King James Version

What Does Hosea 13:7 Mean?

Hosea 13:7 in the King James Version says “Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Hosea 13:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

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

Read Hosea 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's terrifying metaphor: 'Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them.' The covenant LORD who delivered, provided, and protected now becomes Israel's predator. The Hebrew intensifies the threat: 'I will be to them like a lion' (ka-shahal), 'like a leopard I will lurk' (ka-namer ashuwr). The verb 'observe' (shur) means to watch/lurk—patient predator waiting to pounce. Verse 8 continues: 'as a bear robbed of her whelps'—most dangerous beast. This reveals the fearsome aspect of God's holiness: the same LORD who is shield and defender to the faithful becomes devastating adversary to covenant breakers. Hebrews 10:31 warns 'it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' God's love doesn't negate His wrath; His patience has limits; His justice is real.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's consistent covenant violations exhausted God's patience. Despite repeated warnings through prophets, miraculous deliverances, and temporal judgments meant to produce repentance, they persisted in idolatry and injustice. God's character includes both love and wrath: He is 'compassionate and gracious, slow to anger' but also 'will by no means clear the guilty' (Exodus 34:6-7). The lion imagery recalls Amos 3:8's 'the lion has roared; who will not fear?' Assyria became the instrument of this leonine judgment, tearing Israel apart as God predicted. This demonstrates that God's warnings are not empty threats—persistent rebellion eventually meets inevitable judgment. The cross shows both realities: God's wrath poured out, and God's love providing the substitute.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I take God's patience for granted, presuming I can sin with impunity because He is loving?
  2. How should the reality of God's wrath against sin shape my evangelism and pursuit of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וָאֱהִ֥י1 of 8
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם2 of 8
H0
כְּמוֹ3 of 8
H3644

as, thus, so

שָׁ֑חַל4 of 8

“Therefore I will be unto them as a lion”

H7826

a lion (from his characteristic roar)

כְּנָמֵ֖ר5 of 8

“as a leopard”

H5246

a leopard (from its stripes)

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

דֶּ֥רֶךְ7 of 8

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אָשֽׁוּר׃8 of 8

“will I observe”

H7789

to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 5:14Jeremiah 5:6Lamentations 3:10Amos 1:2Amos 3:4Amos 3:8

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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