en_tn/en_tn_28-HOS.tsv

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2HOSfrontintrok6lu0
3HOS1introud3c0

Hosea 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:2-11.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hosea's marriage

God does not approve of prostitution, but he told Hosea to marry a prostitute so that the message of Israel's unfaithfulness would be shown to the people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])

Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a metaphor for the kingdom of Israel's relationship to Yahweh. Israel was unfaithful to Yahweh and broke the covenant with him. Gomer was a woman who was unfaithful to her husband broke her marriage agreement with him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Hosea 1-4 is controlled by a metaphor that Hosea lived out. He was personifying the relationship between Israel and Yahweh. Hosea played the part of Yahweh, and Gomer played the part of Israel.

4HOS11x3qafigs-idiom0the word of Yahweh that came
5HOS11fhy8translate-names0Beeri

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

6HOS11f238translate-names0Uzziah ... Jotham ... Ahaz ... Hezekiah ... Jeroboam ... Joash

The events in this book happened during the time of these kings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

7HOS11ghv40Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

8HOS12m57nfigs-metaphor0great prostitution
9HOS13l8fbtranslate-names0Gomer ... Diblaim

These are names of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

10HOS14gin3figs-metaphor0the house of Jehu
11HOS14ykw9figs-metaphor0the house of Israel

This expression refers to kingdom of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

12HOS15e655figs-metonymy0the bow of Israel
13HOS16jgz9translate-names0Lo-Ruhamah
14HOS18r52qtranslate-names0Lo-Ruhamah
15HOS19a6mvtranslate-names0Lo-Ammi
16HOS110q3ve0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

17HOS110mc4bfigs-simile0like the sand of the seashore

This emphasizes the great number of Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

18HOS110tps4figs-activepassive0which cannot be measured or counted
19HOS110u2atfigs-activepassive0It will be that where it was said to them
20HOS110zlv30where it was said to them

This expression probably refers to Jezreel, the city where crimes had been committed by kings of Israel, and which was a symbol of God's punishment of them.

21HOS110lb2wfigs-activepassive0it will be said to them
22HOS111vlg4figs-activepassive0will be gathered together
23HOS111t1bm0go up from the land

This expression might refer to the land where the people of Israel were in captivity.

24HOS111b5bzfigs-explicit0the day of Jezreel

This refers to the time when God will put his people back in the land of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

25HOS2introh75z0

Hosea 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of this chapter, which is poetry, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. Hosea 1-2 is a single series forming one narrative.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Many relationships are used in this chapter that are metaphors for the relationship between Israel and her God. Brother, sister, husband, wife, mother, and children are examples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter creates an abrupt change of address. The prophet is now addressing the children directly in the first few verses, but the whole chapter is written against Gomer as an illustration of Israel as an adulterous people. God uses Gomer as an illustration to teach the people of Israel how they should be faithful to him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/adultery]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])

26HOS21qq880Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

27HOS21if49figs-exclamations0My people!
28HOS21z5anfigs-activepassive0You have been shown compassion
29HOS21e5gw0compassion
30HOS22d1d50General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

31HOS22t1g60lawsuit

This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law.

32HOS22d9bqfigs-metaphor0your mother
33HOS22vb8mfigs-metaphor0for she is not my wife

Yahweh is stating that Israel, spoken of here as a woman, is no longer acting like a wife to Yahweh. Instead Israel has turned away from following and worshiping him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

34HOS22e3qhfigs-metaphor0neither am I her husband

Yahweh can no longer be in relationship with the nation of Israel as a husband would be to his wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

35HOS22l76mfigs-metaphor0her acts of adultery

A wife who is adulterous leaves her husband to sleep with another man. This is how Israel was acting toward Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

36HOS22qp68figs-metaphor0from between her breasts

This imagery suggests that Israel is relying on the idols and not Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

37HOS23x3z9figs-metaphor0I will strip her naked and show her nakedness as on the day that she was born

Yahweh will no longer protect and provide for Israel because the nation has turned away from him. In Israel, husbands were obliged by law to provide clothes for their wives. Not to do so was a sign that a man was rejecting his wife. The full meaning of this may be made clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

38HOS23w84ffigs-simile0I will make her like the wilderness

Yahweh will change Israel to resemble the wilderness, which is a region that is bare and unproductive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

39HOS23tk9lfigs-metaphor0I will make her die from thirst
40HOS24dt2c0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

41HOS24ck3efigs-metaphor0for they are children of prostitution

The Israelites are acting like they do not belong to Yahweh. Just as their parents did not worship God, Neither do they. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

42HOS25bbd9figs-metaphor0For their mother has been a prostitute

The previous generation who sought out other gods were considered prostitutes for they were unfaithful to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

43HOS25pdr2figs-metonymy0I will go after my lovers, for they give me my bread and water, my wool and flax, my oil and drink
44HOS26e3xg0General Information:

Yahweh is talking to Hosea.

45HOS26n4vefigs-metaphor0Therefore I will build up a hedge to block her way with thorns. I will build up a wall against her so she cannot find her way

This passage indicates that Yahweh will prevent his people from finding success and prosperity, becuase they continue to worship idols. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

46HOS27pk67figs-metaphor0
47HOS28i5590General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

48HOS29v55ufigs-metonymy0I will take back my wool and flax that were used to cover her nakedness

This probably means that Israel's harvests and flocks will fail. Yahweh will remove his blessings from Israel, and the people will be left alone and in danger of attack. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

49HOS29rl9dfigs-activepassive0were used to cover her nakedness
50HOS210fpp30General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea.

51HOS210jfc9figs-metaphor0Then I will strip her naked in the sight of her lovers

This means God will humiliate the people of Israel in front of the other nations nearby. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

52HOS210j4bhfigs-metonymy0no one will rescue her out of my hand
53HOS212ege90General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do to Israel.

54HOS212bqk9figs-metaphor0These are the wages that my lovers gave me
55HOS212f2fcfigs-metaphor0make them a forest

Yahweh will destroy the vineyards and fruit trees by allowing other trees and weeds to grow among them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

56HOS213i7k2figs-123person0this is Yahweh's declaration
57HOS214a2gy0Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

58HOS214uxh60So I am going to win her back

I, Yahweh, will bring her back to me

59HOS215cf8d0the Valley of Achor as a door of hope

As Yahweh lead Israel out of Egypt, he will lead Israel to the Valley of Achor so that Israel will hope again in Yahweh.

60HOS215sql9figs-metaphor0She will answer me there as she did in the days of her youth, as in the days that she came out of the land of Egypt

Yahweh hopes that the nation of Israel will repent and again choose to worship him as their God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

61HOS215hhr50She will answer
62HOS216m6ggfigs-metaphor0My husband

This means the people of Israel will love and be faithful to Yahweh just as a wife is to a husband. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

63HOS216sid2figs-metaphor0My Baal
64HOS217f9ggfigs-synecdoche0For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth
65HOS218ma1m0Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do to Israel.

66HOS218puj70On that day

This phrase is used to talk about a future restoration between Israel and Yahweh.

67HOS218j2tx0I will make a covenant for them

Yahweh's new covenant will include peace for the animals.

68HOS218c1umfigs-metonymy0I will drive away the bow, the sword, and the battle from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety
69HOS218u7mvfigs-metonymy0lie down in safety

This expression refers to living in safety. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

70HOS219t7wt0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do for Israel.

71HOS219h2m4figs-metaphor0I will promise to be your husband forever

Yahweh will be like the husband, and Israel will be like Yahweh's wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

72HOS219t45vfigs-abstractnouns0in righteousness, justice, covenant faithfulness, and mercy
73HOS220tas90you will know Yahweh
74HOS221bb870General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do for Israel.

75HOS222w8qhfigs-personification0The earth will answer the grain, the new wine and the oil, and they will answer Jezreel

The land will meet the need for grain, new wine, and olive oil. These things will also meet the needs of Jezreel. The land and these products are spoken of as if they were people who could meet the needs of others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

76HOS222zi92figs-metaphor0Jezreel

Here the name of this valley stands for all the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

77HOS223u9ni0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to Hosea about what he will do for Israel.

78HOS223jl7bfigs-metaphor0I will plant her for myself in the land
79HOS223z8datranslate-names0Lo-Ruhamah
80HOS223l22qtranslate-names0Lo-Ammi
81HOS223j39ctranslate-names0Ammi Attah
82HOS3introk2ts0

Hosea 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter focuses on the meaning of the illustration of Hosea's marriage. It is a very short chapter written in prose to show the truth of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. After bearing a number of children for Hosea, Gomer leaves him and prostitutes herself with other men, showing little to no regard for their marriage covenant. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

This chapter contains a continuation of the metaphor played out in chapter 2. Hosea is told to go and buy his wife out of slavery. Gomer must have been captured and held as a slave due to her adulterous activity. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/adultery]])

83HOS31t4kg0Go again, love a woman, loved by her husband, but who is an adulteress

This refers back to Hosea 1:2. Yahweh again tells Hosea to love an adulterous woman.

84HOS31sa34translate-symaction0Love her just as I, Yahweh, love the people of Israel

By loving the adulterous woman, Hosea will be an example of Yahweh's love for Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

85HOS31rvb90they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes

People ate raisin or fig cakes during festivals where they worshiped false gods.

86HOS32ik7l0fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley

This was the price to buy a slave.

87HOS32x615translate-numbers0fifteen pieces
88HOS32e35qtranslate-bvolume0a homer and a lethek of barley
89HOS34s5dq0For the people of Israel will live for many days without a king, prince, sacrifice, stone pillar, ephod or household idols

Just as Hosea lived without his wife because she committed adultery, Israel will live without a king and without worshiping God, because they committed idolatry.

90HOS35klf50seek Yahweh their God
91HOS35ce6ifigs-metonymy0David their king
92HOS35plr40in the last days

in the future

93HOS35h6dbfigs-metonymy0they will come trembling before Yahweh and his goodness
94HOS4introm65b0

Hosea 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The author stops using the metaphor of a husband/wife relationship and begins using a new illustration using lawsuits. God is suing the people of Israel because of all the wrong they have done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Lawsuits

Lawsuits are special cases where people go to court when they have a legal issue to resolve between them. Normally, one party is accusing another party of having done wrong.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

Metonymy is used in the first few verses of this chapter. Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or idea is called not by its own name, but by the name of something closely associated with it. Bloodshed is associated with murder. Stumbling represents sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

95HOS41k5fr0General Information:

This chapter begins Yahweh's argument against the unfaithful Israelites.

96HOS41t2hufigs-metaphor0Yahweh has a lawsuit against the inhabitants of the land

Yahweh stating that the people of Israel have sinned against him and broken his covenant is spoken of as if Yahweh were accusing them in court. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

97HOS41ste30lawsuit

This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:2.

98HOS42a1s6figs-metaphor0The people have broken all bounds
99HOS42i3ntfigs-abstractnouns0bloodshed comes after bloodshed
100HOS43y9lx0So the land is drying up

This expression refers to drought, when no rain falls for a long time.

101HOS43mp1u0wasting away

becoming weak and dying because of sickness or lack of food

102HOS43m1s9figs-activepassive0are being taken away
103HOS44xl630General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

104HOS44gz4e0lawsuit

a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law

105HOS44t69t0do not let anyone accuse anyone else

No one should accuse another person of anything because everyone is guilty of something.

106HOS45j4lafigs-metaphor0You priests will stumble
107HOS45a2zyfigs-metaphor0I will destroy your mother
108HOS46qhc80General Information:

In 4:6, Yahweh is talking to the priests about the people of Israel. But in 4:7, he is talking about the priests, not to them. It is possible for the translator to follow the example of the UST, which portrays Yahweh as talking to the priests also in 4:7.

109HOS46pq57figs-activepassive0My people are being destroyed because of the lack of knowledge
110HOS46j1k4figs-explicit0knowledge
111HOS47g6wyfigs-metonymy0They exchanged their honor for shame
112HOS48j2qz0General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking about the priests.

113HOS48ajz2figs-explicit0They feed on the sin of my people

When people sinned, they would offer sacrifices so God would forgive them. The priests were allowed to eat these sacrifices. The priests eating these sacrifices for sin is spoken of as if they would actually feed on the people's sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

114HOS48e3kkfigs-explicit0they are greedy for more of their wickedness

The priests want the people to sin more so that the people will offer more sacrifices that the priests may eat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

115HOS49lv380It will be the same for the people as for the priests

The people and the priests will be punished in the same way

116HOS49xfi60their practices
117HOS410y17j0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

118HOS410p57j0but not increase

but not have children

119HOS410az6x0they have gone far away

The people have stopped worshiping and following God.

120HOS410j8twfigs-123person0from Yahweh
121HOS411da240Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

122HOS411ql5tfigs-personification0sexual promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which have taken away their understanding

The people of Israel are pursuing sex outside of marriage and drinking too much wine. In doing these activities they have forgotten Yahweh's commands. These actions are spoken of here as if they were someone who could prevent other people from understanding the importance of obeying Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

123HOS412b2e9figs-personification0their walking sticks give them prophecies

Idol worshipers used walking sticks to help them predict the future. The walking sticks are spoken of here as if they were people who spoke prophecies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

124HOS412gu5rfigs-personification0a mind of promiscuity has misled them
125HOS412mu4tfigs-metaphor0has misled

has convinced the people to sin (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

126HOS413f8ym0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

127HOS413u9e70on the tops of the mountains ... on the hills
128HOS414q3pu0sacred prostitutes

These were women who had sexual relations with men who came to worship certain idols. This was viewed as a sacred action in honor of the false gods.

129HOS414asb1figs-metaphor0So this people who does not understand will be thrown down

Yahweh will destroy the nation of Israel because they do not understand or obey God's commandments. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

130HOS415n41g0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

131HOS415sei70may Judah not become guilty

God knows how sinful Israel has become and does not want Judah to do the same thing.

132HOS415g1ti0Do not go to Gilgal, you people; do not go up to Beth Aven

The people of Judah are being warned not to go to the cities of Gilgal or Beth Aven to worship idols in those places. Gilgal was once a place where Yahweh had been worshiped, but it had become a place of idol worship.

133HOS415wj2ftranslate-names0Beth Aven

This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

134HOS416vaf7figs-simile0like a stubborn heifer

Israel is compared to a young cow that will not obey its master. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

135HOS416b1k8figs-metaphor0How can Yahweh bring them to pasture like lambs in a meadow?
136HOS416un2pfigs-123person0How can Yahweh
137HOS417y9hs0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

138HOS417vcx4figs-synecdoche0Ephraim united himself with idols; leave him alone
139HOS418t2qi0her rulers dearly love their shame

The rulers are not ashamed of what they are doing when they worship idols and turn against Yahweh.

140HOS419kwi7figs-metaphor0The wind will wrap her up in its wings
141HOS5introcz2x0

Hosea 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using the poetic form exclusively.

Special concepts in this chapter

The author uses Ephraim and Israel interchangeably. They both refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. Judah is also mentioned and refers to the southern kingdom of Judah. Benjamin is part of the southern kingdom of Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

This chapter is full of metaphors and similes. The writer uses these figures of speech to show how Yahweh will treat his people for not obeying his instructions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])

142HOS51qy780Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

143HOS51i4kftranslate-names0You have been a snare at Mizpah and a net spread over Tabor

A snare and a net are both objects used to catch prey. In this case, the priests and the royal household had devised ways to keep the people away from Yahweh, while enticing them into idolatry. Mizpah and Tabor were places for idol worship in the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

144HOS52e4c5figs-metaphor0The rebels stand deep in slaughter
145HOS52z7ql0The rebels
146HOS52u6yj0in slaughter

Some modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression as standing for wickedness.

147HOS52ncj10I will punish all of them
148HOS53ki2p0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

149HOS53b88ufigs-synecdoche0I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me
150HOS53vw9ufigs-simile0Ephraim, now you have become like a prostitute

Ephraim is presented in terms of a prostitute because the people have become unfaithful to God, as a prostitute is faithful to no man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

151HOS54xz8q0for the mind of adultery is in them

This means they have the desire to be unfaithful to God. They want to worship idols.

152HOS54hh5e0to turn to God ... they do not know Yahweh
153HOS54kub10they do not know Yahweh

Israel no longer obeys Yahweh in any way. They do not acknowledge Yahweh as their God.

154HOS55iu6y0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

155HOS55rch3figs-personification0The pride of Israel testifies against him
156HOS55px3dfigs-idiom0so Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their guilt; and Judah also will stumble with them

The two kingdoms will become completely disobedient to God because of their pride and sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

157HOS57im5k0They were unfaithful to Yahweh, for they have borne illegitimate children

Possible meanings are 1) this means the Israelites were marrying people from other nations and having children with them or 2) this means the Israelite parents were unfaithful to Yahweh and they were teaching their children to worship idols.

158HOS57yu59figs-personification0Now the new moon festivals will devour them with their fields

The people of Israel were supposed to celebrate during the new moon. Here this expression seems to describe the new moon festival as a beast that will eat the people and their fields. However, it is hard to interpret this expression; many versions translate it without making much sense of it. However, the overall meaning is certainly that God will punish the people for their unfaithfulness to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

159HOS58uh2c0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel.

160HOS58tj5pfigs-doublet0Blow the horn in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah
161HOS58s184figs-synecdoche0Sound a battle cry at Beth Aven: 'We will follow you, Benjamin!'
162HOS58ail1translate-names0Beth Aven

This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom. See how you translated this in Hosea 4:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

163HOS59n3pe0Among the tribes of Israel I have declared what is certain to happen

I will do to the tribes of Israel what I have declared

164HOS510x6j70General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

165HOS510jdz8figs-simile0The leaders of Judah are like those who move a boundary stone
166HOS510wbd7figs-metaphor0I will pour my wrath on them like water

Yahweh's wrath against Judah will be like a large stream of water that destroys them. In the scriptures, emotions and moral qualities are often spoken of as if they were liquids. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

167HOS511x64tfigs-parallelism0Ephraim is crushed; he is crushed in judgment
168HOS511f3tbfigs-metaphor0walked after idols
169HOS511ww390idols
170HOS512jy1j0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

171HOS512z5lpfigs-simile0I will be like a moth to Ephraim, and like rot to the house of Judah

A moth on a piece of wool and rot in a piece of wood are both destructive. Yahweh will destroy both nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

172HOS512y9bw0moth ... rot

These two terms are translated in various ways because the meaning of the Hebrew word is either very broad or it is uncertain.

173HOS513pf8ffigs-metaphor0When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound

Both Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) realized that they were in danger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

174HOS513e5lq0then Ephraim went to Assyria, and Judah sent messengers to the great king
175HOS513be1d0But he was not able
176HOS514mxf10General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Judah and Israel.

177HOS514su9ffigs-simile0So I will be like a lion to Ephraim

Yahweh is going to pursue and attack Ephraim like a lion. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

178HOS514bpl6figs-simile0like a young lion to the house of Judah

Yahweh is going to treat Judah in a similar way. Yahweh is showing his displeasure with both the northern and the southern kingdoms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

179HOS514rse70I, even I

Yahweh is emphasizing that he is the one that is bringing judgment on all of his people.

180HOS514y54ffigs-metaphor0will tear

As a lion tears apart the animal it is eating, so Yahweh will tear his people away from their homes and country. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

181HOS515gc860I will go and return to my place

Yahweh will leave his rebellious people.

182HOS515w7fgfigs-metaphor0seek my face
183HOS6introxu4q0

Hosea 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using the poetic form to show how Yahweh will still show mercy to his wayward people, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Gilead is an area in the northern kingdom of Israel where several of the tribes lived. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Change in speaker

There is a change in person from 6:1-3 to 6:4-11. In the first passage, the speaker is an anonymous Israelite, but in the rest of the chapter, the speaker is Yahweh.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Throughout the chapter, the author uses the metaphor of prostitution to say that his people have abandoned him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

184HOS61a6ue0Connecting Statement:

The people of Israel confess their need to repent.

185HOS61u9yefigs-parallelism0he has torn us to pieces ... he has injured us

God has punished the people of Israel because they disobeyed him and worshiped idols. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

186HOS61ntx5figs-parallelism0he will heal us ... he will bandage our wounds

Israel believes that God will be merciful to them when they repent and he will deliver them from their troubles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

187HOS62yn3ufigs-idiom0After two days he will revive us; he will raise us up on the third day

This represents a short period of time. Israel believes God will quickly come to rescue them from their enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

188HOS62id69translate-numbers0two days ... the third day
189HOS63fc9r0Let us know Yahweh
190HOS63mk9bfigs-simile0His coming out is as sure as the dawn

Yahweh will come to help his people just as surely as the sun rises each morning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

191HOS64e5w60Connecting Statement:

Yahweh is speaking.

192HOS64e69cfigs-rquestion0what will I do with you?
193HOS65n7z6figs-metaphor0So I have cut them to pieces by the prophets
194HOS65kr95figs-simile0Your decrees are like the light that shines out

Here the prophet Hosea is speaking to God. He may mean that when God gives the command for someone to die as punishment, it is like a bolt of lightning that strikes. Or he may mean that God's commandments allow people to know the truth, just as light makes objects visible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

195HOS65vv2v0Your decrees

Yahweh's commands

196HOS66r5ls0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

197HOS66vj1l0For I desire faithfulness and not sacrifice
198HOS67xuu2figs-metonymy0Like Adam
199HOS68cwt20General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

200HOS68jyk1figs-metonymy0Gilead is a city ... with footprints of blood
201HOS69drp60the priests band together to commit murder on the way to Shechem
202HOS610k4360General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

203HOS610tac2figs-metonymy0Ephraim's prostitution
204HOS610f2vh0Israel has become unclean

Israel has become unacceptable to God because of her actions.

205HOS611c9zvfigs-activepassive0For you also, Judah, a harvest has been appointed
206HOS611nid7figs-metaphor0harvest
207HOS611hag40fortunes

prosperity and security

208HOS7introyc440

Hosea 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using poetic forms to speak of Yahweh's anger over the sin of the people. The people are not seeking Yahweh; they are seeking other gods and looking for salvation from other nations like Egypt and Assyria. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Baking

Baking of bread is an extended metaphor in this chapter. Yahweh uses various aspects of this activity to show his displeasure with their sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel and Ephraim

This chapter begins by using two different names for the same group of people: Israel and Ephraim. It also mentions Samaria, which was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.

209HOS71wc7w0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

210HOS71l8yqfigs-metaphor0I want to heal Israel

Making Israel obedient to God again and receivers of his blessing is spoken of as if it were healing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

211HOS71u93nfigs-explicit0for they practice deceit

The people are selling and buying products dishonestly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

212HOS71u8xl0marauding band

This is a group of people who are attacking other people without cause.

213HOS72t9avfigs-metaphor0their deeds surround them

The people's evil deeds are probably spoken of here as if they were other people ready to accuse them of their crimes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

214HOS72h9mhfigs-synecdoche0they are before my face
215HOS73aq6w0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking. The Hebrew text is not clear in various places. However, many people interpret it as describing the royal officials as being unfaithful to God, and also as planning to assassinate the king, and then carrying out their plans. This seems to have happened more than once. These crimes are mentioned as illustrations of the wickedness into which the nation has sunk.

216HOS74ccn2figs-metaphor0They are all adulterers

The people committed spiritual adultery by worshiping idols and being unfaithful to Yahweh. They were probably also being unfaithful to their husbands or wives by sleeping with other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

217HOS74q95bfigs-simile0like an oven heated by the baker
218HOS74pvh60kneading of the dough

This is a part of the process of making bread.

219HOS75h9ht0On the day of our king

This is perhaps a festival held by the king.

220HOS75zte7figs-idiom0He reached out with his hand

This probably means to unite or join with someone. It may mean that the king joins with his officials to mock things or people that should not be mocked, even God himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

221HOS76h4zw0General Information:

The court officials' plotting is described. Their anger is what motivates them to kill their king.

222HOS76wuv9figs-simile0For with hearts like an oven
223HOS76ml3ffigs-metaphor0Their anger smolders
224HOS76ydy1figs-simile0it burns high like a flaming fire
225HOS77b2nnfigs-simile0They all are as hot as an oven

This compares their anger to the heat that comes from an oven. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

226HOS77z8nyfigs-metaphor0they devour those who rule over them

This seems to mean that the court officials kill their kings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

227HOS78a6qy0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

228HOS78lqx60Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples

This is probably a reference to the efforts made by the northern kingdom's kings to ally themselves with other nations for protection against attack.

229HOS78q1jifigs-synecdoche0Ephraim is a flat cake that has not been turned over
230HOS79qt4kfigs-metonymy0Gray hairs are sprinkled on him
231HOS79qta1figs-metaphor0but he does not know it
232HOS710i3230General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

233HOS710l7dgfigs-personification0The pride of Israel testifies against him
234HOS710d1v1figs-metaphor0nor have they sought him
235HOS710l1iz0in spite of all this
236HOS711wu9bfigs-simile0Ephraim is like a dove, gullible and without sense

Doves were thought to be foolish birds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

237HOS711jpu50Egypt ... Assyria

These were powerful nations that Israel could ask for help.

238HOS712hur10General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

239HOS712jg68figs-metaphor0I will spread my net over them

This is a way to catch birds. Yahweh continues to compare the people of Israel to doves. When they go to Egypt or Assyria for help, Yahweh will punish them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

240HOS712zeb8figs-simile0I will bring them down like the birds of the sky
241HOS712c4zg0in their flocking together

This expression extends the metaphor of the birds.

242HOS714uda30General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

243HOS714jwr20they wail on their beds

It was usual for idol worshipers to eat ceremonial meals while reclining on couches or beds.

244HOS714wlv2figs-metaphor0they turn away from me
245HOS715kf6zfigs-metaphor0Though I trained them and strengthened their arms

This may be a military metaphor, in which God training the Israelites to love him and obey him is spoken of as if he had been training their men for war. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

246HOS716k39m0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

247HOS716r57afigs-simile0They are like a slack bow

That is, a bow that has no bowstring, or that has no tension. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

248HOS716q25qfigs-metonymy0because of the insolence of their tongues
249HOS716r7ltfigs-abstractnouns0This will become their mockery in the land of Egypt
250HOS8introsj970
251HOS81iyy70General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about the coming of the Assyrian army to attack the northern kingdom.

252HOS81rq62figs-metaphor0An eagle is coming over the house of Yahweh
253HOS81tc1qfigs-metaphor0broken my covenant
254HOS82hq2r0know you

are faithful to you

255HOS84hqd20General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

256HOS84h5agfigs-activepassive0but it was only so they might be cut off
257HOS85p53afigs-123person0Your calf has been rejected
258HOS85xu7afigs-metonymy0Your calf
259HOS85k9n8figs-metaphor0My anger is burning against these people
260HOS85xq3dfigs-rquestion0For how long will they stay guilty?
261HOS86y4fg0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

262HOS87hpc6figs-metaphor0For the people sow the wind and reap the whirlwind

To sow or plant the wind is to act in useless or destructive ways. To reap the whirlwind is to suffer disaster from one's own actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

263HOS87ehs7figs-idiom0The standing grain has no heads
264HOS87m4n5figs-metaphor0If it does come to maturity, foreigners will devour it

If any of Israel's actions do happen to result in something good, Israel's enemies will come and take it from them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

265HOS88vk5d0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

266HOS88qfd6figs-metaphor0Israel is swallowed up
267HOS89byr1figs-simile0like a wild donkey all alone

People often think of donkeys as being stubborn. This means the people of Israel refused to listen to Yahweh but instead went to the people of Assyria for help. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

268HOS89s8b5figs-metaphor0Ephraim has hired lovers for herself
269HOS810inw90because of the oppression of the king of princes
270HOS811m4nc0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

271HOS812ww4cfigs-hypo0I could write down my law for them ten thousand times, but they would
272HOS812x66dtranslate-numbers0ten thousand
273HOS813gmz30General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

274HOS813fl3w0They will return to Egypt

Because of their sin, God will send his people away as slaves to the Egyptians.

275HOS9introlkm60
276HOS91fz5r0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

277HOS92f2gufigs-personification0But the threshing floor and the winepress will not feed them

This describes the threshing floor and the winepress as if they were humans that can feed someone. This means that the harvest will not provide enough grain for threshing to meet the needs of the people, and that it will not provide the grapes for pressing to make enough wine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

278HOS92nt1h0the new wine will fail them

There will not be enough grape juice to make wine with.

279HOS93c8av0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

280HOS93sdu70Yahweh's land

This expression signals that Yahweh continues to view the land of Israel as his property, not the property of the Israelites.

281HOS93dgt9figs-metaphor0unclean food

This is food that the Israelites would normally refuse to eat because it would make them unacceptable to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

282HOS94ag4rfigs-simile0Their sacrifices will be to them like mourners' food
283HOS94yxx60For their food will be for themselves only; it will not come into the house of Yahweh

The people of Israel will have food to eat, but Yahweh will not accept it as a sacrifice.

284HOS94n7e6figs-personification0it will not come into the house of Yahweh

The unclean food is spoken of as if it were able to go places by itself. Of course, people actually had to take it with them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

285HOS95nbi80General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

286HOS95i5uffigs-rquestion0What will you do on the day of an appointed festival, on the day of a festival for Yahweh?
287HOS95vze5figs-parallelism0the day of an appointed festival ... the day of a festival for Yahweh

Both of these mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

288HOS96x9gbfigs-123person0if they escape
289HOS96n2rnfigs-metonymy0Egypt will gather them, and Memphis will bury them
290HOS96ymw7figs-metaphor0As for their treasures of silver—sharp briers will possess them
291HOS96ks54figs-doublet0sharp briers will possess them, and thorns will fill their tents
292HOS96huq9figs-metonymy0their tents
293HOS97j1km0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

294HOS97g5sufigs-parallelism0The days for punishment are coming; the days for retribution are coming

Hosea says these two similar phrases to emphasize that Yahweh will soon judge the people of Israel for their evil deeds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

295HOS97k43ufigs-parallelism0The prophet is a fool, and the inspired man is insane

These phrases mean basically the same thing. Possible meanings are 1) that the people regarded the prophets as madmen or 2) that the prophets had become crazy because of the sins that the people had committed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

296HOS97ns2qfigs-doublet0The prophet is a fool, and the inspired man is insane
297HOS97dpe1figs-doublet0because of your great iniquity and great hostility
298HOS98s6hc0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

299HOS98y37afigs-metaphor0The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim
300HOS98s65p0The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim
301HOS98zg9vfigs-genericnoun0The prophet is
302HOS98il1gfigs-synecdoche0Ephraim
303HOS98f5r7figs-metaphor0a bird snare is on all of his paths
304HOS99s4cm0They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah
305HOS910hd750General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

306HOS910rt260When I found Israel

This refers to when Yahweh first started his relationship with the people of Israel by claiming them as his own special people.

307HOS910hf2afigs-parallelism0it was like finding grapes in the wilderness. Like the very first fruit of the season on the fig tree

Both of these statements emphasize situations that are pleasing to a person. This means Yahweh was very happy when his relationship with the people of Israel started. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

308HOS910d3sntranslate-names0Baal Peor

This is the name of a mountain in the land of Moab where the false god Baal was worshiped. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

309HOS911hbj90General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

310HOS911p7n6figs-simile0their glory will fly away like a bird
311HOS912t5ypfigs-metaphor0when I turn away from them

When God stops helping the northern kingdom, it will be as if he physically turned away from them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

312HOS913vx3t0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

313HOS913us3gfigs-metaphor0I have seen Ephraim, just like Tyre, planted in a meadow
314HOS913bkh2figs-synecdoche0Ephraim ... Tyre
315HOS913n919figs-metonymy0but Ephraim will bring out his children
316HOS914m7l2figs-rquestion0Give them, Yahweh—what will you give them? Give them
317HOS914hqc10a miscarrying womb
318HOS915jgc20General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

319HOS915c3jifigs-metonymy0I will drive them out of my house
320HOS915z8j70their officials

the men who serve the king

321HOS916iyy30General Information:

Yahweh is speaking in verse 16. Hosea begins speaking in verse 17.

322HOS916i7bgfigs-metaphor0Ephraim is diseased, and their root is dried up; they bear no fruit

Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a diseased tree that does not produce fruit and is ready to be cut down. This is a statement that the people have become weak, and that soon their enemies will come and defeat them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

323HOS10introyd8u0
324HOS101px1g0General Information:

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

325HOS101rq8zfigs-metaphor0Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit

Israel is spoken of as a vine that was very fruitful. For a while the people prospered and were strong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

326HOS101z9ge0a luxuriant vine

This vine produces more fruit than normal.

327HOS101b9ev0As his fruit increased ... As his land produced more

Both of these mean as the people prospered and grew stronger and richer.

328HOS102d7xdfigs-synecdoche0Their heart is deceitful
329HOS102qaa1figs-metonymy0now they must bear their guilt
330HOS103wu2z0General Information:

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

331HOS103c5c6figs-rquestion0and a king—what could he do for us?
332HOS104kw7efigs-idiom0They speak empty words
333HOS104qxu4figs-metaphor0So justice springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field
334HOS104pk52figs-simile0like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field

Their lies and injustice spread throughout their nation and harm everyone like poisonous plants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

335HOS105yyw70General Information:

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

336HOS105ete5translate-names0Beth Aven

This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom. See how you translated this in Hosea 4:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

337HOS106w5gufigs-activepassive0They will be carried to Assyria
338HOS106lfq9figs-doublet0Ephraim will be disgraced, and Israel will be ashamed of its idol
339HOS106uvj40its idol
340HOS107a35sfigs-activepassive0Samaria's king will be destroyed
341HOS107ci5dfigs-simile0like a chip of wood on the surface of the water

This means the king of Samaria will be as helpless as a small piece of wood that waves of the water toss back and forth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

342HOS108jvt8figs-activepassive0The high places of wickedness will be destroyed
343HOS108u7ppfigs-apostrophe0
344HOS109qgp50General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

345HOS109v7l60days of Gibeah

This is probably a reference to the shocking actions of the tribe of Benjamin recounted in Judges 19-21. See how you translated this in Hosea 9:9.

346HOS109xx8qfigs-metaphor0there you have remained
347HOS109b6a6figs-rquestion0Will not war overtake the sons of wrong in Gibeah?
348HOS109k8hffigs-idiom0the sons of wrong
349HOS1010gmp60General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

350HOS1010uf9g0double iniquity

This refers to the many sins of Israel.

351HOS1011bf8zfigs-metaphor0Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh

A heifer loves to thresh because they can walk around freely without a yoke. Yahweh means that he has allowed the people of Israel to be free and have a pleasant life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

352HOS1011n6vdfigs-metaphor0I will put a yoke on her fair neck. I will put a yoke on Ephraim
353HOS1011cp1rfigs-metaphor0Judah will plow; Jacob will pull the harrow by himself
354HOS1011g2e20harrow

a tool used to smooth the land and cover the seeds after plowing

355HOS1012uye70General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

356HOS1012t19efigs-metaphor0Sow righteousness for yourselves, and reap the fruit of covenant faithfulness
357HOS1012fvl9figs-metaphor0Break up your unplowed ground
358HOS1013q9asfigs-metaphor0You have plowed wickedness; you reaped injustice

Wickedness and injustice are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

359HOS1013nsy5figs-metaphor0You have eaten the fruit of deception
360HOS1014yp1i0It will be as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel on a day of battle

The coming war is being compared to a battle long ago.

361HOS1014fc5ftranslate-names0Shalman

This is the name of a king who destroyed the city of Beth Arbel around 740 BC. His army murdered women and children in the attack. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

362HOS1014ist7translate-names0Beth Arbel

This is likely the name of a city of the tribe of Naphtali. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

363HOS1015wql9figs-metonymy0So it will happen to you, Bethel, because of your great wickedness
364HOS11introb7ac0

Hosea 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues using the poetic form to communicate about Yahweh's relationship to the northern kingdom of Israel.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

This chapter contains an extended metaphor of Israel as a male child in the care of Yahweh, his parent. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical question

Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to show his disappointment and anger at Israel's persistent rejection of him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

365HOS111h8vd0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking of caring for Israel like a parent cares for a child.

366HOS111w4nmfigs-metaphor0When Israel was a young man

Yahweh is speaking about the people of Israel as if they were a young man. Yahweh is referring to when he first started his relationship with the nation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

367HOS111y9f3figs-metaphor0I called my son out of Egypt
368HOS112imw3figs-activepassive0The more they were called, the more they went away from me
369HOS113w3840General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about how he cared for Israel.

370HOS113mgr5figs-metaphor0it was I who taught Ephraim to walk

Yahweh refers to Israel as a small child whom he taught to walk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

371HOS113b3fi0lifted them up by their arms
372HOS114wy1efigs-parallelism0I led them with cords of humanity, with bands of love

Yahweh loved his people in ways that they as humans could understand and appreciate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

373HOS114e1wefigs-simile0I was to them like someone who eased the yoke on their jaws

Yahweh is speaking of the nation of Israel as a hardworking animal whose work he made easier. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

374HOS114j7cs0I bent down to them and fed them

This expression continues the metaphor in which Israel is pictured as a young child. It may mean that Yahweh provided for all their physical needs.

375HOS115h9l80General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

376HOS115ng27figs-rquestion0Will they not return to the land of Egypt?

This question means that the nation of Israel will once again be slaves as they were in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

377HOS115lp4bfigs-rquestion0Will Assyria not rule over them because they refuse to return to me?

The nation of Israel will be captives of Assyria as a result of their refusal to remain faithful to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

378HOS116emy8figs-metonymy0The sword will fall on their cities
379HOS116kgr1figs-metonymy0destroy the bars of their gates

Gates offered security to city inhabitants from their enemies, and the bars secured the closed gates. To destroy the bars meant to take away the people's security. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

380HOS117f2eefigs-123person0Though they call to the Most High
381HOS117e7fv0no one will help them

Yahweh will not allow anyone to help Israel because they turned away from him.

382HOS118ubx20General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

383HOS118nmr7figs-rquestion0How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?
384HOS118nb87figs-rquestion0How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim?
385HOS118s6u1figs-metonymy0My heart has changed within me
386HOS119que50For I am God and not a man

God is not like people, who often decide very quickly to take revenge.

387HOS119xmy1figs-abstractnouns0I will not come in wrath
388HOS1110k7zh0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about when he will restore his people.

389HOS1110ge5vfigs-metaphor0They will follow Yahweh

Worshiping and honoring Yahweh is spoken of as if it were following him (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

390HOS1110ct2qfigs-simile0he will roar like a lion

Yahweh making it possible for his people to return to his land is spoken of as if he were calling to his people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

391HOS1111b5jkfigs-simile0They will come trembling like a bird ... like a dove
392HOS1111kmq40the declaration of Yahweh
393HOS1112i52h0General Information:

Yahweh is talking about Israel and Judah.

394HOS1112mtk3figs-parallelism0Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit

Lies and deceitful acts are spoken of as if they were objects that the people of the northern kingdom surrounded Yahweh with. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

395HOS1112csf5figs-metonymy0But Judah is still going about with me
396HOS12introz7s40

Hosea 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob

There is a parallel between Jacob and the northern kingdom of Israel. In the same way that Jacob returned to Yahweh, the northern kingdom should repent of their idolatry and turn back to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

397HOS121k8wj0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

398HOS121ec28figs-synecdoche0Ephraim feeds on the wind
399HOS121g9zdfigs-metonymy0follows after the east wind

East winds were very hot and destructive to the land. Here it represents anything that is destructive. The people doing things that will destroy themselves is spoken of as if they are following the east wind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

400HOS121ij530carry olive oil to Egypt

The people of Israel sent olive oil as a present to the king of Egypt to try and persuade him to help them.

401HOS122evm4figs-metaphor0Yahweh also has a lawsuit against Judah

Yahweh stating that the people of Judah have sinned against him and broken his covenant is spoken of as if Yahweh were accusing them in court. See how you translated a similar phrase in Hosea 4:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

402HOS122j5y6figs-doublet0against Judah ... punish Jacob for what he has done ... repay him for his deeds
403HOS122w5u60lawsuit

This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law. See how you translated this in Hosea 2:2.

404HOS123dr1v0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking about Jacob the ancestor of the Israelites.

405HOS123v8bhfigs-explicit0In the womb Jacob grasped his brother by the heel

Jacob wanted to take his brother's place as the firstborn, so he tried to keep his brother from being born first. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

406HOS124s9n9figs-explicit0He struggled with the angel and won

Jacob fought with an angel so that the angel would bless him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

407HOS125j2gg0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

408HOS125cy44figs-activepassive0is his name to be called on
409HOS126guk80Keep covenantal faithfulness and justice

This refers to obeying God's law and doing what is right.

410HOS127h5jj0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking about Israel.

411HOS127n12e0false scales

The merchants use scales that do not accurately measure the weight of the money or products they are buying or selling.

412HOS127qvm90they love to defraud

The merchants cheat their customers by lying to them and taking more money than they should.

413HOS128bm7nfigs-parallelism0I have certainly become very rich; I have found wealth for myself

These two phrases mean the same thing and mean that the people of Ephraim consider themselves to be very prosperous. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

414HOS128p9bbfigs-metaphor0I have found wealth
415HOS128p94jfigs-doublet0they will not find any iniquity in me, anything that would be sin
416HOS129p92t0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.

417HOS129a7dd0I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt
418HOS129g5ykfigs-metonymy0I will again make you live in tents
419HOS1210q6nifigs-synecdoche0By the hand of the prophets
420HOS1211kqj80General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

421HOS1211h73rfigs-simile0their altars will be like heaps of stone in the furrows of the fields

The altars where the people worshiped will be thrown down and become piles of stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

422HOS1212bxi40Jacob fled to the land of Aram; Israel worked in order to get a wife
423HOS1213a79t0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

424HOS1213a8xe0by a prophet

That is, Moses.

425HOS1214v7cg0bitterly

The anger that the people have caused in Yahweh is extremely great.

426HOS1214czc8figs-metonymy0So his Lord will leave his blood on him
427HOS1214ay94figs-metaphor0will turn back on him his disgrace
428HOS13introla1r0
429HOS131u92j0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

430HOS131aw8sfigs-synecdoche0When Ephraim spoke
431HOS131hyz30there was trembling
432HOS131lw4yfigs-metaphor0He exalted himself in Israel
433HOS131nqg7figs-metaphor0but he became guilty because of Baal worship, and he died
434HOS132rtl50Now they sin more and more
435HOS132q78pfigs-explicit0These men who sacrifice kiss calves

Part of idol worship was kissing idol figures that were images of calves. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

436HOS133jbj2figs-simile0So they will be like the morning clouds ... like the dew ... like the chaff ... like smoke out of a chimney

These expressions state that Israel is temporary and will soon disappear if they continue to worship idols instead of following Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

437HOS133l2kjfigs-activepassive0that is driven by the wind away
438HOS134k7l10General Information:

Yahweh is speaking of his people as if they had been a flock of sheep that he found wandering in the wilderness. He says that he claimed them there for his own.

439HOS135gbf10I knew you in the wilderness

Yahweh claimed the Hebrew people as his own special people, and he took care of them there.

440HOS136nkz80When you had pasture, then you became full

The image of sheep is continued with this expression.

441HOS136cq2pfigs-metaphor0your heart became lifted up
442HOS137x7c50General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

443HOS137tq4bfigs-simile0like a lion ... like a leopard

These are wild animals that attack and kill other animals. Yahweh continues to say that he will destroy his people for their sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

444HOS138y1e5figs-simile0as a bear ... as a lion ... as a wild beast

These are wild animals that attack and kill other animals. Yahweh continues to say that he will destroy his people for their sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

445HOS138ft6gfigs-ellipsis0as a bear that is robbed of her cubs
446HOS138bl6ffigs-ellipsis0as a lion
447HOS139jdv70General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

448HOS139k6kgfigs-rquestion0who will be able to help you?
449HOS1310vd6rfigs-rquestion0Where now is your king, that he may save you in all your cities? Where are your rulers, about whom you said to me, 'Give me a king and princes'?

Yahweh asks these questions to tell Israel that when they rebel against him, no king or ruler can help them. Only Yahweh can save them from destruction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

450HOS1312v1mf0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

451HOS1312d9c6figs-parallelism0Ephraim's iniquity has been stored up; his guilt has been stored up

These two phrases are similar and mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

452HOS1312f96yfigs-metaphor0has been stored up

The northern kingdom's iniquity and guilt are spoken of as if they were objects that could be kept for a purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

453HOS1313ba82figs-metaphor0Pains of childbirth will come on him

Here Yahweh speaks of the suffering the people of Israel will suffer as if it were the pains of child birth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

454HOS1313b6hnfigs-metaphor0but he is an unwise son, for when it is time to be born, he does not come out of the womb

Yahweh now describes the people of Israel as the baby to which the mother is giving birth. The baby is unwise because it does not want to be born. The people do not want to repent and obey Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

455HOS1314yv5m0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

456HOS1314q1qbfigs-rquestion0Will I rescue them from the hand of Sheol? Will I rescue them from death?
457HOS1314iq7jfigs-personification0Where, death, are your plagues? Where, Sheol, is your destruction?
458HOS1314zq3tfigs-metaphor0Compassion is hidden from my eyes
459HOS1315w2sd0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

460HOS1315r777figs-metaphor0his brothers

This expression seems to stand for the nations around the northern kingdom, especially Judah, the southern kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

461HOS1315nj8nfigs-metaphor0an east wind will come; the wind of Yahweh

A wind from the east was very hot and destructive. Here it refers to the armies from the east that Yahweh will send to destroy the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

462HOS1315cy4jfigs-metaphor0Ephraim's spring will dry up, and his well will have no water

Hosea continues to describe how God will punish the people of Israel. Here water represents life, vitality, and strength. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

463HOS1315g7klfigs-metaphor0his storehouse

This refers to all of the peoples' possessions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

464HOS1316hb4l0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

465HOS1316y8fafigs-metonymy0Samaria will be guilty, for she has rebelled against her God
466HOS1316g4vnfigs-euphemism0They will fall
467HOS1316w5hvfigs-metonymy0by the sword
468HOS1316kms6figs-activepassive0their young children will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open
469HOS14introbp7t0

Hosea 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This last chapter of Hosea ends with hope. In this chapter, Hosea calls for Israel to confess to Yahweh and repent. This chapter continues to be written in poetic form, using metaphors and other devices to communicate God's love for his sinful people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/confess]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Why are confession and repentance even suggested here for a people that Yahweh has already condemned to be destroyed? It is because this is a teaching that Yahweh is a merciful God who loves his people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Speaker

The use of first and second person in this chapter often signifies a change in speaker. In this chapter, Hosea is speaking to the northern kingdom to tell them that Yahweh loves them. There are several places in this chapter where the writer switches from the third person to the second or the first person. This may cause some confusion about who is speaking.

470HOS141x5ih0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

471HOS141e3jefigs-metaphor0for you have fallen because of your iniquity

Sinning is spoken of here as if it were falling. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

472HOS142bl3bfigs-explicit0Take with you words
473HOS142xcc8figs-metonymy0the fruit of our lips
474HOS143r5m50General Information:

Hosea is speaking

475HOS143xvt4figs-synecdoche0to the work of our hands
476HOS143y9ak0the fatherless person

This expression stands perhaps for the entire nation. It indicates God's enormous compassion for his people.

477HOS143mh3wfigs-abstractnouns0finds compassion
478HOS144j8i40General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

479HOS144x6kzfigs-metaphor0I will heal their turning away

Stopping the people from turning away from God is spoken of as if he were healing them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

480HOS144e5ggfigs-metaphor0their turning away

The failure of the people to obey God is spoken of as if they had physically turned away from him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

481HOS145akq8figs-simile0I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily

God is spoken of as if he were dew that brought needed moisture to plants, and Israel is spoken of as if it were one person, and as if he were a flower that could blossom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

482HOS145s2kmfigs-simile0take root like a cedar in Lebanon

The picture of Israel in the form of a plant is continued here, but this time in the form of a tall cedar tree in Lebanon, which was known for such trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

483HOS146pa2ffigs-simile0His branches will spread out ... like the cedars in Lebanon

This passage continues the same image. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

484HOS147ia8e0General Information:

Yahweh is speaking.

485HOS147z3a1figs-metaphor0The people who live in his shade will return

The people of Israel will once again live protected by God. Israel is spoken of as living in his shade. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

486HOS147e5fjfigs-simile0they will revive like grain and blossom like vines

Israel's new prosperity is spoken of in agricultural terms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

487HOS147h77bfigs-simile0His fame will be like the wine of Lebanon
488HOS148as1ufigs-rquestion0what more have I to do with idols?

This passage signifies that God will stop the people of Israel from worshiping idols any longer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

489HOS148v7m9figs-simile0a cypress whose leaves are always green

A cypress is a tree whose leaves stay green all year. This represents Yahweh and his blessings on Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

490HOS148dja4figs-metaphor0from me comes your fruit
491HOS149sr4g0General Information:

Hosea the prophet is speaking.

492HOS149rmk6figs-rquestion0Who is wise that he may understand these things? Who understands these things so that he may know them?

The prophet uses these questions to say that wise people will understand and listen to what has been said to them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

493HOS149y4upfigs-metaphor0For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous will walk in them

Yahweh's commandments are spoken of as ways to walk in. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

494HOS149ilu4figs-metaphor0stumble

Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])