Hosea 12 3

Hosea 12:3 kjv

He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

Hosea 12:3 nkjv

He took his brother by the heel in the womb, And in his strength he struggled with God.

Hosea 12:3 niv

In the womb he grasped his brother's heel; as a man he struggled with God.

Hosea 12:3 esv

In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.

Hosea 12:3 nlt

Even in the womb,
Jacob struggled with his brother;
when he became a man,
he even fought with God.

Hosea 12 verses

Hosea 12 3 Meaning

Hosea 12:3 describes Jacob's early life, highlighting his cunning nature and his wrestling with God. He grasped for power and used trickery, even against his own brother Esau, and he was also enabled to wrestle with the divine, receiving both a blessing and a perpetual limp as a consequence.

Hosea 12 3 Context

Hosea 12:3 is part of a broader prophecy against Israel. The prophet Hosea, addressing the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity but moral decay, emphasizes their history of failing to rely on God. This verse specifically contrasts Israel's current unfaithfulness with the foundational events in Jacob's life, reminding them of their patriarch's struggle and transformation. The preceding verses (12:1-2) highlight Israel's self-deception and their reliance on falsehood, setting the stage for this reminder of Jacob's unique encounter with God. The broader context is a call to repentance and a warning of impending judgment for their sins, contrasted with the potential for restoration if they turn back to God.

Hosea 12 3 Word Analysis

• “Yea” (אָמְנָם - amnam): This adverb emphasizes the truth or affirmation of the statement that follows. It indicates certainty.

• “he had power over” (שָׂרָה - sarah): This verb literally means "to contend," "to strive," or "to have power." In this context, it refers to Jacob's wrestling match. It's used in the intensive sense, implying a prolonged and successful struggle. The form here is Piel, indicating a strong, active engagement.

• “the angel” (מַלְאָךְ - mal'akh): This word means "messenger," and often refers to divine messengers or angels. The Septuagint translates it as "angel," and rabbinic tradition identifies the entity as the angel of Esau or God Himself. The ambiguity points to the divine nature of the encounter.

• “and prevailed” (גָּבַר - gavar): This verb means "to be strong," "to overcome," or "to prevail." It signifies Jacob's success in his struggle, not through physical strength but through persistent supplication.

• “he wept” (בָּכָה - bakah): This signifies earnest, heartfelt crying, often associated with sorrow, supplication, or repentance. It highlights the intensity of Jacob's need and desperation.

• “and made supplication” (תִּחֲנוּן - tichnun): This noun derives from a verb meaning "to entreat," "to beg favor," or "to seek grace." It emphasizes Jacob's humble plea for a blessing, showing reliance on God's mercy rather than his own wit.

• “unto him” (אֵלָיו - eilav): Refers to the angelic or divine being with whom Jacob wrestled.

• “he found him” (מְצָאוֹ - metza'o): Implies that Jacob sought and encountered the divine presence at Bethel.

• “in Beth-el” (בְּבֵית־אֵל - Bēṯ-’Êl): Literally "House of God." This refers to the place where Jacob had a pivotal dream of a ladder reaching to heaven (Gen 28:10-22). It signifies a place of divine encounter and revelation.

• “and there he spake” (וְשָׁם דִּבֶּר - wəšām dibber): This highlights the communication that took place between Jacob and the divine entity at Bethel, marking a significant moment of dialogue and divine assurance.

• “with us” (עִמָּנוּ - immanu): This plural form, especially within the context of Hosea addressing Israel, could refer to the divine council, or more broadly, signify that this event is not just personal to Jacob but foundational to the nation of Israel. Some scholars see it as inclusive of future generations or the collective identity of the covenant people.

• Jacob's Double Nature: The verse captures Jacob's dual capacity – his "primal cunning" or wrestling against (Genesis 25:26, 27:36) and his wrestling with the divine. This internal conflict and external struggle are pivotal to his identity as Israel.

• Thematic Link to Israel's Failure: The description of Jacob's encounter with the divine at Bethel contrasts sharply with Israel's present actions in Hosea. Jacob sought and pleaded; Israel pursued deceit and strayed from God, forgetting the foundational divine promises made at Bethel.

• Nature of Divine Wrestling: The text emphasizes that Jacob prevailed not by force, but by tenacious prayer and supplication, highlighting God's graciousness in responding to such earnest pleading. This wasn't about Jacob overpowering God, but about God allowing Jacob to cling to Him, leading to a transformation.

Hosea 12 3 Bonus Section

The term "angel" in Hosea 12:3 can be interpreted theologically as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This perspective aligns with the New Testament understanding of Christ's pre-existence and active role in Old Testament history. The intensity of Jacob's struggle, resulting in a physical limp, signifies the cost of genuine spiritual wrestling and the permanent impact of a divine encounter. This struggle represents both the fallen human condition needing divine intervention and the chosen individual’s fervent pursuit of God’s grace. The verse serves as a historical anchor for God's covenant relationship with Israel, demonstrating that God remembers His promises to those who earnestly seek Him, even through their human failings.

Hosea 12 3 Commentary

Hosea uses the story of Jacob's wrestling at Peniel (near Bethel) to highlight a crucial contrast with Israel's current behavior. Jacob, whose name means "heel-grabber" and signifies his scheming nature, also possessed a remarkable persistence in seeking God. Despite his past deceptions, when confronted by the divine, Jacob did not abandon his quest but wrestled, wept, and begged for a blessing. This encounter led to his renaming as "Israel," meaning "he who struggles with God." This struggle wasn't physical dominance over God, but a determined clinging to God's promise and presence, which ultimately resulted in divine favor and transformation. The verse reminds Israel that their ancestor was transformed by seeking God earnestly. Israel, however, had forgotten their heritage and instead relied on deceit and estranged themselves from God, just as Jacob had initially sought to secure his destiny through worldly means. Hosea urges Israel to remember Jacob's supplication at Bethel, where God spoke with him and promised to be with him, and to return to that relationship of dependence on God rather than their current reliance on idolatry and political alliances. The reference to God speaking "with us" at Bethel signifies the covenantal relationship established there, which Israel had now forsaken.