King James Version

What Does Hosea 4:2 Mean?

Hosea 4:2 in the King James Version says “By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. bl...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. blood: Heb. bloods”

Hosea 4:2 · KJV

Context

1

Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. blood: Heb. bloods

3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

4

Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.

Read Hosea 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse catalogs covenant violations using the Decalogue's structure: 'swearing' (false oaths, violating God's name—3rd commandment), 'lying' (false witness—9th commandment), 'killing' (6th commandment), 'stealing' (8th commandment), 'committing adultery' (7th commandment). The Hebrew rhythm emphasizes comprehensive lawlessness: 'aloh we-kahhesh we-ratsohh we-ganobh we-na'oph (cursing and lying and murdering and stealing and adultery). The phrase 'they break out' (paratsu) suggests violent overflow—sin unchecked, society descending into chaos. 'Blood touches blood' (damim be-damim naga'u) indicates unceasing bloodshed, one murder following another. This total moral collapse demonstrates what happens when knowledge of God vanishes (v. 1)—without reverence for YHWH, all ethical restraints dissolve.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's final decades were marked by political assassinations (six kings in 30 years, most murdered), corrupt justice, oppression of the poor, and religious syncretism. The social fabric disintegrated as covenant structures collapsed. Hosea's indictment echoes the pre-flood era ('violence filled the earth,' Genesis 6:11) and Judges period ('everyone did what was right in his own eyes,' Judges 21:25). Archaeological evidence from this period shows military buildup and fortifications suggesting pervasive violence. This moral chaos preceded Assyria's devastating invasion (722 BC), demonstrating that national sin invites divine judgment through historical processes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does my society reflect similar moral decay, and what is the church's prophetic responsibility?
  2. Do I recognize that personal and corporate knowledge of God is the only foundation for ethical order?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אָלֹ֣ה1 of 9

“By swearing”

H422

properly, to adjure, i.e., (usually in a bad sense) imprecate

וְכַחֵ֔שׁ2 of 9

“and lying”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

וְרָצֹ֥חַ3 of 9

“and killing”

H7523

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

וְגָנֹ֖ב4 of 9

“and stealing”

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

וְנָאֹ֑ף5 of 9

“and committing adultery”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

פָּרָ֕צוּ6 of 9

“they break out”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

בְּדָמִ֖ים7 of 9

“and blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בְּדָמִ֖ים8 of 9

“and blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נָגָֽעוּ׃9 of 9

“toucheth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 6:9Jeremiah 6:71 Thessalonians 2:15Micah 7:2Jeremiah 5:7-9Jeremiah 5:26-27

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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