King James Version

What Does Hosea 14:7 Mean?

Hosea 14:7 in the King James Version says “They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof sh...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. grow: or, blossom scent: or, memorial”

Hosea 14:7 · KJV

Context

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

6

His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. spread: Heb. go

7

They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. grow: or, blossom scent: or, memorial

8

Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

9

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Read Hosea 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Those dwelling under God's shadow (protection) will revive - like grain sprouting, vine growing, wine fermenting. Shadow represents protective presence. Revival means renewed life after death-like state. Agricultural imagery promises comprehensive restoration. Christ is vine (John 15:1); believers are branches drawing life from Him. Only abiding in Christ produces revival and growth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Shadow metaphor common in Scripture: shadow of Almighty (Psalm 91:1), shadow of wings (Psalm 36:7). Protection enables flourishing. Corn, vine, wine represent staple agricultural products - complete provision and blessing. Post-exilic return brought some revival, yet full flowering awaits Messiah's kingdom. Church experiences this now (partial) and future (complete). Revivals throughout history demonstrate pattern: God's protective presence enables spiritual renewal and fruitfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does dwelling under God's shadow (His protective presence) enable revival impossible through self-effort?
  2. What evidences of revival (corn, vine, wine - spiritual life, growth, joy) appear in my walk with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יָשֻׁ֙בוּ֙1 of 10

“shall return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י2 of 10

“They that dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְצִלּ֔וֹ3 of 10

“under his shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

יְחַיּ֥וּ4 of 10

“they shall revive”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

דָגָ֖ן5 of 10

“as the corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

וְיִפְרְח֣וּ6 of 10

“and grow”

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

כַגָּ֑פֶן7 of 10

“as the vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

זִכְר֖וֹ8 of 10

“the scent”

H2143

a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

כְּיֵ֥ין9 of 10

“thereof shall be as the wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

לְבָנֽוֹן׃10 of 10

“of Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

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 14:7 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 14:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 91:1John 11:251 Corinthians 15:36-38Hosea 2:22Hosea 6:2Psalms 85:6

Places in This Verse

LebanonRegion · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E57 verses across 16 books
View all places in Hosea 14 →

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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