12:1a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

^1a Ephraim chases the wind

^1b and pursues the east wind all day long;

These lines are metaphors that compare the people of Israel to an animal that attempts to catch and eat wind for its food.

Here are some ways to translate these figures of speech:

• Use a metaphor. Make the similarity explicit if it will be helpful. For example:

  Ephraim is a foolish calf that tries to eat wind.

• Use a simile. Make the similarity or topic explicit if it will be helpful. For example:

  Ephraim is like an animal that feeds on wind instead of pasture grass.

  Israel’s behavior is as useless as feeding on wind.

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

  The people of Israel try to achieve worthless goals.

12:1a

Ephraim chases the wind: There are two main interpretations of the Hebrew word that the BSB translates as chases:

1. The word means “feeds/graze.” It usually refers to an animal that grazes in a pasture. For example:

   Ephraim feeds on the wind (ESV) (ESV, KJV, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NLT, REB)

2. The word means “herd.” It usually refers to the herding of animals. For example:

   Ephraim herds the wind (NRSV) (NJPS, NRSV)

3. The word means “chase.” For example:

   What Israel does is as useless as chasing the wind (NCV) (BSB, CEV, NCV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.McComiskey (page 197) and Keil (page 94) favor this interpretation. Hosea uses similar comparisons of Ephraim to animals elsewhere (10:11–13; 11:4).

wind: In this context, the word wind is used figuratively to mean “a vain or empty thing.”BDB (#7307) 2e. The metaphor “feeds on the wind” means to strive after what is worthless, meaningless, or futile.Keil, Wood, Davies, McComiskey, Hubbard, and Macintosh.

12:1b

pursues the east wind all day long: This metaphor means to do something that is useless and potentially harmful.Dearman (pages 297–299). Also see Stuart, Keil, Garrett, Macintosh, and Davies.

east wind: This phrase probably refers to the strong wind in Israel that blows from the eastern desert. It is a hot, dry, destructive wind.The Sirocco. Here the phrase may imply the destruction that will result from the foolish behavior of Israel, described in 12:1c–e.

all day long: There are two interpretations of the connection of this phrase to the surrounding context:

1. The phrase all day is part of the previous clause. It indicates that Ephraim pursues the east wind all day.McComiskey (page 197) says that the stupidity of this activity is heightened by the fact that this hypothetical animal does this “all day long.” For example:

   Ephraim feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long (ESV) (BSB, CEV, ESV, GNT, GW, NASB, NCV, NET, NIV, NJB, NLT, NRSV, REB)

2. The phrase all day is part of the following clause. It indicates that Ephraim multiplies lies and violence all day. For example:

   he daily increases lies and desolation (NKJV) (NJPS, NKJV)

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

The phrase all day long is an expression that means continually.Keil (pages 94–95). Some versions translate it that way. For example:

Ephraim feeds on wind, and pursues the east wind continually. (NASB)

12:1c

he multiplies lies and violence: The Hebrew word for multiplies means “make numerous.”TWOT (#2103) I. It indicates that lying and violence continued to increase.

violence: In Hebrew, this word means “violent action.” In this context, it may refer particularly to social wrongs such as oppression and other evil behavior.BDB (#8270) and DCH (Vol. 8, p. 266).

12:1d–e

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

^1d he makes a covenant with Assyria

^1eand sends olive oil to Egypt.

These lines give examples of Israel’s attempts to gain favor with powerful nations. They are also examples of the kind of futile behavior that Hosea described as grazing on wind and pursuing the east wind. Here are some reasons this behavior was futile:

1. It challenged Yahweh’s role as Israel’s one true savior.Davies (page 271).

2. Israel’s covenant with Yahweh was exclusive. It did not allow them to make a covenant with Assyria.Dearman (pages 297–299).

3. It was an act of disloyalty to God and of political foolishness.Hubbard (page 201).

4. It gave a false sense of security.Garrett (pages 235–236).

12:1d

he makes a covenant with Assyria: This clause refers to a political alliance between Israel and Assyria. It may refer specifically to the promise of Israelite king Hoshea to make Israel a faithful subject of Assyria.Stuart (pages 189–190), Garrett (pages 235–236), Davies (page 271), and IVPBBCOT “Assyria treaty.” See 2 Kings 17:3. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

they make a covenant with Assyria (ESV)

they are making an alliance with Assyria (NLT)

They make agreements with Assyria (NCV)

12:1e

and sends olive oil to Egypt: This clause probably refers to a gift that Israel sent to Egypt to gain their help or to make a treaty.Dearman (pages 297–299), Davies (pages 271–272), Keil (pages 94–95), Garrett (pages 235–236), and Stuart (pages 189–190). This action was foolish and dangerous for Israel. It caused Assyria to interpret it as disloyalty to them and invited their anger.

olive oil: The Hebrew word is literally oil. It refers to olive oil. Olive oil was abundant in Israel. It was valuable in that region, especially in Egypt where olives were not grown.IVPBBCOT “Assyria treaty.” Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

and send olive oil as tribute to Egypt (NET)

while sending olive oil to buy support from Egypt (NLT)