Old Testament
Hosea 13:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will attack them like a bear robbed of her cubs, and will tear open the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lion; the wild beast shall tear them apart.
Compare translations
I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.
What Hosea 13:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 13:8, God uses vivid imagery to describe His fierce judgment against Israel for their unfaithfulness. The comparison to a bear robbed of her cubs illustrates the intense anger and protective nature of God. Just as a mother bear would fiercely attack to defend her young, God will confront Israel with devastating consequences for their sins. The tearing open of their hearts signifies a deep emotional and spiritual wound, exposing their inner corruption. The imagery of a lion devouring its prey emphasizes the inevitability of judgment and destruction that awaits those who turn away from God. This verse serves as a warning about the seriousness of straying from faithfulness and the dire consequences that can follow. It highlights God's righteous anger and the reality of divine retribution against unrepentant sin.
How to apply Hosea 13:8 to your life
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our relationship with God. It encourages us to remain faithful and vigilant in our spiritual lives, recognizing that straying from God can lead to severe consequences. We should seek to cultivate a heart aligned with God's will and avoid actions that provoke His judgment.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hosea 13:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hosea 13:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hosea
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 13:8 mean?
Hosea 13:8 uses strong imagery to depict God's fierce judgment against Israel for their unfaithfulness. The comparison to a bear robbed of her cubs illustrates God's intense anger and the consequences of turning away from Him.
What is the significance of the bear in Hosea 13:8?
The bear in Hosea 13:8 symbolizes God's protective nature and fierce anger. Just as a mother bear would attack to defend her cubs, God will confront Israel with severe judgment for their sins.
What does 'rend the caul of their heart' mean in Hosea 13:8?
'Rend the caul of their heart' refers to exposing the inner corruption and emotional wounds of the people. It signifies a deep spiritual injury that reveals their unfaithfulness to God.
What is the warning in Hosea 13:8?
Hosea 13:8 serves as a warning about the serious consequences of straying from faithfulness to God. It emphasizes the inevitability of judgment for those who continue in unrepentant sin.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.