King James Version

What Does Hosea 6:10 Mean?

“I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.”

Context

Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. polluted: or, cunning for

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent : for they commit lewdness. by: Heb. with one shoulder, or, to Shechem lewdness: or, enormity

I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **House of Israel.**—This phrase means Ephraim and Judah subsequently discriminated. The “horrible thing” refers to polluting idolatry. This peculiar word occurs again in Jeremiah. According to the punctuation of the Hebrew the reciter hesitates before pronouncing the “horrible thing” which grated through his teeth.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 6:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.