King James Version

What Does Hosea 7:13 Mean?

Hosea 7:13 in the King James Version says “Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I ha...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me. destruction: Heb. spoil”

Hosea 7:13 · KJV

Salvation

Context

11

Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.

12

When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.

13

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me. destruction: Heb. spoil

14

And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.

15

Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me. have: or, chastened

Read Hosea 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.' Double pronouncement: 'woe' and 'destruction' for those who fled from and transgressed against God. The painful irony: 'though I redeemed them' (from Egypt), 'they spoke lies against me' (false teaching about God's character/requirements). Ingratitude after redemption merits severe judgment. This demonstrates covenant unfaithfulness: experiencing redemption, then denying Redeemer. Only those who acknowledge Christ's redemption and remain faithful avoid this woe.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God redeemed Israel from Egypt (Exodus), established covenant, provided for them - yet they claimed Baal redeemed them and gave provision (2:5, 8). This lying about God's character and works constituted ultimate ingratitude. Modern parallel: professing Christians who deny biblical truth about God or claim other sources for what God provides. Speaking lies against God includes false teaching about His character, denying His works, or attributing His gifts to other sources. Such ingratitude despite experienced redemption invites judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might I 'speak lies' against God despite experiencing His redemption?
  2. How does ingratitude after redemption demonstrate the depth of covenant unfaithfulness and invite judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
א֤וֹי1 of 16

“Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לָהֶם֙2 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּֽי3 of 16
H3588

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

נָדְד֣וּ4 of 16

“unto them! for they have fled”

H5074

properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away

מִמֶּ֔נִּי5 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

שֹׁ֥ד6 of 16

“from me destruction”

H7701

violence, ravage

לָהֶ֖ם7 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּֽי8 of 16
H3588

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

פָ֣שְׁעוּ9 of 16

“unto them! because they have transgressed”

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

בִ֑י10 of 16
H0
וְאָנֹכִ֣י11 of 16
H595

i

אֶפְדֵּ֔ם12 of 16

“against me though I have redeemed”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

וְהֵ֕מָּה13 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

דִּבְּר֥וּ14 of 16

“them yet they have spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עָלַ֖י15 of 16
H5921

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

כְּזָבִֽים׃16 of 16

“lies”

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 9:12Hosea 11:12Lamentations 5:16Matthew 23:13-29Revelation 8:13Matthew 23:37

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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