Old Testament
Hosea 1:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Hosea, a prophet of God, obeys God's command by marrying Gomer, who is described as the daughter of Diblaim.
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
So Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. She became pregnant and gave him a son.
So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Hosea, a prophet of God, obeys God's command by marrying Gomer, who is described as the daughter of Diblaim. This marriage is significant because it symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Gomer's pregnancy and the birth of a son represent the beginning of a new chapter in Hosea's life and ministry. The act of marrying someone who may not be faithful reflects the relationship between God and Israel, where God remains faithful despite Israel's infidelity. This verse sets the stage for the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption that will unfold throughout the book of Hosea. It highlights the personal and prophetic dimensions of Hosea's life, showing how his experiences mirror the spiritual condition of the people he is called to serve. The mention of Gomer's lineage also adds depth, indicating that her background may not be ideal, which further emphasizes the grace and mercy of God in choosing to work through flawed individuals.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hosea 1:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own relationships and commitments. Just as Hosea remained faithful despite Gomer's potential unfaithfulness, we are called to show love and commitment in our relationships, even when faced with challenges. It reminds us of the importance of grace and forgiveness.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 1:3 mean?
Hosea 1:3 describes the prophet Hosea marrying Gomer, which symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The marriage and the birth of a son represent the beginning of Hosea's prophetic mission and highlight themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
What is the significance of Gomer in Hosea 1:3?
Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, represents unfaithfulness and serves as a symbol of Israel's relationship with God. Her background emphasizes the grace of God in choosing to work through flawed individuals.
What does the phrase 'bare him a son' mean in Hosea 1:3?
The phrase 'bare him a son' indicates that Gomer became pregnant and gave birth to a son, marking a new chapter in Hosea's life. This event is significant as it reflects the unfolding narrative of Hosea's prophetic ministry.
What themes are present in Hosea 1:3?
Hosea 1:3 presents themes of marriage, faithfulness, unfaithfulness, and redemption. It sets the stage for exploring the complex relationship between God and Israel throughout the book.

The Book of Hosea
Hosea 1: Hosea Takes Gomer
The word of the LORD comes to Hosea and commands him to take a wife of whoredoms because the land has committed great whoredom against the LORD. Hosea takes Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she bears a son. The LORD tells him to name the child Jezreel, declaring that He will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu and cause the kingdom of Israel to cease. He says He will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.
Unlock the full Hosea summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Hosea — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 14 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Hosea summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.