Hosea 11 6

Hosea 11:6 kjv

And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

Hosea 11:6 nkjv

And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels.

Hosea 11:6 niv

A sword will flash in their cities; it will devour their false prophets and put an end to their plans.

Hosea 11:6 esv

The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels.

Hosea 11:6 nlt

War will swirl through their cities;
their enemies will crash through their gates.
They will destroy them,
trapping them in their own evil plans.

Hosea 11 verses

Hosea 11 6 Meaning

The verse speaks of judgment that will fall upon Ephraim (Israel). It emphasizes that God will not be merciful or have compassion, indicating a severe consequence for their actions. The imagery used highlights the thoroughness and decisiveness of this impending judgment.

Hosea 11 6 Context

Hosea 11 is a chapter filled with expressions of God's deep love and sorrow over Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, particularly their idolatry and departure from Him. The prophet recalls God's tender care for Israel from their infancy as a nation. However, this chapter also transitions to detailing the inevitable consequences of their sin. Hosea 11:5-7, including verse 6, highlights the judgment that will befall them. Israel has rejected God's love and sought alliances with foreign powers and adopted their pagan practices. Consequently, God declares that they will not be able to return to their land but will be exiled and subject to a hostile power. Verse 6 specifically states the unmerciful nature of the judgment to come because of their entrenched sin.

Hosea 11 6 Word Analysis

• וְגַם (ve·gam): "and also" or "and indeed". This conjunction links the previous statement about their inability to return with this one, reinforcing the idea of their comprehensive downfall.
• אֶל־אֶפְרַיִם (el-Ephraim): "upon Ephraim". Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is the direct recipient of this declaration of judgment.
• כֹּל (kol): "all". This emphasizes the totality of the judgment, indicating nothing will be spared.
• הַסָּרוּ (ha·sa·ru): "who have turned away" or "who have departed". This participle refers to Israel's active turning away from God, their apostasy.
• מֵאַחֲרַי (me·'a·cha·rai): "from after me" or "from following me". This phrase signifies the depth of their disloyalty, turning away from God's leadership and guidance.
• לֹא־תִהְיֶה־לוֹ (lo-ti·hye-lo): "there shall be no..." or "it will not be for him". This negative phrasing is definitive, expressing a complete absence of something.
• תְּשׁוּעָה (teshuah): "deliverance," "salvation," or "help". This word points to the futility of any attempt to save themselves or find assistance elsewhere.
• מַשְׂרִיק (masriq): "whistling" or "making a hissing sound". This word is significant and unique here. It likely refers to the sound of the enemy, like Assyria, herding captured people like sheep with whistles. It can also suggest the taunts and jeers of those who rejoice in their downfall, or a sifting or scattering wind-like judgment.
• הַלְוַאי (hal·wai): "would that!" or "if only!". This exclamation expresses a longing or desire, but in this context, it carries a sense of despair or the impossibility of reversal, like wishing for a lost cause. Some translations render it as "alas" or introduce the idea of futility.
• תִּהְיֶה־לָק (ti·hye-laq): "it would be for him" or "it would be gotten by him". Coupled with the previous "would that", it heightens the sense of a lost opportunity and unrecoverable situation.

Word Groups Analysis

• "all who have turned away from me": This phrase highlights Israel's active rejection of God. It's not a passive slipping away, but a deliberate turning from God's path to follow other gods and human schemes.
• "there will be no deliverance for him": This is a strong declaration of the absolute lack of rescue or aid available to them due to their actions. God's protection is withdrawn.
• "it will not be for him": This refers back to the "deliverance" or "help," stating its complete absence and inability to be acquired.
• "I will not have mercy upon Ephraim": This directly states God's withdrawal of His characteristic compassion and tenderness. The repeated emphasis on "no mercy" underlines the severity of the judgment.
• "as it makes to blow the hissing of Assyria": This complex phrase connects the judgment directly to a specific agent of God’s wrath, Assyria. The "hissing" could be the sound of the enemy's chariots, war cries, or the scattering, driving sound, symbolizing an overwhelming and terrifying force that brings about their scattering and destruction. It portrays them being driven out ruthlessly.

Hosea 11 6 Bonus Section

The phrase "hissing of Assyria" is a powerful metaphor. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, a commander might use a whistle to direct troops, much like a shepherd guides sheep. For Israel, who had been God's own beloved "son" (Hosea 11:1), to be herded by the enemy like lost sheep, scattered and driven by their commands (symbolized by the hiss), represents a profound humiliation and loss of status. It starkly contrasts with God's previous tender leading. This verse is a sobering reminder that even God's beloved people face severe judgment when they persist in sin, demonstrating that God’s covenant relationship is contingent upon faithfulness, and sin ultimately leads to separation and judgment, not in the abandonment of God's character but in its demonstration of justice.

Hosea 11 6 Commentary

Hosea 11:6 starkly illustrates God's righteous response to persistent, unrepentant rebellion. While God’s nature is love and mercy, His holiness demands justice for sin. Ephraim's persistent turning away from God, embracing idolatry and relying on their own strength or foreign alliances, has severed the relationship that would guarantee divine protection and deliverance. God’s decision not to show mercy is not arbitrary; it’s a consequence of their consistent apostasy. The imagery of the "hissing" enemy emphasizes the humiliating and absolute nature of the coming exile. This verse serves as a warning that turning from God has devastating and far-reaching consequences, resulting in a complete lack of the salvation that only He can provide. It reflects the covenantal blessings and curses, where obedience brings protection and disobedience brings disaster.