Hosea 13 15

Hosea 13:15 kjv

Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

Hosea 13:15 nkjv

Though he is fruitful among his brethren, An east wind shall come; The wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness. Then his spring shall become dry, And his fountain shall be dried up. He shall plunder the treasury of every desirable prize.

Hosea 13:15 niv

even though he thrives among his brothers. An east wind from the LORD will come, blowing in from the desert; his spring will fail and his well dry up. His storehouse will be plundered of all its treasures.

Hosea 13:15 esv

Though he may flourish among his brothers, the east wind, the wind of the LORD, shall come, rising from the wilderness, and his fountain shall dry up; his spring shall be parched; it shall strip his treasury of every precious thing.

Hosea 13:15 nlt

Ephraim was the most fruitful of all his brothers,
but the east wind ? a blast from the LORD ?
will arise in the desert.
All their flowing springs will run dry,
and all their wells will disappear.
Every precious thing they own
will be plundered and carried away.

Hosea 13 verses

Hosea 13 15 Meaning

This verse describes the devastating consequence of God's judgment upon Israel. It speaks of God’s retribution and vengeance against His people for their persistent idolatry and rebellion. The reference to the “south wind” implies a swift and complete destruction, likely a judgment sent from God, possibly through a powerful adversary. The latter part, the failure of the "womb" and "dryness," signifies infertility and a lack of new life, meaning the end of the lineage and continued existence for those who were rebellious.

Hosea 13 15 Context

Hosea 13 prophesies the utter destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, for their ingrained idolatry and apostasy from God. The chapter recounts their past sin, their proud reliance on themselves and their gods, and the consequences of that spiritual infidelity. The previous verses in Hosea 13 highlight Israel's history of sin, including their worship of Baal and their trusting in horses and chariots instead of the Lord. This verse, chapter 13:15, directly addresses the devastating outcome of God's impending judgment upon a people who have forsaken Him, emphasizing a complete and final devastation.

Hosea 13 15 Word analysis

• shāqal (שָׁקַל): To weigh, to render, to mete out. Here, it signifies rendering or dispensing judgment, often a severe or unfavorable one. It implies a balance being tipped against Israel due to their sin.

• pěrî (פְּרִי): Fruit. In this context, it refers to offspring, posterity, or the produce of the land. The destruction of fruit means the cessation of offspring and prosperity.

• yālîd (יָלִיד): One born, a child, offspring. Reinforces the idea of progeny and the continuation of the family line.

• hārîb (הָרִיב): Rival, adversary. Likely referring to a human enemy, a nation, or a force sent by God to execute judgment.

• qādîm (קָדִים): East wind. Often associated with a scorching, dry, and destructive wind in the ancient Near East, symbolizing a devastating force. It can also represent swiftness of destruction.

• yābēsh (יָבֵשׁ): Dry, barren, parched. Refers to a lack of moisture and fertility.

• bāṭen (בָּטֶן): Womb, belly. Here, it signifies the place of conception and gestation.

• lĕdâ (לֵדָה): Childbirth, bringing forth.

• gĕdēṟâ (גְּדֵרָה): Flock, herd, fence.

• sheqaqōw (שִׁקּוּקֹו): His nourishing, his foster-child, or even his treasury.

• fruitful among brethren: Even if fertile within their own kin, prosperity would cease.

• an east wind shall come: Swift, scorching destruction.

• the wind of the Lord shall come up from the wilderness: A powerful, destructive force directed by God.

• his spring shall become dry: Loss of vital resources, vitality.

• his fountain shall be dried up: Exhaustion of sustenance, life source.

• he shall spoil the treasure of every desirable vessel: Total loss of wealth, precious possessions, and potentially spiritual gifts.

Hosea 13 15 Bonus section

The imagery of the "east wind" is consistent with divine judgment described in other parts of Scripture. Such a wind could bring dust storms or scorching heat, destroying crops and lives. The contrast between “fruitful” and “dry” underscores the complete reversal of fortune that God’s judgment brings. The ultimate failure of the "womb" speaks to the end of God's promise of progeny to Israel, indicating a fulfillment of curse if faithfulness is absent. The concept of God's people being "broken off" from His favor due to their sins is a theme echoed in the New Testament, particularly regarding Israel's rejection of Messiah, where branches were broken off for unbelief to make room for Gentiles (Rom 11:17-20). This verse, therefore, encapsulates a severe but necessary consequence for persistent covenantal betrayal.

Hosea 13 15 Commentary

Hosea 13:15 vividly paints a picture of terminal judgment. God declares that any perceived fruitfulness or prosperity in Israel, even among their own people, will be utterly annihilated. The "east wind," a symbol of harsh, desolating power from God, will descend, bringing complete barrenness. The metaphor of a drying spring and fountain signifies the exhaustion of life-giving sources and any possibility of sustenance or continuation. This destruction is not merely external but strikes at the very heart of Israel's ability to reproduce and sustain itself. The "treasure of every desirable vessel" underscores the complete ruin of all that they valued and depended upon, including their idols and earthly security. This verse signifies God’s absolute power to revoke His blessings and bring about final ruin when His covenant people repeatedly turn away. It highlights that reliance on anything other than God, no matter how prosperous it seems, ultimately leads to utter desolation.