Hosea 11:2-1964 bbe — When I sent for them, then they went away from me; they made offerings to the Baals, burning perfumes to images. But I…

Hosea 11:2-1964 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “When I sent for them, then they went away from me; they made offerings to the Baals, burning perfumes to images. But I was guiding Ephraim's footsteps; I took them up in my arms, but they were not conscious that I was ready to make them well. I made them come after me with the cords of a man, with the bands of love; I was to them as one who took the yoke from off their mouths, putting meat before them. He will go back to the land of Egypt and the Assyrian will be his king, because they would not come back to me. And the sword will go through his towns, wasting his children and causing destruction because of their evil designs. My people are given up to sinning against me; though their voice goes up on high, no one will be lifting them up. How may I give you up, O Ephraim? how may I be your saviour, O Israel? how may I make you like Admah? how may I do to you as I did to Zeboim? My heart is turned in me, it is soft with pity. I will not put into effect the heat of my wrath; I will not again send destruction on Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One among you; I will not put an end to you. They will go after the Lord; his cry will be like that of a lion; his cry will be loud, and the children will come from the west, shaking with fear; Shaking with fear like a bird, they will come out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will give them rest in their houses, says the Lord. The deceit of Ephraim and the false words of Israel are about me on every side. ...”

Hosea 11:2-1964 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Hosea, chapter 11, verses 2–1964.

Hosea is traditionally attributed to Hosea son of Beeri. It was written c. 755–710 BC.

Hosea is commanded to marry an unfaithful woman as a living picture of God's steadfast love for an unfaithful Israel. Through heartbreak and pursuit, he proclaims that the LORD will not give up on his people even when they have given up on him.

Hosea explores themes including Steadfast Love, Idolatry as Adultery, Pursuit, Repentance, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Hosea 11:2-1964.

Hosea 11:2-1964 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

Hosea 11:2-1964 reads (BBE): “When I sent for them, then they went away from me; they made offerings to the Baals, burning perfumes to images. But I was guiding Ephraim's footsteps; I took them up in my arms, but they were not conscious that I was ready to make them well. I made them come after me with the cords of a man, with the bands of love; I was to them as one who took the yoke from off their mouths, putting meat before them. He will go back to the land of Egypt and the Assyrian will be his king, because they would not come back to me. And the sword will go through his towns, wasting his children and causing destruction because of their evil designs. My people are given up to sinning against me; though their voice goes up on high, no one will be lifting them up. How may I give you up, O Ephraim? how may I be your saviour, O Israel? how may I make you like Admah? how may I do to you as I did to Zeboim? My heart is turned in me, it is soft with pity. I will not put into effect the heat of my wrath; I will not again send destruction on Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One among you; I will not put an end to you. They will go after the Lord; his cry will be like that of a lion; his cry will be loud, and the children will come from the west, shaking with fear; Shaking with fear like a bird, they will come out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will give them rest in their houses, says the Lord. The deceit of Ephraim and the false words of Israel are about me on every side. ...” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.