Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One. New Living Translation Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit, but Judah still obeys God and is faithful to the Holy One. English Standard Version Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. Berean Standard Bible Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. Berean Literal Bible Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, and Judah still wanders restlessly with God, and with the holy ones is faithful. King James Bible Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. New King James Version “Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. New American Standard Bible Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; Judah is still unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful. NASB 1995 Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; Judah is also unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful. NASB 1977 Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; Judah is also unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful. Legacy Standard Bible Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; And Judah is also unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful. Amplified Bible Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; Judah is also unruly against God, Even against the faithful Holy One. Berean Annotated Bible Ephraim (doubly fruitful) surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel (he wrestles with God) with deceit; but Judah (praised) still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. Christian Standard Bible Ephraim surrounds me with lies, the house of Israel, with deceit. Judah still wanders with God and is faithful to the holy ones. Holman Christian Standard Bible Ephraim surrounds me with lies, the house of Israel, with deceit. Judah still wanders with God and is faithful to the holy ones. American Standard Version Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Holy One. Contemporary English Version Israel is deceitful to me, their loyal and holy God; they surround me with lies, and Judah worships other gods. English Revised Version Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Holy One. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Ephraim surrounds me with lies. The nation of Israel surrounds me with deceit." Judah rebels against God, against the Holy One who is faithful. Good News Translation The LORD says, "The people of Israel have surrounded me with lies and deceit, and the people of Judah are still rebelling against me, the faithful and holy God. International Standard Version "Ephraim surrounds me with lies, and the house of Israel surrounds me with deceit, But Judah still rules with God, and remains faithful, along with the godly ones." NET Bible Ephraim has surrounded me with lies; the house of Israel has surrounded me with deceit. But Judah still roams about with God; he remains faithful to the Holy One. New Heart English Bible Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One. Webster's Bible Translation Ephraim encompasseth me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEphraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. World English Bible Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Ephraim has surrounded Me with feigning, "" And the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is again ruling with God, "" And [is] faithful with the Holy Ones!” Berean Literal Bible Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, and Judah still wanders restlessly with God, and with the holy ones is faithful. Young's Literal Translation Compassed Me with feigning hath Ephraim, And with deceit the house of Israel. And Judah again is ruling with God, And with the Holy Ones is faithful! Smith's Literal Translation Ephraim surrounded me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit: and Judah even ruled with God, and was faithful with the holy ones. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleEphraim hath compassed me about with denials, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Juda went down as a witness with God, and is faithful with the saints. Catholic Public Domain Version Ephraim has besieged me with denials, and the house of Israel with deceit. But Judah went down as a witness before God and the holy ones of faith. New American Bible Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, the house of Israel, with deceit; Judah still wanders about with gods, and is faithful to holy ones. New Revised Standard Version Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God, and is faithful to the Holy One. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEphraim has compassed me about with lies, and the house of Israel and Judah with deceit; until the people of God was humbled, a people once holy and faithful. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Aphreim and the house of Israel and Yehuda surrounded me with lies in treachery, until he would bring down the people of God, the holy and faithful people OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Ephraim compasseth Me about with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; And Judah is yet wayward towards God, And towards the Holy One who is faithful. Brenton Septuagint Translation Ephraim has compassed me with falsehood, and the house of Israel and Juda with ungodliness: but now God knows them, and they shall be called God's holy people. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Mercy On Israel…11They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD. 12Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. Cross References Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, Hosea 7:13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against Me! Though I would redeem them, they speak lies against Me. Hosea 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. Psalm 78:36-37 But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues. / Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant. the house of Israel with deceit; Hosea 12:7 A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands. Micah 6:12 For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. Jeremiah 9:5-6 Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. / You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. but Judah still walks with God Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 2 Kings 18:6 He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses. and is faithful to the Holy One. Isaiah 10:20 On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on him who struck them, but they will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. 2 Kings 20:3 “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 2 Chronicles 31:20 So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God. Jeremiah 3:6-10 Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there. / I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. / She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well. … Isaiah 7:2 When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. Isaiah 9:8-9 The Lord has sent a message against Jacob, and it has fallen upon Israel. / All the people will know it—Ephraim and the dwellers of Samaria. With pride and arrogance of heart they will say: Jeremiah 31:20 Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. Treasury of Scripture Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet rules with God, and is faithful with the saints. compasseth. Hosea 7:16 They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. Hosea 12:1,7 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt… Psalm 78:36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. Judah. Hosea 4:15 Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth. 2 Kings 18:4-7 He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan… 2 Chronicles 29:1-32:33 Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah… ruleth. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. saints. Jump to Previous Compassed Compasseth Deceit Encompassed Encompasseth Ephraim E'phraim Faithful Falsehood Holy House Israel Judah Lies Ruleth Ruling Saints Strays Surrounds Towards Truth Unfaithful Unruly Walketh Wayward WordsJump to Next Compassed Compasseth Deceit Encompassed Encompasseth Ephraim E'phraim Faithful Falsehood Holy House Israel Judah Lies Ruleth Ruling Saints Strays Surrounds Towards Truth Unfaithful Unruly Walketh Wayward WordsHosea 11 1. The ingratitude of Israel unto God for his benefits.5. His judgment. 8. God's mercy toward them. 12. Israel's falsehood and Judah's fidelity. Ephraim surrounds Me with lies Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is often used as a synonym for Israel in the prophetic books. The term "surrounds Me with lies" indicates a pervasive culture of deceit and unfaithfulness towards God. Historically, the northern kingdom was characterized by idolatry and alliances with foreign nations, which were seen as acts of betrayal against God. This phrase highlights the spiritual adultery of Israel, as they professed loyalty to God while worshiping other deities. the house of Israel with deceit but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One Persons / Places / Events 1. EphraimRepresents the northern kingdom of Israel, often used synonymously with Israel in the prophetic books. Known for its idolatry and rebellion against God. 2. House of Israel Refers to the collective tribes of the northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, and often criticized by prophets for their unfaithfulness. 3. Judah The southern kingdom, which, at this point in Hosea, is noted for still having some semblance of faithfulness to God, though not without its own issues. 4. God (The Holy One) The central figure in the passage, highlighting His faithfulness in contrast to Israel's deceit. 5. Hosea The prophet through whom God delivers this message, known for his messages of judgment and redemption. Teaching Points The Deceit of SinSin often involves deceit, both towards God and ourselves. We must be vigilant in examining our hearts for any lies we might be living. Faithfulness of God Despite human unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. This should encourage us to return to Him in repentance and trust. Judah's Example While not perfect, Judah's relative faithfulness serves as a reminder that walking with God is possible even in a corrupt world. Call to Repentance Like Israel, we are called to recognize our deceit and turn back to God, who is always ready to forgive. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Hosea remind us of God's truth and call us back to His ways. We should heed their messages in Scripture. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Hosea 11:12?2. How does Hosea 11:12 highlight Israel's deceit and Judah's unfaithfulness to God? 3. What lessons can we learn from Israel's behavior in Hosea 11:12? 4. How does Hosea 11:12 connect with God's call for faithfulness in Deuteronomy? 5. In what ways can we avoid Israel's mistakes mentioned in Hosea 11:12? 6. How can Hosea 11:12 inspire us to remain faithful in our walk? 7. How does Hosea 11:12 reflect Israel's relationship with God? 8. Why is Judah depicted differently from Israel in Hosea 11:12? 9. What historical context influences the message of Hosea 11:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hosea 11? 11. What are the different names for Israel? 12. What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh? 13. In Hosea 9:15, how do we reconcile an 'all-loving' God with the statement that God hates His people in Gilgal? 14. How does Hosea 11:8-9's portrayal of divine compassion align with Old Testament passages describing God's severe judgments? What Does Hosea 11:12 Mean Ephraim surrounds Me with lies“Ephraim surrounds Me with lies” (Hosea 11:12) paints a picture of persistent, collective dishonesty in the northern kingdom. • The word “surrounds” suggests a settled state—God is encircled by their false worship (Hosea 7:14; 8:2-3). • Their lies include idolatry at Bethel and Dan, pretending loyalty while clinging to foreign alliances (2 Kings 17:9-12; Hosea 10:1-2). • Isaiah 29:13 echoes the same heart issue: “These people draw near with their mouths … but their hearts are far from Me.” The verse shows that outward religion, no matter how fervent, is empty when truth is absent. the house of Israel with deceit The second charge intensifies: “the house of Israel with deceit” (Hosea 11:12). • Deceit (Hosea 4:2) underscores calculated treachery—pledging allegiance to God while exploiting neighbors (Micah 6:11-12). • They broke covenant commitments (Exodus 20:3-5) and trusted political treaties instead (Hosea 12:1; 2 Kings 17:4). • Jeremiah 12:6 warns that even close relatives can “deal treacherously”—a sobering parallel. God’s indictment is moral as well as spiritual. but Judah still walks with God “but Judah still walks with God” (Hosea 11:12) offers a hopeful contrast. • In Hosea’s day Judah retained seasons of reform under kings like Uzziah, Jotham, and Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 27:2; 29:2). • To “walk with” God pictures daily obedience (Genesis 5:24; Micah 6:8). • Hosea had earlier urged, “Let not Judah become guilty” (Hosea 4:15), so this line shows the plea was partly heeded. Yet later prophets note Judah’s own slide (Jeremiah 17:1). The compliment is real but temporary. and is faithful to the Holy One The verse ends, “and is faithful to the Holy One” (Hosea 11:12). • “Faithful” translates covenant loyalty—doing what love for God requires (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 31:23). • Calling God “the Holy One” stresses His moral perfection and separateness (Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 71:22). Loyalty to such a God demands purity, not just ritual. • Judah’s faithfulness was fragile (Hosea 6:4), but at this moment Hosea 11 highlights that they had not yet fully abandoned the covenant. The phrase invites readers today to align life and heart with God’s holiness. summary Hosea 11:12 sets two kingdoms side by side. Ephraim (Israel) cloaks itself in lies and deliberate deceit, surrounding God with insincerity, while Judah—at least for the moment—lives in comparative faithfulness, walking with and honoring the Holy One. The verse underscores that God sees beneath religious appearance, cherishes genuine covenant loyalty, and calls His people to honest, wholehearted devotion. (12) Should stand as the first verse of Hosea 12, just as in the Hebrew text. The rest of the prophecy appears as a distinct composition, a new commencemen, of judgment and incrimination, followed at last by one more utterance of Divine promise.The rendering of the latter part of the verse in the English version was that of the Jewish scholars who saw here a reference to the reign of Hezekiah, but it is opposed to the mention of the "controversy with Judah" in Hosea 12:3. Accordingly, the rendering adopted by Ewald, Wnsche, Nowack, and others, is more probable:--"And Judah still roves unbridled towards God, and towards the faithful Holy One," Judah's inconstancy being contrasted with the faithfulness of God. The plural form, the Holy Ones, may, like the plural forms, Elohim, Adonim, suggest personalities within the substance of deity. The LXX. seem to indicate that we have not the right Hebrew text here. Verse 12. - Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. The first clause sets forth the faithlessness and insincerity of Israel, and that in contrast with Judah. Thus understood, the verse properly belongs to the present chapter. But others understand the last clause differently, and deny the contrast, viz. "Judah is yet defiant towards God and towards the All-Holy One, who is faithful." |
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