Old Testament

Hosea 1:7

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, God expresses His intention to show mercy to the people of Judah, despite their unfaithfulness.

Author
Hosea the prophet
Written
Around 750 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
The northern kingdom of Israel
CBTClear Bible Translation

But I will have mercy on the house of Judah and will save them by the LORD their God, not by bow, sword, battle, horses, or horsemen.

KJVKing James Version

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God expresses His intention to show mercy to the people of Judah, despite their unfaithfulness. He emphasizes that their salvation will not come through military strength or human efforts, such as weapons or armies. Instead, it will be a divine act of grace, highlighting God's sovereignty and compassion. This assurance of mercy is significant, as it reassures the people that their fate is not solely dependent on their actions or the might of their enemies. God’s promise to save Judah reflects His commitment to His covenant and His desire to restore His people, even when they have strayed. This verse serves as a reminder that true deliverance comes from God alone, not from human power or resources. It underscores the theme of divine mercy and the importance of relying on God for salvation rather than on our own strength or strategies.

How to apply Hosea 1:7 to your life

This verse encourages us to trust in God's mercy rather than relying on our own strength or resources. In times of trouble, we should remember that true salvation comes from God alone. We can find comfort in knowing that God is always ready to show compassion and help us, regardless of our circumstances.

Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hosea 1:7 mean?

Hosea 1:7 means that God will show mercy to the people of Judah and save them not through military might or human efforts, but through His own divine power and grace.

What is the significance of mercy in Hosea 1:7?

The significance of mercy in Hosea 1:7 is that it highlights God's compassion and willingness to forgive His people, assuring them that their salvation is based on His grace rather than their actions.

What does 'not by bow, sword, battle' mean in Hosea 1:7?

'Not by bow, sword, battle' in Hosea 1:7 means that God will not rely on traditional means of warfare or human strength to save Judah, emphasizing His sovereignty in their deliverance.

How does Hosea 1:7 relate to God's covenant with Judah?

Hosea 1:7 relates to God's covenant with Judah by demonstrating His commitment to restore and protect His people despite their unfaithfulness, reinforcing His promise to them.

The Book of Hosea
Book Summary

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.