King James Version

What Does Hosea 13:6 Mean?

Hosea 13:6 in the King James Version says “According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forg...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.”

Hosea 13:6 · KJV

Context

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.

5

I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. great: Heb. droughts

6

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

7

Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:

8

I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them. wild: Heb. beast of the field

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. Tragic progression: good pasture produces fullness, fullness produces pride, pride produces forgetfulness of God. Prosperity paradoxically distances from God instead of producing gratitude. Deuteronomy 8:12-14 warned: lest when you have eaten and are full... your heart be lifted up and you forget the LORD. This demonstrates dangerous spiritual dynamic: comfort breeds complacency. Only humble dependence regardless of circumstances maintains relationship with God. Jesus taught: hard for rich to enter kingdom (Matthew 19:23-24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeroboam II's prosperous reign perfectly fulfilled this: economic boom produced pride and forgetfulness of God. Rather than gratitude, abundance fueled self-sufficiency and idolatry. Archaeological evidence shows luxury goods alongside idolatrous practices. The pattern appears throughout history: prosperity often produces spiritual decline. Modern parallel: wealth and comfort tempt toward self-reliance and functional atheism. Churches in affluent contexts often lack spiritual vitality compared to persecuted churches. Only intentional cultivation of dependence through spiritual disciplines maintains humble faith amid prosperity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does prosperity tempt me toward self-exaltation and forgetfulness of God as Provider?
  2. What spiritual practices help maintain humble dependence during comfortable circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כְּמַרְעִיתָם֙1 of 8

“According to their pasture”

H4830

pasturage; concretely, a flock

שָׂבְע֖וּ2 of 8

“so were they filled”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

שָׂבְע֖וּ3 of 8

“so were they filled”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וַיָּ֣רָם4 of 8

“was exalted”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

לִבָּ֑ם5 of 8

“and their heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַל6 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֖ן7 of 8
H3651

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

שְׁכֵחֽוּנִי׃8 of 8

“therefore have they forgotten”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

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 13:6 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 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:13-15Deuteronomy 8:12-14Deuteronomy 6:10-12Nehemiah 9:35Psalms 10:4Deuteronomy 32:18

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