Definition: How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 11:8. It's a really powerful and emotional passage about repentance and the speaker’s deep remorse. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: The speaker is expressing immense regret and despair over his actions towards Israel. He’s asking for forgiveness and a chance to turn back, but he’s terrified of what that might mean – becoming like Admah and Zeboim. Let's unpack the parts: “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?” - This is a very direct plea for forgiveness. He’s asking for a second chance to be forgiven by God. “Ephraim” refers to Israel, specifically the people of Israel. “how shall I deliver thee, Israel?” – This shows a deep sense of responsibility and worry. He's worried about the consequences of his actions on Israel. He wants to protect them. “how shall I make thee as Admah?” - This is the most shocking part. “Admah” refers to a specific, incredibly wicked and destructive type of alcohol – a highly addictive and harmful substance. It’s described as being “evil” and “destructive.” He's essentially asking for a complete reversal of his actions that would lead to this kind of destruction. “how shall I set thee as Zeboim?” - "Zeboim" is another type of destructive, evil substance – a particularly vile and poisonous liquid. Again, he’s pleading for a drastic change in his behavior. “mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.” - This is the most important part. He's saying that his repentance (feeling sorry for his mistakes) is happening simultaneously and powerfully. It suggests a complete shift in his thoughts and feelings, driven by genuine remorse. The words "kindled" imply that this repentance is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, burning desire to change. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a man consumed by guilt and shame. He's acknowledging profound wrongdoing and desperately wanting to undo it all. It’s a moment of intense emotional turmoil – a recognition that he has fallen short of God’s standards and is profoundly remorseful. Why is this important? This passage is often seen as a foundational moment in Hosea’s theology, showing the importance of genuine repentance and recognizing the consequences of our actions. It's a powerful reminder to take responsibility for our choices and seek forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these phrases in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss what Hosea is trying to say about God’s perspective on sin and repentance?