King James Version

What Does Hosea 13:14 Mean?

Hosea 13:14 in the King James Version says “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, ...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. power: Heb. hand”

Hosea 13:14 · KJV

Context

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

14

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. power: Heb. hand

15

Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. pleasant: Heb. vessels of desire

16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will ransom them from the power of the grave (מִיַּד שְׁאוֹל אֶפְדֵּם מִמָּוֶת אֶגְאָלֵם)—Two verbs: פָּדָה (padah, ransom by payment) and גָּאַל (ga'al, redeem by kinsman-right). O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction—Paul quotes this in 1 Corinthians 15:55, applying it to Christ's resurrection victory. The Hebrew is ambiguous: 'Where are your plagues, O death?' could be taunt or summons. Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes—God will not change His mind about destroying death. Context debates whether this promises Israel's restoration or threatens final judgment (v.15-16 speak doom). Yet typologically, it points to Messiah's conquest of death itself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophetic promise—'I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death'—was delivered during a period when Israel faced imminent national death through Assyrian conquest. The rhetorical questions that follow ('O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction') express God's determination to overcome even death itself to redeem His people. Paul quotes this passage in 1 Corinthians 15:55 as fulfilled in Christ's resurrection, demonstrating how Hosea's prophecy of Israel's restoration from national death prefigured the greater resurrection victory. Though the northern kingdom ceased to exist politically after 722 BC, God's promise transcended that historical moment, finding ultimate fulfillment in Christ's defeat of death and the resurrection of believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hosea 13:14 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness, justice, and mercy?
  2. What specific attitudes, thought patterns, or behaviors does this verse call you to examine and change in light of the gospel?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and His redemptive work, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מִיַּ֤ד1 of 14

“them from the power”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שְׁא֔וֹל2 of 14

“O grave”

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

אֶפְדֵּ֔ם3 of 14

“I will ransom”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

מָ֗וֶת4 of 14

“O death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

אֶגְאָלֵ֑ם5 of 14

“I will redeem”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

אֱהִ֤י6 of 14

“I will”

H165

where

דְבָרֶיךָ֜7 of 14

“be thy plagues”

H1698

a pestilence

מָ֗וֶת8 of 14

“O death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

אֱהִ֤י9 of 14

“I will”

H165

where

קָֽטָבְךָ֙10 of 14

“be thy destruction”

H6987

extermination

שְׁא֔וֹל11 of 14

“O grave”

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

נֹ֖חַם12 of 14

“repentance”

H5164

ruefulness, i.e., desistance

יִסָּתֵ֥ר13 of 14

“shall be hid”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

מֵעֵינָֽי׃14 of 14

“from mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 25:81 Corinthians 15:52-57Revelation 21:4Isaiah 26:19Psalms 49:15James 1:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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