In Hosea 13:14 is the correct translation “I will deliver” or “Will I deliver”?

TL;DR:

Scholars disagree on the correct translation of Hosea 13:14. In the end, “Will I deliver …” is most likely what was originally meant, but neither translation harms the integrity of Scripture.

Scholars disagree as to how Hosea 13:14 should be translated. This is because ancient Hebrew had no punctuation marks, meaning context determines whether a verse is a question or not. In this case, differing translations point to different contextual clues. That leads to the different translations of this verse.

Those who translate it as a declarative statement agree that the immediate context is about judgement but point out that Paul quoted the second half favorably in 1 Corinthians 15:55. Therefore, they think that Paul’s interpretation justifies a positive interpretation of the first part of Hosea 13:14.

Those who translate it as a question point out the surrounding context, particularly the next verse which clearly shows judgement. Therefore, they argue that these statements must be understood negatively. They, therefore, translate it as a question with an implied answer of “no.” Those who interpret this verse negatively, read Paul’s quoting of it as sarcastic. Whereas death had a sting in Hosea 13:14, that stinger was removed when Jesus conquered death.

Given the immediate context of Hosea, it is more likely that it was to be taken negatively. However, in the end, neither translation contradicts doctrine elsewhere in Scripture.

from the old testament

The translation of the first two lines of Hosea 13:14 are debated. For comparison, two translations of this verse are “Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death?” (NASB) versus “I shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death” (ESV). The implied answer of the NASB version is “no, I shall not ransom them” (see the NET Bible for a translation that makes that explicit). Therefore, while the NASB is quoting God incredulously saying that He will not ransom them, the ESV is quoting God as declaring that He will ransom them. Why are these two versions so different?
The reason that there is debate among biblical scholars about this verse is that ancient Hebrew had no punctuation marks. Therefore, whether or not a sentence is a question must be inferred by context (is there a reply), tone (incredulity, sarcasm, etc.), and word order. That means that each translation is trying to understand these two lines based on the context and arriving at different conclusions. The explanation for the NASB translation follows the scholars that argue that the threat of judgment is intensifying in the Hosea passage. They point out that the very next verse mentions a sweeping condemnation: “...the east wind, the wind of the LORD, shall come, rising from the wilderness, and his fountain shall dry up; his spring shall be parched…” (Hosea 13:15). Given the historical annihilation that was about to take place, this more macabre interpretation appears fitting. However, the ESV has a solid reason for its translation, basing it on how Paul uses the Hosea verse in the New Testament. For more details on that, see the New Testament section.
Regardless of which translation is preferred, there are no doctrinal conflicts. Hosea 13 makes it clear that judgment is coming. In fact, the Assyrian army did conquer the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and the Babylonians conquered the southern kingdom of Judah in 605 BC. So, if Hosea 13:14 is part of the threat of judgment, that prophecy was fulfilled. Conversely, if it is a reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus fulfilled that prophecy with His death and resurrection in AD 33. Therefore, neither interpretation contradicts Scripture and, therefore, neither are teaching something that is false.

from the new testament

While the immediate context of Hosea is that of judgement, translations like the ESV have opted for a positive understanding of Hosea, namely that God is declaring that He will ultimately provide salvation. Those who argue for translating the Hosea verse as a promise of God’s deliverance point to Paul’s use of it in 1 Corinthians 15:55. There he quotes the second half of the verse: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” They argue that Paul is using the verse as a declaration of God’s victory over death. Thus, they read the first part of the verse in Hosea as a sudden outburst of God’s gracious promise of redemption. Because Hosea does abruptly change tone and topic throughout the book, this is a plausible reading of the text.
Because Paul appears to quote Hosea 13:14 positively, how do scholars behind negative translations like the NASB understand 1 Corinthians 15:55 in connection with Hosea? They read it as God, in derisive irony, calling for death and Sheol to try to do their very worst at the very moment when they are about to be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). A paraphrase might help see this difference. It’s as if God is saying, “I’ve sent my Son to conquer you. Where is your sting now, O death?” Therefore, they see the original passage as negative with Paul using that quote to highlight the redemption that is available now through Christ.

implications for today

We have the fortunate position of living after the Bible was completed. This means that we get to see much more clearly how God’s promises are being worked out. However, though we now know His salvation was to come through Jesus, parts of Scripture remain that have not yet been fulfilled. In Hosea 14, Hosea moves from judgement to a future time of blessing for Israel. It is a time when God will take away all her iniquity (Hosea 14:2) and heal her of her rebellion, turning His anger away and loving His people (Hosea 14:4). Right now, the Jewish people are still largely scattered throughout the world. Even with the restoration of Israel, it is currently a nation that is as rebellious as it always was. So, there is still a time for us to look forward to His promises of complete restoration and fulfillment.

What can we learn from all of this? God is a merciful God. Whether or not a promise of restoration was in Hosea 13:14, in the next chapter, as well as many other places in the Old Testament, we learn that God intends to be gracious and compassionate despite Israel’s rebellion. This is an encouragement for us to tell others about this great God who has provided a way of escape from his coming judgement on the world. It is also an encouragement for us to pray for, and reach out to, the Jewish community to show them that their long-awaited Messiah has come.

understand

Hosea 13:14 can be translated either as a promise ("I will deliver") or a rhetorical question ("Will I deliver?") due to the lack of punctuation in ancient Hebrew.
Context suggests the original meaning was likely negative (a rhetorical question implying judgment), but Paul later applies the verse positively in 1 Corinthians 15:55 to declare victory over death through Christ.
Both negative and positive translations of Hosea 13:14 are theologically valid and do not contradict the broader message of Scripture—God judges sin but also offers salvation through Jesus.

reflect

How does knowing that God's justice and mercy are both present in Scripture shape the way you view His character?
When you face difficult or unclear parts of the Bible, how do you and how should you respond?
How does Paul’s use of Hosea 13:14 to proclaim victory over death impact the way you think about your own hope in Christ?

engage

How can we remain confident in the trustworthiness of Scripture even when there are translation challenges like in Hosea 13:14?
What can we learn from Paul’s interpretation of Hosea 13:14 in 1 Corinthians 15:55 about how the New Testament fulfills Old Testament prophecy?
How should the themes of judgment and redemption in Hosea shape the way we share the gospel with both believers and non-believers today?