Old Testament
Hosea 8:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Hosea 8:12, God expresses His disappointment with the people of Israel.
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
I wrote to them the great things of my law, but they considered it a strange thing.
I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 8:12, God expresses His disappointment with the people of Israel. He had given them His laws, which were meant to guide them toward righteousness and a good life. However, instead of valuing these teachings, they treated them as if they were foreign or irrelevant. This reflects a deeper issue of their hearts; they were not receptive to God's guidance and wisdom. The 'great things' of His law included principles for justice, mercy, and living in harmony with one another. By dismissing these laws, the Israelites were turning away from the very foundation that could lead them to a prosperous and fulfilling life. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and adhering to divine teachings, rather than viewing them as burdensome or strange. Explore related obedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hosea 8:12 to your life
We should reflect on how we respond to God's teachings in our lives. Are we treating His guidance as valuable, or do we dismiss it as irrelevant? Embracing His laws can lead to a more fulfilling and righteous life, helping us navigate challenges with wisdom and integrity.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 8:12 mean?
Hosea 8:12 expresses God's disappointment with Israel for treating His laws as strange or irrelevant. Despite being given important teachings meant to guide them, the people dismissed these principles, reflecting their spiritual blindness and rejection of divine guidance.
What is the meaning of 'great things of my law' in Hosea 8:12?
The 'great things of my law' in Hosea 8:12 refer to the important principles and teachings God provided to guide the Israelites toward a righteous and fulfilling life. These include values such as justice, mercy, and harmonious living.
How does Hosea 8:12 relate to spiritual blindness?
Hosea 8:12 illustrates spiritual blindness by showing how the Israelites failed to recognize the value of God's laws. Their dismissal of these teachings as strange indicates a deeper issue of unresponsiveness to divine wisdom.
What lessons can we learn from Hosea 8:12?
From Hosea 8:12, we learn the importance of valuing and adhering to God's teachings. It serves as a reminder to reflect on how we respond to divine guidance and to embrace the wisdom that can lead to a fulfilling life.

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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