The Septuagint translates, the fruit of our lips (cf. Heb. 13:15).

Verses 4-8 portray Israel in the restoration (Matt. 19:28), as revealed in Hosea 2:15-23; 3:5; 6:1-3; 10:12. Israel’s transformation as described in vv. 4-7 is based on the factor of love in life (see note Hosea 11:1¹). Love in affection does not transform, but love in life transforms people through the growth in life. Our relationship with God is of the divine, eternal life of God (1 John 5:11). This life enlivens us, regenerates us, sanctifies us positionally and dispositionally, renews us, transforms us, conforms us, matures us, and glorifies us, making us the same as God in life, nature, appearance, and glory. At the beginning of this book Israel was a harlot, but at the end of this book, Israel has become a son (Hosea 11:1). Thus, the outcome of this book is transformation in life by God’s love (cf. Rom. 8:28-39; Heb. 12:5-10).

Signifying a pure life that trusts in God (Matt. 6:28).

Signifying standing steadily in the uplifted humanity (cf. S.S. 3:9).

Signifying flourishing and spreading.

Signifying glory in faithfulness.

Signifying the sweet odor of a life in the uplifted humanity.

Signifying being overshadowed by the sufficient grace enjoyed by them (2 Cor. 12:9).

Signifying being full of life for producing satisfying food.

Signifying blossoming for producing cheering drink.

Signifying a good name spreading like tasteful wine.

Symbolizing God’s being living and evergreen.

Ephraim’s bearing fruit from Jehovah indicates Israel’s oneness with Jehovah. This is more than an organic union; it is the oneness of two in one life, in one nature, and in one living.