King James Version

What Does Hosea 6:3 Mean?

Hosea 6:3 in the King James Version says “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

Hosea 6:3 · KJV

Context

1

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

3

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

4

O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. goodness: or, mercy, or, kindness

5

Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. and: or, that thy judgments might be, etc

Read Hosea 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The exhortation 'Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD' emphasizes progressive knowledge through devoted pursuit. The Hebrew 'follow on' (נִרְדְּפָה, nirdepah) means to pursue eagerly, chase after—active, intentional seeking rather than passive waiting. 'To know' (לָדַעַת, lada'at) signifies intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual information. This is covenant knowledge—personal relationship, not abstract theology. The verse continues with beautiful imagery: 'his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.' God's self-revelation is certain as sunrise—predictable, inevitable, life-giving. Morning (שַׁחַר, shachar) speaks of new beginnings, fresh mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). The rain metaphor references Israel's agricultural dependence on seasonal rains—the 'former rain' (יוֹרֶה, yoreh) in autumn softened ground for planting; the 'latter rain' (מַלְקוֹשׁ, malkosh) in spring brought crops to harvest. Both were essential for survival in Palestine's climate. God's presence is similarly essential and reliable for spiritual life and fruitfulness. This verse teaches that knowing God deepens through persistent pursuit—spiritual growth isn't passive but requires disciplined seeking. Jesus embodies this promise—the 'Sun of righteousness' rising 'with healing in his wings' (Malachi 4:2) and the one who pours out the Spirit like rain (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18). True Christianity isn't merely initial conversion but lifelong pursuit of deeper Christ-knowledge (Philippians 3:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse appears in a passage urging Israel's repentance (Hosea 6:1-3), yet God's response questions the genuineness of their contrition (6:4-6). The context is crucial: Israel's repentance was superficial, motivated by desire to escape judgment rather than grief over sin. Their 'goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew' (6:4)—quickly vanishing rather than permanent. This exposes the danger of shallow repentance focused on benefits rather than relationship. The promise that God comes 'as the rain' would have resonated powerfully in an agrarian society utterly dependent on rainfall. Unlike Baal, whom Canaanites believed controlled weather and fertility, Yahweh actually governs nature and provides for His people. The 'former and latter rain' pattern was unique to Israel's climate—two rainy seasons separated by dry months. This agricultural dependence created a natural parable for spiritual dependence on God. The historical tragedy is that Israel abandoned the true Provider for impotent idols. Within decades, Assyria would conquer and exile them (722 BC), demonstrating that forsaking God leads to destruction. Yet God's promise remains—those who genuinely seek Him will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your pursuit of knowing God differ from merely seeking His benefits or avoiding His discipline?
  2. What spiritual disciplines help you 'follow on to know the LORD' more deeply?
  3. In what ways is God's faithfulness as certain and regular as sunrise in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לָדַ֙עַת֙1 of 14

“Then shall we know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

נִרְדְּפָ֗ה2 of 14

“if we follow”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

לָדַ֙עַת֙3 of 14

“Then shall we know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת4 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כְּשַׁ֖חַר6 of 14

“as the morning”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

נָכ֣וֹן7 of 14

“is prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

מֹֽצָא֑וֹ8 of 14

“his going forth”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

וְיָב֤וֹא9 of 14

“and he shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כַגֶּ֙שֶׁם֙10 of 14

“unto us as the rain”

H1653

a shower

לָ֔נוּ11 of 14
H0
כְּמַלְק֖וֹשׁ12 of 14

“as the latter”

H4456

the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence

י֥וֹרֶה13 of 14
H3138

sprinkling; hence, a sprinkling (or autumnal showers)

אָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

“unto the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 24:7Hosea 14:5Proverbs 2:1-5Psalms 72:6Philippians 3:13-15Matthew 13:11

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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