King James Version

What Does Hosea 7:2 Mean?

Hosea 7:2 in the King James Version says “And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; ...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. consider: Heb. say not to”

Hosea 7:2 · KJV

Context

1

When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. wickedness: Heb. evils spoileth: Heb. strippeth

2

And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. consider: Heb. say not to

3

They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

4

They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened. who: or, the raiser will cease raising: or, waking

Read Hosea 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.' Israel doesn't 'consider' (lo-yamru le-levavam) - literally 'they don't say to their hearts.' They fail to internalize that God remembers all sin. 'Their doings have beset them' means their sins surround them - inescapable. 'Before my face' emphasizes God's omniscient witness. This describes self-deception - assuming God doesn't notice or care. Psalm 90:8 declares: 'You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.' Only Christ's atonement addresses sins God fully knows and remembers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's presumption that secret sins escaped divine notice proved false - judgment demonstrated God's complete awareness. Every hidden conspiracy, secret alliance, covert idol worship faced accountability. Modern parallel: assuming privacy or passage of time erases guilt. Yet Ecclesiastes 12:14 warns: 'God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing.' Only confession and Christ's cleansing blood addresses sins God remembers. His forgiveness means He 'remembers their sins no more' (Hebrews 8:12) - gracious divine amnesia contrasting with judicial memory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sins do I assume God doesn't notice or care about, failing to 'consider that He remembers'?
  2. How does God's omniscient memory of sin drive me to Christ's atoning sacrifice and promise of divine forgiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּבַל1 of 12
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יֹֽאמְרוּ֙2 of 12

“And they consider”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִלְבָבָ֔ם3 of 12

“not in their hearts”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

כָּל4 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רָעָתָ֖ם5 of 12

“all their wickedness”

H7451

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

זָכָ֑רְתִּי6 of 12

“that I remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עַתָּה֙7 of 12
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

סְבָב֣וּם8 of 12

“have beset them about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

מַֽעַלְלֵיהֶ֔ם9 of 12

“now their own doings”

H4611

an act (good or bad)

נֶ֥גֶד10 of 12
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

פָּנַ֖י11 of 12

“they are before my face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָיֽוּ׃12 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:2Amos 8:7Jeremiah 2:19Jeremiah 14:10Psalms 90:8Hebrews 4:13

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