King James Version

What Does Hosea 2:9 Mean?

Hosea 2:9 in the King James Version says “Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover ...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness. recover: or, take away”

Hosea 2:9 · KJV

Context

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

9

Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness. recover: or, take away

10

And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand. lewdness: Heb. folly, or, villany

11

I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.

Read Hosea 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's reversal of provision: 'Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.' Since Israel credited Baal for God's gifts (v. 8), God withdraws them. The Hebrew emphasizes divine ownership: 'MY corn...MY wine...MY wool...MY flax.' Everything belongs to God; we're stewards, not owners. 'In the time thereof...in the season thereof' indicates God's sovereign timing—He gives and withdraws according to His purposes. 'Recover' (hitsalti) means snatch away, rescue from misuse. 'Given to cover her nakedness' recalls verse 3's threat to strip her naked—without God's provision, shame is exposed. This demonstrates that all blessing flows from God's grace; when misused for idolatry, He righteously reclaims it. James 1:17 declares 'every good gift comes from the Father.' Recognizing God's ownership produces gratitude and stewardship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historically fulfilled through agricultural disasters (drought, locusts, Amos 4:6-10) and Assyrian conquest stripping Israel's wealth. When people attribute God's gifts to false sources, He removes them to expose the truth. This principle operates continually: prosperity apart from acknowledgment of God often leads to loss, teaching dependence. Israel's cycle of apostasy-judgment-restoration (Judges) demonstrates this pattern. Jesus's parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) illustrates the same truth: accumulating God's blessings without recognizing Him as source leads to loss. Only those who steward gifts in recognition of the Giver experience lasting blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I recognize that everything I possess—income, possessions, abilities—belongs to God and is entrusted to me for stewardship?
  2. How might God 'take away' blessings I've misused or misattributed to expose my dependence on Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לָכֵ֣ן1 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָשׁ֔וּב2 of 13

“Therefore will I return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְלָקַחְתִּ֤י3 of 13

“and take away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

דְגָנִי֙4 of 13

“my corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

בְּעִתּ֔וֹ5 of 13

“in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

וְתִירוֹשִׁ֖י6 of 13

“thereof and my wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

בְּמֽוֹעֲד֑וֹ7 of 13

“in the season”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְהִצַּלְתִּי֙8 of 13

“thereof and will recover”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

צַמְרִ֣י9 of 13

“my wool”

H6785

wool

וּפִשְׁתִּ֔י10 of 13

“and my flax”

H6593

linen (i.e., the thread, as carded)

לְכַסּ֖וֹת11 of 13

“given to cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת12 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃13 of 13

“her nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 17:10-11Malachi 3:18Haggai 1:6-11Ezekiel 23:26Malachi 1:4Hosea 2:3

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Hosea 2 with CommentaryAll Hosea ChaptersComplete Hosea QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes