The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Hosea 12

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Nevi'im — the Prophets

Hosea chapter 12 — part of the Nevi'im — the Prophets in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Ephraim compasseth Me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; and Judah is yet wayward towards G-d, and towards the Holy One who…” — the complete text of all 15 verses is below, free to read online.

1Ephraim compasseth Me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; and Judah is yet wayward towards G-d, and towards the Holy One who is faithful.

2Ephraim striveth after wind, and followeth after the east wind; all the day he multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

3HaShem hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, according to his doings will He recompense him.

4In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and by his strength he strove with a godlike being;

5So he strove with an angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him; at Beth-el he would find him, and there he would speak with us;

6But HaShem, the G-d of hosts, HaShem is His name.

7Therefore turn thou to thy G-d; keep mercy and justice, and wait for thy G-d continually.

8As for the trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand. He loveth to oppress.

9And Ephraim said: 'Surely I am become rich, I have found me wealth; in all my labours they shall find in me no iniquity that were sin.'

10But I am HaShem thy G-d from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make thee to dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed season.

11I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.

12If Gilead be given to iniquity becoming altogether vanity, in Gilgal they sacrifice unto bullocks; yea, their altars shall be as heaps in the furrows of the field.

13And Jacob fled into the field of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep.

14And by a prophet HaShem brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he kept.

15Ephraim hath provoked most bitterly; therefore shall his blood be cast upon him, and his reproach shall his L-rd return unto him.

15 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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