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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 7:11 So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove--calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/7-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/28_Hos_07_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim's Iniquity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove--calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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They call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hosea/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without sense; They call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hosea/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without sense; They call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hosea/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without a heart <i>of wisdom</i>; They call to Egypt; they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hosea/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without heart <i>or</i> good sense; They call to Egypt [for help], they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hosea/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove; they call to Egypt, and they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hosea/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove; they call to Egypt, and they go to Assyria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hosea/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ephraim is like a silly dove, without understanding: they call unto Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hosea/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Israel is a senseless bird, fluttering back and forth between Egypt and Assyria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hosea/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Ephraim is like a silly dove, without understanding: they call unto Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hosea/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ephraim, you are like a silly, senseless dove. You call for Egypt and run to Assyria for help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hosea/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Israel flits around like a silly pigeon; first her people call on Egypt for help, and then they run to Assyria! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hosea/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Ephraim is also like a silly dove, lacking sense: They call out to Egypt, and turn toward Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hosea/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove?calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hosea/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Ephraim has been like a dove, easily deceived and lacking discernment. They called to Egypt for help; they turned to Assyria for protection. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hosea/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hosea/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hosea/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hosea/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ephraim is as a simple dove without heart, "" Egypt they called on—[to] Asshur they have gone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hosea/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Ephraim is as a simple dove without heart, Egypt they called on -- to Asshur they have gone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hosea/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ephraim will be as an enticed dove, not a heart: they called Egypt, they went to Assur.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hosea/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Ephraim is become as a dove that is decoyed, not having a heart: they called upon Egypt, they went to the Assyrians. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hosea/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Ephraim has become like a pigeon that has been led astray, not having a heart; for they called upon Egypt, they went to the Assyrians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hosea/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ephraim is like a dove, silly and senseless; They call upon Egypt, they go to Assyria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hosea/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Ephraim has become like a dove, silly and without sense; they call upon Egypt, they go to Assyria.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hosea/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Ephraim also is like a young dove without understanding; they have come to Egypt, they are gone to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/hosea/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Aphreim was like a baby dove; there is no heart in him; they came to Egypt and they went to Assyria<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/hosea/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Ephraim is become like a silly dove, without understanding; They call unto Egypt, they go to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/hosea/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Ephraim was as a silly dove, not having a heart: he called to Egypt, and they went to the Assyrians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hosea/7-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpPG1oLnpGk?start=1050" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hosea/7.htm">Ephraim's Iniquity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Israel’s arrogance testifies against them, yet they do not return to the LORD their God; despite all this, they do not seek Him. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><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.">So Ephraim</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">has become</a> <a href="/hebrew/6601.htm" title="6601: p̄ō·w·ṯāh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- A primitive root; to open, i.e. Be roomy; usually figuratively to be simple or delude.">like a silly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">senseless</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3123.htm" title="3123: kə·yō·w·nāh (Prep-k:: N-fs) -- Dove. Probably from the same as yayin; a dove.">dove—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qā·rā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">calling out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">to Egypt,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·lā·ḵū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">then turning</a> <a href="/hebrew/804.htm" title="804: ’aš·šūr (N-proper-fs) -- Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them, its region and its empire.">to Assyria.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>As they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air. I will chastise them when I hear them flocking together.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a></span><br />“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm">Isaiah 7:11-12</a></span><br />“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a></span><br />“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Isaiah 30:1-2</a></span><br />“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-4.htm">2 Kings 17:4</a></span><br />But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5</a></span><br />Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-13.htm">Isaiah 9:13-16</a></span><br />But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts. / So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day. / The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Jeremiah 8:7</a></span><br />Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Isaiah 1:3</a></span><br />The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56</a></span><br />You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20-21</a></span><br />Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? / For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.</p><p class="hdg">a silly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/11-11.htm">Hosea 11:11</a></b></br> They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">without.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/4-11.htm">Hosea 4:11</a></b></br> Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a></b></br> <i>But</i> whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he <i>that</i> doeth it destroyeth his own soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Proverbs 15:32</a></b></br> He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.</p><p class="hdg">they call.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Hosea 5:13</a></b></br> When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah <i>saw</i> his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/8-8.htm">Hosea 8:8,9</a></b></br> Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein <i>is</i> no pleasure… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/9-3.htm">Hosea 9:3</a></b></br> They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean <i>things</i> in Assyria.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Asshur</a> <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Assyria</a> <a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-9.htm">Deceived</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-28.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/hosea/2-15.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/hosea/7-8.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/7-8.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-28.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/hosea/7-6.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/daniel/12-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-17.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/job/5-2.htm">Silly</a> <a href="/hosea/6-11.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/hosea/4-11.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/8-9.htm">Asshur</a> <a href="/hosea/8-9.htm">Assyria</a> <a href="/hosea/7-14.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-3.htm">Deceived</a> <a href="/hosea/11-11.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/hosea/7-16.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/hosea/8-9.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/8-9.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/hosea/7-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/hosea/14-9.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/luke/24-25.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Silly</a> <a href="/hosea/10-11.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/hosea/13-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/7-1.htm">A reproof of manifold sins.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">God's wrath against them for their hypocrisy.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/7.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/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—</b><br>Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is often used in the prophetic books to symbolize the entire nation. The imagery of a "silly, senseless dove" suggests a lack of wisdom and discernment. Doves are known for their simplicity and vulnerability, which in this context, implies that Ephraim is acting foolishly and without understanding. This behavior reflects Israel's spiritual adultery and lack of faithfulness to God, as they seek alliances with foreign nations instead of relying on the Lord. The dove's senselessness can be seen as a metaphor for Israel's failure to heed the warnings of the prophets and their inability to recognize the consequences of their actions.<p><b>calling out to Egypt,</b><br>Historically, Israel had a complex relationship with Egypt, often looking to it for military and political support. This phrase indicates Israel's reliance on foreign powers rather than trusting in God. Egypt, a symbol of past bondage and idolatry, represents a return to old dependencies and a failure to learn from history. The Israelites' desire to form alliances with Egypt shows their lack of faith in God's provision and protection, echoing the times when they longed to return to Egypt during their wilderness journey (<a href="/exodus/16-3.htm">Exodus 16:3</a>).<p><b>then turning to Assyria.</b><br>Assyria was a dominant power during Hosea's time, and Israel's attempts to seek favor with Assyria demonstrate their political instability and spiritual infidelity. This turning to Assyria is ironic, as Assyria would eventually become the instrument of God's judgment against Israel, leading to their exile in 722 BC. The vacillation between Egypt and Assyria highlights Israel's desperation and lack of steadfastness, as they sought security in human alliances rather than in their covenant relationship with God. This behavior is reminiscent of the warnings in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where God outlines the consequences of disobedience, including subjugation by foreign nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a></b><br>Represents the northern kingdom of Israel, often used synonymously with Israel in the prophetic books. Ephraim was the largest tribe and thus symbolized the whole nation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/dove.htm">Dove</a></b><br>A bird often symbolizing peace and innocence, but here it is used to depict foolishness and lack of discernment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>A powerful nation to the south of Israel, historically a place of refuge but also a symbol of bondage and idolatry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/assyria.htm">Assyria</a></b><br>A dominant empire to the northeast of Israel, known for its military might and eventual conquest of the northern kingdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/hosea.htm">Hosea</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Israel, emphasizing God's love and the people's unfaithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/foolishness_of_misplaced_trust.htm">Foolishness of Misplaced Trust</a></b><br>Ephraim's reliance on foreign powers rather than God serves as a warning against placing our trust in worldly solutions over divine guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_inconsistency.htm">The Danger of Inconsistency</a></b><br>Like a "silly, senseless dove," inconsistency in our spiritual walk can lead to vulnerability and poor decision-making.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_discernment.htm">The Call to Discernment</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment from God, avoiding the pitfalls of impulsive and unwise choices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_return.htm">Repentance and Return</a></b><br>Hosea's message is ultimately one of hope, urging a return to God and His ways, which is applicable to all believers who have strayed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_faithfulness.htm">God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness</a></b><br>Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's sovereignty and faithfulness remain, offering assurance to those who turn back to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_to_israel's_lost_tribes.htm">What happened to Israel's lost tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'reap_the_whirlwind'_mean.htm">What does "sow the wind, reap the whirlwind" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_assyria_conquer_israel.htm">Why did Assyria conquer Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_hosea_9_3_align_with_history.htm">In Hosea 9:3, how does the claim that Israel would return to Egypt align with historical records that show no major return after the Exodus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Silly dove.</span>--No creature is less able to defend itself than the dove, which flies from the bird of prey to the net of the fowler. In this powerful metaphor we have a political allusion. King Hoshea is called <span class= "ital">Ausih</span> on the Assyrian monuments. Having usurped the throne after the murder of Pekah, he "purchased his recognition as king of Israel by giving a large present to the Assyrian monarch" (730 B.C.). (See Geo. Smith, <span class= "ital">Assyria</span>--S.P.C.K.) But while Hoshea was sending tribute to Assyria he was secretly coquetting with Egypt. The alliance between Egypt and the king of Israel, mentioned in <a href="/2_kings/17-4.htm" title="And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.">2Kings 17:4</a>, took place later, after Tiglath-pileser's death, and led to Israel's ruin. On the other hand, many commentators (Ewald, Nowack, &c.) refer the allusions of this verse to the reign of Menahem.<p><span class= "bld">Without heart.--</span>Better, <span class= "ital">without understanding.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart.</span> The silliness of the dove, with which the stupidity of Ephraim is compared, is not manifested by its missing its nest and resting-place, and then helplessly fluttering about, according to Ewald; nor by its falling into the net of the bird-catcher in its effort to escape from the hawk, according to Hitzig; nor by its neither grieving nor searching for its young when it is robbed of them, according to Jerome; nor by its becoming dejected or devoid of consideration when it has lost its young, according to the Targum; but by its flying right into the net of the bird-catcher, without suspecting or observing it in its search for food, according to Rosenmüller. Thus Kimchi explains it: "The prophet compares Ephraim to a dove which gets caught in a net owing to its simplicity, because it has no sense to perceive that, when it goes to gather grains of corn, a net is spread there to catch it. So Ephraim, when they went and asked help from Assyria or from Egypt, (did not perceive) that they went to their hurt, when they sought help from the foreign nations and not from God - blessed be he! - in whose hand all is. And he mentions the dove, though it is the manner of other birds, because the dove has no bitterness, as if it went in simplicity and without apprehension of the evil that would come upon it." <span class="cmt_word">They call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.</span> The position of Palestine exposed its inhabitants to attacks from the two great rival powers of Egypt and Assyria, or Babylon. "It stood midway," says Stanley, "between the two great seats of ancient empire, Babylon and Egypt. It was on the high-road from one to the other of these mighty powers, the prize for which they contended, the battlefield on which they fought, the lofty bridge over which they ascended and descended respectively into the deep basins of the Nile and Euphrates." Accordingly the rulers of the people sought help, now from Egypt to strengthen them against the oppression of Assyria; at another time they sought to secure the support of Assyria. The most powerful enemy of the northern kingdom was Assyria, which distressed that kingdom more and more, until at last they made an end of it. "But," says Kimchi, "while they think to obtain help by them (Egypt and Assyria), they fall into the net of the Almighty - blessed be he - and this is what he says (in the following verse). <span class="cmt_word">As they go I spread my net over them."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hosea/7-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Ephraim</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְרַ֔יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has become</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a silly,</span><br /><span class="heb">פוֹתָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ō·w·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6601.htm">Strong's 6601: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open, be, roomy, to be, simple, delude</span><br /><br /><span class="word">senseless</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dove—</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּיוֹנָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(kə·yō·w·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dove</span><br /><br /><span class="word">calling out</span><br /><span class="heb">קָרָ֖אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(qā·rā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Egypt,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְרַ֥יִם</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then turning</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלָֽכוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·lā·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Assyria.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַשּׁ֥וּר</span> <span class="translit">(’aš·šūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_804.htm">Strong's 804: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ashshur</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 7:11 Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/7-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 7:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 7:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/7-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 7:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 7:12" /></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>