OET interlinear HOS 5:11

5:11

In this verse, the focus shifts from the southern kingdom of Judah back to the northern kingdom of Israel.

5:11a

Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment: This verse part implies that the people of Israel are oppressed by their enemies. This oppression is the means by which the LORD judges them.

In the preceding context, the judgment on Ephraim clearly refers to a future event (see 5:7, 5:9). The following context (5:14) also refers to a future event. Here in 5:11a, Hosea describes the judgment as if it has already begun. Scholars have not been able to identify the exact historical context. So we do not know if this judgment refers to the same future event as in 5:9a or if it refers to a different event that has already begun.Scripture records three invasions of Israel by Assyria: one during the reign of Menahem (2 Kings 15:19–20), one during the reign of Pekah (2 Kings 15:29), and the final defeat and exile of Israel during the reign of Hoshea (2 Kings 17:5–6). Hosea served as a prophet during this entire time. Examples of both options are given in the following note on “oppressed, trampled.” You may choose either option.

Ephraim: In this context, the tribe of Ephraim probably represents all the people of the nation of Israel. See the note on Ephraim…Israel at 5:3a–b.

oppressed, crushed: The words that the BSB translates as oppressed and crushed have almost the same meaning in this context. Both words are passive forms that refer to people who are being mistreated or caused hardship by their enemies.

The translations crushed and “trampled” are both figurative. They do not refer here to literal crushing or trampling. Use one or more literal or figurative terms in your language that refer to oppression.

Here are some other ways to translate this whole clause using passive forms:

Israel is crushed by the punishment (NCV)

The people of Israel will be crushed and broken by my judgment (NLT)

In some languages, it may be necessary to use active forms and to make explicit who oppresses the people of Israel and who judges them.

Here are some ways to translate this clause using active forms:

The time for me to punish the people of Israel has arrived. I will send their enemies to cause them great hardship and suffering.

The enemies of Israel oppress and mistreat them as a result of my judgment against them.

in judgment: This phrase indicates that the LORD allows an enemy to oppress and trample the people as his judgment or punishment against them.

5:11b

for he is determined to follow worthless idols: The reason Israel is oppressed and trampled in judgment is because they are intent on pursuing idols. Some versions translate this word as “because” (RSV). Other versions leave it implied. Use a natural way in your language to introduce this reason.

determined to follow: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “he was determined to walk after.” It means that the people had made a deliberate decision to follow something.BART interlinear.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

having deliberately followed (NJB)

decided to follow (NCV)

worthless idols: There are several textual and interpretation issues involving the Hebrew word that the BSB translates as worthless idols.Textual options followed by one or more English versions are: 1) The LXX, Targum, Peshitta, and Vulgate follow an emended text (šawʾ) that means “vanity,” “emptiness,” “futility,” or “worthlessness.” The NRSV, NJPS, and REB follow this text. 2) The ESV and NAB have “filth,” derived from the assumed root ṣwʾ “filthy” (TWOT #1884). 3) The MT has ṣaw. This anomalous form occurs elsewhere only in Isaiah 28:10, 13, where it may represent a nonsense syllable or mimicry. The NASB and KJV understand it to mean “command” (derived from ṣawah), perhaps referring to Jeroboam’s establishment of idol worship at Bethel and Dan in 1 Kings 12:28–29. See TWOT (#1887c). (See the preceding and following footnote for details). None of the textual choices literally means idols. However, in this context, most of the choices refer to idol worship, which was both worthless and filthy in the sight of God.Most English versions, including the BSB, CEV, GW, NCV, NET, NIV, and NLT, interpret one of the textual options to refer to idols. In other passages, idol worship is described as being worthless and filthy, and Jeroboam’s command resulted in the people of Israel turning to idol worship. The NJB has “a Lie.” The GNT has “going for help to those who had none to give.” Both of these versions may be specific applications of the text followed by the LXX.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

worshiping useless idols (CEV)

pursuing what is worthless (REB)

follow idols (NCV)

determined to go after filth (ESV)