Hosea 5:14 For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.

◄ Hosea 5:14 ►

New International Version
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them.

New Living Translation
I will be like a lion to Israel, like a strong young lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces! I will carry them off, and no one will be left to rescue them.

English Standard Version
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue.

Berean Standard Bible
For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.

King James Bible
For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

New King James Version
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue.

New American Standard Bible
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, yes I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be no one to rescue.

NASB 1995
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver.

NASB 1977
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver.

Legacy Standard Bible
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away; I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver.

Amplified Bible
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go on [tearing]; I will carry off [the prey] and there will be no one to rescue them.

Christian Standard Bible
For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. Yes, I will tear them to pieces and depart. I will carry them off, and no one can rescue them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. Yes, I will tear them to pieces and depart. I will carry them off, and no one can rescue them.

American Standard Version
For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and there shall be none to deliver.

Contemporary English Version
So I'll become a fierce lion attacking Israel and Judah. I'll snatch and carry off what I want, and no one can stop me.

English Revised Version
For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and there shall be none to deliver.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will be like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the nation of Judah. I will carry [them] off, and no one will rescue [them].

Good News Translation
I will attack the people of Israel and Judah like a lion. I myself will tear them to pieces and then leave them. When I drag them off, no one will be able to save them.

International Standard Version
Therefore I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I—even I—will tear them to pieces, and then I will leave. I will take them away, and there will be no rescue.

Majority Standard Bible
For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.

NET Bible
I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear them to pieces, then I will carry them off, and no one will be able to rescue them!

New Heart English Bible
For I will be to Ephraim like a lion, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear in pieces and go away. I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver.

Webster's Bible Translation
For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

World English Bible
For I will be to Ephraim like a lion, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear in pieces and go away. I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For I [am] as a lion to Ephraim, "" And as a young lion to the house of Judah, I tear and go, "" I carry away, and there is no deliverer.

Young's Literal Translation
For I am as a lion to Ephraim, And as a young lion to the house of Judah, I -- I tear and go, I bear away, and there is no deliverer.

Smith's Literal Translation
For I as the lion to Ephraim, and as the young lion to the house of Judah I, I will rend and go away; I will take away and none delivering.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I will be like a lioness to Ephraim, and like a lion's whelp to the house of Juda: I, I will catch, and go: I will take away, and there is none that can rescue.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I will be like a lioness to Ephraim, and like a lion’s offspring to the house of Judah. I myself will seize and go forth. I will take away, and there is no one who can rescue.

New American Bible
For I am like a lion to Ephraim, like a young lion to the house of Judah; It is I who tear the prey and depart, I carry it away and no one can save it.

New Revised Standard Version
For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah; I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because I am like a lion to Aphreim and like a whelp of a lion to the house of Yehuda; I shall tear apart and I shall go on and I shall take and there is none to deliver

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, And as a young lion to the house of Judah; I, even I, will tear and go away, I will take away, and there shall be none to deliver.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Wherefore I am as a panther to Ephraim, and as a lion to the house of Juda: and I will tear, and go away; and I will take, and there shall be none to deliver.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

God's Judgment on Israel and Judah
…13When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. 14For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. 15Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 31:4
For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.

Amos 3:8
The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?

Jeremiah 25:38
He has left His den like a lion, for their land has been made a desolation by the sword of the oppressor, and because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:10
He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush.

Job 10:16
Should I hold my head high, You would hunt me like a lion, and again display Your power against me.

Isaiah 5:29
Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it.

Jeremiah 49:19
Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?”

Ezekiel 22:25
The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.

Amos 1:2
He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.”

Micah 5:8
Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.

Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Revelation 10:3
Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Luke 13:32
But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’

Treasury of Scripture

For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

as a lion.

Hosea 13:7,8
Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: …

Job 10:16
For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.

Psalm 7:2
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

will tear.

Psalm 7:2
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

Psalm 50:22
Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

Micah 5:8
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

none.

Deuteronomy 28:31
Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.

Job 10:7
Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.

Isaiah 5:29
Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.

Jump to Previous

Bear Carry Children Deliver Deliverer Ephraim E'phraim Great House Judah Lion Pieces Rend Rescue Tear Wounds Young

Jump to Next

Bear Carry Children Deliver Deliverer Ephraim E'phraim Great House Judah Lion Pieces Rend Rescue Tear Wounds Young

Hosea 5

1. The judgments of God are denounced against the priests, people, and princes,
9. both of Israel and Judah, for their manifold sins.
15. An intimation is given of mercy on their repentance.

Berean Study Bible

For I am like a lion to Ephraim
The imagery of a lion is powerful and deliberate. In the Hebrew context, a lion symbolizes strength, ferocity, and authority. The lion is often seen as the king of beasts, and here, God is asserting His sovereign power over Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. The use of "like a lion" indicates impending judgment and the seriousness of Israel's transgressions. Historically, lions were known to inhabit the region, making this metaphor both vivid and terrifying to the original audience. The lion's roar would have been a familiar sound, evoking fear and respect, much like the fear of God's righteous judgment.

and like a young lion to the house of Judah
The phrase "young lion" suggests a lion in its prime, full of energy and strength. This indicates that God's judgment is not only powerful but also vigorous and unstoppable. The "house of Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, showing that both Israel and Judah are subject to God's discipline. The young lion's vigor underscores the immediacy and intensity of the coming judgment. In a broader scriptural context, this serves as a warning to all of God's people about the consequences of straying from His commandments.

I, even I, will tear them to pieces and go away
The repetition of "I, even I" emphasizes God's personal involvement in the judgment. It is not a distant or impersonal act; it is God Himself who will execute justice. The phrase "tear them to pieces" is graphic, illustrating the severity of the punishment. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where disobedience leads to dire consequences. The act of going away signifies that after the judgment, God will withdraw His presence, leaving the people to face the repercussions of their actions alone. This withdrawal is a profound loss, as God's presence is synonymous with protection and blessing.

I will carry them off with no one to rescue them
The imagery of being "carried off" suggests exile and displacement, a fate that indeed befell both Israel and Judah. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled through the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. The phrase "with no one to rescue them" highlights the totality of God's judgment. In their rebellion, the people have forfeited divine protection, and no earthly power can save them. This serves as a sobering reminder of the futility of relying on human strength or alliances instead of God. It calls believers to repentance and reliance on God's mercy and grace, underscoring the hope that while judgment is severe, God's ultimate desire is for restoration and reconciliation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) As a lion.--First the trans-Jordanic tribes, then additional provinces, and lastly the whole population, were carried away as in the teeth of a beast of prey. (Comp. Amos 3:6.) Assyria is here referred to as represented by Tiglath-pileser. We might also quote from the inscription of Sargon in fulfilment of this prediction: "Samaria I besieged; I captured 27,290 people dwelling in the midst of it; I carried captive" (George Smith, Assyrian Eponym Canon, p. 125). A similar fate overtook Jerusalem in 587 B.C., at the hands of Babylonia, in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar (2Chronicles 36:4-10; 2Kings 24:10-16; 2Kings 25:1-11).

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 14, 15. - These verses assign a reason for the powerlessness even of the mighty Assyrian monarch to help; and that reason is the Divine interposition. The irresistible Jehovah himself (the addition of the pronoun intensifies, yet more its repetition) now interferes for the destruction of the apostate and rebellious people. For I am unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah. As we are taught in these words, Jehovah's mode of procedure is now changed. Before it had been slow and silent, though sure destruction, as signified by the moth and woodworm; but now it will be public and patent to the eyes of all, as wall as decisive and powerful, as intimated by the comparison of a lion and young lion. Nor is that all: lion-like, lie will rend before removing the prey - a tearing in pieces and then a carrying away. This well-known habit of the lion finds its counterpart in the subsequent facts of Hebrew history. The northern kingdom was first rent or broken up by Shalmaneser; subsequently the population were carried away into captivity; in like manner the southern kingdom suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. I will go and return to my place. The figurative comparison with a lion is continued in the first clause of ver. 15 also. The lion tears his victim and carries it away, then he retires into his cave or den; so Jehovah, after bringing calamity upon Israel, withdraws from the scene and retires to his own place in heaven, though the heaven of heavens cannot contain him. There, in that unapproachable ether, he is inaccessible to and beyond the reach of the guilty nation that knew not nor valued the former times of merciful visitation. One remedy, and only one, is left and that is found in penitence and prayer. Once they find out their guiltiness and humble themselves in repentance, they may hopefully seek his face and favor. Turning away from human help, and supplicating the gracious help of the Divine presence, they are encouraged by the prospect of relict' and revival; while the means to that end are, no doubt, painful, yet profitable. In the school of affliction they learnt penitence and were brought to their knees in prayer.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I
אָנֹכִ֤י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am like a lion
כַשַּׁ֙חַל֙ (ḵaš·ša·ḥal)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7826: A lion

to Ephraim
לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם (lə·’ep̄·ra·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

and like a young lion
וְכַכְּפִ֖יר (wə·ḵak·kə·p̄îr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3715: A village, a young lion

to the house
לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Judah.
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

I,
אֲנִ֨י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

[even] I,
אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will tear them to pieces
אֶטְרֹף֙ (’eṭ·rōp̄)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2963: To pluck off, pull to pieces, to supply with food

and go away.
וְאֵלֵ֔ךְ (wə·’ê·lêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

I will carry them off
אֶשָּׂ֖א (’eś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

[where] no one
וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

can rescue them.
מַצִּֽיל׃ (maṣ·ṣîl)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

Links

Hosea 5:14 NIV
Hosea 5:14 NLT
Hosea 5:14 ESV
Hosea 5:14 NASB
Hosea 5:14 KJV

Hosea 5:14 BibleApps.com
Hosea 5:14 Biblia Paralela
Hosea 5:14 Chinese Bible
Hosea 5:14 French Bible
Hosea 5:14 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Hosea 5:14 For I will be to Ephraim like (Ho Hs Hos.)