Hosea 11

1 When Israel was a childe, then I loued him, and called my sonne out of Egypt.

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

2 They called them, but they went thus from them: they sacrificed vnto Baalim, and burnt incense to images.

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

3 I ledde Ephraim also, as one shoulde beare them in his armes: but they knewe 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 led them with cordes of a man, euen with bandes of loue, and I was to them, as hee that taketh off the yoke from their iawes, and I laide the meat vnto them.

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 no more returne into the lande of Egypt: but Asshur shalbe his King, because they refused to conuert.

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 sworde shall fall on his cities, and shall consume his barres, and deuoure them, because of their owne counsels.

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

7 And my people are bent to rebellion against me: though they called them to the most hie, yet none at all would exalt 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 Howe shall I giue thee vp, Ephraim? howe shall I deliuer thee, Israel? how shall I make thee, as Admah? howe shall I set thee, as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within mee: my repentings are rouled 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 wil not execute ye fiercenesse of my wrath: I will not returne to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man, the holy one in the middes of thee, and I will not enter into the citie.

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 walke after the Lord: he shall roare like a lyon: when hee shall roare, then the children of the West shall feare.

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 feare as a sparrow out of Egypt, and as a doue of the lande of Asshur, and I will place them in their houses, sayth the Lord.

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 copasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Iudah yet ruleth with God, and is faithfull with the Saints.

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