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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 14:8 O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/14-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/28_Hos_14_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 14:8 - A Promise of God's Blessing" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hosea/14-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hosea/14-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hosea/">Hosea</a> > <a href="/hosea/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hosea/14-7.htm" title="Hosea 14:7">◄</a> Hosea 14:8 <a href="/hosea/14-9.htm" title="Hosea 14:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/hosea/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/hosea/14.htm">New International Version</a> Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/hosea/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> “O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.” <a href="/esv/hosea/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit. <a href="/bsb/hosea/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me. <a href="/kjv/hosea/14.htm">King James Bible</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. <a href="/nkjv/hosea/14.htm">New King James Version</a> “Ephraim shall say, ‘What have I to do anymore with idols?’ I have heard and observed him. I am like a green cypress tree; Your fruit is found in Me.” <a href="/nasb_/hosea/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant juniper; From Me comes your fruit. <a href="/nasb/hosea/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; From Me comes your fruit. <a href="/nasb77/hosea/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; From Me comes your fruit. <a href="/lsb/hosea/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; From Me comes your fruit. <a href="/amp/hosea/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who have answered and will care for you and watch over you. I am like a luxuriant cypress tree; With Me your fruit is found [which is to nourish you]. <a href="/csb/hosea/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Ephraim, why should I have anything more to do with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing pine tree; your fruit comes from me. <a href="/hcsb/hosea/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Ephraim, why should I have anything more to do with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing pine tree; your fruit comes from Me. <a href="/asv/hosea/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have answered, and will regard him: I am like a green fir-tree; from me is thy fruit found. <a href="/cev/hosea/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. <a href="/erv/hosea/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have answered, and will regard him: I am like a green fir tree; from me is thy fruit found. <a href="/gwt/hosea/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The people of Ephraim will have nothing more to do with idols. I will answer them and take care of them. I am like a growing pine tree. Their fruit comes from me." <a href="/gnt/hosea/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> The people of Israel will have nothing more to do with idols; I will answer their prayers and take care of them. Like an evergreen tree I will shelter them; I am the source of all their blessings." <a href="/isv/hosea/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Ephraim, what have I in common with idols? I have listened and will pay attention to him. I am like a flourishing cypress; in me will your fruit be found." <a href="/msb/hosea/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me. <a href="/net/hosea/14.htm">NET Bible</a> O Ephraim, I do not want to have anything to do with idols anymore! I will answer him and care for him. I am like a luxuriant cypress tree; your fruitfulness comes from me! <a href="/nheb/hosea/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green fir tree; from me your fruit is found." <a href="/wbt/hosea/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir-tree. From me is thy fruit found. <a href="/web/hosea/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green cypress tree; from me your fruit is found.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hosea/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> O Ephraim, what have I anymore to do with idols? I have answered, and I look after him: I [am] as a green fir-tree, "" Your fruit is found from Me. <a href="/ylt/hosea/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> O Ephraim, what to Me any more with idols? I -- I afflicted, and I cause him to sing: 'I am as a green fir-tree,' From Me is thy fruit found. <a href="/slt/hosea/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ephraim: What to me yet to images? I humbled, and I will regard him: I as the green cypress From me thy fruit was found.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hosea/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I will hear him, and I will make him flourish like a green fir tree: from me is thy fruit found. <a href="/cpdv/hosea/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 14:9>Ephraim will say, “What are idols to me any more?” I will listen to him, and I will set him straight like a healthy spruce tree. Your fruit has been found by me. <a href="/nabre/hosea/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Ephraim! What more have I to do with idols? I have humbled him, but I will take note of him. I am like a verdant cypress tree. From me fruit will be found for you! <a href="/nrsvce/hosea/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hosea/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have humbled him, and I will glorify him; I am like a green fir tree. From me is your fruit found. <a href="/hpbt/hosea/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Aphreim shall say: ”What more have I to do with idols?” And I have humbled him, and I have found him as an almond tree thickly grown, also from me your fruits are found<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/hosea/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Ephraim [shall say]: 'What have I to do any more with idols?' As for Me, I respond and look on him; I am like a leafy cypress-tree; From Me is thy fruit found. <a href="/sep/hosea/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> What has he to do any more with idols? I have afflicted him, and I will strengthen him: I am as a leafy juniper tree. From me is thy fruit found. <a href="/parallel/hosea/14-8.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=2192" 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/14.htm">A Promise of God's Blessing</a> …7They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. 8<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.">O Ephraim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">have I to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">anymore</a> <a href="/hebrew/6091.htm" title="6091: lā·‘ă·ṣab·bîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- An idol. From atsab; an image.">with idols?</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">It is I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ā·nî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To answer, respond.">who answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/7789.htm" title="7789: wa·’ă·šū·ren·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cs:: 3mse) -- To behold, regard. A primitive root; to spy out, i.e. survey, lurk for, care for.">and watch over him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I am like</a> <a href="/hebrew/7488.htm" title="7488: ra·‘ă·nān (Adj-ms) -- Luxuriant, fresh. From an unused root meaning to be green; verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous.">a flourishing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1265.htm" title="1265: kiḇ·rō·wōš (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Cypress or fir. Of uncertain derivation; a cypress Tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument.">cypress;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6529.htm" title="6529: per·yə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Fruit. From parah; fruit.">your fruit</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: nim·ṣā (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from Me.</a> 9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.…<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="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/isaiah/41-19.htm">Isaiah 41:19-20</a> I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together, / so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.” <a href="/jeremiah/17-7.htm">Jeremiah 17:7-8</a> But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a> He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. <a href="/ezekiel/36-8.htm">Ezekiel 36:8-11</a> But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and bear fruit for My people Israel, for they will soon come home. / For behold, I am on your side; I will turn toward you, and you will be tilled and sown. / I will multiply the people upon you—the house of Israel in its entirety. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. ... <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-18</a> Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. <a href="/isaiah/60-21.htm">Isaiah 60:21</a> Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. <a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Philippians 1:11</a> filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a> The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, <a href="/ezekiel/17-22.htm">Ezekiel 17:22-24</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. / I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. / Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’” <a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17-20</a> Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. / Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ... <a href="/isaiah/27-6.htm">Isaiah 27:6</a> In the days to come, Jacob will take root. Israel will bud and blossom and fill the whole world with fruit. <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a> so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33-34</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. / No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is your fruit found.What.<a href="/hosea/14-2.htm">Hosea 14:2,3</a> Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips… <a href="/job/34-32.htm">Job 34:32</a> That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.<a href="/acts/19-18.htm">Acts 19:18-20</a> And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds… I have.<a href="/job/33-27.htm">Job 33:27</a> He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;<a href="/jeremiah/31-18.htm">Jeremiah 31:18-20</a> I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God… <a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20</a> And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.I am.<a href="/isaiah/41-19.htm">Isaiah 41:19</a> I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:<a href="/isaiah/55-13.htm">Isaiah 55:13</a> Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.<a href="/isaiah/60-13.htm">Isaiah 60:13</a> The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.From me.<a href="/john/1-16.htm">John 1:16</a> And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.<a href="/john/15-1.htm">John 15:1-8</a> I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman… <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22,23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/18-12.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/hosea/10-1.htm">Branching</a> <a href="/daniel/1-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/hosea/14-1.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-6.htm">Cypress</a> <a href="/songs/1-14.htm">Cypress-Tree</a> <a href="/hosea/13-12.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/13-12.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/hosea/10-2.htm">False.</a> <a href="/ezekiel/31-8.htm">Fir</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-13.htm">Fir-Tree</a> <a href="/hosea/12-8.htm">Found</a> <a href="/hosea/10-13.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/hosea/14-3.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Green</a> <a href="/hosea/7-12.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/hosea/13-2.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-2.htm">Leafy</a> <a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/daniel/9-2.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-10.htm">Pine</a> <a href="/daniel/11-37.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/hosea/2-22.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/hosea/2-15.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/hosea/14-6.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/amos/2-7.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/52-8.htm">Branching</a> <a href="/joel/2-18.htm">Care</a> <a href="/joel/2-23.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Cypress</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Cypress-Tree</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-19.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-19.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/jonah/2-8.htm">False.</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Fir</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Fir-Tree</a> <a href="/jonah/1-3.htm">Found</a> <a href="/joel/1-7.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/joel/3-5.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/joel/2-22.htm">Green</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/amos/5-26.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/mark/11-8.htm">Leafy</a> <a href="/jonah/2-8.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/micah/6-16.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Pine</a> <a href="/amos/5-22.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/joel/1-7.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 14</div>1. <a href="/hosea/14-1.htm">An exhortation to repentance.</a> 4. <a href="/hosea/14-4.htm">A promise of God's blessing.</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/14.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/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? This phrase addresses the northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, which was the largest tribe and representative of the whole. The rhetorical question signifies God's rejection of idolatry, a recurring sin in Israel's history. The context is a call to repentance and a return to the covenant relationship with God. Idolatry was prevalent in the ancient Near East, and Israel's adoption of these practices led to spiritual adultery. This echoes the first commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>) and the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh.It is I who answer and watch over him. God declares His role as the one who responds to the needs of His people and provides protection. This assurance contrasts with the impotence of idols, which cannot hear or act (<a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a>). The phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness, highlighting His active involvement in the lives of His people. The imagery of God as a watchful guardian is consistent with His covenant promises (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a>).I am like a flourishing cypress; The cypress tree, known for its strength and evergreen nature, symbolizes enduring life and prosperity. In the arid climate of the Middle East, a flourishing tree represents sustenance and stability. This metaphor illustrates God's provision and the life-giving relationship He offers. The cypress may also allude to the temple's construction materials (<a href="/1_kings/6-15.htm">1 Kings 6:15</a>), symbolizing God's presence and blessing.your fruit comes from Me. This phrase underscores the source of Israel's blessings and prosperity. It is a reminder that all good things come from God (<a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a>). The imagery of fruitfulness is often used in Scripture to describe spiritual growth and the results of a righteous life (<a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>, <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>). This statement calls Israel to recognize their dependence on God for all aspects of life, contrasting with the barrenness of idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> Represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often used as a symbol for the entire nation due to its prominence. 2. <a href="/topical/i/idols.htm">Idols</a> Refers to the false gods and images that Israel turned to, forsaking the worship of the one true God. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a> The speaker in this verse, expressing His role as the provider and protector of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/c/cypress_tree.htm">Cypress Tree</a> A metaphor used by God to describe His enduring and life-giving nature. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel's_repentance.htm">Israel's Repentance</a> The broader context of <a href="/bsb/hosea/14.htm">Hosea 14</a> is a call for Israel to return to God and forsake idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/rejecting_idolatry.htm">Rejecting Idolatry</a> Believers are called to examine their lives for modern-day idols—anything that takes precedence over God—and to turn away from them. <a href="/topical/g/god_as_provider.htm">God as Provider</a> Recognize that all good things come from God, and rely on Him as the source of spiritual and material blessings. <a href="/topical/a/abiding_in_god.htm">Abiding in God</a> Just as a tree draws life from its roots, Christians must remain rooted in Christ to bear fruit. <a href="/topical/d/divine_watchfulness.htm">Divine Watchfulness</a> Trust in God's constant care and protection, knowing that He watches over His people. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> Embrace the call to repentance, understanding that turning back to God leads to restoration and renewed relationship.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 14</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/why_no_retribution_for_idol_worship.htm">Hosea 8:5: Why does archaeological evidence suggest widespread idol worship with no immediate divine retribution?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_ephraim's_idol_worship.htm">Hosea 13:2: Given the claim of idol-making by Ephraim, where is the archaeological evidence that confirms or challenges such extensive idol worship at that time and place?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_israel_appoint_kings_without_god.htm">Hosea 8:4: How could Israel set up kings without God's approval if He is sovereign over all nations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) It would be better to adopt the slightly different reading indicated by the rendering of the LXX., and translate, As for Ephraim, what has he to do with, &c. Here again, as in <a href="/hosea/13-15.htm" title="Though he be fruitful among his brothers, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.">Hosea 13:15</a>, the Hebrew for "thy fruit" contains a play on the name Ephraim. I (says Jehovah) am to thee an evergreen tree of life and protection, and from me is thy fruit found.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? This is full, final, and for over a renunciation of idolatry on the part of Israel. I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. This is God's promise, that his eye is fixed on Israel in order to look after him, care for him, and provide for him, and to protect and prosper him; while the figure of a green fir tree is the pledge of shelter and security. But, though the fir tree is evergreen, it is fruitless; and therefore it is added that God will prove the Source of fruitfulness, and supply all that his people shall or can ever need. <a href="/commentaries/hosea/14-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>O Ephraim, אֶפְרַ֕יִם (’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 what מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have I to do לִּ֥י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> anymore ע֖וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more with idols? לָֽעֲצַבִּ֑ים (lā·‘ă·ṣab·bîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6091.htm">Strong's 6091: </a> An, image It is I אֲנִ֧י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I who answer עָנִ֣יתִי (‘ā·nî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond and watch over him. וַאֲשׁוּרֶ֗נּוּ (wa·’ă·šū·ren·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7789.htm">Strong's 7789: </a> To spy out, survey, lurk for, care for I [am] like אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I a green רַֽעֲנָ֔ן (ra·‘ă·nān) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7488.htm">Strong's 7488: </a> Verdant, new, prosperous cypress tree; כִּבְר֣וֹשׁ (kiḇ·rō·wōš) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1265.htm">Strong's 1265: </a> A cypress, tree, a lance, a musical instrument your fruit פֶּרְיְךָ֥ (per·yə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6529.htm">Strong's 6529: </a> Fruit comes נִמְצָֽא׃ (nim·ṣā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present from Me. מִמֶּ֖נִּי (mim·men·nî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hosea/14-8.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 14:8 Ephraim what have I to do any (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/14-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 14:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 14:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/14-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 14:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 14:9" /></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>