King James Version
What Does Hosea 4:19 Mean?
“The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.”
Hosea 4:19 · KJV
Context
17
Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
18
Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye. sour: Heb. gone rulers: Heb. shields
19
The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe wind has bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.' The imagery shifts to wind binding Israel in its wings - carrying them away to exile, unable to escape. 'Ashamed because of sacrifices' means their idolatrous worship will prove worthless, bringing shame instead of blessing. This fulfills covenant curses: trusting false gods leads to humiliation. Jeremiah 2:26-27 similarly describes: 'as the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed.' When idols fail to save, worshipers experience devastating shame. Only Christ provides worship that never disappoints (Romans 10:11, 'whoever believes in him will not be put to shame').
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Assyrian conquest swept Israel away like wind - deportation scattered them among nations, fulfilling the imagery. Their sacrifices to Baal, golden calves, and high places proved useless - these gods couldn't prevent destruction. Archaeo logical evidence shows destroyed altars and cult sites from Assyrian campaigns. The shame of Israel's defeat before nations demonstrated their gods' impotence. This historical pattern recurs: false worship always disappoints. Only the true God saves; all substitutes fail when tested.
Reflection Questions
- What false 'sacrifices' (worship, time, resources devoted to wrong things) will ultimately bring shame instead of blessing?
- How does recognition that all false worship ends in shame drive me to exclusive devotion to Christ?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsר֛וּחַ2 of 6
“The wind”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אוֹתָ֖הּ3 of 6
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּכְנָפֶ֑יהָ4 of 6
“in her wings”
H3671an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
וְיֵבֹ֖שׁוּ5 of 6
“and they shall be ashamed”
H954properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
מִזִּבְחוֹתָֽם׃6 of 6
“because of their sacrifices”
H2077properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge