King James Version

What Does Hosea 6:5 Mean?

Hosea 6:5 in the King James Version says “Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the li...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Hosea 6:5 · KJV

Context

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

6

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

7

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. men: or, Adam

Read Hosea 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.' God's word through prophets functions as tool - 'hewing' (shaping through judgment) and 'slaying' (bringing death to rebellion). 'Words of my mouth' are powerful, accomplishing divine purposes (Isaiah 55:11). 'Thy judgments as light' means God's verdicts illuminate truth, exposing sin. Hebrews 4:12 declares God's word 'sharper than any two-edged sword,' dividing soul and spirit. Prophetic word both judges unrepentant and refines repentant. Christ is ultimate Word (John 1:1), bringing both judgment and life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea proclaimed God's word, confronting kings and people. Their words brought both literal judgment (Elijah calling drought, 1 Kings 17:1) and spiritual judgment (exposing sin). That God 'slays' by words means prophetic denunciation executed judgment even before physical consequences arrived. New Testament similarly describes the word as sword (Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 1:16). Historical fulfillment came through Assyrian conquest, but prophetic word had already pronounced sentence. God's word always accomplishes its purpose, whether salvation or judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I receive God's word - allowing it to 'hew' and refine me rather than resisting its corrective work?
  2. What does prophetic word functioning as judgment teach about Scripture's authority and power in my life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עַל1 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֗ן2 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

חָצַ֙בְתִּי֙3 of 10

“Therefore have I hewed”

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

בַּנְּבִיאִ֔ים4 of 10

“them by the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הֲרַגְתִּ֖ים5 of 10

“I have slain”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בְּאִמְרֵי6 of 10

“them by the words”

H561

something said

פִ֑י7 of 10

“of my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּמִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ8 of 10

“and thy judgments”

H4941

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

א֥וֹר9 of 10

“are as the light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

יֵצֵֽא׃10 of 10

“that goeth forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:29Jeremiah 1:10Hebrews 4:12Jeremiah 5:14Romans 2:5Revelation 2:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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