King James Version

What Does Hosea 3:1 Mean?

Hosea 3:1 in the King James Version says “Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the ...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. of wine: Heb. of grapes”

Hosea 3:1 · KJV

Love

Context

1

Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. of wine: Heb. of grapes

2

So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley: half: Heb. lethech

3

And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.

Read Hosea 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress—God commands Hosea to take back Gomer after her adultery, mirroring Yahweh's relentless love for wayward Israel. According to the love of the LORD (כְּאַהֲבַת יְהוָה)—the comparison is explicit: Hosea's painful redemption of his unfaithful wife pictures God's covenant love (אַהֲבָה, ahavah). Who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine (אֲשִׁשֵׁי עֲנָבִים)—raisin cakes were used in fertility cult worship. Israel traded Yahweh for sensual idolatry, yet God pursues them still. This chapter prophesies Israel's long exile (v.4) followed by restoration and return to 'David their king' (v.5)—Messiah.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hosea received this command to redeem Gomer from slavery/prostitution during the later phase of his ministry, after Israel's persistent covenant violations had made judgment certain. The parallel between Hosea buying back his unfaithful wife and God's redemptive love for Israel despite their adultery with 'flagons of wine' (associated with Baal fertility rituals) provided a living embodiment of divine grace. This prophetic sign-act occurred during the chaotic years following Jeroboam II's death (753 BC), when Israel lurched between Egyptian and Assyrian alliances while the priesthood and monarchy had thoroughly corrupted worship, yet God's covenant love (hesed) remained steadfast.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hosea 3:1 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness, justice, and mercy?
  2. What specific attitudes, thought patterns, or behaviors does this verse call you to examine and change in light of the gospel?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and His redemptive work, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 23

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֗י3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ע֚וֹד4 of 23
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לֵ֣ךְ5 of 23
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י6 of 23

“and love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אִשָּׁ֔ה7 of 23

“a woman”

H802

a woman

וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י8 of 23

“and love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

רֵ֖עַ9 of 23

“of her friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וּמְנָאָ֑פֶת10 of 23

“yet an adulteress”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

כְּאַהֲבַ֤ת11 of 23

“according to the love”

H160

love

יְהוָה֙12 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת13 of 23
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י14 of 23

“toward the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל15 of 23

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְהֵ֗ם16 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

פֹּנִים֙17 of 23

“who look”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל18 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלֹהִ֣ים19 of 23

“gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲחֵרִ֔ים20 of 23

“to other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י21 of 23

“and love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֲשִׁישֵׁ֥י22 of 23

“flagons”

H809

something closely pressed together, i.e., a cake of raisins or other comfits

עֲנָבִֽים׃23 of 23

“of wine”

H6025

a grape

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 3:12-14Jeremiah 31:20Micah 7:18-20Isaiah 45:22Hosea 1:2-3Psalms 106:43-46

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Hosea 3 with CommentaryAll Hosea ChaptersComplete Hosea QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes