King James Version

What Does Hosea 5:7 Mean?

Hosea 5:7 in the King James Version says “They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them w...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.”

Hosea 5:7 · KJV

Salvation

Context

5

And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.

6

They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.

7

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

8

Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin.

9

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Covenant treachery: 'They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.' The verb בָּגַד (bagad, 'dealt treacherously') describes covenant violation—marital infidelity applied to God-Israel relationship. The 'strange children' (בָּנִים זָרִים, banim zarim) may be literally children from mixed marriages or figuratively covenant children raised in idolatry rather than YHWH worship. Either way, generational covenant continuity is broken. The judgment 'a month devour them' suggests swift, sudden destruction—one new moon cycle suffices to consume them. Covenant faithfulness must transmit generationally; failure produces children who don't know God (Judges 2:10). Only through gospel does God adopt spiritual children from every nation (Galatians 3:26-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Intermarriage with pagans, forbidden in Torah (Deuteronomy 7:3-4), occurred throughout Israel's history, producing children uncircumcised in heart though circumcised in flesh. The northern kingdom's syncretistic worship raised generations knowing ritualistic religion but lacking genuine YHWH covenant relationship. Ezra and Nehemiah later addressed this issue post-exile (Ezra 9-10, Nehemiah 13:23-27). The 'month devouring them' likely references rapid Assyrian conquest. Historically, once Assyria mobilized against northern Israel (732 BC under Tiglath-Pileser III, 722 BC under Shalmaneser V/Sargon II), collapse came swiftly. This demonstrates that covenant curses, though delayed by divine patience, execute suddenly when judgment arrives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does parental faithfulness or unfaithfulness affect children's spiritual formation, and what responsibility do parents bear?
  2. What does the warning about 'strange children' teach about the necessity of multi-generational discipleship in covenant community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בַּיהוָ֣ה1 of 11

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּגָ֔דוּ2 of 11

“They have dealt treacherously”

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

כִּֽי3 of 11
H3588

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

בָנִ֥ים4 of 11

“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

זָרִ֖ים5 of 11

“strange”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

יָלָ֑דוּ6 of 11

“for they have begotten”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

עַתָּ֛ה7 of 11
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יֹאכְלֵ֥ם8 of 11

“devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חֹ֖דֶשׁ9 of 11

“now shall a month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

אֶת10 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

חֶלְקֵיהֶֽם׃11 of 11

“them with their portions”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 6:7Psalms 144:11Ezekiel 12:28Psalms 144:7Jeremiah 3:20Isaiah 48:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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