14 The Hebrew expression מַה־לִּי עוֹד (mah-li ’od) is a formula of repudiation/emphatic denial that God has anything in common with idols: “I want to have nothing to do with […] any more!” Cf., e.g., Judg 11:12; 2 Sam 16:10; 19:23; 1 Kgs 17:18; 2 Kgs 3:13; 2 Chr 35:21; Jer 2:18; Ps 50:16; 553 מָה 1.d.(c).
15 The term “like” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity, as in the majority of English versions (including ).
16 Cf. “a green fir tree”; , “a green pine tree”; “an evergreen cypress.”
17 Heb “your fruit is found in me”; “your faithfulness comes from me.”

In other versions

O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?

It is I who answer and look after you.

I am like an evergreen cypress;

from me comes your fruit.

Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?

I will answer him and care for him.

I am like a flourishing juniper;

your fruitfulness comes from me.”

Ephraim, why should I have anything more

to do with idols?

It is I who answer and watch over him.

I am like a flourishing pine tree;

your fruit comes from me.

“O Israel, stay away from idols!

I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.

I am like a tree that is always green;

all your fruit comes from me.”

O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?

I myself have answered and looked after you.

I am like a luxuriant cypress;

your fruit comes from me.

Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols?

I have heard him, and observed him:

I am like a green fir tree.

From me is thy fruit found.

Public Domain