King James Version

What Does Hosea 9:16 Mean?

Hosea 9:16 in the King James Version says “Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. the: Heb. the desires”

Hosea 9:16 · KJV

Context

14

Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. miscarrying: Heb. that casteth the fruit

15

All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters.

16

Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. the: Heb. the desires

17

My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ephraim smitten: 'Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb.' Triple judgment: נִכָּה (nikkah, smitten/struck), root יָבֵשׁ (yavesh, dried up), לֹא יַעֲשׂוּ־פֶרִי (lo ya'asu-feri, no fruit). Even if bearing fruit, God will kill אֵת־מַחֲמַדֵּי בִטְנָם (et-machamaddei vitnam, beloved/desirable ones of womb). This describes comprehensive barrenness—covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:18) executed. Without divine blessing, fruitlessness prevails. Only Christ restores fruitfulness (John 15:1-8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The agricultural metaphor (smitten plant, dried root, no fruit) describes Ephraim's coming destruction. Assyrian conquest fulfillment: population killed or deported, land given to foreigners, northern tribes ceasing to exist as distinct entity. The phrase 'slay beloved fruit of womb' refers to children killed in warfare. Ancient Near Eastern warfare routinely targeted children to prevent future resistance. Archaeological evidence of mass graves from Assyrian campaigns confirms this horror. Deuteronomy threatened this curse (Deuteronomy 28:18,53-57). This demonstrated that covenant violation brings comprehensive judgment affecting every aspect of life—nothing escapes curse.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the metaphor of dried roots and no fruit describe comprehensive judgment affecting all life aspects?
  2. What does Christ's promise to make us fruitful (John 15:5) teach about gospel reversing covenant curses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הֻכָּ֣ה1 of 13

“is smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶפְרַ֔יִם2 of 13

“Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

שָׁרְשָׁ֥ם3 of 13

“their root”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

יָבֵ֖שׁ4 of 13

“is dried up”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

פְּרִ֣י5 of 13

“no fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

בַֽלי6 of 13
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

יַעֲשׂ֑וּן7 of 13

“they shall bear”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

גַּ֚ם8 of 13
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כִּ֣י9 of 13
H3588

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

יֵֽלֵד֔וּן10 of 13

“yea though they bring forth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וְהֵמַתִּ֖י11 of 13

“yet will I slay”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

מַחֲמַדֵּ֥י12 of 13

“even the beloved”

H4261

delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire

בִטְנָֽם׃13 of 13

“fruit of their womb”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 9:11-13Ezekiel 24:21Isaiah 5:24Isaiah 40:24Malachi 4:1Hosea 8:7

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