Hosea 12:2
New International Version
The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.

New Living Translation
Now the LORD is bringing charges against Judah. He is about to punish Jacob for all his deceitful ways, and pay him back for all he has done.

English Standard Version
The LORD has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds.

Berean Standard Bible
The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.

King James Bible
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

New King James Version
“The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds He will recompense him.

New American Standard Bible
The LORD also has a case against Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will repay him according to his deeds.

NASB 1995
The LORD also has a dispute with Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will repay him according to his deeds.

NASB 1977
The LORD also has a dispute with Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will repay him according to his deeds.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh has a contention with Judah And will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will cause everything to return to him according to his deeds.

Amplified Bible
The LORD also has a dispute [a legal complaint and an indictment] with Judah, And He will punish Jacob in accordance with his ways; He will repay him in accordance with his deeds.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD also has a dispute with Judah. He is about to punish Jacob according to his conduct; he will repay him based on his actions.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD also has a dispute with Judah. He is about to punish Jacob according to his ways; He will repay him based on his actions.

American Standard Version
Jehovah hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD also brings charges against the people of Judah, the descendants of Jacob. He will punish them for what they have done.

English Revised Version
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD brings charges against Judah and punishes Jacob because of the way their people act. He will pay them back for what they have done.

Good News Translation
The LORD has an accusation to bring against the people of Judah; he is also going to punish Israel for the way her people act. He will pay them back for what they have done.

International Standard Version
The LORD accuses Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him for what he does.

Majority Standard Bible
The LORD also brings a charge against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.

NET Bible
The LORD also has a covenant lawsuit against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways and according to his deeds he will repay him.

Webster's Bible Translation
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

World English Bible
Yahweh also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH has a controversy with Judah, "" To lay a charge on Jacob according to his ways, "" He returns to him according to his doings.

Young's Literal Translation
And a controversy hath Jehovah with Judah, To lay a charge on Jacob according to his ways, According to his doings He returneth to him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And a contention to Jehovah with Judah, and to review Jacob according to his ways; he will turn back to him according to his doings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore there is a judgment of the Lord with Juda, and a visitation for Jacob: he will render to him according to his ways, and according to his devices.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the judgment of the Lord is with Judah and a visitation is upon Jacob. He will repay him according to his ways and according to his inventions.

New American Bible
The LORD has a dispute with Judah, and will punish Jacob for his conduct, and repay him for his deeds.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD has an indictment against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and repay him according to his deeds.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; and according to his devices will he recompense him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH has a judgment with Yehuda and will summon Yaqob according to his ways, and he shall pay him according to his devices
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways, According to his doings will He recompense him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord has a controversy with Juda, in order to punish Jacob: according to his ways and according to his practices will he recompense him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, Jacob
1Ephraim chases 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. 2The LORD also brings a charge against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds. 3In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.…

Cross References
Genesis 32:28
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”

Genesis 27:36
So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”

Jeremiah 2:9
Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.

Micah 6:2
Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:

Ezekiel 20:35-36
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, where I will enter into judgment with you face to face. / Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, declares the Lord GOD.

Amos 2:6
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.

Malachi 3:5
“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Psalm 50:4
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:

Isaiah 3:13
The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Romans 2:6-8
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—

Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

James 5:9
Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!


Treasury of Scripture

The LORD has also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

a controversy.

Hosea 4:1
Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Jeremiah 25:31
A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

Micah 6:2
Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

and will.

2 Kings 17:19,20
Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made…

Isaiah 8:7,8
Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: …

Isaiah 10:6
I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

punish.

Hosea 2:13
And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

Hosea 8:13
They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

Hosea 9:9
They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah: therefore he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.

according to his doings.

Isaiah 3:11
Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Isaiah 59:18
According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

Matthew 16:27
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Jump to Previous
Acts Cause Charge Controversy Deeds Dispute Doings Indictment Jacob Judah Lay Punish Punishment Recompense Repay Requite Returneth Reward Ways
Jump to Next
Acts Cause Charge Controversy Deeds Dispute Doings Indictment Jacob Judah Lay Punish Punishment Recompense Repay Requite Returneth Reward Ways
Hosea 12
1. A reproof of Ephraim, Judah, and Jacob.
3. By former favors he exhorts to repentance.
7. Ephraim's sins provoke God.














The LORD
The Hebrew term here is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. In the context of Hosea, it underscores God's authority and righteousness as the ultimate judge. This name reminds us of God's covenant relationship with Israel, highlighting His faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful.

also brings a charge
The phrase suggests a legal proceeding, where God acts as both prosecutor and judge. The Hebrew word "rib" is often used in a legal context, indicating a formal accusation. This reflects the seriousness of Israel's covenant violations and God's role in holding them accountable. It serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical standards God expects from His people.

against Judah
Judah, the southern kingdom, is specifically mentioned, indicating that God's judgment is not limited to Israel (the northern kingdom) but extends to all His people. Historically, Judah had its own issues with idolatry and injustice, and this charge serves as a warning that no one is exempt from God's scrutiny.

He will punish Jacob
"Jacob" here represents the entire nation of Israel, both the northern and southern kingdoms. The use of "Jacob" recalls the patriarch whose life was marked by struggle and transformation. It serves as a reminder of the nation's origins and the covenant promises made to their forefathers, which they have failed to uphold.

according to his ways
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. The Hebrew word "derek" (ways) refers to one's conduct or manner of life. It highlights the principle that God's judgment is fair and based on the actions and choices of individuals and nations. It serves as a call to self-examination and repentance.

and repay him according to his deeds
The concept of divine retribution is central here. The Hebrew word "ma'alal" (deeds) refers to actions, often with a moral or ethical dimension. This underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where God rewards or punishes based on one's actions. It is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for righteousness.

(2) Jacob refers to the northern kingdom.

Verse 2. - The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah; and will punish (margin, visit upon) Jacob according to his ways. God here presents himself at once as plaintiff and judge, widening the range of his pleadings. The controversy with Israel takes a wider sweep, and comprehends Judah culpable, though apparently in a less degree. But though Judah comes in for a share of punishment, that punishment shall be proportionate to their delinquencies - those like Judah that sinned less shall suffer less; while the more heinous transgressors, such as Israel had proved to be, would come in for severer punishment. To Jacob, here embracing the ten tribes of Israel and the two of Judah, the chastisement would be meted out in exact accordance with his ways. The apparent contradiction between ver. 12 of last chapter, where, as most translate it, Judah is represented as ruling with God and being faithful with the saints, and the present inclusion of Judah in controversy with Jehovah, occasioned

(1) a rendering and explanation of this verse which Aben Ezra declares to be both ungrammatical and unscriptural. "He" says Aben Ezra." who explains that Judah is faithful and he shall be reproving, and asserts that Scripture makes no mention of Jehovah having a controversy against Judah, but [employs] עם the sense being that Jehovah and Judah have a strife against Ephraim, errs from the way of Scripture and grammar, for the prophet has written above (ver. 13), 'Judah saw his wound;' 'I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plough;' and in reference to both of them he says,' Ye shall eat the fruit of lies.' He also forgets 'The herdmen of Gerar did strive with (עם) Isaac's herdmen;' 'And the people strove with Moses;' and many other places [i.e. where עם is found with the sense of 'contending']. Therefore he joins Ephraim with Judah, and says, 'The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, because this name (i.e. Jacob) comprehends them both (Ephraim and Judah)."

(2) The meaning is given concisely and correctly by Rashi thus: "He (Jehovah) announces to them the words of his controversy which their brethren of the house of Israel had caused him; and they should not wonder if he would punish (literally, 'visit on') Jacob according to his ways." The change in the case of Judah, Kimchi accounts for by reference to their subsequent apostasy, especially that of their kings, as follows: "Although he said, 'And Judah yet reigneth with God,' he meant, although be holds fast by the service of God in the house of the sanctuary; so afterwards they practiced evil deeds as their kings were evil; therefore he said,' Jehovah has a controversy and correction with Judah and Jacob to visit upon them according to their doings, as their kings were evil, for they did not remember my mercy with them and with their father Jacob, because the whole was for sake of his posterity; and I showed him a sign which should be to his seed after him, if they gave their heart to me.... And the sign which I showed them is only done for sake of his seed. But they have not acknowledged this, for if they had acknowledged this, they would have cleaved to me and my service, and I would have ratified to them the blessing of Jacob their father.'" The infinitive with le is not infrequently employed in the sense of our future, thus, לפקד, it is to be visited, equivalent to "he shall or must visit upon it' This idiom is common in Syriac, but always with atid. According to his doings will he recompense him. The milder expression is applied to Judah - he has a controversy with him, but will punish Jacob, restricted by some to Ephraim or the ten tribes. Better understand Jacob of both Judah and Israel, who are both to be recompensed, each according to his works.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The LORD also [brings]
לַֽיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

a charge
וְרִ֥יב (wə·rîḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute

against
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Judah.
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

He will punish
וְלִפְקֹ֤ד (wə·lip̄·qōḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

Jacob
יַעֲקֹב֙ (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

according to his ways
כִּדְרָכָ֔יו (kiḏ·rā·ḵāw)
Preposition-k | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and repay
יָשִׁ֥יב (yā·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

him
לֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

according to his deeds.
כְּמַעֲלָלָ֖יו (kə·ma·‘ă·lā·lāw)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4611: A deed, practice


Links
Hosea 12:2 NIV
Hosea 12:2 NLT
Hosea 12:2 ESV
Hosea 12:2 NASB
Hosea 12:2 KJV

Hosea 12:2 BibleApps.com
Hosea 12:2 Biblia Paralela
Hosea 12:2 Chinese Bible
Hosea 12:2 French Bible
Hosea 12:2 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Hosea 12:2 Yahweh also has a controversy with Judah (Ho Hs Hos.)
Hosea 12:1
Top of Page
Top of Page