King James Version

What Does Hosea 7:15 Mean?

Hosea 7:15 in the King James Version says “Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me. have: or, chastened” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Hosea 7:15 · KJV

Context

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

16

They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Training betrayers: 'Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.' God declares אֲנִי יִסַּרְתִּי חִזַּקְתִּי זְרוֹעוֹתָם (ani yissarti chizaqti zero'otam): 'I disciplined/trained, I strengthened their arms'—yet they devise (יְחַשְּׁבוּ, yechashevu) evil (רָע, ra) against Him. Divine beneficence met with plotting rebellion. This describes supreme ingratitude: using God-given strength against Him. Romans 1:21 similarly condemns those knowing God yet not glorifying Him. Israel's strength—military, economic, political—all derived from covenant relationship, yet deployed for covenant violation. Only Christ perfectly uses strength for divine purposes, glorifying Father in all things (John 17:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's covenant faithfulness provided Israel every advantage: deliverance from Egypt, conquest of Canaan, military victories, economic prosperity. Even in apostasy, God 'bound and strengthened'—disciplining and empowering them. Yet they used these gifts for rebellion: military strength for alliances with pagan nations, prosperity for luxury and oppression, freedom for idolatry. This demonstrates tragic irony: covenant blessings enabling covenant rebellion. Archaeological evidence confirms Israel's prosperity during periods of greatest apostasy (Jeroboam II era). Church history parallels: Christian nations using gospel-enabled prosperity and freedom for secular rebellion against Christian foundations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do people use God-given gifts and strengths for rebellion against Him rather than service?
  2. What does this verse teach about accountability—that receiving divine blessings increases rather than decreases moral obligation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַאֲנִ֣י1 of 7
H589

i

יִסַּ֔רְתִּי2 of 7

“Though I have bound”

H3256

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

חִזַּ֖קְתִּי3 of 7

“and strengthened”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

זְרֽוֹעֹתָ֑ם4 of 7

“their arms”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

וְאֵלַ֖י5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְחַשְּׁבוּ6 of 7

“yet do they imagine”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

רָֽע׃7 of 7

“mischief”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nahum 1:9Psalms 94:12Acts 4:25Jeremiah 17:9Job 5:17Psalms 62:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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