King James Version

What Does Hosea 10:13 Mean?

Hosea 10:13 in the King James Version says “Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.”

Hosea 10:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods. her: Heb. the beauty of her neck

12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

13

Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

14

Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.

15

So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off. your: Heb. the evil of your evil

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows. God's desire to chastise reflects holy justice responding to sin. People gathered against Israel means foreign nations (Assyria) attacking. Two furrows is interpretive challenge - possibly two sins (golden calf worship plus Baal), two alliances (Egypt and Assyria), or agricultural metaphor for being yoked to judgment. Regardless, God uses nations as instruments of discipline. This demonstrates divine sovereignty over history - God orchestrates events to accomplish His purposes. Only those disciplined by God as children escape destruction as enemies (Hebrews 12:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

God gathered Assyria against Israel as instrument of judgment. The coalition that destroyed northern kingdom fulfilled divine purpose - not random geopolitics but orchestrated discipline. This pattern appears throughout Scripture: God uses pagan nations to judge His people (Babylon against Judah, Rome against Jerusalem). Yet these instruments themselves face judgment for exceeding commission (Zechariah 1:15). Modern application: historical events occur under divine providence. Nations rising/falling fulfill God's purposes. Only recognizing His sovereignty over history provides proper perspective.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God gathering nations against Israel demonstrate His sovereignty over geopolitical events?
  2. What does divine chastisement through historical processes teach about God's multifaceted providential control?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
חֲרַשְׁתֶּם1 of 12

“Ye have plowed”

H2790

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

רֶ֛שַׁע2 of 12

“wickedness”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

עַוְלָ֥תָה3 of 12

“iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

קְצַרְתֶּ֖ם4 of 12

“ye have reaped”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

אֲכַלְתֶּ֣ם5 of 12

“ye have eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

פְּרִי6 of 12

“the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

כָ֑חַשׁ7 of 12

“of lies”

H3585

literally a failure of flesh, i.e., emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָטַ֥חְתָּ9 of 12

“because thou didst trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בְדַרְכְּךָ֖10 of 12

“in thy way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּרֹ֥ב11 of 12

“in the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

גִּבּוֹרֶֽיךָ׃12 of 12

“of thy mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hosea. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hosea 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hosea 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 4:8Galatians 6:7-8Proverbs 1:31Proverbs 22:8Psalms 62:10Psalms 52:7

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