King James Version
What Does Hosea 2:6 Mean?
“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”
Context
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
7
And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.
8
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. wine: Heb. new wine which: or, wherewith they made Baal
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6-7) Contains a brief introductory prelude, summarizing the general contents of Hosea 2:8-23. Jehovah addresses the adulterous wife: “I will erect impassable barriers that shall pierce and mangle her flesh. The path of evil shall be a path of thorns.”
**Hedge up . . . and make a wall.—**In accordance with most Hebrew texts, the literal rendering is, *wall up her wall.* Here, again, we have a sudden change of person.
**She shall** . . .—She may anticipate in her exile closer proximity to her idol-lovers, but in respect of national prosperity or religious satisfaction she will make complete mistake.
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 2:6 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 2:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge