Hosea 12:1
New International Version
Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

New Living Translation
The people of Israel feed on the wind; they chase after the east wind all day long. They pile up lies and violence; they are making an alliance with Assyria while sending olive oil to buy support from Egypt.

English Standard Version
Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible
Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

King James Bible
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

New King James Version
“Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, And oil is carried to Egypt.

New American Standard Bible
Ephraim feeds on wind, And pursues the east wind continually; He multiplies lies and violence. Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria, And oil is brought to Egypt.

NASB 1995
Ephraim feeds on wind, And pursues the east wind continually; He multiplies lies and violence. Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria, And oil is carried to Egypt.

NASB 1977
Ephraim feeds on wind, And pursues the east wind continually; He multiplies lies and violence. Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria, And oil is carried to Egypt.

Legacy Standard Bible
Ephraim feeds on wind And pursues the east wind continually; He abounds in falsehood and destruction. Moreover, he cuts a covenant with Assyria, And oil is carried to Egypt.

Amplified Bible
Ephraim feeds on the [emptiness of the] wind And [continually] pursues the [parching] east wind [which brings destruction]; Every day he multiplies lies and violence. Further, he makes a covenant with Assyria And (olive) oil is carried to Egypt [to seek alliances].

Christian Standard Bible
Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and violence. He makes a covenant with Assyria, and olive oil is carried to Egypt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and violence. He makes a covenant with Assyria, and olive oil is carried to Egypt.

American Standard Version
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he continually multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Contemporary English Version
All day long Israel chases wind from the desert; deceit and violence are found everywhere. Treaties are made with Assyria; olive oil is taken to Egypt.

English Revised Version
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he continually multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The people of Ephraim try to catch the wind and try to chase the east wind all day. They are very violent and destructive. They make treaties with Assyria and take olive oil to Egypt.

Good News Translation
Everything that the people of Israel do from morning to night is useless and destructive. Treachery and acts of violence increase among them. They make treaties with Assyria and do business with Egypt."

International Standard Version
"Ephraim feeds on the wind, chasing after the eastern winds, storing up lies and desolation day after day. They are making a contract with the Assyrians, and sending oil to Egypt.

Majority Standard Bible
Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

NET Bible
Ephraim continually feeds on the wind; he chases the east wind all day; he multiplies lies and violence. They make treaties with Assyria, and send olive oil as tribute to Egypt.

New Heart English Bible
Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Webster's Bible Translation
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily multiplieth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

World English Bible
Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Ephraim is enjoying wind, "" And is pursuing an east wind, "" All the day he multiplies lying and spoiling, "" And they make a covenant with Asshur, "" And oil is carried to Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation
Ephraim is enjoying wind, And is pursuing an east wind, All the day lying and spoiling he multiplieth, And a covenant with Asshur they make, And oil to Egypt is carried.

Smith's Literal Translation
Ephraim fed upon the wind, and he pursued the east wind: all the day he multiplied falsehood and destruction; and they will cut out a covenant with Assur, and oil will be brought to Egypt.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he hath made a covenant with the Assyrians, and carried oil into Egypt.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Ephraim feeds on wind and follows burning heat; all day long he multiplies lies and desolation. And he has entered into a pact with the Assyrians, and he has carried oil into Egypt.

New American Bible
Ephraim shepherds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long. He multiplies lies and violence: They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
Ephraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a treaty with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
EPHRAIM feeds on wind and follows after the tempest all the day long; they have multiplied lies and prey; they have made a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Aphreim feeds on the wind and pursues a hurricane all day; they have multiplied falsehood and spoil, and they have cut a covenant with the Assyrians, and they have brought oil to Egypt
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Ephraim striveth after wind, and followeth after the east wind; All the day he multiplieth lies and desolation; And they make a covenant with Assyria, And oil is carried into Egypt.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But Ephraim is an evil spirit, he has chased the east wind all the day: he has multiplied empty and vain things, and made a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil has gone in the way of traffic into Egypt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, Jacob
1Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. 2The LORD also brings a charge against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 2:13
“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Isaiah 30:1-2
“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.

Isaiah 57:9
You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself.

Ezekiel 23:5-8
Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors / clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. / She offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria. She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted. ...

2 Kings 17:4
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.

Isaiah 31:1
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.

Jeremiah 2:18
Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates?

Ezekiel 16:26
You prostituted yourself with your lustful neighbors, the Egyptians, and increased your promiscuity to provoke Me to anger.

Isaiah 7:9
The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”

2 Kings 15:19
Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom.

Matthew 23:28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

James 1:8
He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

2 Peter 2:18
With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.


Treasury of Scripture

Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he daily increases lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

feedeth.

Hosea 8:7
For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Job 15:2
Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?

Jeremiah 22:22
The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.

he daily.

Hosea 11:12
Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

and they.

Hosea 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw 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.

2 Kings 15:19
And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

2 Kings 17:4-6
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…

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Agreement Asshur Assyria Assyrians Carried Chases Continually Covenant Daily Deceit Desolation Destruction East Egypt Enjoying Ephraim E'phraim Ephraim's Feedeth Feeds Followeth Food Goes Herds Increaseth Lies Makes Moreover Multiplies Multiplieth Multiply Oil Olive Pursues Pursueth Pursuing Sends Spoiling Striveth Treaty Violence Wind
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Agreement Asshur Assyria Assyrians Carried Chases Continually Covenant Daily Deceit Desolation Destruction East Egypt Enjoying Ephraim E'phraim Ephraim's Feedeth Feeds Followeth Food Goes Herds Increaseth Lies Makes Moreover Multiplies Multiplieth Multiply Oil Olive Pursues Pursueth Pursuing Sends Spoiling Striveth Treaty Violence Wind
Hosea 12
1. A reproof of Ephraim, Judah, and Jacob.
3. By former favors he exhorts to repentance.
7. Ephraim's sins provoke God.














Ephraim feeds on the wind
The phrase "Ephraim feeds on the wind" uses the Hebrew word "רוּחַ" (ruach), which means "wind" or "spirit." In this context, it symbolizes futility and emptiness. Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is depicted as pursuing worthless endeavors. The wind is intangible and cannot sustain life, illustrating Israel's pursuit of idolatry and alliances that offer no true security or nourishment. This imagery calls believers to reflect on the futility of seeking fulfillment outside of God's provision and guidance.

and chases the east wind all day long
The "east wind" in Hebrew, "קָדִים" (qadim), often signifies destruction and desolation in the Bible. It is a hot, dry wind from the desert that withers and destroys. By "chasing the east wind," Ephraim is engaging in self-destructive behavior, pursuing alliances and practices that lead to their downfall. Historically, this reflects Israel's political entanglements with foreign powers, which ultimately led to their ruin. Spiritually, it serves as a warning against pursuing paths that lead away from God's will.

he multiplies lies and violence
The multiplication of "lies and violence" indicates a society steeped in deceit and moral corruption. The Hebrew word for "lies," "כָּזָב" (kazab), suggests falsehood and betrayal, while "violence," "חָמָס" (chamas), implies injustice and oppression. This reflects the internal decay of Israel, where truth and righteousness have been abandoned. For contemporary believers, it is a call to uphold truth and justice, recognizing that societal decay begins with the erosion of these values.

He makes a covenant with Assyria
The act of making a "covenant with Assyria" highlights Israel's reliance on political alliances rather than trusting in God. Historically, Assyria was a dominant power, and Israel's covenant with them was an attempt to secure protection. However, this reliance on human power rather than divine guidance led to their eventual subjugation. This serves as a reminder to place trust in God rather than in worldly powers or alliances.

and sends olive oil to Egypt
Sending "olive oil to Egypt" signifies attempts to secure favor and alliances through trade and gifts. Olive oil, a valuable commodity in the ancient world, symbolizes Israel's efforts to curry favor with Egypt, another powerful nation. This reflects a divided loyalty, as Israel sought security through human means rather than relying on God. For believers, it underscores the importance of undivided allegiance to God, trusting Him above all earthly powers and resources.

XII.

(1) East wind.--Comp. Isaiah 27:8 and Job 27:21. On the latter passage Wetzstein remarks:--"This wind is more frequent in winter and early spring, when, if it continues long, the tender vegetation is parched up, and a year of famine follows. Both man and beast feel sickly while it prevails." Hence, that which is unpleasant and revolting in life is compared by Orientals to the east wind. The idea expressed by the east wind here is the same as in Job 15:2, combining the notions of destructiveness and emptiness. The covenant with Assyria refers to the events of the reign of Hoshea. Covenants with Assyria, and presents to Egypt were to Hosea curses in disguise. (See Note on Hosea 7:11.)

Verse 1. - Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind. "Wind" is employed figuratively to denote what is empty and vain, of no real worth or practical benefit.

1. To feed on wind is to take pleasure in or draw sustenance from what can really afford neither; while following after the east wind is

(1) to pursue vain hopes and ideals which are unattainable. According to this view, the prominent idea of the east wind is its fleetness, which passed into a proverb; thus Horace says, "Agents nimbos Oeior Euro." To outrun the swift and stormy east wind would represent an undertaking at once impracticable and hopeless. But

(2) it is rather the blasting influence of the east wind that is referred to, so that it is a figurative representation, not so much of what is vain and hopeless, as of what is pernicious and destructive. Thus their course was not only idle, but injurious; not only delusive, but destructive; not only fruitless, but fatal. Their career, which is thus represented, included their idolatry and foreign alliances Kimchi explains this clause as follows: "In his service of the calves he is like him who opens his mouth to the wind and feeds on it, though he cannot support life thereby." And followeth after the east wind; ' he repeats the sense in different words, and mentions the east wind because it is the strongest and most injurious of winds to the sons of men. So with them: it is not enough that the idolatry of the calves does not profit them, but it actually injures them." . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Ephraim
אֶפְרַ֜יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

chases
רֹעֶ֥ה (rō·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

the wind
ר֙וּחַ֙ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

and pursues
וְרֹדֵ֣ף (wə·rō·ḏêp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

the east wind
קָדִ֔ים (qā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6921: The fore, front part, the East

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

day long;
הַיּ֕וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

he multiplies
יַרְבֶּ֑ה (yar·beh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

lies
כָּזָ֥ב (kā·zāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3577: A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing

and violence;
וָשֹׁ֖ד (wā·šōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7701: Violence, havoc, devastation, ruin

he makes
יִכְרֹ֔תוּ (yiḵ·rō·ṯū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

a covenant
וּבְרִית֙ (ū·ḇə·rîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Assyria
אַשּׁ֣וּר (’aš·šūr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 804: Ashshur

and sends
יוּבָֽל׃ (yū·ḇāl)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2986: To conduct, bear along

olive oil
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן (wə·še·men)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

to Egypt.
לְמִצְרַ֥יִם (lə·miṣ·ra·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa


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OT Prophets: Hosea 12:1 Ephraim feeds on wind and chases (Ho Hs Hos.)
Hosea 11:12
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