SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021 – Page 8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:10

6:10a

In the house of Israel: The expression house of Israel is a figure of speech that probably refers to the land of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in Israel (Good News Translation)
-or-
in the nation of Israel (God’s Word)

See how you translated this phrase in 1:6c.

I have seen: These words indicate that the LORD personally witnessed the evil that the people did.

a horrible thing: This phrase refers to something disgusting that people react to with horror. In this context, it probably refers to all kinds of wickedness, including the shameful crimes in 6:9 and also the prostitution in 6:10b–c. Use a general term for something disgusting or horrible that can refer to all these sins. For example:

terrible thing (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
disgusting thing (NET Bible)
-or-
something horrible (New Living Translation (2004))

6:10b–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

10b
Ephraim practices prostitution there,

10c and Israel is defiled.

Ephraim…Israel: In this context, the parallel names Ephraim and Israel are used for poetic effect. They both refer to the people of Israel. Some versions make only the name Israel explicit here. For example:

Look at Israel’s prostitution; Israel has become unclean. (New Century Version)

6:10b

practices prostitution: This phrase is similar to the phrase “be promiscuous” in 4:10b. (See that note for more discussion.) It refers literally to the people committing sexual sin. It also refers symbolically to their worship of false gods. If possible, translate this phrase in a way that can refer to both referents. For example:

Ephraim is acting like a prostitute (God’s Word)
-or-
you are unfaithful (Contemporary English Version)

there: This word refers back to the phrase “in the house of Israel” in 6:10a. Some versions leave this word implied. For example:

Ephraim is acting like a prostitute (God’s Word)

6:10c

is defiled: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as is defiled is literally “it has made itself unclean.” The Berean Standard Bible translated the it the same way in 5:3c–d. The word refers to the people’s moral impurity. It also refers to their becoming spiritually impure by breaking the commands of their covenant with the LORD. The people were guilty of both kinds of impurity.

Here are some other ways to translate this Hebrew word:

has become unclean (New Century Version)
-or-
have defiled themselves (New Living Translation (1996))

General Comment on 6:10b–c

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

you are unfaithful and unfit to worship me (Contemporary English Version)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:1

Section 9:1–9

The LORD will punish the Israelites

This section warns the people of Israel that the LORD will punish them because they have been unfaithful to him. When that happens, the people will no longer be able to celebrate at harvest time or enjoy the crops from their land. The section describes aspects of daily life that the people in Israel would clearly understand. Some examples are harvest festivals (9:1, 5), threshing grain and making wine (9:2), unclean food (9:3–4), offerings and sacrifices (9:4), briers and thorns (9:6), and prophets (9:7–8). There is also an indirect reference to Israel’s past (9:9).

Here are some other examples of section headings:

The Lord Will Punish Israel (English Standard Version)
-or-
Hosea announces Israel’s Punishment (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Israel Will Be Punished (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The Sorrows of Exile (New Jerusalem Bible)

Paragraph 9:1–6

This paragraph tells about joyful activities that the people will no longer experience when they are in exile in Assyria. In exile, they will no longer have joyful harvests or be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to God. Instead of rejoicing, they will mourn.

9:1a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

1a
Do not rejoice, O Israel,

1b
with exultation like the nations,

The speaker of these lines is probably Hosea. He tells the people of Israel to stop rejoicing at harvest time.

There is a textual issue in 9:1b. It affects the parallel line structure in 9:1a–b.

(1) The LXX has “Do not rejoice, O Israel! And do not exult/delight like the peoples.” The Syriac, Vulgate, and Targum also have two parallel commands. For example:

Do not rejoice, O Israel! Do not exult as other nations do (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) The Masoretic Text has “Do not rejoice O Israel to/with rejoicing/exultation like the peoples.” The phrase “rejoice with exultation” means to rejoice greatly. With this option, there is a single intensified command rather than two parallel commands. For example:

O Israel, do not rejoice jubilantly like the nations (NET Bible)

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

rejoice…with exultation: These words mean “be glad/joyful.” Both words can express joy of various kinds and of various degrees of intensity.

Here are some other ways to translate the negative commands:

do not rejoice; don’t shout for joy (New Century Version)
-or-
don’t rejoice. Don’t celebrate (God’s Word)

like the nations: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “like the peoples.” It refers here to people who live in nations other than Israel.

General Comment on 9:1a–b

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

People of Israel, stop celebrating your festivals like pagans. (Good News Translation)

9:1c–d

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

1c for you have been played the harlot your God;

1d
you have made love for hire on every threshing floor.

In these lines, Hosea begins to explain why the people of Israel must not rejoice. The reason is that they were unfaithful to God and will soon experience the consequences of their unfaithfulness. God will send them into exile.

9:1c

for you have played the harlot against your God: The nation of Israel is compared to a harlot/prostitute, because the people were not faithful to God.

Here are some ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

For you have played the harlot, forsaking your God. (New American Standard Bible)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

You have been like a prostitute against your God. (New Century Version)

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

For you have been unfaithful to your God; (New International Version)

The Hebrew phrase “from beside your God” indicates that the people’s unfaithful behavior distanced them from God. Some versions make this information explicit. For example:

You have turned away from your God and have been unfaithful to him. (Good News Translation)
-or-
for you have deserted your God to play the whore (New Jerusalem Bible)

your God: In some languages, the phrase your God may imply that Israel’s God is not the same as Hosea’s God. One way to avoid this wrong meaning is to translate the phrase as “our(incl.) God.”

9:1d

you have made love for hire on every threshing floor: This line again compares the Israelites to a harlot/prostitute. A prostitute earns wages by hiring herself to make love. Likewise, Israel gave herself to Baal and other false gods by worshiping them. The people wrongly thought that those false gods provided their grain and other needs as wages for their worship. See also Hosea 2:5, 2:8.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

You have loved the wages you made as a prostitute there on every threshing floor.
-or-
Everywhere that people thresh grain, you are like prostitutes who are delighted with the fee you receive for selling yourself to others.

love for hire: This phrase refers to the fee that a client pays to a prostitute. In this context, the wages are the grain on the threshing floor.

on every threshing floor: Threshing floors were large open areas where the farmers removed the kernels of grain from the husk. Some scholars believe that threshing floors were also areas where the people worshiped Baal or other idols.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:1

Section 11:1–11 The LORD’s love for his people

This section refers back to Israel’s history, as do Section 9:10–17 and Section 10:1–8. In all three sections, the LORD describes the joyful beginning of his relationship with the people of Israel and their response of betrayal against him. The earlier sections focus more on the LORD’s punishment. The people will be taken into exile. This section focuses more on his love.

The LORD speaks of his love for Israel in the past (11:1–4), warns them of their future exile and destruction (11:5–7), and assures them that in the future he will turn from his anger and show them compassion. Because of his love for them, he promises that he will bring the people back to the land of Israel (11:8–11).

Here are some other examples of section headings:

The Lord’s Love for Israel (English Standard Version)
-or-
Israel Is Like a Bad Son (God’s Word)

Throughout this section, the LORD is the speaker. When he refers to himself, he uses first person pronouns (“I/me/my”) except for verse 10, which has “Yahweh” and “he.” When he refers to the people or nation of Israel, he uses “Ephraim,” “they/them,” or “he/it.” The only exceptions are in 11:8–9. There the LORD uses the pronoun “you(sg)” to speak directly to Ephraim and to Judah.

Paragraph 11:1–4

In this paragraph, the LORD describes his love and care for the nation of Israel during its early days.

11:1

This verse uses a metaphor that compares the nation of Israel to a child/son. It also compares the LORD to the loving parent of the child. The figure of speech here may refer indirectly to Exodus 4:22, 23. There it says:

22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.”….’ ”

11:1a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

1a
When Israel was a child, I loved him,

1b and out of Egypt I called My son.

11:1a

When Israel was a child, I loved him: These clauses refer to the time when Israel became a new/young nation during the exodus from Egypt.

In some languages, it may be more natural to reverse the order of the clauses. For example:

I loved Israel when he was a child.

child: The Hebrew word for child is masculine here. It can refer to a very young boy just weaned or to an older child or young man. In 11:3, it describes a young child who is still learning to walk and needs the protection and care of his parents. Use a word in your language that refers to a young male child of that age.

loved: The Hebrew word for “love” has a broad range of meaning. In this context, it refers to the deep love, affection and loyalty that a father has for his son.

11:1b

and out of Egypt I called My son: This clause refers to Israel’s past, when the LORD delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

Matthew 2:15 also quotes this clause. There the phrase “My son” refers to Christ.

called: In this context, the Hebrew word for called may have two meanings simultaneously:

(a) “to summon”

(b) “to name/designate”

Both meanings apply to Israel at the time when they left Egypt. On that occasion, the LORD named/adopted Israel as his son. It was also when he summoned the people of Israel to leave Egypt. For example:

And called him out of Egypt as my son. (Good News Translation)

In many languages, it may not be possible to translate both meanings simultaneously. Many versions follow meaning (a) and leave meaning (b) implied.

General Comment on 11:1

In some languages, it may not be natural to refer to a nation as a child or a son (singular). It may be necessary to use plural terms such as children or sons. For example:

The Lord says, “I have great love for the descendants of Israel, who are like my children. When they were young, I called them to leave Egypt. (Tuwali Ifugao Back Translation)

It may also be more natural to combine and/or reorder the verse parts. For example:

The LORD says, 1b “When I summoned the people of Israel to leave Egypt, 1a I loved them and chose them to be my own children.

If you use plural terms, as in the preceding examples, consider adding a footnote for the benefit of readers who may not see the connection with Matthew 2:15. Here is a suggested footnote:

In the Hebrew language, this verse refers to Israel as “child (singular)” and “my son.” See Matthew 2:15.

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)

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))

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 6:10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 9:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hosea 11:1

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

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