King James Version

What Does Hosea 10:2 Mean?

Hosea 10:2 in the King James Version says “Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. T...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. Their heart: or, He hath divided their heart break: Heb. behead images: Heb. statues, or, standing images”

Hosea 10:2 · KJV

Context

1

Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. an: or, a vine emptying the fruit which it giveth images: Heb. statues, or, standing images

2

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. Their heart: or, He hath divided their heart break: Heb. behead images: Heb. statues, or, standing images

3

For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?

4

They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. Divided heart means double-minded - attempting to serve both YHWH and Baal. James 1:8 warns: double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Found faulty means held guilty. Result: God destroys their altars and images. Syncretism is unacceptable; God demands exclusive devotion. Jesus taught: No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Only whole-hearted devotion to Christ honors God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's entire history featured divided loyalty - mixing YHWH worship with Baal cult, maintaining Jeroboam's calves while claiming covenant faithfulness. This syncretism proved their guilt. Assyrian conquest destroyed their altars and images, fulfilling the prophecy. Modern parallel: attempting to blend biblical faith with cultural idolatry produces spiritual instability. Only exclusive Christ-devotion provides stability.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways is my heart divided between devotion to God and other loves or loyalties?
  2. How does double-mindedness inevitably lead to being found faulty and losing even compromised worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
חָלַ֥ק1 of 9

“is divided”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

לִבָּ֖ם2 of 9

“Their heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַתָּ֣ה3 of 9
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יֶאְשָׁ֑מוּ4 of 9

“now shall they be found faulty”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

ה֚וּא5 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַעֲרֹ֣ף6 of 9

“he shall break down”

H6202

to break the neck; hence (figuratively) to destroy

מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֔ם7 of 9

“their altars”

H4196

an altar

יְשֹׁדֵ֖ד8 of 9

“he shall spoil”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

מַצֵּבוֹתָֽם׃9 of 9

“their images”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:21Micah 5:13James 4:4Revelation 3:15-16James 1:8Zephaniah 1:5

Test Your Knowledge

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