The Hebrew that is translated as “offering” in English is translated in Venda as nduvho. J. A. van Rooy (in The Bible Translator 1974, p. 439ff. ) explains: “It is derived from the verb u luvha (‘to pay homage to; to acknowledge the superiority of; at the same time usually asking for a favour’). It is sometimes used as a synonym for ‘asking something from a chief. The noun nduvho means ‘a gift of allegiance,’ which corresponds closely with minchah (מִנְחָה) as ‘offering of allegiance.’ This term nduvho has in it the elements of subjugation, of reciprocity (asking for a favor), of being taken up into the same community as the chief in allegiance to him. Only the element of expiation is missing.”
In Northern Emberá, it is translated as “given to God freely.” (Source: Loewen 1980, p. 108)
The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images.” (Source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. )
In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.”
Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Ephraim” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “palm tree” referring to the palm of Deborah in the land of Ephraim (see Judges 4:5. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
Some languages do not have a concept of kingship and therefore no immediate equivalent for the Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin that is translated as “king” in English. Here are some (back-) translations:
Ninia Yali: “big brother with the uplifted name” (source: Daud Soesilio in Noss 2007, p. 175)
Nyamwezi: mutemi: generic word for ruler, by specifying the city or nation it becomes clear what kind of ruler (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
Ghomála’: Fo (“The word Fo refers to the paramount ruler in the kingdoms of West Cameroon. He holds administrative, political, and religious power over his own people, who are divided into two categories: princes (descendants of royalty) and servants (everyone else).” (Source: Michel Kenmogne in Theologizing in Context: An Example from the Study of a Ghomala’ Christian Hymn))
Faye Edgerton retells how the term in Navajo (Dinė) was determined:
“[This term was] easily expressed in the language of Biblical culture, which had kings and noblemen with their brilliant trappings and their position of honor and praise. But leadership among the Navajos is not accompanied by any such titles or distinctions of dress. Those most respected, especially in earlier days, were their headmen, who were the leaders in raids, and the shaman, who was able to serve the people by appealing for them to the gods, or by exorcising evil spirits. Neither of these made any outward show. Neither held his position by political intrigue or heredity. If the headman failed consistently in raids, he was superceded by a better warrior. If the shaman failed many times in his healing ceremonies, it was considered that he was making mistakes in the chants, or had lost favor with the gods, and another was sought. The term Navajos use for headman is derived from a verb meaning ‘to move the head from side to side as in making an oration.’ The headman must be a good orator, able to move the people to go to war, or to follow him in any important decision. This word is naat’áanii which now means ‘one who rules or bosses.’ It is employed now for a foreman or boss of any kind of labor, as well as for the chairman of the tribal council. So in order to show that the king is not just a common boss but the highest ruler, the word ‘aláahgo, which expresses the superlative degree, was put before naat’áanii, and so ‘aláahgo naat’áanii ‘anyone-more-than-being around-he-moves-his-head-the-one-who’ means ‘the highest ruler.’ Naat’áanii was used for governor as the context usually shows that the person was a ruler of a country or associated with kings.”
Yea, the thing itself shall be carried to Assyria, as tribute to the great king: Yea translates a Hebrew focus particle meaning “even,” “in addition,” “moreover,” “besides,” or “also.” Here it indicates that even more will happen than what was described in the previous line.
Good News Translation‘s “The idol” makes clear what the thing itself is. However, the Hebrew word here puts emphasis on this object, which Revised Standard Version expresses. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch also maintains the emphasis, but makes the object explicit: “the bull itself.”
Shall be carried does not mean that others will carry the idol away from Bethel. The Hebrew verb that is used implies that the people of Israel will carry it with them as a present for the king of Assyria. The Hebrew word for tribute refers here to a gift that acknowledges authority and shows respect. It is often a standard euphemism for an imposed tax. So in this context it is a humiliating event for the people of Israel. This also explains why the next line says Ephraim shall be put to shame.
Instead of the great king, King James Version follows the Hebrew with “king Jareb,” who is unknown outside the Bible. Most modern translations follow a different division of the Hebrew consonants meaning the great king (Good News Translation “the great emperor”), which resembles a title given by the Assyrians to their king (see 5.13, where the comments deal with the identical expression, and that translation may be applied in this context as well).
Ephraim shall be put to shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his idol: Ephraim is parallel with Israel, and the two are used synonymously. Good News Translation uses only one name, “Israel” (see comments on 4.17 and 5.3).
Instead of idol, the Hebrew text has “advice” (Good News Translation), which refers to the foolish political and religious policies followed by the Israelites. New English Bible has the word “disobedience.” This is possible, but it is not the usual meaning of the Hebrew word here. Revised Standard Version emends the text to read idol (also New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, English Standard Version, Jerusalem Bible), but this emendation is not supported by any ancient translation and is not necessary for making sense. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives a {B} rating to the Hebrew text.
A translation model for this verse is:
• Even the bull-idol itself will be brought to Assyria
as a present to the great king.
What a shame for Ephraim!
What a disgrace for Israel’s policies!
Quoted with permission from Dorn, Louis & van Steenbergen, Gerrit. A Handbook on Hosea. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2020. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
Yes, it will be carried to Assyria: This Hebrew clause part is more literally “also it to Assyria it will be carried.” The Hebrew phrase “also it” introduces additional information and gives emphasis to it. Here it probably indicates that in addition to the glory of the calf departing, the calf itself will also be taken away. For example:
The thing itself shall be carried to Assyria (English Standard Version) -or-
It too shall be brought to Assyria (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
Some versions leave this information implied.
This clause part is passive. In some languages, it may be more natural to use an active verb and to make the agent explicit. There are two possible agents:
• The Israelites. After the Assyrians defeat Israel, the Assyrians will force the Israelites to bring their calf idol to Assyria to give to their king. For example:
The Israelites will carry it to Assyria as a gift for the great king. -or-
The Assyrians will make the Israelites carry it to Assyria as tribute for the great king.
• The Assyrians. After the Assyrians defeat Israel, the Assyrians will bring the calf idol to Assyria to give to their king. For example:
The Assyrians will carry it home to Assyria as a gift for the great king.
If you need to make an agent explicit in your translation, you may choose either of these options.
as tribute to the great king: In this context, a tribute is a gift that someone gives to a superior person, particularly to a king. It shows an attitude of submission to that person.
The phrase the greatking refers to the king of Assyria who ruled at that time.
10:6b–c
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
6b Ephraimwill be seized with shame;
6c Israelwill be ashamed of its wooden idols.
These lines talk about the shame that Israel will have when their idol is captured by Assyria.
Ephraim…Israel: In these parallel lines, Ephraim and Israel are figures of speech that represent all the people of the nation of Israel.
will be seized with shame…will be ashamed: The words translated as shame and ashamed are forms of the same Hebrew word. They mean “to be shamed,” and describe a sense of confusion, embarrassment, and dismay.
Here are other ways to translate these parallel lines:
Ephraim shall be put to shame and Israel shall be ashamed (New Revised Standard Version) -or-
Ephraim will be ridiculed and Israel will be shamed (New Living Translation (2004))
10:6c
of its wooden idols: There are textual issues and interpretation differences of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as of its wooden idols.
Here are the textual issues:
(1) The Masoretic Text has “from its own counsel/plans.” For example:
and Israel will be ashamed of its own counsel. (New American Standard Bible)
(Good News Translation, God’s Word, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, Revised English Bible)
(2) Some scholars think that the original text was “from its own image.” The word “image” refers to the calf idol. For example:
Israel shall be ashamed of his idol. (English Standard Version)
(Contemporary English Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Revised Standard Version)
(3) Other scholars think that the original text was “from its own disobedience.” For example:
and the people will be ashamed for not obeying. (New Century Version)
(New Century Version)
It is recommended that you follow option (1) along with the majority of modern commentaries and versions.
Here are the main interpretations of the word “from its own counsel/plans:”
(1) The word means: “from its own counsel/plans.” For example:
Israel shall be dismayed because of its plans. (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
(2) The word means: “from its own wood.” The word “wood” refers to the calf idol. For example: (NET Bible)
Israel will be put to shame because of its wooden idol.
It is recommended that you follow option (1). It makes sense and it is followed by ancient and many modern versions. The “counsel/plans” that Israel will be ashamed of probably refers to the unwise national policies that the nation of Israel followed.
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