Old Testament

Hosea 2:3

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

At a Glance

In Hosea 2:3, God expresses His deep disappointment with Israel's unfaithfulness.

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

If she doesn't, I will strip her naked and expose her like the day she was born. I will turn her into a wasteland, make her like a parched desert, and let her die of thirst.

KJVKing James Version

Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Hosea 2:3, God expresses His deep disappointment with Israel's unfaithfulness. The imagery of stripping naked and exposing her signifies complete vulnerability and shame. God is saying that if Israel continues to turn away from Him, He will remove all her comforts and protections, leaving her desolate like a barren desert. This metaphor illustrates the consequences of infidelity, both in a marital sense and in the relationship between God and His people. The wilderness and thirst symbolize spiritual emptiness and the dire consequences of abandoning God. The verse serves as a warning about the seriousness of turning away from divine guidance and the resulting suffering that can occur when one chooses a path away from God’s love and provision. Explore related judgment.

How to apply Hosea 2:3 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful in our relationship with God. It encourages self-reflection on our commitments and warns against the dangers of straying from our spiritual path. Staying close to God ensures we avoid spiritual emptiness and find true fulfillment.

Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hosea 2:3 mean?

Hosea 2:3 conveys God's disappointment with Israel's unfaithfulness. It uses vivid imagery to show that if Israel continues to turn away from Him, He will strip away her comforts, leaving her vulnerable and desolate.

What is the meaning of 'strip her naked' in Hosea 2:3?

The phrase 'strip her naked' symbolizes exposing Israel's shame and vulnerability due to her unfaithfulness. It indicates a complete removal of protection and comfort as a consequence of turning away from God.

What does 'make her like a parched desert' mean in Hosea 2:3?

'Make her like a parched desert' signifies spiritual emptiness and desolation. It represents the dire consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, highlighting the lack of sustenance and life when one turns away from God.

How does Hosea 2:3 relate to spiritual desolation?

Hosea 2:3 relates to spiritual desolation by illustrating how turning away from God leads to emptiness and suffering. The imagery of wilderness and thirst emphasizes the dire state of those who abandon their relationship with God.

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.