King James Version

What Does Hosea 13:11 Mean?

Hosea 13:11 in the King James Version says “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.”

Hosea 13:11 · KJV

Context

9

O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. is: Heb. in thy help

10

I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? I will: rather, Where is thy king?

11

I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.

12

The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid.

13

The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children. long: Heb. a time

Read Hosea 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath. God gave Israel kings as judgment (granting sinful request, 1 Samuel 8:7) and removed them in wrath (exile, assassination). Both giving and taking stem from divine displeasure. Romans 1:24, 26, 28 similarly describes God giving people up to sin's consequences as judgment. Sometimes getting what we demand is itself punishment. Only God's gracious refusals protect us. His no often expresses love; our yes often reveals idol worship. Christ provides what we actually need rather than what we wrongly want.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's monarchy alternated between God's patience and judgment. He gave kings (tolerating institution), then removed them (assassinations, exile). The entire monarchy existed under divine displeasure, being rejection of His kingship. Assyria's conquest ended it permanently. Modern application: God sometimes grants sinful desires as form of judgment - experiencing consequences teaches better than words. His gracious denials protect us; His reluctant permissions discipline us. Only pursuing what God commands rather than what we want provides safety. Christ reorients desires toward God's will through regeneration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes giving what we sinfully demand as form of judgment warn against persistent demands for our way?
  2. What wrongly desired things might God grant as discipline rather than blessing, letting me experience consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֶֽתֶּן1 of 6

“I gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֥2 of 6
H0
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙3 of 6

“thee a king”

H4428

a king

בְּאַפִּ֔י4 of 6

“in mine anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְאֶקַּ֖ח5 of 6

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּעֶבְרָתִֽי׃6 of 6

“him away in my wrath”

H5678

an outburst of passion

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:19Proverbs 28:21 Samuel 16:12 Kings 17:1-41 Samuel 12:131 Kings 14:7-16

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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