The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Hosea 13

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Nevi'im — the Prophets

Hosea chapter 13 — part of the Nevi'im — the Prophets in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he became guilty through Baal, he died.” — the complete text of all 15 verses is below, free to read online.

1When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he became guilty through Baal, he died.

2And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, according to their own understanding, even idols, all of them the work of the craftsmen; of them they say: 'They that sacrifice men kiss calves.'

3Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the dew that early passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the wind out of the threshing-floor, and as the smoke out of the window.

4Yet I am HaShem thy G-d from the land of Egypt; and thou knowest no G-d but Me, and beside Me there is no saviour.

5I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

6When they were fed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten Me.

7Therefore am I become unto them as a lion; as a leopard will I watch by the way;

8I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the enclosure of their heart; and there will I devour them like a lioness; the wild beast shall tear them.

9It is thy destruction, O Israel, that thou art against Me, against thy help.

10Ho, now, thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities! and thy judges, of whom thou saidst: 'Give me a king and princes!'

11I give thee a king in Mine anger, and take him away in My wrath.

12The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is laid up in store.

13The throes of a travailing woman shall come upon him; he is an unwise son; for it is time he should not tarry in the place of the breaking forth of children.

14Shall I ransom them from the power of the nether-world? Shall I redeem them from death? Ho, thy plagues, O death! Ho, thy destruction, O netherworld! Repentance be hid from Mine eyes!

15For though he be fruitful among the reed-plants, an east wind shall come, the wind of HaShem coming up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up; he shall spoil the treasure of all precious vessels.

15 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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