Old Testament

Hosea 13:14

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

At a Glance

In Hosea 13:14, God expresses His power over life and death, questioning the grave and death about their hold on humanity.

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

Will I ransom them from the power of the grave? Will I redeem them from death? Death, where are your plagues? Grave, where is your destruction? I will not take back my judgment — compassion is hidden from my eyes.

KJVKing James Version

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Hosea 13:14, God expresses His power over life and death, questioning the grave and death about their hold on humanity. The verse highlights God's intention to redeem His people from death, emphasizing that He will not withdraw His judgment. The imagery of death and the grave is powerful, suggesting that God has authority over these forces. The mention of compassion being hidden indicates a time of judgment where mercy is not extended. This reflects the seriousness of Israel's sin and the consequences they face. Ultimately, it underscores God's sovereignty and the reality of judgment, while also hinting at the hope of redemption that can come through repentance, even if it seems distant in this moment of divine pronouncement.

Key themes

Related topics

redemption, judgment, death

How to apply Hosea 13:14 to your life

This verse reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the reality of judgment. It encourages us to seek God's mercy and redemption while we can. Understanding God's authority over life and death should motivate us to live righteously and turn to Him in repentance.

Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hosea 13:14 mean?

Hosea 13:14 expresses God's authority over death and the grave, questioning their power over humanity. It highlights God's intention to redeem His people, while also indicating that judgment is imminent and compassion is not currently extended.

What is the meaning of redemption in Hosea 13:14?

In Hosea 13:14, redemption refers to God's promise to save His people from death and its consequences. It emphasizes His power to deliver them from the grave, despite the judgment they face for their sins.

What does the phrase 'compassion is hidden from my eyes' mean in Hosea 13:14?

The phrase 'compassion is hidden from my eyes' indicates a time of judgment where God is not extending mercy. It signifies the seriousness of Israel's sins and the consequences they must face.

How does Hosea 13:14 relate to the concept of judgment?

Hosea 13:14 relates to judgment by emphasizing that God's decisions regarding His people are firm and unyielding. It serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment.

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.

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