12:1 E'phraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a bargain with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.
12:1 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.

12:2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and requite him according to his deeds.
12:2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and repay him according to his deeds.

12:3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.
12:3 In the womb he tried to supplant his brother, and in his manhood he strove with God.

12:4 He strove with the angel and prevailed, he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with him --
12:4 He strove with the angel and prevailed, he wept and sought his favor; he met him at Bethel, and there he spoke with him.

12:5 the LORD the God of hosts, the LORD is his name:
12:5 The LORD the God of hosts, the LORD is his name!

12:6 "So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God."
12:6 But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.

12:7 A trader, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.
12:7 A trader, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.

12:8 E'phraim has said, "Ah, but I am rich, I have gained wealth for myself": but all his riches can never offset the guilt he has incurred.
12:8 Ephraim has said, "Ah, I am rich, I have gained wealth for myself; in all of my gain no offense has been found in me that would be sin."

12:9 I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.
12:9 I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, as in the days of the appointed festival.

12:10 I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.
12:10 I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets I will bring destruction.

12:11 If there is iniquity in Gilead they shall surely come to nought; if in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, their altars also shall be like stone heaps on the furrows of the field.
12:11 In Gilead there is iniquity, they shall surely come to nothing. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, so their altars shall be like stone heaps on the furrows of the field.

12:12 (Jacob fled to the land of Aram, there Israel did service for a wife, and for a wife he herded sheep.)
12:12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram, there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he guarded sheep.

12:13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.
12:13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.

12:14 E'phraim has given bitter provocation; so his LORD will leave his bloodguilt upon him, and will turn back upon him his reproaches.
12:14 Ephraim has given bitter offense, so his Lord will bring his crimes down on him and pay him back for his insults.