Hosea 11

1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

I loved Israel when he was a child. He's my son I called out of Egypt.

2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baals, and burned incense to graven images.

As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed to the Baals and offered incense to idols.

3 And I it was that taught Ephraim to walk, — He took them upon his arms, — but they knew not that I healed them.

I myself taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the hand, but they didn't realize I was the one who healed them.

4 I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently caused them to eat.

I led them along with cords of kindness, with ropes of love. I was the one who eased their burden and bent down to feed them.

5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return [to me];

However, because my people refuse to return to me, they will not return to the land of Egypt but Assyria shall be their king.

6 and the sword shall turn about in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels.

War will sweep through their cities, putting an end to their boasting and destroying their plans.

7 Yea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High, none at all exalteth [him].

My people are hanging on to their apostasy from me. They call him “god on high” but he will not raise them up at all.

8 How shall I give thee over, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee up, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I let you go, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is breaking; I am full of compassion.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man, — the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not come in anger.

I will not execute the fierceness of my anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God, not a human being. I am the Holy One living among you. I will not enter your cities.

10 They shall walk after Jehovah; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the children shall hasten from the west:

The people will follow me, the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When he roars like a lion then his children will come trembling from the west.

11 they shall hasten as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will cause them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah.

Like a flock of frightened birds they will come from Egypt, like doves they will come from Assyria, and I will bring them back home, declares the Lord.

12 Ephraim encompasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet walketh with God, and with the holy things of truth.

Ephraim surrounds me with lies and Israel with deceit, and Judah still wanders with some deity, faithful to some “Holy One.”