King James Version
What Does Hosea 2:4 Mean?
“And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.”
Context
2
Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts;
3
Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.
4
And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.
5
For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink. drink: Heb. drinks
6
Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. make: Heb. wall a wall
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Her children.—**The children are like their mother: not only are they born of doubtful parentage, but are personally defiled. Not only is idolatry enshrined in the national sanctuary and the royal palace, but the people love to have it so. They endorse the degradation of their mother.
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 2:4 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 2:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge