King James Version

What Does Hosea 12:1 Mean?

Hosea 12:1 in the King James Version says “Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a ... — study this verse from Hosea chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Hosea 12:1 · KJV


Context

1

Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2

The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him. punish: Heb. visit upon

3

He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: had: Heb. was a prince, or, behaved himself princely


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Feeding on wind: 'Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.' Ephraim רֹעֶה רוּחַ (ro'eh ruach, shepherding/feeding on wind), pursuing קָדִים (qadim, east wind—hot, destructive sirocco). Daily increasing כָּזָב וָשֹׁד (kazav vashod, lies and violence). Making covenant with Assyria while sending שֶׁמֶן (shemen, oil—tribute/bribe) to Egypt. This demonstrates futility: pursuing worthless things (wind), trusting conflicting alliances. Only Christ provides substantial, satisfying food (John 6:35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's diplomatic duplicity—courting both Assyria and Egypt—characterized final years. Menahem paid Assyria (2 Kings 15:19-20), Hoshea swore loyalty then secretly appealed to Egypt (2 Kings 17:4). 'Oil to Egypt' represents tribute/gifts. The 'east wind' brings scorching heat, withering crops—perfect metaphor for destructive alliances. Archaeological evidence confirms olive oil as valuable trade commodity. This diplomatic double-dealing proved disastrous: trusting neither partner, pleasing neither, ultimately destroyed by both. This demonstrates that duplicity and alliance-mongering apart from God produces destruction. Jesus teaches serving two masters is impossible (Matthew 6:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'feeding on wind' teach about pursuing worthless things that cannot satisfy?
  2. How does making covenant with Assyria while sending oil to Egypt demonstrate duplicity and divided loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֶפְרַ֜יִם1 of 17

Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

רֹעֶ֥ה2 of 17

feedeth

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

ר֙וּחַ֙3 of 17

on wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וְרֹדֵ֣ף4 of 17

and followeth

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

קָדִ֔ים5 of 17

after the east wind

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

כָּל6 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּ֕וֹם7 of 17

he daily

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כָּזָ֥ב8 of 17

lies

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

וָשֹׁ֖ד9 of 17

and desolation

H7701

violence, ravage

יַרְבֶּ֑ה10 of 17

increaseth

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וּבְרִית֙11 of 17

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

עִם12 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אַשּׁ֣וּר13 of 17

with the Assyrians

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

יִכְרֹ֔תוּ14 of 17

and they do make

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

וְשֶׁ֖מֶן15 of 17

and oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

לְמִצְרַ֥יִם16 of 17

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

יוּבָֽל׃17 of 17

is carried

H2986

properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)


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 12:1 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 12:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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