Hosea 12:1

Hosea 12:1 in 6 English translations. Each links through to the full chapter for context.

New International Version (NIV)

1Ephraim feeds on the wind;

he pursues the east wind all day

and multiplies lies and violence.

He makes a treaty with Assyria

and sends olive oil to Egypt.

1 12:1 Ch 12:2 in HebEphraim feeds on wind,

And pursues the east wind continually;

He multiplies lies and violence.

Moreover, 12:1 Lit they makehe makes a covenant with Assyria,

And oil is brought to Egypt.

1Ephraim feeds on wind,

And pursues the east wind continually;

He multiplies lies and violence.

Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria,

And oil is carried to Egypt.

1Ephraim feeds on the [emptiness of the] wind

And [continually] pursues the [parching] east wind [which brings destruction];

Every day he multiplies lies and violence.

Further, he makes a covenant with Assyria

And (olive) oil is carried to Egypt [to seek alliances]. [Is 30:6, 7]

1Ephraim12:1 That is, the northern kingdom of Israel; also in verses 8 and 14 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.

1The people of Ephraim look to others for help.

It’s like chasing the wind.

The wind they keep chasing

is hot and dry.

They tell more and more lies.

They are always hurting others.

They make a peace treaty with Assyria.

They send olive oil to Egypt to get help.