Hosea 11 9

Hosea 11:9 kjv

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

Hosea 11:9 nkjv

I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.

Hosea 11:9 niv

I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man? the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities.

Hosea 11:9 esv

I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.

Hosea 11:9 nlt

No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.
I will not completely destroy Israel,
for I am God and not a mere mortal.
I am the Holy One living among you,
and I will not come to destroy.

Hosea 11 verses

Hosea 11 9 Meaning

The verse declares God's intent to withhold His destructive anger because He is God and not man. It highlights His unique, merciful nature and His holiness, which precludes total destruction of His people, Israel, despite their rebellion.

Hosea 11 9 Context

This verse is found in the book of Hosea, a prophet called to illustrate God's love for unfaithful Israel through his own marriage to an unfaithful woman, Gomer. In chapter 11, God reflects on His fatherly relationship with Israel, recalling their deliverance from Egypt and their subsequent apostasy. The prophet recounts God's overwhelming love and tender care, contrasting it with Israel's persistent rebellion. This particular verse appears as a culmination of God's recounting of His dealings with Israel. Despite their persistent provocations, God states that He will not proceed to utter destruction. This restraint is rooted in His divine nature. The broader context is God's judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel for its idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Yet, amidst the pronouncements of judgment, there are always echoes of God's enduring love and promises of future restoration, preventing a complete and final abandonment.

Hosea 11 9 Word Analysis

• "for": Introduces the reason or explanation for God's decision not to destroy completely.
• "I": Refers to God Himself, emphasizing His personal action and decision.
• "am": States God's inherent nature or being.
• "God": The Hebrew word is Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), a plural noun often used for the one true God, emphasizing His power, majesty, and role as Creator and Judge. Here, it underscores His supreme authority and different essence from humans.
• "and": Connects "God" and "not man."
• "not": Negates the following.
• "man": The Hebrew word is adam (אָדָם), generally referring to humanity, mankind, or a man as a representative of the human race. Contrasts God's eternal, immutable nature with man's finite, mutable nature.
• "the": Definite article.
• "Holy": The Hebrew word is Qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ). This signifies God's absolute moral perfection, His separateness from sin and impurity, and His transcendent otherness. It’s a core attribute defining His being.
• "One": Singular emphasizes God's unity.
• "in": Indicates presence within or among.
• "your": Refers to Israel.
• "midst": The Hebrew word is qereb (קֶרֶב), meaning "middle," "center," or "in the midst of." It denotes His presence and dwelling among His people.

Word-Group Analysis

• "I am God and not man": This phrase establishes a fundamental distinction between God and humanity. God’s actions and judgments are not motivated or limited by human characteristics like emotional caprice, vengefulness, or forgetfulness. His response is based on His eternal covenant and His divine nature, not human fallibility.
• "the Holy One in your midst": This highlights God's unique characteristic of holiness being present among His people. His holiness means He cannot utterly abandon them to complete destruction because that would contradict His own perfect character and the promises associated with His name and His presence.

Hosea 11 9 Bonus Section

The concept of God being "Holy" and "not man" is critical. Humans, when angry, are often driven by flawed emotions and limited perspectives. God's anger, while real and righteous against sin, is not an uncontrollable outburst. It is tempered by His covenant faithfulness and His perfect knowledge. His holiness signifies His absolute moral perfection and His set-apartness from sin. This perfection means He is also incapable of acting contrary to His own character or His word. His promise to Abraham and His covenant with Israel, established under the auspices of His holiness, restrain Him from absolute destruction, guaranteeing a remnant and future restoration. The "Holy One in your midst" signifies God's indwelling presence, a profound privilege for Israel, which God does not withdraw completely, even in judgment. This verse echoes in prophetic passages about God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite human sin.

Hosea 11 9 Commentary

God refrains from utter destruction not out of weakness or indecisiveness like humans might display. His restraint is a profound expression of His holy nature, His faithfulness, and His covenant love for His people, Israel. While human leaders might lash out in anger and pursue total annihilation, God, being Holy, acts with divine wisdom and mercy. His holiness means He is distinct from sin, perfect, and set apart. This attribute paradoxically underpins His refusal to consume His people entirely. His presence among them ("in your midst") is a testament to His ongoing commitment, a promise that even amid judgment, His identity and character prevent complete annihilation. It points towards His redemptive purposes.