King James Version

What Does Hosea 2:14 Mean?

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. comfortably: or, friendly: Heb. to her heart”

Context

And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them. destroy: Heb. make desolate

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. comfortably: or, friendly: Heb. to her heart

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali. Ishi: that is, My husband Baali: that is, My lord

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Therefore.—**This word does not make God’s gentle treatment a consequence of the sin of Israel. Some prefer to render by *nevertheless,* but the Hebrew word *lakhēn* is sometimes used in making strong transitions, linked, it is true, with what precedes, but not as an inference. (Comp. Isaiah 10:24.) Grace transforms her suffering into discipline. The exile in Babylon shall be a repetition of the experiences of the wilderness in which she was first espoused to Jehovah. *There will I speak to her heart; i.e.,* comfortingly, lovingly.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.