Most versions make the word “where” explicit. For example:

Where are all your rulers— (English Standard Version)

This clause is a rhetorical question. The implied answer is “Nowhere.” It implies that their rulers, whom they requested along with the king, are also unable to save them.

rulers: In Hebrew, this word can mean “judges” or rulers. Here the role of governing is probably in view, not the role of a judge.

13:10c

to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”?: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “whom you said give to me a king and leaders.”

The direct quote may refer back to the incident in 1 Samuel 8:5, 19, when the people of Israel requested a king. This information should not affect your translation. However, you could add a cross-reference if desired.

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

Where are all your rulers, those you wanted when you asked for a king and rulers?

king and princes: In Hebrew, the word princes refers here to any leader, chief, or official who serves in the government of the king. Here the word princes is parallel to “rulers” in 13:10b.

General Comment on 13:10a–c

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

You asked for a king and for leaders, but how can they save the nation? (Good News Translation)

It some languages, it may be preferable to split the sentence parts into separate lines. For example:

What good is your king? Can he save you in any of your towns? What good are your leaders? You said, ‘Give us a king and leaders.’ (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:1

Section 1:1

Preface/Introduction

This opening verse introduces the whole book. It tells us that this book was a message from the LORD to his people through the prophet Hosea. It also tells when Hosea received this message from the LORD.

In Hebrew, this first verse serves as a title for the whole book. Most English versions have a separate book title, such as “Hosea,” followed directly by 1:1. There are two ways to show the relationship of 1:1 to the rest of the book:

• Place a section heading before 1:1. Here are some other examples of section headings:

The beginning of the book
-or-
The LORD gave a message to Hosea

• Do not place any heading before 1:1. Instead, place the first heading before 1:2. See the examples in the note on Section 1:2–9.

Paragraph 1:1

1:1a

This is the word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri: The expression the word of the LORD refers here to the message that the LORD gave to the prophet Hosea. It is implied that Hosea would make this message known by his words or actions to the people.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

This is the message which the Lord gave Hosea son of Beeri…. (Good News Translation)
-or-
This book contains the words/message that God made known to Hosea the son of Beeri

LORD: The word LORD represents the Hebrew word “Yahweh,” the personal name of God. In Hebrew, this is a proper name, not a title or general noun. See the discussion of Yahweh, the LORD in the Introduction.

to Hosea son of Beeri: See the discussion of The author in the Introduction.

The writer introduced himself in the third person, as if he were speaking about someone else. The writers of the New Testament letters did this also. Most English versions keep the third person forms. However, if this would be confusing for your readers, you could reword it using “I…me.” For example:

I am Hosea son of Beeri. This is the message that God gave to me during…

If you use “I” or “me” in this verse, you will need to make the same change in some of the verses that follow. For example, in 1:3, the Contemporary English Version has:

So I married Gomer (Contemporary English Version)

son of Beeri: In languages that do not use specific terms for son or “daughter,” you may use a general term. For example:

child of Beeri

1:1b

in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah: This is a list of the kings of the southern kingdom of Judah who ruled one after the other. Hosea prophesied sometime within this same time period. Verse 1:2a–b does not imply that Hosea’s ministry began during the same year as the reign of King Uzziah or that it ended during the same year as the reign of King Hezekiah. See the discussion of The historical background in the Introduction.

kings: The word “king” is a title that refers to the highest official of a country. In languages where a word for “king” is not known, you may use a title with a similar meaning. For example:

chief officials
-or-
rulers

1:1c

and of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel: This statement refers to the reign of Jeroboam II. He ruled as king over Israel in the north during the same time period as the kings of Judah in the south that are listed above. Hosea prophesied sometime within this same time period. See the discussion of The historical background in the Introduction.

General Comment on 1:1a–c

In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder the parts of this verse. The Contemporary English Version has reordered some of the verse parts using the first person pronouns “I” and “me.”

1a I am Hosea son of Beeri. 1b When Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were the kings of Judah, 1c and when Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel, 1a the Lord spoke this message to me.

For a way to reorder the parts of this verse using third person forms, see 1:1a–c (combined/reordered) in the Display. Use an order that is natural in your language.

Division 1:2–3:5

Hosea’s marriage and family symbolized Israel’s unfaithfulness to God

In chapters 1–3, Hosea’s relationship with Gomer illustrates the LORD’s relationship to his people, the Israelites. Hosea married Gomer, but she was not faithful to him. Instead, she left him and lived with other men. In a similar way, the LORD had made an agreement with the people of Israel that he would be their God and they should worship only him. But they were not faithful to obey that agreement. Instead, they turned away from him and worshiped false gods. The LORD punished Israel because of their unfaithfulness, but eventually he was merciful and restored their relationship. In a similar way, Hosea was merciful to Gomer and restored their relationship.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:22

2:22a

And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and oil: This figurative statement implies that the earth will respond to a request from its produce (grain, wine, and oil) that it provide the moisture or fertile soil that the plants need.

Here are some other ways to translate this figurative statement:

• Make some of the implied information explicit. For example:

Then the earth will answer ⌊the thirsty cries of ⌋ the grain, the grapes, and the olive trees ⌊for moisture ⌋. (New Living Translation (1996))

• If the figure of the earth answering a request from its crops is not meaningful in your language, translate the meaning directly. For example:

and the earth will produce grain and grapes and olives. (Good News Translation)

The first option forms a better parallel with 2:21b. For the terms grain, new wine, and oil, see the notes in 2:8b.

the new wine: Here the term new wine is probably a figure of speech that represents the grapevines or grapes that were the source of the wine. For example:

grapevines (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
grapes (Good News Translation)

Translate this term in a way that makes good sense in this context.

2:22b

and they will respond to Jezreel: This figurative statement implies that the crops mentioned in 2:22a will respond to the request from Jezreel for a plentiful harvest. Here the name Jezreel represents the nation or people of Israel.

Here are some other ways to translate this figurative statement:

• Make some of the implied information explicit. For example:

They will answer ⌊the request of my people, ⌋ Jezreel, ⌊for a plentiful harvest ⌋.

• If the figure of crops answering a nation is not meaningful in your language, translate the meaning directly. For example:

These ⌊crops ⌋ will supply ⌊the desire of my people, ⌋ Jezreel, ⌊for a good harvest ⌋.

Jezreel: Hosea’s audience understood three things from the term Jezreel :

(a) The Hebrew word sounds like the word for “Israel” and refers to it.

(b) The Hebrew word in the context of the following verse means “God plants.”

(c) This is the name of Hosea’s first son. His name referred to the bloodshed of Jehu in the Jezreel Valley. Here the positive use of the word Jezreel changes the negative use of the same word in 1:4–5.

You may want to include this information in a footnote. Following is an example based on the NET Bible footnote:

The Hebrew word “Jezreel” implies three things here: (1) The name “Jezreel” sounds similar to the name “Israel.” So to respond to Jezreel means to respond to Israel. (2) The name “Jezreel” here means “God plants.” (3) This good meaning of “Jezreel” changes the bad meaning of “Jezreel” in 1:4–5 (bloodshed of Jehu in the Jezreel Valley).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:7

5:7a

They have been unfaithful to the LORD: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as unfaithful means to deal treacherously with someone. Here it is a figure of speech (metaphor) in which the people’s unfaithfulness to the LORD is compared to unfaithfulness in a marriage. The people are unfaithful in the sense that they have broken their vow that they will worship only the LORD in order to worship Baal instead.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

They have betrayed Yahweh (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
They have dealt treacherously against the Lord (New American Standard Bible)

5:7b

they have borne illegitimate children: This is a metaphor. The children are illegitimate in the sense that they do not belong to the LORD, the figurative husband of their mother. Instead, they worship Baal/idols like their mother did.

Here are some ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor of illegitimate children. For example:

for they have borne illegitimate children (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
for their children are bastards (Revised English Bible)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. Consider making the similarity of the children to bastards explicit. For example:

Their children are ⌊like ⌋ bastards. ⌊They do not belong to him. ⌋

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

their children do not belong to him (Good News Translation)

If you use the third option, consider adding a footnote that gives the figure of speech. If you use one of the first two options, consider using a footnote that explains the meaning of the figure of speech. For example:

In this verse, the people of Israel are compared to a wife whose husband is the LORD. The wife has been unfaithful. She has worshiped idols rather than the LORD. The children of the Israelites are called illegitimate children, because they also worship idols like their parents do.

5:7c

Now the New Moon will devour them along with their land: This sentence describes the LORD’s judgment against the people of Israel. It indicates that he will cause the people and their fields to be destroyed as a result of the sinful way that they celebrate the New Moon festivals. See the examples at the end of this note for some ways to translate this sentence.

Now: The word Now indicates that the judgment will start at that time or very soon. For example:

Soon the new moon festival… (NET Bible)

This judgment is the result of the people’s unfaithfulness in 5:7a–b. Some versions make explicit that this is the result. For example:

So now (Good News Translation)

the New Moon: This probably refers here, as in 2:11b, to the monthly religious celebrations that the people held on the first day of each month. At these festivals they offered sacrifices to the LORD, as they were originally commanded in Numbers 10:10, Numbers 28:11–15, and other passages.

It is implied from the context that the people angered the LORD by the way they celebrated these festivals. They may have done so hypocritically, as external rituals, while they continued to live wicked lives (see Isaiah 1:13–14). They may also have adopted Canaanite rituals as part of the festival.

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

the ⌊wicked/hypocritical way ⌋ that they ⌊celebrate ⌋ the New Moon festivals

will devour them: In Hebrew, the word devour is literally “eat.” In this context, it is used figuratively to mean “destroy.” The destruction can be caused by drought, famine, disease, or human enemies. Here it probably refers to enemy armies that will destroy the people and their fields. Try not to specify exactly how the people will be destroyed. For example:

will cause them to be destroyed
-or-
will bring destruction upon them

along with their land: In Hebrew, this phrase refers to either land or fields. In this context, the meaning is similar. Both land and fields refer to places where grain is grown and where animals are raised.

Here are some other ways to translate 5:7c:

Therefore, you and your crops will soon be destroyed. This will happen because of your new moon rituals.
-or-
So now, as a result of ⌊the wrong/false way that they worship me ⌋ ⌊when it is time for ⌋ the new moon, ⌊I will bring ⌋ destruction on them and their lands.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:13

Paragraph 7:13–14

7:13a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

13a
Woe to them, for they have strayed from me !

13b
Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me !

In the first parallel pair in each line, the LORD declares that the people will experience disaster. The second parallel pair gives the reasons for this disaster.

Woe to them…Destruction to them: The first expression, Woe to them, predicts or threatens terrible trouble or sorrow for the people of Israel. The second expression identifies the Woe as Destruction or disaster. It warns the people that someone will destroy them.

Neither of these expressions has a verb. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply verbs. For example:

They will experience great trouble…Destruction will come to them
-or-
They will have great sorrow…They will die

Some languages may also express threats or warnings of this nature with an expression or exclamation that emphasizes the awfulness of the disaster. For example:

What sorrow awaits…! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
How horrible it will be… (God’s Word)

for: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for introduces each of the parallel reasons for their destruction. In some languages, these reasons may be implied without a conjunction. For example:

Woe to them, they have strayed from me! Ruin to them, they have sinned against me! (New American Bible)

they have strayed from Me…they have rebelled against Me: The word strayed often refers to people who literally run away. Here it indicates that the people intentionally left or deserted God. The word rebelled indicates here that the people of Israel rebelled or revolted against the LORD, their divine ruler. They transgressed by breaking the terms of the covenant between them and the LORD.

Here are some other ways to translate these parallel reasons:

They left me…they turned against me (New Century Version)
-or-
those who have deserted me…they have rebelled against me (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
They have run away from me…they’ve rebelled against me (God’s Word)

General Comment on 7:13a–b

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

Trouble and destruction will be their reward for rejecting me! (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages, it may also be more natural to put the reasons before the results. For example:

13a They have turned away from me. Therefore they will experience great trouble.

13b They have revolted against me, so they will be destroyed.

7:13c

Though I would redeem them, they speak lies against Me: In this sentence, the LORD contrasts the good he is willing to do for the people with the evil that the people do against him. He is willing to save the people. But the lies that the people tell about him stop him from doing so.

I would redeem them: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “I will redeem them.” In this context, it probably refers to rescuing the people from enemy armies.

Some versions translate this clause as completed action. But here it probably expresses a current wish or desire, as in the Berean Standard Bible above. Here is another example:

I want to deliver them (NET Bible)

I…they: In Hebrew, the independent pronouns I and they emphasize the contrast between the LORD’s readiness to restore the people and the people’s rebellious attitude. If possible, translate in a way that expresses this strong contrast. For example:

As for me, I am ready to save them, but as for them, they only tell lies against me.

they speak lies against Me: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as against Me can also be translated here as “about me” or “to me.” The following options are all acceptable ways to translate this clause:

• “about me” or “against me.” The clause means that the people give false information “about” the LORD. They do not tell the truth when they speak against him. For example:

they speak lies against me (English Standard Version)
-or-
they tell lies about me (Revised English Bible)

• “to me.” The clause means that the people are insincere when they pray. They do not tell the truth when they speak to the LORD. For example:

they have lied to me (NET Bible)
-or-
their worship of me was false. (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:15

Paragraph 9:15–16 and 9:17

In the Berean Standard Bible and some other versions, 9:15–17 are one paragraph. TN will divide these verses into two paragraphs. In the first paragraph, the LORD is the speaker. He describes his punishment against Israel. In the second paragraph, Hosea is the speaker. He prophesies about Israel’s future situation.

9:15a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

15a
All their evil appears at Gilgal, for there I hated them.

15b
I will drive them from My house for the wickedness of their deeds.

9:15a

All their evil appears at Gilgal, for there I hated them: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “all their wickedness at Gilgal for/indeed there I hated them on the wickedness of their deeds.” There are two main ways to interpret this clause:

(1) Because of all the wickedness of the people at Gilgal, God hated the people there. For example:

All their wickedness at Gilgal aroused my hatred. (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Because of all their evil in Gilgal, I hate them there. (NET Bible)

(2) All the wickedness of the people was at Gilgal. That is where their wickedness began and/or that is where the LORD began to hate them. For example:

Every evil of theirs is in Gilgal; there I began to hate them. (English Standard Version)
-or-
All their evildoing began in Gilgal. It was there that I began to hate them. (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The city of Gilgal was well known as a place where people worshiped idols, but it was not the only center for idol worship.

Gilgal: The city of Gilgal was a major center of idol worship among the Israelites. See the note for 4:15b.

I hated them: This phrase means that the LORD opposed, detested, and rejected them. Hate separates people and keeps them distant. Here the hatred is intense. The word indicates that the LORD broke off his relationship with the people of Israel.

9:15b

I will drive them from My house for the wickedness of their deeds: This line probably refers to the people of the entire nation of Israel. The people of Israel are very wicked like those in Gilgal. As a consequence, the LORD will drive them out of his house.

I will drive them from My house: This clause probably means that the LORD will expel the people from his family. They will no longer enjoy the LORD’s blessings that he provided as part of his covenant relationship with them. This clause is similar to the statement “you are not my people, and I am not your God” in Hosea 1:9.

One aspect of this broken relationship will be physical separation. The LORD will expel the people from the land of Israel (The Good News Translation has: “out of my land.”). However, this translation unnecessarily limits the intended meaning. The land is only one privilege of the covenant that they will lose.

Most versions use the literal word house to translate this clause. But in Hosea, the LORD’s house usually refers to the temple. It is recommended that you use a different word or phrase here to avoid this wrong meaning. For example:

I will expel them from my household/family.
-or-
I will disown them.

wickedness of their deeds: Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

evil (Good News Translation)
-or-
evil actions (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
wickedness of their deeds (New Revised Standard Version)

9:15c

I will no longer love them: The LORD’s love for the people of Israel is another privilege of the covenant they will lose. This statement expresses the same idea as “I hated them” in 9:15a. See the note there for more information on the meaning and implications of this statement. This statement is very similar to “I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel” in 1:6.

all their leaders are rebellious: The leaders of Israel repeatedly refused to follow the demands of the LORD. Their stubborn attitude was probably a major cause of the nation’s rebellion against the LORD. But the focus here is on the leaders themselves.

The word leaders refers to those who rule the kingdom of Israel. It includes the king, his officials, and military leaders. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

all their princes are rebels (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
all their rulers are in revolt (Revised English Bible)
-or-
all their officials are disloyal (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 12:3

12:3a–4b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

3a
In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel;

3b and in his vigor he wrestled with God.

4a Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed;

4b
he wept and sought His favor;

Lines 3a and 3b may be a figure of speech that indicates completeness. Here it describes Jacob’s entire life. He struggled to overcome others from infancy to adulthood. Lines 4a and 4b give more details about Jacob’s behavior.

12:3a

In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel: In this clause, Hosea refers to Genesis 25:26, which describes the birth of Jacob and his twin brother Esau. Esau came out first, then Jacob. Jacob was holding Esau’s heel when he was born.

The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “he grasped…heel” looks and sounds like the name “Jacob.” Genesis 25:26 indicates that he was named “Jacob” for this reason.

This Hebrew word has two main meanings. It can mean “he took by the heel.” It can also mean “he attacked/supplanted.” Hosea may be using the Hebrew word as a pun or wordplay on Jacob’s name in which both meanings are intended. Either of the following translation options is acceptable:

• Make the first meaning explicit. For example:

In the womb he took his brother by the heel (English Standard Version)

• Make the second meaning explicit. For example:

In the womb he tried to supplant his brother (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
In the womb he attacked his brother (NET Bible)

The meaning lines in the Display will each give one of these options.

12:3b

and in his vigor he wrestled with God: In 3b and 4a, Hosea refers to Genesis 32:28. That verse says that Jacob has struggled with God and with men and has overcome.

and in his vigor: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as and in his vigor means “physical power” in this context. Here this word implies both age and strength. Most versions make Jacob’s adult age explicit in some way but leave “strength” implicit. Here are some examples:

in maturity he wrestled against God (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
in his manhood he strove with God (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
when Jacob grew up, he fought against God (Good News Translation)

In some languages, it may be necessary to make the meaning “strength” explicit. For example:

When he became a man, he used his strength to strive with God

he wrestled with God: The Hebrew word for he wrestled means “to strive, contend.” The same word is repeated in 12:4 as “struggled,” where it refers to the same event. See also Genesis 32:28. See the previous comment for examples of other ways to translate this clause.

God: In this clause the Hebrew word for God is elohim and not Yahweh. Some versions translate elohim as God instead of “LORD.” Use your general term for God here.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 13:10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 1:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2:22

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 5:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 7:13

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:15

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 12:3

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American Bible Society