King James Version

What Does Hosea 11:2 Mean?

Hosea 11:2 in the King James Version says “As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. — study this verse from Hosea chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

Hosea 11:2 · KJV


Context

1

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

2

As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

3

I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

4

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. take off: Heb. lift up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Calling the wayward: 'As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.' The more prophets called (קָרְאוּ לָהֶם, qare'u lahem), the more they departed (הָלְכוּ מִפְּנֵיהֶם, halkhu mippneihem—literally 'went from their faces'). They sacrificed to בַּעֲלִים (Ba'alim, Baals) and burned incense to פְּסִלִים (pesilim, graven images). This demonstrates perverse response: prophetic warnings producing hardened defiance rather than repentance. The phenomenon of hardening appears throughout Scripture (Pharaoh, Israelites). Only Spirit-regeneration produces soft, responsive hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Despite continuous prophetic ministry (Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, Micah), northern Israel persisted in Baal worship. The 'calling' describes prophetic proclamation urging return to YHWH. The response: deliberate turning away—not ignorance but willful rebellion. Baal worship, Canaanite fertility religion, proved persistently attractive despite prophetic condemnation. Archaeological evidence shows Baal cult objects widespread in 8th century Israel. This demonstrates that hearing truth doesn't guarantee receiving truth—hardened hearts resist even clearest proclamation. Jesus encountered similar response: teaching Truth yet rejected (John 8:40-47).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does repeated calling sometimes produce hardened resistance rather than responsive repentance?
  2. What does this verse teach about human responsibility despite divine calling—that hearing truth doesn't remove accountability for rejecting it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
קָרְא֖וּ1 of 9

As they called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָהֶ֑ם2 of 9
H0
כֵּ֚ן3 of 9
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הָלְכ֣וּ4 of 9

them so they went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 9

from them

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לַבְּעָלִ֣ים6 of 9

unto Baalim

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

יְזַבֵּ֔חוּ7 of 9

they sacrificed

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

וְלַפְּסִלִ֖ים8 of 9

to graven images

H6456

an idol

יְקַטֵּרֽוּן׃9 of 9

and burned incense

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)


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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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