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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hosea 9:8 The prophet is Ephraim's watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. Hostility is in the house of his God!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/9-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/28_Hos_09_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 9:8 - Hosea Announces Israel's Punishment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The prophet is Ephraim's watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. 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He faces hostility even in the house of God. <a href="/esv/hosea/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> The prophet is the watchman of Ephraim with my God; yet a fowler’s snare is on all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God. <a href="/bsb/hosea/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The prophet is Ephraim’s watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. Hostility is in the house of his God! <a href="/kjv/hosea/9.htm">King James Bible</a> The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God. <a href="/nkjv/hosea/9.htm">New King James Version</a> The watchman of Ephraim is with my God; But the prophet is a fowler’s snare in all his ways— Enmity in the house of his God. <a href="/nasb_/hosea/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God, a prophet; Yet the snare of a bird catcher is in all his ways, And there is only hostility in the house of his God. <a href="/nasb/hosea/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God, a prophet; Yet the snare of a bird catcher is in all his ways, And there is only hostility in the house of his God. <a href="/nasb77/hosea/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God, a prophet; Yet the snare of a bird catcher is in all his ways, And there is only hostility in the house of his God. <a href="/lsb/hosea/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God, a prophet; Yet the snare of a bird catcher is in all his ways, And there is only hostility in the house of his God. <a href="/amp/hosea/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God, a [true] prophet [to warn the nation]; But the snare of a bird catcher was laid in all his paths. And there is only deep hostility in the house of his God (the land of Israel). <a href="/csb/hosea/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Ephraim’s watchman is with my God. Yet the prophet encounters a bird trap on all his pathways. Hostility is in the house of his God! <a href="/hcsb/hosea/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Ephraim&#8217s watchman is with my God. The prophet encounters a fowler&#8217s snare on all his ways. Hostility is in the house of his God! <a href="/asv/hosea/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God: as for the prophet, a fowler's snare is in all his ways, and enmity in the house of his God. <a href="/cev/hosea/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Israel, the LORD sent me to look after you. But you trap his prophets and flood his temple with your hatred. <a href="/erv/hosea/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ephraim was a watchman with my God: as for the prophet, a fowler's snare is in all his ways, and enmity in the house of his God. <a href="/gwt/hosea/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Prophets are God's watchmen over Ephraim. Yet, traps are set on every prophet's path, and people are hostile in the temple of their God. <a href="/gnt/hosea/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> God has sent me as a prophet to warn his people Israel. Yet wherever I go, you try to trap me like a bird. Even in God's Temple the people are the prophet's enemies. <a href="/isv/hosea/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> While Ephraim stands watch with my God, the prophet has snares set that will trap his ways, and hostility lodges in the Temple of his God. <a href="/msb/hosea/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The prophet is Ephraim?s watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. Hostility is in the house of his God! <a href="/net/hosea/9.htm">NET Bible</a> The prophet is a watchman over Ephraim on behalf of God, yet traps are laid for him along all of his paths; animosity rages against him in the land of his God. <a href="/nheb/hosea/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> A prophet watches over Ephraim with my God. A fowler's snare is on all of his paths, and hostility in the house of his God. <a href="/wbt/hosea/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God. <a href="/web/hosea/9.htm">World English Bible</a> A prophet watches over Ephraim with my God. A fowler’s snare is on all of his paths, and hostility in the house of his God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hosea/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Ephraim is looking [away] from My God, "" The prophet! A snare of a fowler [is] over all his ways, "" Hatred [is] in the house of his God. <a href="/ylt/hosea/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Ephraim is looking away from My God, The prophet! a snare of a fowler is over all his ways, Hatred is in the house of his God. <a href="/slt/hosea/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The watchman of Ephraim with God: the prophet the snare of a fowler upon all his ways; destruction in the house of his God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hosea/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: the prophet is become a snare of ruin upon all his ways, madness is in the house of his God. <a href="/cpdv/hosea/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The watcher of Ephraim was with my God. The prophet has become a snare of ruin over all his ways; insanity is in the house of his God. <a href="/nabre/hosea/9.htm">New American Bible</a> The watchman of Ephraim, the people of my God, is the prophet; yet a fowler’s snare is on all his ways, hostility in the house of his God. <a href="/nrsvce/hosea/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The prophet is a sentinel for my God over Ephraim, yet a fowler’s snare is on all his ways, and hostility in the house of his God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hosea/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The watchman of Ephraim was with my God; but the prophet is a snare and a stumbling block in all his ways, and wantonness in the house of God. <a href="/hpbt/hosea/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The Watchman of Aphreim was with my God; the Prophet is a snare of subversion upon all his ways, and debauchery in the house of God<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/hosea/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Ephraim is a watchman with my God; As for the prophet, a fowler's snare is in all his ways, And enmity in the house of his God. <a href="/sep/hosea/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> The watchman of Ephraim was with God: the prophet is a crooked snare in all his ways: they have established madness in the house of God. <a href="/parallel/hosea/9-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpPG1oLnpGk?start=1357" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hosea/9.htm">Hosea Announces Israel's Punishment</a> …7The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility. 8<a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: nā·ḇî (N-ms) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">The prophet</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">is Ephraim’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: ṣō·p̄eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">watchman,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">along with</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">my God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6341.htm" title="6341: paḥ (N-msc) -- A, sheet, a spring net. From pachach; a sheet; also a spring net.">yet the snare</a> <a href="/hebrew/3352.htm" title="3352: yā·qō·wōš (N-ms) -- A fowler, trapper. From yaqosh; properly, entangling; hence, a snarer.">of the fowler</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">lies on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: də·rā·ḵāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">his paths.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4895.htm" title="4895: maś·ṭê·māh (N-fs) -- Animosity. From the same as shotet; enmity.">Hostility</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">is in the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of his God!</a> 9They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a> “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. <a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a> I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’ <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. <a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Isaiah 21:6</a> For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees. <a href="/micah/7-4.htm">Micah 7:4</a> The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion. <a href="/jeremiah/23-13.htm">Jeremiah 23:13-14</a> “Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray. / And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” <a href="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Ezekiel 33:7</a> As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10</a> Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. <a href="/lamentations/2-14.htm">Lamentations 2:14</a> The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a> I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a> While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. <a href="/matthew/24-11.htm">Matthew 24:11</a> and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a> For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.watchman.<a href="/songs/3-3.htm">Song of Solomon 3:3</a> The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?<a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6</a> I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,<a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a> Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.with.<a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a> And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.<a href="/1_kings/18-1.htm">1 Kings 18:1,36-39</a> And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth… <a href="/1_kings/22-28.htm">1 Kings 22:28</a> And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.but.<a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Hosea 5:1</a> Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.<a href="/1_kings/18-19.htm">1 Kings 18:19</a> Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.<a href="/1_kings/22-6.htm">1 Kings 22:6,11,22</a> Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king… in the.<a href="/john/15-24.htm">John 15:24</a> If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.<a href="/romans/3-7.htm">Romans 3:7</a> For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/48-43.htm">Await</a> <a href="/daniel/7-6.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/hosea/9-3.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/9-3.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Fowler</a> <a href="/psalms/124-7.htm">Fowler's</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Hatred</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/hosea/9-4.htm">House</a> <a href="/hosea/7-12.htm">Net</a> <a href="/hosea/2-6.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-8.htm">Snares</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-16.htm">Watches</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Watchman</a> <a href="/hosea/6-10.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/1-4.htm">Await</a> <a href="/hosea/9-11.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/hosea/11-9.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/hosea/9-11.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/9-13.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Fowler</a> <a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Fowler's</a> <a href="/hosea/10-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hosea/9-15.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Hatred</a> <a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/hosea/9-15.htm">House</a> <a href="/amos/3-5.htm">Net</a> <a href="/joel/2-7.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/hosea/12-13.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/amos/3-5.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Snares</a> <a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Watches</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Watchman</a> <a href="/hosea/12-2.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 9</div>1. <a href="/hosea/9-1.htm">The distress and captivity of Israel for their sins.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hosea/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hosea/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hosea/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The prophet is Ephraim’s watchman In ancient Israel, prophets served as watchmen, tasked with warning the people of impending danger and calling them back to God. Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, had prophets like Hosea who were meant to guide and protect them spiritually. The role of a watchman is seen in <a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a>, where God appoints Ezekiel to warn Israel. This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to be vigilant and attentive to the moral and spiritual state of the people.along with my God This phrase emphasizes the divine authority and partnership in the prophet's role. The prophet does not act alone but is guided by God. This connection underscores the importance of divine inspiration in prophetic ministry, as seen in <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a>, where God reveals His plans to His prophets. It also reflects the intimate relationship between God and His messengers, ensuring that their warnings and guidance are aligned with His will.yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths The imagery of a snare set by a fowler (bird catcher) suggests deception and danger. In biblical times, snares were traps used to catch birds, symbolizing hidden dangers and temptations that lead people away from God. This metaphor indicates that despite the prophet's warnings, the people of Ephraim are ensnared by sin and idolatry. <a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Psalm 91:3</a> uses similar imagery to describe God's deliverance from such traps, highlighting the need for divine intervention to escape spiritual entrapment.Hostility is in the house of his God! This phrase points to the corruption and rebellion within the religious institutions of Israel. The "house of his God" likely refers to the places of worship that should have been centers of devotion but had become sites of idolatry and false worship. This hostility against God and His prophets is reminiscent of the opposition faced by other prophets, such as Jeremiah, who encountered resistance from religious leaders (<a href="/jeremiah/26-8.htm">Jeremiah 26:8-11</a>). It underscores the tragic reality that those who should be leading the people to God are instead leading them astray.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/hosea.htm">Hosea</a> A prophet in the 8th century BC, Hosea was called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> One of the tribes of Israel, often used to represent the Northern Kingdom as a whole. Ephraim was known for its significant role in the history and leadership of Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_prophet.htm">The Prophet</a> Refers to Hosea himself or prophets in general, who were appointed as spiritual watchmen over Israel, tasked with delivering God's messages and warnings. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_snare_of_a_fowler.htm">The Snare of a Fowler</a> A metaphor for the traps and dangers that lie in the path of the prophet, symbolizing the spiritual and moral pitfalls that threaten Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_his_god.htm">The House of His God</a> Refers to the place of worship, likely the temple or places where God was to be worshiped, which had become places of hostility due to Israel's unfaithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_prophet.htm">The Role of the Prophet</a> Prophets are called to be vigilant watchmen, tasked with warning God's people of spiritual dangers. This role requires courage and faithfulness, even in the face of hostility. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_dangers_and_traps.htm">Spiritual Dangers and Traps</a> Just as the prophet faces snares, believers today must be aware of spiritual pitfalls and temptations that can lead them away from God. <a href="/topical/h/hostility_in_places_of_worship.htm">Hostility in Places of Worship</a> The presence of hostility in the house of God serves as a warning against allowing sin and unfaithfulness to corrupt our worship and community life. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_amidst_opposition.htm">Faithfulness Amidst Opposition</a> Believers are called to remain faithful to God's truth, even when facing opposition or hostility from within their own communities. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance</a> Like the prophet, Christians must remain vigilant, discerning, and prayerful to navigate the challenges and snares of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 9</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_codex_gigas.htm">What does the Bible say about watchmen?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_watchmen.htm">What does the Bible say about watchmen?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_ephraim_renounce_idols_in_hosea.htm">Why does Hosea 14:8 speak of Ephraim renouncing idols, yet later passages suggest the Northern Kingdom never fully returned from exile?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_ephraim's_cultural_mix.htm">Hosea 7:8 portrays Ephraim as a 'cake not turned' and mixed with nations--what historical or archaeological support exists for this portrayal of religious and cultural assimilation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Prophet.--Many hold that here (as in the previous verse) this word is used in a bad sense (false prophet), and standing contrasted with "the watchman of Ephraim" (or true prophet, Hosea himself, <a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm" title="Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not listen.">Jeremiah 6:17</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm" title="Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.">Ezekiel 3:17</a>). They would render:--"The watchman of Ephraim is with my God." But the verse is capable of an altogether different, and, on the whole, more satisfactory interpretation: Ephraim is a lier-in-wait, in conflict with my God. As for the prophet, the fowler's snare is in all his ways. (Comp. <a href="/context/matthew/23-34.htm" title="Why, behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall you whip in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:">Matthew 23:34-35</a>.) There is persecution in the house of his God. The objection to this rendering lies in this use of the Hebrew 'im ("in conflict with"). But the word might be read 'am, "people" (comp. LXX. on <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm" title="It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth on his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.">2Samuel 1:2</a>): "Ephraim, the people of my God, is a lier-in-wait"--a thought full of pathos, and in harmony with the main idea of this prophecy. <a href="/commentaries/hosea/9-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The prophet נָבִ֞יא (nā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> A spokesman, speaker, prophet is Ephraim’s אֶפְרַ֖יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory watchman, צֹפֶ֥ה (ṣō·p̄eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await along with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with my God, אֱלֹהָ֑י (’ĕ·lō·hāy) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative [yet] the snare פַּ֤ח (paḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6341.htm">Strong's 6341: </a> A, sheet, a spring net of the fowler יָקוֹשׁ֙ (yā·qō·wōš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3352.htm">Strong's 3352: </a> Entangling, a snarer [lies] on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every his paths. דְּרָכָ֔יו (də·rā·ḵāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action Hostility מַשְׂטֵמָ֖ה (maś·ṭê·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4895.htm">Strong's 4895: </a> Animosity is in the house בְּבֵ֥ית (bə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of his God! אֱלֹהָֽיו׃ (’ĕ·lō·hāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hosea/9-8.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 9:8 A prophet watches over Ephraim with my (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/9-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 9:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 9:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/9-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 9:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 9:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>