Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note
front:intro k6lu 0 # Introduction to Hosea\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of Hosea\n\n1. God tells Hosea to marry Gomer as a picture of how Israel relates to Yahweh (1:1–3:5)\n1. Israel betrays, wanders, and sins; Yahweh appeals and pleas to return to him (4:1–7:3)\n1. The conflict between Yahweh and Israel explained in various ways (7:4–13:8)\n * Similes: oven, cake, dove, bow (7:4–16)\n * Israel openly lies and rebels (8:1–14)\n * The end of Israel predicted (9:1–17)\n * Similes: grapes, vine, calf, lion, children, birds, and doves (10:1–11:11)\n * Israel sins, betrays, and breaks alliances (11:12–12:1)\n * Israel’s history remembered (12:2–13:16)\n * Idolatry (13:1–8)\n1. Israel is hostile to Yahweh (13:9–16)\n1. Yahweh’s last appeals to Israel (14:1–9)\n\n### What is the Book of Hosea about?\n\nThis book contains the prophecies of Hosea, son of Beeri. Hosea lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. He often called this kingdom Ephraim or Samaria. Hosea prophesied for about 38 years and predicted that Assyria would destroy the northern kingdom of Israel.\n\nHosea began to prophesy around 753 B.C., just before King Jeroboam II died. At this time, the kingdom of Israel was prosperous but spiritually weak. Hosea warned how Yahweh would punish Israel unless the people turned back to Yahweh and were faithful to him.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThis book is traditionally named “The Book of Hosea” or just “Hosea.” Translators may also call it “The Book About Hosea” or “The Sayings of Hosea.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Hosea?\n\nAlthough this book tells what Hosea prophesied, it is uncertain whether Hosea wrote the book himself. It was probably written after Samaria, the capital of the norther kingdom, was destroyed in 721 B.C.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Why did God command Hosea to marry a prostitute?\n\nGod told Hosea to marry the prostitute Gomer. This represented how the kingdom of Israel related to Yahweh. Israel was unfaithful to Yahweh and broke the covenant with him. This is compared to a woman who is unfaithful to her husband breaks her marriage agreement with him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])\n\n### What is a lawsuit?\n\nMany cultures have a process for resolving disputes through law courts. These legal disputes are called lawsuits. The Book of Hosea contains some legal terms. This is because Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a husband accusing his wife in court of being unfaithful to him. Part of the Book of Hosea follows the form of a lawsuit. A problem is identified (4:1), someone is accused (4:4), someone is found guilty (4:15), and the guilty ones will be punished (5:1).\n\n### Who did the people of the kingdom of Israel worship?\n\nIsrael was supposed to worship Yahweh alone. But they worshiped both Yahweh and the Canaanite gods such as Baal. This was a major reason why Yahweh judged the kingdom of Israel. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What does the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” mean?\n\nThe prophet used the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” to mark a message as truly coming from God.\n\n### Why are English translations of Hosea very different?\n\nHosea 4–14 has many problems of interpretation. Some phrases in Hosea are beyond how we currently understand the Hebrew language. Many English versions have translated these difficult sections very differently.\n\n### What does the term “Israel” mean in Hosea?\n\nIn Hosea, “Israel” is used only to refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. It is not used to refer to the southern kingdom or to the two kingdoms together. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/names/kingdomofisrael]])
1:intro ud3c 0 # Hosea 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Hosea’s marriage\nGod 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])\n\nHosea’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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nHosea 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.
1:1 x3qa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the word of Yahweh that came 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the word that Yahweh God spoke”
1:1 fhy8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beeri 0 This is the name of a man.
1:1 f238 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Uzziah … Jotham … Ahaz … Hezekiah … Jeroboam … Joash 0 The events in this book happened during the time of these kings.
1:1 ghv4 Yahweh 0 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.
1:2 m57n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor great prostitution 0 Here “prostitution” represents the people being unfaithful to God.
1:3 l8fb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Gomer … Diblaim 0 These are names of people.
1:4 gin3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the house of Jehu 0 Here “house” means “family,” including Jehu’s descendants.
1:4 ykw9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the house of Israel 0 This expression refers to kingdom of Israel.
1:5 e655 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the bow of Israel 0 Here “bow” refers to the power of the army. Alternate translation: “the military power of Israel”
1:6 jgz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Lo-Ruhamah 0 This name means “no mercy.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. Alternate translation: “No Mercy”
1:8 r52q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Lo-Ruhamah 0 This name means “no mercy.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. See how you translated this in [Hosea 1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “No Mercy”
1:9 a6mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Lo-Ammi 0 This name means “not my people.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. Alternate translation: “Not My People”
1:10 mc4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like the sand of the seashore 0 This emphasizes the great number of Israelites.
1:10 tps4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive which cannot be measured or counted 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which no one can measure or count”
1:10 u2at rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive It will be that where it was said to them 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Where God said to them”
1:10 zlv3 where it was said to them 0 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.
1:10 lb2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive it will be said to them 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will say to them”
1:11 vlg4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive will be gathered together 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will gather them together”
1:11 b5bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the day of Jezreel 0 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.
2:intro h75z 0 # Hosea 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nMany 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\nThis 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/adultery]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])
2:1 if49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations My people! 0 This exclamation may be presented as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are my people!”
2:1 z5an rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive You have been shown compassion 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has shown you compassion”
2:2 d9bq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your mother 0 Here “mother” refers to the nation of Israel.
2:2 vb8m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for she is not my wife 0 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.
2:2 e3qh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor neither am I her husband 0 Yahweh can no longer be in relationship with the nation of Israel as a husband would be to his wife.
2:2 l76m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor her acts of adultery 0 A wife who is adulterous leaves her husband to sleep with another man. This is how Israel was acting toward Yahweh.
2:2 qp68 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from between her breasts 0 This imagery suggests that Israel is relying on the idols and not Yahweh.
2:3 x3z9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will strip her naked and show her nakedness as on the day that she was born 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:3 w84f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I will make her like the wilderness 0 Yahweh will change Israel to resemble the wilderness, which is a region that is bare and unproductive.
2:3 tk9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will make her die from thirst 0 Here “thirst” refers to the need to worship and rely on Yahweh, not idols, or Israel will not be able to survive as a nation.
2:4 ck3e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for they are children of prostitution 0 The Israelites are acting like they do not belong to Yahweh. Just as their parents did not worship God, Neither do they.
2:5 bbd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor For their mother has been a prostitute 0 The previous generation who sought out other gods were considered prostitutes for they were unfaithful to Yahweh.
2:5 pdr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will go after my lovers, for they give me my bread and water, my wool and flax, my oil and drink 0 Here “my lovers” refers to Baal and other false gods, whom Israel has chosen to worship instead of Yahweh. The list of things are essential items that allow the people to live.
2:6 n4ve rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Therefore 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 0 This passage indicates that Yahweh will prevent his people from finding success and prosperity, becuase they continue to worship idols. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2:7 pk67 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Then she will say, “I will return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than it is now.” 0 Israel will return to Yahweh not because of their love for him, but because they are disappointed by their worship of Baal.
2:9 v55u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will take back my wool and flax that were used to cover her nakedness 0 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.
2:9 rl9d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive were used to cover her nakedness 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people used to clothe themselves”
2:10 jfc9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Then I will strip her naked in the sight of her lovers 0 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](../02/03.md).
2:10 j4bh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy no one will rescue her out of my hand 0 No one will try to help Israel. Here “hand” refers to God’s power to punish.
2:12 bqk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor These are the wages that my lovers gave me 0 This refers to payment that Israel received from the false gods or Baals. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that these were the wages that her lovers had given to her” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
2:12 f2fc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor make them a forest 0 Yahweh will destroy the vineyards and fruit trees by allowing other trees and weeds to grow among them.
2:13 i7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
2:14 a2gy Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nYahweh is speaking about Israel.
2:14 uxh6 So I am going to win her back 0 Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will bring her back to me”
2:15 cf8d the Valley of Achor as a door of hope 0 As Yahweh lead Israel out of Egypt, he will lead Israel to the Valley of Achor so that Israel will hope again in Yahweh.
2:15 sql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor She 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 0 Yahweh hopes that the nation of Israel will repent and again choose to worship him as their God.
2:16 m6gg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My husband 0 This means the people of Israel will love and be faithful to Yahweh just as a wife is to a husband.
2:16 sid2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My Baal 0 “Baal” means “master” and also refers to the false god that the Canaanites worship.
2:17 f9gg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth 0 The Israelites will not speak the names of Baal and the idols again. The people are represented by their mouths. Alternate translation: “For I will cause you to not speak the names of the Baals”
2:18 c1um rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will drive away the bow, the sword, and the battle from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety 0 Yahweh will keep Israel’s enemies away from them, there will be no more war, the people will be safe. Here “the bow, the sword, and the battle” represent war.
2:18 u7mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy lie down in safety 0 This expression refers to living in safety.
2:19 h2m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will promise to be your husband forever 0 Yahweh will be like the husband, and Israel will be like Yahweh’s wife.
2:19 t45v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns in righteousness, justice, covenant faithfulness, and mercy 0 This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “and do what is right, just, faithful, and merciful”
2:22 w8qh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The earth will answer the grain, the new wine and the oil, and they will answer Jezreel 0 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.
2:22 zi92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Jezreel 0 Here the name of this valley stands for all the people of Israel.
2:23 jl7b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will plant her for myself in the land 0 When God makes his people safe and prosperous in their land again, they are spoken of if they were agricultural crops. Alternate translation: “I will take care of the Israelite people as a farmer plants his crops and takes care of them”
2:23 z8da rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Lo-Ruhamah 0 This name means “no mercy.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. See how you translated this in [Hosea 1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “No Mercy”
2:23 l22q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Lo-Ammi 0 This name means “not my people.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. See how you translated this in [Hosea 1:9](../01/09.md). Alternate translation: “Not My People”
2:23 j39c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ammi Attah 0 This name means “you are my people.” The translator may choose to represent this meaning as the name. Alternate translation: “You Are My People”
3:intro k2ts 0 # Hosea 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThis 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/adultery]])
3:1 t4kg Go again, love a woman, loved by her husband, but who is an adulteress 0 This refers back to [Hosea 1:2](../01/02.md). Yahweh again tells Hosea to love an adulterous woman.
3:1 sa34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Love her just as I, Yahweh, love the people of Israel 0 By loving the adulterous woman, Hosea will be an example of Yahweh’s love for Israel.
3:2 e35q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume a homer and a lethek of barley 0 This can be stated in modern units. Alternate translation: “330 liters of barley”
3:4 s5dq For the people of Israel will live for many days without a king, prince, sacrifice, stone pillar, ephod or household idols 0 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.
3:5 klf5 seek Yahweh their God 0 Here “seek” means they are asking God to accept them and their worship.
3:5 ce6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy David their king 0 Here “David” represents all the descendants of David. Alternate translation: “a descendant of David to be their king”
3:5 h6db rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy they will come trembling before Yahweh and his goodness 0 Here “trembling” represents feelings of awe and humility. Alternate translation: “they will come back to Yahweh and will humble themselves, honor him, and ask for his blessings”
4:intro m65b 0 # Hosea 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Lawsuits\n\nLawsuits 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metonymy\n\nMetonymy 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
4:1 t2hu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh has a lawsuit against the inhabitants of the land 0 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.
4:1 ste3 lawsuit 0 This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law. See how you translated this in [Hosea 2:2](../02/02.md).
4:2 a1s6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The people have broken all bounds 0 Here “bounds” stands for the limits of what the law allows. Alternate translation: “The people have disobeyed the law in every possible way”
4:2 i3nt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns bloodshed comes after bloodshed 0 Here “bloodshed” stands for “murder” which often involves making the victim bleed. Alternate translation: “you commit one murder after another” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4:3 m1s9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive are being taken away 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “are dying”
4:5 j4la rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You priests will stumble 0 Here “stumble” means to disobey God or even to stop trusting him.
4:5 a2zy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will destroy your mother 0 Here “mother” refers to the nation of Israel. See how you translated this in [Hosea 2:2](../02/02.md).
4:6 qhc8 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 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.
4:6 pq57 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive My people are being destroyed because of the lack of knowledge 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My people are perishing because you, the priests, have not properly taught them about me so that they will obey me”
4:6 j1k4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit knowledge 0 Here “knowledge” refers to the knowledge of God.
4:7 g6wy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy They exchanged their honor for shame 0 This could mean: (1) “honor” is a metonym that represents Yahweh, and “shame” is a metonym that represents idols. Alternate translation: “They have stopped worshiping me, their honorable God, and now worship shameful idols” or (2) some Bible versions translate this as “I will exchange their honor for shame.” This means Yahweh will take away the things which the priests honor and cause the priests to be ashamed.
4:8 ajz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit They feed on the sin of my people 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:8 e3kk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit they are greedy for more of their wickedness 0 The priests want the people to sin more so that the people will offer more sacrifices that the priests may eat.
4:10 j8tw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person from Yahweh 0 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “from me”
4:11 ql5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification sexual promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which have taken away their understanding 0 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.
4:12 b2e9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification their walking sticks give them prophecies 0 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.
4:12 gu5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification a mind of promiscuity has misled them 0 Worshiping the idols and sleeping with the temple prostitutes has developed in the people of Israel the desire to always sin against Yahweh in these ways. Here “mind” is spoken of as if it were a separate person who was able to convince the people to disobey Yahweh.
4:12 mu4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor has misled 0 has convinced the people to sin
4:13 u9e7 on the tops of the mountains … on the hills 0 It was common for the people to set up idols in these places, often called “high places” in the Old Testament.
4:14 q3pu sacred prostitutes 0 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.
4:14 asb1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor So this people who does not understand will be thrown down 0 Yahweh will destroy the nation of Israel because they do not understand or obey God’s commandments.
4:15 sei7 may Judah not become guilty 0 God knows how sinful Israel has become and does not want Judah to do the same thing.
4:15 g1ti Do not go to Gilgal, you people; do not go up to Beth Aven 0 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.
4:15 wj2f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beth Aven 0 This was a city on the border between the northern kingdom of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom.
4:16 vaf7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a stubborn heifer 0 Israel is compared to a young cow that will not obey its master.
4:16 b1k8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor How can Yahweh bring them to pasture like lambs in a meadow? 0 Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he cannot continue to take care of the people because they are stubborn. Yahweh no longer taking care of his people is spoken of as if he were a shepherd that could not take his lambs into the field to eat because they are stubborn. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not shepherd a rebellious people.” or “Therefore Yahweh will not continue to take care of them.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
4:16 un2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person How can Yahweh 0 Here Yahweh is speaking of himself in the third person. It can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “How can I”
4:17 vcx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Ephraim united himself with idols; leave him alone 0 Here “Ephraim” represents the whole northern kingdom of Israel, which is a metonym for the people who live there. They chose to worship idols, instead of Yahweh. Yahweh is commanding Hosea to not try to correct them. The people of Israel will not listen. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
4:19 kwi7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The wind will wrap her up in its wings 0 Here “wind” represents God’s judgment and anger against the nation of Israel. Yahweh will allow the enemy army to defeat the people of Israel and take them as captives. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
5:intro cz2x 0 # Hosea 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter continues using the poetic form exclusively.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\nThis 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])
5:1 qy78 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nYahweh is talking about Israel.
5:1 i4kf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names You have been a snare at Mizpah and a net spread over Tabor 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:2 e4c5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The rebels stand deep in slaughter 0 Here “rebels” refers to all of those people who had turned away from Yahweh, and “deep in slaughter” could refer to the murder of innocent people, or to the slaughter of animals offered to pagan idols.
5:3 b88u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me 0 Here, “Ephraim” and “Israel” both refer to the whole northern kingdom of Israel, and represent the people who live there. Here God says that he knows what they are like and what they are doing. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
5:3 vw9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Ephraim, now you have become like a prostitute 0 Ephraim is presented in terms of a prostitute because the people have become unfaithful to God, as a prostitute is faithful to no man.
5:4 hh5e to turn to God … they do not know Yahweh 0 The translator can represent this as “to turn to me … they do not know me,” or “to turn to me … they do not know me, Yahweh.”
5:5 rch3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The pride of Israel testifies against him 0 This describes “pride” as a person who testifies against the people of Israel in court. Their prideful attitude and behavior show that they are guilty of no longer obeying Yahweh.
5:5 px3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom so Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their guilt; and Judah also will stumble with them 0 The two kingdoms will become completely disobedient to God because of their pride and sin.
5:7 im5k They were unfaithful to Yahweh, for they have borne illegitimate children 0 This could mean: (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.
5:7 yu59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Now the new moon festivals will devour them with their fields 0 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.
5:8 tj5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Blow the horn in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah 0 Here “horn” and “trumpet” mean the same thing. This command is given to the people of Gibeah and Ramah to emphasize that the enemy is coming.
5:8 s184 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Sound a battle cry at Beth Aven: ‘We will follow you, Benjamin!’ 0 Here “Benjamin” represents the soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin. This may be a request for them to lead the people into battle. But modern versions make various attempts to interpret this expression.
5:8 ail1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beth Aven 0 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](../04/15.md).
5:9 n3pe Among the tribes of Israel I have declared what is certain to happen 0 Alternate translation: “I will do to the tribes of Israel what I have declared”
5:10 jdz8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile The leaders of Judah are like those who move a boundary stone 0 To “move a boundary stone” refers to moving the landmark that marked the border of some property, which was a crime under Israelite law.
5:10 wbd7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pour my wrath on them like water 0 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.
5:11 x64t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Ephraim is crushed; he is crushed in judgment 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This statement is made twice for emphasis. Here “Ephraim” refers to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will punish the people of Israel severely” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:11 f3tb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor walked after idols 0 Here “walked” represents the idea of worshiping.
5:12 z5lp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I will be like a moth to Ephraim, and like rot to the house of Judah 0 A moth on a piece of wool and rot in a piece of wood are both destructive. Yahweh will destroy both nations.
5:13 pf8f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound 0 Both Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) realized that they were in danger.
5:13 e5lq then Ephraim went to Assyria, and Judah sent messengers to the great king 0 Ephraim and Judah asked Assyria for help instead of asking Yahweh for help. “Great king” was a title for the king of Assyria.
5:13 be1d But he was not able 0 Here “he” refers to the king of Assyria.
5:14 su9f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile So I will be like a lion to Ephraim 0 Yahweh is going to pursue and attack Ephraim like a lion.
5:14 bpl6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a young lion to the house of Judah 0 Yahweh is going to treat Judah in a similar way. Yahweh is showing his displeasure with both the northern and the southern kingdoms.
5:14 y54f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor will tear 0 As a lion tears apart the animal it is eating, so Yahweh will tear his people away from their homes and country.
5:15 w7fg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor seek my face 0 Try to come into God’s presence by means of worship and sacrifice. Alternate translation: “ask me to pay attention to them”
6:intro xu4q 0 # Hosea 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Change in speaker\n\nThere 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThroughout the chapter, the author uses the metaphor of prostitution to say that his people have abandoned him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6:1 u9ye rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism he has torn us to pieces … he has injured us 0 God has punished the people of Israel because they disobeyed him and worshiped idols.
6:1 ntx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism he will heal us … he will bandage our wounds 0 Israel believes that God will be merciful to them when they repent and he will deliver them from their troubles.
6:2 yn3u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom After two days he will revive us; he will raise us up on the third day 0 This represents a short period of time. Israel believes God will quickly come to rescue them from their enemies.
6:2 id69 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers two days … the third day 0 “2 days … day 3” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:3 mk9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile His coming out is as sure as the dawn 0 Yahweh will come to help his people just as surely as the sun rises each morning.
6:4 e69c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion what will I do with you? 0 God is expressing that his patience is coming to an end and what remains is judgment. Alternate translation: “it is hard to know what to do with you!”
6:5 n7z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor So I have cut them to pieces by the prophets 0 Through his prophets, Yahweh has pronounced destruction on the rebellious nation. The destruction, here called “cutting to pieces,” is as sure as the condemnation.
6:5 kr95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your decrees are like the light that shines out 0 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.
6:6 vj1l For I desire faithfulness and not sacrifice 0 This grammatical construction in Hebrew signals here the idea of “more than,” as the next line shows (“and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings”). Alternate translation: “For I desire faithfulness more than sacrifice”
6:7 xuu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Like Adam 0 This could mean: (1) this refers to Adam, the first man or (2) this is a metonym that represents the people who live in a city in Israel called Adam. Alternate translation: “Like the people in the city of Adam” or (3) this refers to people in general. The word “Adam” means “man” or “humankind.” Alternate translation: “Like all of humankind”
6:8 jyk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Gilead is a city … with footprints of blood 0 “Footprints of blood” probably represents the evildoers and their acts of murder.
6:9 drp6 the priests band together to commit murder on the way to Shechem 0 We do not know what this refers to. Were priests actually guilty of attacking people on their way to Shechem, which was an important religious and political center? Or is the prophet saying that the priests have “killed” true knowledge and worship of Yahweh? It is best to translate this expression as plainly as possible.
6:11 c9zv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive For you also, Judah, a harvest has been appointed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have set a time of harvest for you also, Judah”
6:11 nid7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor harvest 0 Here “harvest” represents God’s final judgment on Israel and Judah.
7:intro yc44 0 # Hosea 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Baking\n\nBaking 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Israel and Ephraim\n\nThis 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.
7:1 l8yq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I want to heal Israel 0 Making Israel obedient to God again and receivers of his blessing is spoken of as if it were healing.
7:1 u93n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for they practice deceit 0 The people are selling and buying products dishonestly.
7:2 t9av rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor their deeds surround them 0 The people’s evil deeds are probably spoken of here as if they were other people ready to accuse them of their crimes.
7:2 h9mh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche they are before my face 0 Here God is represented by his “face” which emphasizes his presence and awareness. Alternate translation: “and I see it all”
7:3 aq6w 0 # General Information:\n\nYahweh 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.
7:4 ccn2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They are all adulterers 0 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.
7:4 q95b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like an oven heated by the baker 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This means the people had strong desires to do evil. Alternate translation: “like an oven which the baker heats” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
7:5 zte7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom He reached out with his hand 0 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.
7:6 wuv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile For with hearts like an oven 0 This means like a fire burns in an oven, these people have strong evil desires within them. The people’s desires are represented by their “hearts.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
7:6 ml3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Their anger smolders 0 The word “smolders” means something is burning slowly without a flame. Alternate translation: “Their anger grows slowly and quietly”
7:6 ydy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile it burns high like a flaming fire 0 The intensity of their anger is spoken of as if it was a very hot fire. Alternate translation: “it gets very intense”
7:7 b2nn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile They all are as hot as an oven 0 This compares their anger to the heat that comes from an oven.
7:7 z8ny rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they devour those who rule over them 0 This seems to mean that the court officials kill their kings.
7:8 lqx6 Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples 0 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.
7:8 q1ji rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Ephraim is a flat cake that has not been turned over 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Here “Ephraim” refers to the northern kingdom of Israel. The nation is weak, as flat bread that has not been doubled over in the oven by the baker for more strength. Alternate translation: “The people of Ephraim are like a cake that no one has turned over” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
7:9 qt4k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Gray hairs are sprinkled on him 0 Here “gray hairs” represent old age.
7:9 qta1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor but he does not know it 0 However, this “old age” is clearly a way of saying that the northern kingdom is getting weaker and weaker, because the nation does not know it is “old.”
7:10 l7dg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The pride of Israel testifies against him 0 This describes “pride” as a person who testifies against the people of Israel in court. This means their prideful attitude and behavior show that they are guilty of no longer obeying Yahweh.
7:10 d1v1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor nor have they sought him 0 Israel’s lack of interest in Yahweh is spoken of as if he was lost and they were not trying to find him. Alternate translation: “nor have they tried to get him to pay attention to them”
7:12 jg68 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will spread my net over them 0 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.
7:12 zeb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I will bring them down like the birds of the sky 0 Yahweh speaks of the way he will judge Israel as if they were birds that he would catch in a net. Alternate translation: “I will hunt them like birds” or “I will catch them like a hunter catches birds”
7:14 wlv2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they turn away from me 0 Here no longer worshiping God is spoken of as turning away from him. Alternate translation: “they no longer worship me”
7:15 kf6z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Though I trained them and strengthened their arms 0 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.
7:16 r57a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile They are like a slack bow 0 That is, a bow that has no bowstring, or that has no tension.
7:16 q25q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy because of the insolence of their tongues 0 Here “tongue” refers to what the officials say. Alternate translation: “because they insult me” or “because they curse me”
7:16 r7lt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns This will become their mockery in the land of Egypt 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **mockery**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “This is why people in Egypt will mock and laugh at Israel”
8:intro sj97 0 # Hosea 8 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter continues to use the poetic form to communicate several other ways the people of Israel have sinned against God. First, Yahweh notes that they have set up a king without consulting him.\nNext, they set up or reinstalled the golden calves of Samaria. Last, they were seeking help from other nations like Egypt and Assyria. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nThis chapter contains some references to the “calf of Samaria.” This most likely refers to an image that was set up by an earlier king of Israel. He did this in order to discourage his people from going to Jerusalem, which was part of the southern kingdom of Judah.
8:1 rq62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor An eagle is coming over the house of Yahweh 0 The eagle, a bird of prey, is sometimes used to represent the enemies of Israel. Alternate translation: “As an eagle hunts another animal, the enemies of Israel are coming to capture my people”
8:1 tc1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor broken my covenant 0 Here “broken” represents “disobeyed,” “violated.”
8:4 h5ag rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive but it was only so they might be cut off 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but the result will be that I will destroy the people”
8:5 p53a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Your calf has been rejected 0 This could mean: (1) this is the prophet speaking. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has rejected your calf” or (2) Yahweh is speaking. Alternate translation: “I myself have rejected your calf”
8:5 xu7a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Your calf 0 The people worshiped an idol that looked like a calf, so Yahweh is speaking of their worship as if it were the calf itself. Alternate translation: “Because you worship your calf idol, your worship”
8:5 k9n8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My anger is burning against these people 0 Anger is often spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “I am very angry with these people”
8:5 xq3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For how long will they stay guilty? 0 Yahweh asks this question to express his anger about his people being impure. “I am angry with these people because they have no desire to be innocent.”
8:7 hpc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor For the people sow the wind and reap the whirlwind 0 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.
8:7 ehs7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom The standing grain has no heads 0 Here “head” refers to the part of the plant where the grain is. A stalk with no head has nothing to give to the farmer. In the same way, Israel’s actions will result in nothing good.
8:7 m4n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor If it does come to maturity, foreigners will devour it 0 If any of Israel’s actions do happen to result in something good, Israel’s enemies will come and take it from them.
8:8 qfd6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Israel is swallowed up 0 “swallowed” means to be defeated and taken into exile. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemies of Israel have taken the Israelites away to other lands” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:9 byr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a wild donkey all alone 0 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.
8:9 s8b5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Ephraim has hired lovers for herself 0 Ephraim’s alliances with other nations are spoken of as if they had paid them to become prostitutes for Ephraim. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel have tried to pay other nations to protect them”
8:10 inw9 because of the oppression of the king of princes 0 That is, because the Assyrian king, also called “the Great King,” will make the people suffer.
8:12 ww4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo I could write down my law for them ten thousand times, but they would 0 Yahweh is describing a hypothetical situation. Here “ten thousand times” is an exaggeration that means no matter how many times he gave the people the law, they would still refuse to obey him. Alternate translation: “Even if I wrote down my law for them very many times, they would” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
8:12 x66d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ten thousand 0 “10,000”
8:13 fl3w They will return to Egypt 0 Because of their sin, God will send his people away as slaves to the Egyptians.
9:intro lkm6 0 # Hosea 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThe chapter is written in poetic form to speak of Yahweh’s displeasure with Israel’s sins. He is showing the many ways in which they do not honor him. The priests and kings do not understand how they have totally broken their covenant with Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Exile\n\nBecause the covenant has been broken, the people will be exiled into another land. This actually shows the mercy of God toward his people. He did not destroy them; he simply moved them to another place. However, this chapter goes into detail about many parts of their society to show how far they have moved away from truly worshiping Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Change in speaker\n\nIn verse 16, Yahweh is speaking; but in verse 17, Hosea starts speaking. There is a change in pronouns; the use of “my God” must imply that someone other than Yahweh is speaking.
9:2 f2gu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification But the threshing floor and the winepress will not feed them 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
9:3 dgt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor unclean food 0 This is food that the Israelites would normally refuse to eat because it would make them unacceptable to Yahweh.
9:4 ag4r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Their sacrifices will be to them like mourners’ food 0 Here “mourners’ food” refers to what people would eat while they mourning because they were defiled and not acceptable to God. This means Yahweh will consider the people’s sacrifices to be defiled and he will not accept them.
9:4 yxx6 For their food will be for themselves only; it will not come into the house of Yahweh 0 The people of Israel will have food to eat, but Yahweh will not accept it as a sacrifice.
9:4 n7e6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification it will not come into the house of Yahweh 0 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.
9:5 i5uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What will you do on the day of an appointed festival, on the day of a festival for Yahweh? 0 Hosea uses this question to emphasize that the people will no longer be able to observe their festivals when their enemies defeat them and take them captive. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to celebrate the festivals that Yahweh appointed for you.”
9:5 vze5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism the day of an appointed festival … the day of a festival for Yahweh 0 Both of these mean the same thing.
9:6 x9gb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person if they escape 0 Here “they” still refers to the people of Israel. You can continue stating this is second person. Alternate translation: “if you escape”
9:6 n2rn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Egypt will gather them, and Memphis will bury them 0 Egypt and Memphis refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the army of Egypt will capture you. You will die there, and the people in the city of Memphis will bury you”
9:6 ymw7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor As for their treasures of silver—sharp briers will possess them 0 Briers growing in the places where Israelites stored their silver is spoken of as if the briers were human enemies that would take the Israelite’s precious possessions for themselves. Alternate translation: “Sharp briers will grow where they store their treasures of silver”
9:6 ks54 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet sharp briers will possess them, and thorns will fill their tents 0 Here “sharp briers” and “thorns” mean the same thing. To have briers and thorns growing represents a land that has become desolate and like a wilderness. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
9:6 huq9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy their tents 0 Here “tents” represents the Israelites’ homes.
9:7 g5su rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism The days for punishment are coming; the days for retribution are coming 0 Hosea says these two similar phrases to emphasize that Yahweh will soon judge the people of Israel for their evil deeds.
9:7 k43u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism The prophet is a fool, and the inspired man is insane 0 These phrases mean basically the same thing. This could mean: (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.
9:7 ns2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet The prophet is a fool, and the inspired man is insane 0 Here “prophet” and “inspired man” both mean a person who claims to receive messages from God. It is implied that these people are false prophets and only thought they received messages from God. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
9:7 dpe1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet because of your great iniquity and great hostility 0 The phrases “great iniquity” and “great hostility” share similar meanings. The iniquity of the people manifested itself in hostility towards Yahweh and his prophets.
9:8 y37a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim 0 A “watchman” watches outside his city to see if danger is coming. The prophet warning the people when they are sinning and are in danger of having his God punish them is spoken of as if he were a watchman for the city. Alternate translation: “The prophet is like a watchman for God over Ephraim”
9:8 s65p The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim 0 Some versions translate this passage as “The prophet with my God is the watchman over Ephraim.”
9:8 zg9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun The prophet is 0 This refers to prophets in general that God has appointed. Alternate translation: “Prophets are” or “True prophets are”
9:8 il1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Ephraim 0 Here “Ephraim” represents all the people of Israel.
9:8 f5r7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a bird snare is on all of his paths 0 A “bird snare” is a trap used to catch a bird. This means the people of Israel do whatever they can to stop God’s prophet. Alternate translation: “the people set a trap for him wherever he goes” or “the people do all they can to harm him”
9:9 s4cm They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah 0 “The people of Israel have sinned and become very corrupt as they did at Gibeah long ago.” This is probably a reference to the shocking actions of the tribe of Benjamin recounted in Judges 19–21.
9:10 rt26 When I found Israel 0 This refers to when Yahweh first started his relationship with the people of Israel by claiming them as his own special people.
9:10 hf2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism it was like finding grapes in the wilderness. Like the very first fruit of the season on the fig tree 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:10 d3sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Baal Peor 0 This is the name of a mountain in the land of Moab where the false god Baal was worshiped.
9:11 p7n6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile their glory will fly away like a bird 0 The people of Ephraim, or the northern kingdom of Israel, will lose everything that makes other nations respect them. Their glory will quickly disappear, as a bird flies away. Alternate translation: “their glory will be like a bird that flies away from them”
9:12 t5yp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor when I turn away from them 0 When God stops helping the northern kingdom, it will be as if he physically turned away from them.
9:13 us3g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have seen Ephraim, just like Tyre, planted in a meadow 0 This speaks of the people being in a safe place as if they were a tree planted in a peaceful meadow. Alternate translation: “The nation of Israel was once beautiful and pleasant like the city of Tyre, like a tree that someone plants in a meadow”
9:13 bkh2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Ephraim … Tyre 0 Here “Ephraim” represents the whole northern kingdom of Israel. These places refer to the people who live in them. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
9:13 n919 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy but Ephraim will bring out his children 0 The word “children” are the people from that nation. Alternate translation: “but the people of Israel will bring out their children”
9:14 m7l2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Give them, Yahweh—what will you give them? Give them 0 Hosea uses a question to emphasize that he wants Yahweh to give the people of Israel what they deserve. Alternate translation: “This is what I ask you, Yahweh, to give them: give them”
9:14 hqc1 a miscarrying womb 0 To “miscarry” means that a pregnancy ends too early and the baby dies. Hosea is asking that all the nation’s women be like that.
9:15 c3ji rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will drive them out of my house 0 Yahweh is stating that he will force Israel out of his land, the land of Canaan. Here “my house” represents Canaan.
9:16 i7bg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Ephraim is diseased, and their root is dried up; they bear no fruit 0 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.
10:intro yd8u 0 # Hosea 10 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written in poetic form and continues the theme of Israel’s many sins against Yahweh. Even though Israel prospered for a time as they multiplied their sins, Yahweh was leading them toward destruction. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nYahweh’s relationship to his people was not based on his people’s actions. Even though they rebelled, Yahweh still desired to rescue them. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Jacob\n\nThe repeated use of different names for the two kingdoms can be confusing. In verse 11, “Ephraim” refers to the northern kingdom of Israel, and “Judah” refers to the southern kingdom of Judah. However, Jacob is also mentioned. This use of “Jacob” makes us think of the earlier unified nation and may also refer to a future unified nation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
10:1 rq8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit 0 Israel is spoken of as a vine that was very fruitful. For a while the people prospered and were strong.
10:2 d7xd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Their heart is deceitful 0 The “heart” refers to the whole person, emphasizing their emotions and desires. Alternate translation: “They are deceitful”
10:2 qaa1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy now they must bear their guilt 0 Here “guilt” is a metonym for the punishment that is associated with it. This punishment is spoken of as if it was a heavy load for them to carry. Alternate translation: “now is the time that Yahweh will punish them for their sins” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
10:3 c5c6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion and a king—what could he do for us? 0 The people wills say that their kings could not have helped them. Alternate translation: “Even if we had a king now, he could not help us.”
10:4 kw7e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom They speak empty words 0 Here “empty words” refers to lies. Alternate translation: “They speak lies”
10:4 qxu4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor So justice springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field 0 What they people called justice in their laws and legal decisions is spoken of as if it were a plant sprouting up. Alternate translation: “So their decisions are not just; instead, they are harmful”
10:4 pk52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field 0 Their lies and injustice spread throughout their nation and harm everyone like poisonous plants.
10:5 ete5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beth Aven 0 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](../04/15.md).
10:6 w5gu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive They will be carried to Assyria 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will carry them away”
10:6 lfq9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Ephraim will be disgraced, and Israel will be ashamed of its idol 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And the people of Israel will be very ashamed because they had worshiped idols” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
10:7 a35s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Samaria’s king will be destroyed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will destroy the king of Samaria”
10:7 ci5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a chip of wood on the surface of the water 0 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.
10:8 jvt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The high places of wickedness will be destroyed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will destroy Israel’s high places, where the people acted very wickedly”
10:8 u7pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe The people will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!” 0 People do not normally speak to things that cannot think or hear them. Translators may choose to have a different format for this passage if their languages do not allow such speech. Alternate translation: “The people will say, ‘We wish the mountains would cover us!’ and ‘We wish the hills would fall on us!’”
10:9 v7l6 days of Gibeah 0 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](../09/09.md).
10:9 xx8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor there you have remained 0 This passage probably means that the people of the present time continue to act in the same ways that their ancestors did at Gibeah. Alternate translation: “and you think just as they did”
10:9 b6a6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will not war overtake the sons of wrong in Gibeah? 0 Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that those in Gibeah who do wrong will certainly have to endure war. And this speaks of the people having to endure war when their enemies come as if war were a person that would catch up with them. Alternate translation: “War will certainly come on those who do wrong in Gibeah.” or “Enemies will certainly attack those who do wrong in Gibeah.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
10:9 k8hf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the sons of wrong 0 Here “son of” is an idiom that means “having the characteristic of.” Alternate translation: “those who do wrong” or “the evildoers”
10:11 bf8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh 0 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.
10:11 n6vd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will put a yoke on her fair neck. I will put a yoke on Ephraim 0 Here “yoke” refers to suffering and slavery. Yahweh has been kind to the people of Israel, but the people have been unfaithful to him. So he will punish them and send them away as slaves.
10:11 cp1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Judah will plow; Jacob will pull the harrow by himself 0 Here “Judah” refers to the people of the southern kingdom and “Jacob” is the people of the northern kingdom. This means God will cause difficult times for both kingdoms. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
10:12 t19e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Sow righteousness for yourselves, and reap the fruit of covenant faithfulness 0 Righteousness and covenant faithfulness are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested. The abstract nouns “righteousness” and “faithfulness” can be stated as “right” and “faithful.” Alternate translation: “Plow, now, and do what is right, and you will reap the fruit of faithful love” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
10:12 fvl9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Break up your unplowed ground 0 When the ground is “unplowed” it is not ready to be planted. Yahweh means he wants the people to repent so they can start doing what is right.
10:13 q9as rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You have plowed wickedness; you reaped injustice 0 Wickedness and injustice are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested.
10:13 nsy5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You have eaten the fruit of deception 0 The result of deception are spoken of as if they were a food that could be eaten. Alternate translation: “You now suffer the consequences of having deceived each other”
10:14 fc5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Shalman 0 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.
10:14 ist7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Beth Arbel 0 This is likely the name of a city of the tribe of Naphtali.
10:15 wql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy So it will happen to you, Bethel, because of your great wickedness 0 Here “Bethel” represents the people who live there. The prophet addresses the people of Bethel as if they were there listening to him. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
11:intro b7ac 0 # Hosea 11 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter continues using the poetic form to communicate about Yahweh’s relationship to the northern kingdom of Israel.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThis chapter contains an extended metaphor of Israel as a male child in the care of Yahweh, his parent. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### Rhetorical question\n\nYahweh uses rhetorical questions to show his disappointment and anger at Israel’s persistent rejection of him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
11:1 w4nm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor When Israel was a young man 0 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.
11:1 y9f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I called my son out of Egypt 0 “son” refers to the people of God the Father. Alternate translation: “I led my son out of Egypt”
11:2 imw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The more they were called, the more they went away from me 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The more I called them to be my people, the more they refused me”
11:4 wy1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism I led them with cords of humanity, with bands of love 0 Yahweh loved his people in ways that they as humans could understand and appreciate.
11:4 e1we rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I was to them like someone who eased the yoke on their jaws 0 Yahweh is speaking of the nation of Israel as a hardworking animal whose work he made easier.
11:4 j7cs I bent down to them and fed them 0 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.
11:5 ng27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will they not return to the land of Egypt? 0 This question means that the nation of Israel will once again be slaves as they were in Egypt.
11:5 lp4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will Assyria not rule over them because they refuse to return to me? 0 The nation of Israel will be captives of Assyria as a result of their refusal to remain faithful to Yahweh.
11:6 emy8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The sword will fall on their cities 0 Here “sword” represents the enemies of Israel who will destroy Israel’s cities.
11:6 kgr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy destroy the bars of their gates 0 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.
11:7 f2ee rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Though they call to the Most High 0 Here God is speaking about himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “Though they call to me, the Most High”
11:8 nmr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? 0 Yahweh loves his people so much that he will not totally destroy them. These questions may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “I will not give you up, Ephraim. I will not hand you over, Israel.”
11:8 nb87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? 0 Yahweh loves his people so much that he will not totally destroy them. These questions may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “I do not want to act toward you as I acted toward Admah or make you like Zeboyim—cities that I destroyed along with Sodom”
11:8 s6u1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy My heart has changed within me 0 Here “heart” represents God’s will and decisions.
11:9 xmy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns I will not come in wrath 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **wrath**, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “angry.” Alternate translation: “I will not come to you and be angry with you”
11:10 ge5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They will follow Yahweh 0 Worshiping and honoring Yahweh is spoken of as if it were following him
11:10 ct2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile he will roar like a lion 0 Yahweh making it possible for his people to return to his land is spoken of as if he were calling to his people.
11:11 b5jk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile They will come trembling like a bird … like a dove 0 They will come home quickly as a bird returns to its nest. “Trembling” may refer to the fluttering of a bird’s wings. It may also signal the people’s feelings of humility and reverence for God
11:11 kmq4 the declaration of Yahweh 0 “what Yahweh has declared” or “what Yahweh has solemnly said.” See how you translated this in [Hosea 2:13](../02/13.md).
11:12 mtk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit 0 Lies and deceitful acts are spoken of as if they were objects that the people of the northern kingdom surrounded Yahweh with. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:12 csf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy But Judah is still going about with me 0 Here “Judah” refers to the people who live there. This speaks of being loyal to God as “going about” with him. However, many versions have different interpretations of this difficult passage. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:intro z7s4 0 # Hosea 12 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Jacob\n\nThere 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])
12:1 ec28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Ephraim feeds on the wind 0 Here “Ephraim” represents all the people of Israel. Also “wind” represents something that is useless or temporary. The people of Israel doing things that will not help them is spoken of as if they eat the wind. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:1 g9zd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy follows after the east wind 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:2 evm4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh also has a lawsuit against Judah 0 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](../04/01.md).
12:2 j5y6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet against Judah … punish Jacob for what he has done … repay him for his deeds 0 Here “Judah” and “Jacob” both represent the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “against the people of Judah … punish them for what they have done … repay them for their deeds” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
12:2 w5u6 lawsuit 0 This is a complaint by one person against another person in a court of law. See how you translated this in [Hosea 2:2](../02/02.md).
12:3 v8bh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit In the womb Jacob grasped his brother by the heel 0 Jacob wanted to take his brother’s place as the firstborn, so he tried to keep his brother from being born first.
12:4 s9n9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit He struggled with the angel and won 0 Jacob fought with an angel so that the angel would bless him.
12:5 cy44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive is his name to be called on 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Here “name” represents the entire character of God. Alternate translation: “is his name to which we pray” or “is his name by which we worship him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
12:8 bm7n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism I have certainly become very rich; I have found wealth for myself 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and mean that the people of Ephraim consider themselves to be very prosperous.
12:8 p9bb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have found wealth 0 Becoming wealthy by trading is spoken of as finding wealth. Alternate translation: “I have made much money”
12:8 p94j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet they will not find any iniquity in me, anything that would be sin 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the people of Ephraim consider themselves to be blameless. Learning that someone has sinned is spoken of as finding sin in that person. Alternate translation: “they will not discover that I have done anything sinful” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:9 a7dd I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt 0 This could mean: (1) “I am Yahweh your God, who brought your ancestors from the land of Egypt” or (2) “I have been your God ever since you were in the land of Egypt” or (3) “I became your God when you were in the land of Egypt”
12:9 g5yk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will again make you live in tents 0 This could mean: (1) Yahweh is threatening to force the people of Israel from their homes and make them live in tents. So, here to “live in tents” would represent being sent into exile, or (2) it is a promise that after their exile the people will live in tents again, and Yahweh will take care of them as he did when the Israelites left Egypt. So, here “to live in tents” would represent a return to an ideal situation when Yahweh took care of his people.
12:10 q6ni rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche By the hand of the prophets 0 Here “hand” represents the one who carries out an action. Alternate translation: “Through the prophets”
12:11 h73r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile their altars will be like heaps of stone in the furrows of the fields 0 The altars where the people worshiped will be thrown down and become piles of stones.
12:12 bxi4 Jacob fled to the land of Aram; Israel worked in order to get a wife 0 Here “Jacob” and “Israel” refer to the same person. Jacob’s name became Israel later in his life.
12:14 czc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy So his Lord will leave his blood on him 0 Here “blood” refers to the guilt incurred by people who murder others. God will not forgive their sins.
12:14 ay94 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor will turn back on him his disgrace 0 The idea of making someone suffer the results of his own actions is spoken of as if those actions were objects that were thrown back at him. Alternate translation: “will make him suffer from his own disgraceful actions”
13:intro la1r 0 # Hosea 13 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter uses poetry to communicate Yahweh’s disgust and anger with the northern kingdom of Israel.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n“Israel” and “Ephraim” are terms used to speak about the people of the northern kingdom. Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\nThis chapter makes it clear that the northern kingdom is going to be nearly decimated as a people. They will no longer exist as a nation.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical question\n\nHosea uses rhetorical questions throughout this chapter. They are not questions requesting information but rather questions indicating some emotion like anger or dissatisfaction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
13:1 aw8s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche When Ephraim spoke 0 Hosea uses the term “Ephraim” to refer to the entire northern kingdom, although it was also the name of one of the ten tribes. Hosea seems to be speaking of a long-past time, when the northern kingdom was strong and honored, unlike at the present time.
13:1 hyz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit there was trembling 0 It is understood that people were trembling because they were afraid of Ephraim. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “there was trembling among the people” or “people trembled in fear”
13:1 lw4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He exalted himself in Israel 0 Here “exalting” means to make oneself important.
13:1 nqg7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor but he became guilty because of Baal worship, and he died 0 When the people of Ephraim began worshiping Baal, they grew weak, and their enemies defeated them. Here “died” refers to the nation growing weak.
13:2 q78p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit These men who sacrifice kiss calves 0 Part of idol worship was kissing idol figures that were images of calves.
13:3 jbj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile So they will be like the morning clouds … like the dew … like the chaff … like smoke out of a chimney 0 These expressions state that Israel is temporary and will soon disappear if they continue to worship idols instead of following Yahweh.
13:3 l2kj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive that is driven by the wind away 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the wind blows away”
13:4 k7l1 0 # General Information:\n\nYahweh 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.
13:6 cq2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your heart became lifted up 0 Becoming arrogant is spoken of as one’s heart being lifted up. Alternate translation: “you became proud”
13:7 tq4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a lion … like a leopard 0 These are wild animals that attack and kill other animals. Yahweh continues to say that he will destroy his people for their sins.
13:8 y1e5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as a bear … as a lion … as a wild beast 0 These are wild animals that attack and kill other animals. Yahweh continues to say that he will destroy his people for their sins.
13:8 ft6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis as a bear that is robbed of her cubs 0 The words “would attack” are left out because they are understood. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a bear would attack an animal that takes her cubs” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:8 bl6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis as a lion 0 The words “would devour them” are left out because they are understood. Alternate translation: “as a lion would devour them”
13:9 k6kg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion who will be able to help you? 0 Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that no one will be able to help the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “there will be no on able to help you.”
13:10 vd6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Where 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’? 0 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.
13:12 d9c6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Ephraim’s iniquity has been stored up; his guilt has been stored up 0 These two phrases are similar and mean basically the same thing.
13:12 f96y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor has been stored up 0 The northern kingdom’s iniquity and guilt are spoken of as if they were objects that could be kept for a purpose.
13:13 ba82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Pains of childbirth will come on him 0 Here Yahweh speaks of the suffering the people of Israel will suffer as if it were the pains of child birth.
13:13 b6hn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor but he is an unwise son, for when it is time to be born, he does not come out of the womb 0 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.
13:14 q1qb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Will I rescue them from the hand of Sheol? Will I rescue them from death? 0 Yahweh uses these questions to tell the people of Israel that he is not going to save them from dying. He will certainly punish them. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not rescue them from death and from going down to Sheol.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
13:14 iq7j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Where, death, are your plagues? Where, Sheol, is your destruction? 0 Yahweh speaks to “death” and “Sheol” as if they were people. Yahweh uses questions to say that he will destroy the people soon. Alternate translation: “Now I will cause plagues and let the people of Israel die. I will destroy them and send them to Sheol.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
13:14 zq3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Compassion is hidden from my eyes 0 Not to think about having compassion is spoken of as if compassion were hidden so that it cannot be seen. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **compassion**, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I have no compassion for them” or “I will not be compassionate towards them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
13:15 r777 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor his brothers 0 This expression seems to stand for the nations around the northern kingdom, especially Judah, the southern kingdom.
13:15 nj8n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an east wind will come; the wind of Yahweh 0 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.
13:15 cy4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Ephraim’s spring will dry up, and his well will have no water 0 Hosea continues to describe how God will punish the people of Israel. Here water represents life, vitality, and strength.
13:15 g7kl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor his storehouse 0 This refers to all of the peoples’ possessions.
13:16 y8fa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Samaria will be guilty, for she has rebelled against her God 0 Here “Samaria” refers to the people in the city of Samaria who are guilty of rebelling against God.
13:16 g4vn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism They will fall 0 Here to “fall” represents dying.
13:16 w5hv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy by the sword 0 Here the “sword” represents the enemy soldiers who used swords in battle.
13:16 kms6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive their young children will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open 0 These phrases can be put into the active voice. Alternate translation: “the enemy will dash their young children to pieces, and they will rip open the pregnant women”
14:intro bp7t 0 # Hosea 14 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/confess]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\nWhy 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Speaker\n\nThe 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.\nThere 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.
14:1 e3je rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for you have fallen because of your iniquity 0 Sinning is spoken of here as if it were falling.
14:2 bl3b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Take with you words 0 This probably means words of confession and praise. Alternate translation: “Confess your sins”
14:2 xcc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the fruit of our lips 0 What a person says is called the fruit of his lips. Modern versions have different translations of this difficult passage. Alternate translation: “our words and songs of praise”
14:3 xvt4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche to the work of our hands 0 Here people are represented by their “hands” to refer to the people making things. Alternate translation: “to the idols we made”
14:3 mh3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns finds compassion 0 Here the act of God having compassion is spoken of as if it were an object that someone experiencing that compassion had found. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **compassion**, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “finds one who is compassionate”
14:4 x6kz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will heal their turning away 0 Stopping the people from turning away from God is spoken of as if he were healing them.
14:4 e5gg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor their turning away 0 The failure of the people to obey God is spoken of as if they had physically turned away from him.
14:5 akq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:5 s2km rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile take root like a cedar in Lebanon 0 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.
14:6 pa2f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile His branches will spread out … like the cedars in Lebanon 0 This passage continues the same image.
14:7 z3a1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The people who live in his shade will return 0 The people of Israel will once again live protected by God. Israel is spoken of as living in his shade.
14:7 e5fj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they will revive like grain and blossom like vines 0 Israel’s new prosperity is spoken of in agricultural terms.
14:7 h77b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile His fame will be like the wine of Lebanon 0 Just as Lebanon’s wine was famous, so Israel will be famous. Alternate translation: “People everywhere will know about the nation of Israel”
14:8 as1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion what more have I to do with idols? 0 This passage signifies that God will stop the people of Israel from worshiping idols any longer.
14:8 v7m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile a cypress whose leaves are always green 0 A cypress is a tree whose leaves stay green all year. This represents Yahweh and his blessings on Israel.
14:8 dja4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from me comes your fruit 0 Here “fruit” represents every good thing that comes from Yahweh.
14:9 rmk6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who is wise that he may understand these things? Who understands these things so that he may know them? 0 The prophet uses these questions to say that wise people will understand and listen to what has been said to them. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
14:9 y4up rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous will walk in them 0 Yahweh’s commandments are spoken of as ways to walk in.
14:9 ilu4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor stumble 0 Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking.
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