King James Version

What Does Hosea 2:16 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Baali.**—The husband of the bride was frequently called her “lord” (Isaiah 54:5; Exodus 21:22; 2Samuel 11:25; and Joel 1:8, in the Heb.). But such a name, as applied to Jehovah, was henceforth to be strictly avoided, on account of its idolatrous associations.

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 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.