King James Version

What Does Hosea 5:11 Mean?

Hosea 5:11 in the King James Version says “Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.”

Hosea 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be.

10

The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.

11

Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.

12

Therefore will I be unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness. rottenness: or, a worm

13

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb : yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. king Jareb: or, the king of Jareb: or, the king that should plead

Read Hosea 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Oppression and worthless worship: 'Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.' The phrase רְצוּץ דָּכוּא מִשְׁפָּט (retsuts dakku mishpat): 'crushed, trampled in judgment.' This occurred because Ephraim 'willingly walked after the commandment' (הוֹאִיל הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי־צָו, ho'il halakh acharei-tsav)—but which commandment? Not God's but man's (likely Jeroboam's establishment of calf worship, 1 Kings 12:28-33). The Hebrew צָו (tsav) can mean divine command or human tradition. Israel chose human religious innovation over divine revelation. This demonstrates that following false teaching, even zealously, leads to judgment. Only God's Word provides sure foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). Christ alone is the way (John 14:6)—all other paths lead to destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeroboam I's 'commandment' establishing golden calves at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28: 'Behold thy gods, O Israel') initiated northern kingdom's permanent apostasy. Every subsequent king 'walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin' (1 Kings 15:34, etc.). This human tradition, religiously maintained for 200+ years, resulted in national destruction. The phrase 'willingly walked' emphasizes voluntary choice—they preferred convenient false worship over demanding true worship requiring pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This demonstrates that religious tradition contradicting God's Word, no matter how established, leads to judgment. The Reformation similarly confronted human traditions that contradicted Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious zeal directed toward human traditions rather than God's Word lead to spiritual destruction?
  2. What distinguishes godly tradition that preserves biblical truth from human tradition that contradicts it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עָשׁ֥וּק1 of 9

“is oppressed”

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

אֶפְרַ֖יִם2 of 9

“Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

רְצ֣וּץ3 of 9

“and broken”

H7533

to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively

מִשְׁפָּ֑ט4 of 9

“in judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

כִּ֣י5 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הוֹאִ֔יל6 of 9

“because he willingly”

H2974

properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition

הָלַ֖ךְ7 of 9

“walked”

H1980

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

אַחֲרֵי8 of 9

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

צָֽו׃9 of 9

“the commandment”

H6673

an injunction

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 6:16Deuteronomy 28:331 Kings 12:26-33Amos 5:11-122 Kings 15:292 Kings 15:16-20

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Hosea 5 with CommentaryAll Hosea ChaptersComplete Hosea QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes