Hos 13:14 - invective or proclamation of salvation? (Hos 13:14 in the versions of bible translations; features of the synodal translation)

Hoseа 13:14 is an example of an Old Testament text, the signification of which can be understood in diametrically opposite meanings: both as a proclamation of salvation, and as a sentence expressed in the form of an expressive, swearing word, in fact, an invective. The main objective of the article is to assess possible readings of the verse and review solutions to this dilemma in biblical research and translations, with an emphasis on Russian translations. The research is based on an exegetical analysis of the verse Hos 13:14, including a grammatical analysis of the Hebrew original and approbation of possible versions of its reading from the standpoint of the biblical context. The translation solutions of the ancient translations of the Septuagint and Vulgate, which became fundamental in the formation of the biblical church tradition, are presented. A short excursion into early and modern Bible translations is made. On the basis of the exegesis carried out and the review of the translation decisions of Hos 13:14, a comparative assessment of the Synodal translation and the new Russian translations of the Bible is made. The peculiarity of the Synodal translation of Hos 13:14 is also characterized for its connection with the interpretation of Hos 13:14 by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55. The research carried out may be important when working on a new church translation of the Bible into Russian, when this, sooner or later, will receive the blessing of the Supreme Church Authority of the Russian Orthodox Church. The materials of the article seem to be relevant for use in the educational process in theological educational institutions of the Moscow Patriarchate in the discipline of “The Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament”.