King James Version

What Does Hosea 10:5 Mean?

“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”

Context

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.

As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water. the water: Heb. the face of the water

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Topics in This Verse

Fear & Courage

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) It is hard to express the sarcastic force and concentrated scoff of the original: “calves,” literally, *she calves,* the feminine form to express contempt, the plural in allusion to the scattered worship in numerous shrines throughout Israel (or, perhaps, a *pluralis majestatis* of mockery). The next clause should read thus:—*For it* (pers. pronoun, referring to *the* calf *par excellence* of the chief seat of worship at Bethel, here degraded into Bethaven), *people mourn because of it, and its priests tremble because of it.* (The word for “priests,” *kemarîm,* means always idolatrous priesthood.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 10:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.