King James Version

What Does Hosea 13:2 Mean?

Hosea 13:2 in the King James Version says “And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own under... — study this verse from Hosea chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. they sin: Heb. they add to sin the men: or, the sacrificers of men

Hosea 13:2 · KJV


Context

1

When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

2

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. they sin: Heb. they add to sin the men: or, the sacrificers of men

3

Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.

4

Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sin multiplied, idols kissing calves: 'And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.' Sin intensifies: יוֹסִפוּ לַחֲטֹא (yosifu lachato, they add to sin). They make מַסֵּכָה (massekah, molten images) from silver, עֲצַבִּים (atsabbim, idols) according to תְּבוּנָתָם (tevu natam, their understanding). The shocking practice: men sacrificing (הַזֹּבְחֵי אָדָם, hazovchai adam) kiss עֲגָלִים (agalim, calves). This demonstrates progressive corruption: multiplying sin, self-designed worship, absurd rituals (humans kissing animal idols). Only Christ ends idolatry, directing worship to Father in truth (John 4:23-24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The molten silver images references both Jeroboam's golden calves (1 Kings 12:28) and proliferating idols people crafted. 'According to their own understanding' describes autonomous worship—designing gods and rituals to suit preferences rather than submitting to divine revelation. The phrase about 'men that sacrifice kissing calves' is variously interpreted: either 'men who sacrifice' kiss calves, or 'those who sacrifice men' kiss calves (suggesting child sacrifice combined with calf worship). Either way, it's absurd: humans (image-bearers) bowing to animal images. Archaeological finds include bull iconography and molten metal idols from this period. This demonstrates worship corruption: creating convenient gods rather than serving the true God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does making idols 'according to their own understanding' demonstrate autonomous rebellion rather than revealed worship?
  2. What does humans kissing calf idols reveal about how far idolatry inverts proper order (Creator worshiped by creation)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה׀1 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יוֹסִ֣פוּ2 of 19

more and more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לַחֲטֹ֗א3 of 19

And now they sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וַיַּעְשׂ֣וּ4 of 19

and have made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶם֩5 of 19
H0
מַסֵּכָ֨ה6 of 19

them molten images

H4541

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

מִכַּסְפָּ֤ם7 of 19

of their silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

כִּתְבוּנָם֙8 of 19

according to their own understanding

H8394

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

עֲצַבִּ֔ים9 of 19

and idols

H6091

an (idolatrous) image

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה10 of 19

all of it the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

חָרָשִׁ֖ים11 of 19

of the craftsmen

H2796

a fabricator or any material

כֻּלֹּ֑ה12 of 19
H3605

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

לָהֶם֙13 of 19
H0
הֵ֣ם14 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֹמְרִ֔ים15 of 19

they say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֹבְחֵ֣י16 of 19

that sacrifice

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אָדָ֔ם17 of 19

of them Let the men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

עֲגָלִ֖ים18 of 19

the calves

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

יִשָּׁקֽוּן׃19 of 19

kiss

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons


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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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