Old Testament
Hosea 7:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I trained them and made their arms strong, yet they plot evil against me.
Compare translations
Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.
What Hosea 7:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His disappointment with the people of Israel. He had given them strength and support, symbolized by their 'arms,' to help them succeed and thrive. Despite this divine assistance, they choose to turn against Him and plot evil. This reflects a deeper issue of ingratitude and rebellion, where the very people who received God's blessings are now using their strength to devise plans that go against His will. The verse highlights the contrast between God's intentions to nurture and empower His people and their response of betrayal and wickedness. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency to stray from the path of righteousness, even when blessed with divine favor. The imagery of 'plotting evil' suggests a premeditated choice to reject God's guidance, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the consequences that may follow. This verse calls for self-reflection on how we respond to the blessings and strength we receive from God.
How to apply Hosea 7:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the strength and blessings we receive from God. Instead of using our abilities for selfish or harmful purposes, we should strive to align our actions with His will. Reflecting on our choices can help us avoid the pitfalls of ingratitude and rebellion.
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 7:15
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 7:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 7:15 mean in context?
Hosea 7:15 reflects God's disappointment with Israel, highlighting how He provided them with strength and support, yet they chose to plot against Him. This verse illustrates the contrast between God's nurturing intentions and the people's betrayal, emphasizing themes of ingratitude and rebellion. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency to stray from righteousness despite receiving divine blessings.
How can I apply Hosea 7:15 to my life?
To apply Hosea 7:15, reflect on the blessings and strengths you have received from God. Consider how you use these gifts—are they aligned with His will or misused for selfish purposes? This verse encourages self-examination and gratitude, prompting you to ensure that your actions reflect appreciation for God's guidance rather than rebellion against it.
What does 'plot evil' mean in Hosea 7:15?
In Hosea 7:15, 'plot evil' refers to the intentional and premeditated actions of the people against God. Despite receiving His strength and support, they choose to devise plans that oppose His will. This phrase highlights the seriousness of their betrayal and the conscious decision to reject God's guidance, emphasizing the moral responsibility individuals have in their choices.
What themes are present in Hosea 7:15?
Hosea 7:15 encompasses several key themes, including Divine Strength, Betrayal, Ingratitude, Rebellion, and God's Guidance. These themes illustrate the relationship between God and His people, showcasing how divine support can be met with human unfaithfulness, and the importance of recognizing and responding positively to God's blessings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.