Old Testament
Hosea 2:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Say to your brothers, 'Ammi,' and to your sisters, 'Ruhamah.'
Compare translations
Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruhamah.
What Hosea 2:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 2:1, God instructs the prophet Hosea to address the people of Israel using two significant names: 'Ammi,' meaning 'my people,' and 'Ruhamah,' meaning 'she has received mercy.' This verse highlights the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing both their identity as His chosen ones and the mercy He extends to them despite their unfaithfulness. The use of familial terms suggests a deep connection, indicating that even when Israel strays, they are still recognized as God's children. This call to recognize their identity serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and compassion. The names also reflect a shift from judgment to hope, as God reassures His people that they are not forsaken. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where themes of restoration and reconciliation are explored, illustrating God's desire to bring His people back into a right relationship with Him.
How to apply Hosea 2:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to remember our identity as God's people and the mercy He offers us. In times of struggle or sin, we can find hope in knowing that we are still loved and accepted by God. Embracing our identity can inspire us to live faithfully and share His mercy with others.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 2:1
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 2:1
Related Bible verses
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 do the names 'Ammi' and 'Ruhamah' mean in Hosea 2:1?
In Hosea 2:1, 'Ammi' means 'my people' and 'Ruhamah' means 'she has received mercy.' These names signify the close relationship between God and the people of Israel, highlighting their identity as His chosen ones and the mercy He extends to them despite their unfaithfulness.
How does Hosea 2:1 reflect God's relationship with His people?
Hosea 2:1 illustrates God's deep connection with His people by using familial terms. By calling them 'my people' and 'she has received mercy,' God emphasizes that even when Israel strays, they remain His children. This verse reassures them of His enduring love and compassion, setting the stage for themes of restoration and reconciliation.
What themes are present in Hosea 2:1?
Hosea 2:1 encompasses several key themes, including identity, mercy, restoration, divine love, and reconciliation. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's identity as part of God's people and the mercy He offers, even in times of unfaithfulness, while also hinting at the hope of returning to a right relationship with Him.
How can we apply the message of Hosea 2:1 in our lives today?
The message of Hosea 2:1 encourages us to remember our identity as God's people and the mercy He provides. In moments of struggle or sin, we can find hope in knowing we are still loved and accepted by God. Embracing this identity inspires us to live faithfully and share His mercy with others, reflecting His love in our actions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.