King James Version

What Does Hosea 14:3 Mean?

Hosea 14:3 in the King James Version says “Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are ou... — study this verse from Hosea chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Hosea 14:3 · KJV


Context

1

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

2

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. receive: or, give good

3

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

4

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

5

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. grow: or, blossom cast: Heb. strike


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. Comprehensive renunciation: no trusting Assyria (foreign alliances), no trusting horses (military power), no trusting handmade idols. Positive declaration: in thee fatherless finds mercy. This demonstrates true repentance - turning from false securities to God alone. Orphan metaphor emphasizes total dependence - no other resource. Only God shows mercy to helpless. Christ embodies this: we are adopted as children through Him (Ephesians 1:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This summarizes Israel's three main sins: political alliances (Assyria), military trust (horses/chariots), and idolatry (work of hands). True repentance renounces all. The fatherless finding mercy shows God's character - He helps helpless. Modern application: genuine conversion requires comprehensive turning - from all false securities to Christ alone. Half measures don't constitute true repentance. Only exclusive trust in God's mercy saves.

Reflection Questions

  1. What Assyrias, horses, or handmade gods do I still trust instead of depending solely on God?
  2. How does recognition that I am spiritually fatherless drive me to God for mercy found only in Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אַשּׁ֣וּר׀1 of 17

Asshur

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֹ֣א2 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נוּ3 of 17

shall not save

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

עַל4 of 17
H5921

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

סוּס֙5 of 17

upon horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

לֹ֣א6 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְכָּ֔ב7 of 17

us we will not ride

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

וְלֹא8 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֹ֥אמַר9 of 17

neither will we say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ע֛וֹד10 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ11 of 17

Ye are our gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה12 of 17

any more to the work

H4639

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

יָדֵ֑ינוּ13 of 17

of our hands

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

אֲשֶׁר14 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּךָ֖15 of 17
H0
יְרֻחַ֥ם16 of 17

findeth mercy

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

יָתֽוֹם׃17 of 17

for in thee the fatherless

H3490

a bereaved person


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 14:3 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 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study