Old Testament

Hosea 12:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Hosea 12:7, the prophet describes a person who is like a merchant using dishonest scales to cheat others.

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

He is a merchant, with deceitful scales in his hand; he loves to oppress.

KJVKing James Version

He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Hosea 12:7, the prophet describes a person who is like a merchant using dishonest scales to cheat others. This imagery highlights the theme of deceit and exploitation in business practices. The merchant represents those who prioritize profit over integrity, showing a willingness to oppress the vulnerable for personal gain. The verse serves as a warning against unethical behavior and the consequences of such actions. It reflects a broader critique of societal corruption, where individuals manipulate systems for their advantage, leading to injustice. The mention of 'deceitful scales' symbolizes not just financial dishonesty but also a moral failing, indicating a lack of respect for others. This verse calls for self-examination regarding our own practices and attitudes towards fairness and justice in our dealings with others.

Key themes

Related topics

deceit, oppression, justice

How to apply Hosea 12:7 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own business practices and interactions with others. Are we being honest and fair in our dealings? It challenges us to uphold integrity and treat others with respect, ensuring that we do not exploit or take advantage of anyone for personal gain.

Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hosea 12:7 mean?

Hosea 12:7 describes a merchant who uses dishonest scales to cheat others, symbolizing deceit and exploitation in business. It highlights the moral failings of those who prioritize profit over integrity and oppress the vulnerable.

What is the meaning of 'deceitful scales' in Hosea 12:7?

The phrase 'deceitful scales' in Hosea 12:7 represents dishonest practices in trade, where a merchant manipulates weights to gain unfair advantage. This imagery serves as a warning against unethical behavior and the impact of such actions on society.

How does Hosea 12:7 relate to business ethics?

Hosea 12:7 emphasizes the importance of integrity in business by condemning dishonest practices. It serves as a reminder to conduct transactions fairly and respect others, avoiding exploitation for profit.

What lessons can we learn from Hosea 12:7?

From Hosea 12:7, we learn the importance of honesty and fairness in our dealings. It encourages self-reflection on our practices and reminds us to treat others with respect, avoiding any form of exploitation.

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.