King James Version
Hosea 10:4 in the King James Version says “They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of t...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.”
Hosea 10:4 · KJV
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
For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it. the priests: or, Chemarim
It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“They have spoken”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
“words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
“falsely”
H7723evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
“in making”
H3772to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
“springeth up”
H6524to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
“as hemlock”
H7219a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)
“thus judgment”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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.
Hosea 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Hosea 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge