Translations
F.O.G.MPrimary
F.O.G MessageOnce, when Ephraim spoke, nations trembled — he stood exalted in Israel. But when he gave himself to Baal, he traded his life for a lie and died.
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.GWhen Ephraim spoke, there was trembling — he was lifted high in Yisra'el. But he incurred guilt through Ba'al and died.
KJV
King James VersionWhen Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleWhen Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died.
Footnotes
רֶתֶת (retet, "trembling") is a rare noun denoting awe-inducing dread — signalling Ephraim's former authority over the tribes. וַיָּמֹת (vayyamot, "and he died") is blunt and final; the verb describes a living death — spiritual and national extinction already underway, not merely a future threat. F.O.G reads the death as the direct consequence of Baal-guilt; F.O.G Message intensifies the tragedy by naming Baal as a lover and a lie, drawing out the full weight of covenantal betrayal.
