King James Version

What Does Hosea 2:18 Mean?

Hosea 2:18 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Hosea chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Hosea 2:18 · KJV


Context

16

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

17

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

18

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.

19

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

20

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Creation peace covenant: '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.' God promises Edenic restoration: covenant with animals recalls creation harmony before the Fall and Noah's covenant (Genesis 9:9-11). Breaking weapons and establishing safety fulfills Isaiah 11:6-9 (wolf dwelling with lamb) and 2:4 (swords into plowshares). This describes Messianic kingdom peace: Christ's reign eliminates warfare and restores creation to intended harmony. 'Lie down safely' echoes Levitical blessings (Leviticus 26:6). Hosea envisions reversal of curse—creation subjected to futility (Romans 8:19-22) awaits liberation through Christ. Ultimate fulfillment comes in new creation (Revelation 21:1-4) where curse is removed entirely (Revelation 22:3). God's redemptive plan encompasses not merely souls but all creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Partial historical fulfillment came in periods of Israelite peace (Solomon's reign, post-exilic restoration), yet full realization awaits Christ's return. The promise transcends geopolitical peace, envisioning cosmic restoration. Early church understood Christ inaugurated but hasn't yet consummated this peace (already/not yet tension). Believers experience foretaste of peace through reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1) and each other (Ephesians 2:14-16), awaiting final peace when Christ returns to establish new creation. That God makes covenant 'for them' shows it's grace, not achievement—He secures peace on behalf of His people. This anticipates Christ's mediation: He secures new covenant on our behalf (Hebrews 7:22, 8:6, 9:15), accomplishing what we couldn't.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of cosmic peace (including creation) shape my understanding of salvation's scope?
  2. What foretastes of this coming peace do I experience now through reconciliation with God and others in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְכָרַתִּ֨י1 of 21

will I make

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶ֤ם2 of 21
H0
בְּרִית֙3 of 21

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

בַּיּ֣וֹם4 of 21

And in that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא5 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עִם6 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חַיַּ֤ת7 of 21

for them with the beasts

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַשָּׂדֶה֙8 of 21

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְעִם9 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

ע֣וֹף10 of 21

and with the fowls

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם11 of 21

of heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְרֶ֖מֶשׂ12 of 21

and with the creeping things

H7431

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה13 of 21

of the ground

H127

soil (from its general redness)

וְקֶ֨שֶׁת14 of 21

the bow

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וְחֶ֤רֶב15 of 21

and the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וּמִלְחָמָה֙16 of 21

and the battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

אֶשְׁבּ֣וֹר17 of 21

and I will break

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מִן18 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָ֔רֶץ19 of 21

out of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִשְׁכַּבְתִּ֖ים20 of 21

and will make them to lie down

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

לָבֶֽטַח׃21 of 21

safely

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely


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 2:18 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 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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