King James Version

What Does Hosea 8:12 Mean?

Hosea 8:12 in the King James Version says “I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.”

Hosea 8:12 · KJV

Context

10

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. sorrow: or, begin a: or, in a little while

11

Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.

12

I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.

13

They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt. They sacrifice: or, In the sacrifices of mine offerings they, etc

14

For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

Read Hosea 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Written law spurned: 'I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.' God declares: כָּתַבְתִּי לוֹ רֻבֵּו תּוֹרָתִי (katavti lo rubo torati, I wrote to him great things/multitudes of My Torah), yet נֶחְשָׁבוּ כְּמוֹ־זָר (nechshevu kemo-zar, they're counted as strange/foreign). Divine revelation treated as alien, Torah regarded as foreign law. This demonstrates ultimate perversity: God's people treating God's Word as stranger. Psalm 119 celebrates Torah; Israel despises it. Jesus confronted similar attitude: Pharisees nullifying Word through tradition (Mark 7:13). Only Spirit-transformation makes law delightful rather than foreign (Psalm 119:97, Romans 7:22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel possessed written Torah (Pentateuch), yet treated it as irrelevant to daily life. Priests who should teach law instead led in violating it (4:6). The phrase 'great things' (רֻבֵּו, rubo—literally 'multitudes' or 'great matters') emphasizes Torah's comprehensiveness and significance. Archaeological discoveries of 8th century inscriptions show Israelites could read/write, making textual Torah accessible. Yet familiarity bred contempt—they knew law but counted it strange/foreign. Church history parallels: when Bible becomes cultural artifact rather than living Word, even Bible-possessing societies become biblically ignorant. The Reformation's return to Scripture addressed this disconnect.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can familiarity with Scripture paradoxically result in treating it as 'strange thing'—irrelevant to real life?
  2. What spiritual conditions cause God's law to seem foreign rather than precious to covenant people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
ל֔וֹ1 of 7

“I have written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

ל֔וֹ2 of 7

“I have written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

רֻבֵּ֖ו3 of 7

“to him the great things”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

תּֽוֹרָתִ֑י4 of 7

“of my law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

כְּמוֹ5 of 7
H3644

as, thus, so

זָ֖ר6 of 7

“as a strange”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

נֶחְשָֽׁבוּ׃7 of 7

“but they were counted”

H2803

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

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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 4:6-8Romans 7:12Psalms 50:17Romans 3:1Nehemiah 9:26Psalms 119:18

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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