Old Testament
Hosea 1:6
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, Gomer, Hosea's wife, gives birth to a daughter, and God instructs Hosea to name her Lo-Ruhamah, which means 'not loved' or 'no mercy.
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
Gomer became pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter. God told Hosea, "Name her Lo-Ruhamah, because I will no longer show mercy to the house of Israel. I will completely take them away."
And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gomer, Hosea's wife, gives birth to a daughter, and God instructs Hosea to name her Lo-Ruhamah, which means 'not loved' or 'no mercy.' This name symbolizes God's decision to withdraw His mercy from the people of Israel due to their persistent unfaithfulness and sin. The naming signifies a serious warning that the nation will face consequences for their actions. God expresses His intention to completely remove His favor from Israel, indicating a time of judgment and separation. This moment highlights the deep emotional struggle between God's love for His people and His justice in response to their rebellion. The name serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the seriousness of their covenant relationship with Him. It reflects the broader theme of God's desire for His people to return to Him, even as He prepares to enact judgment for their disobedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hosea 1:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God. It encourages us to reflect on our relationship with Him and to seek His mercy through repentance. Understanding the consequences of turning away from God can motivate us to stay aligned with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 1:6 mean?
Hosea 1:6 describes Gomer giving birth to a daughter, whom God instructs Hosea to name Lo-Ruhamah, meaning 'not loved' or 'no mercy.' This name signifies God's decision to withdraw His mercy from Israel due to their unfaithfulness.
What is the significance of the name Lo-Ruhamah in Hosea 1:6?
The name Lo-Ruhamah symbolizes God's lack of mercy towards Israel because of their persistent sin. It serves as a warning of the consequences they will face for turning away from Him.
How does Hosea 1:6 relate to God's mercy?
Hosea 1:6 shows a pivotal moment where God declares He will no longer show mercy to Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of their rebellion and the impact of their covenant relationship with Him.
What themes are present in Hosea 1:6?
Key themes in Hosea 1:6 include divine judgment, the consequences of sin, God's mercy, and the importance of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

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.