Old Testament
Hosea 9:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Hosea 9:12, God warns the people of Israel that even if they try to raise children, He will take them away, leaving them without descendants.
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
Even if they raise children, I will take them away until no one is left. Woe to them when I depart from them!
Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 9:12, God warns the people of Israel that even if they try to raise children, He will take them away, leaving them without descendants. This reflects the consequences of their unfaithfulness and sin. The phrase 'woe to them' indicates deep sorrow and impending judgment when God withdraws His presence. The loss of children symbolizes a complete loss of hope and future, emphasizing the severity of their situation. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. It highlights the relationship between sin and its repercussions, showing that disobedience can lead to devastating outcomes, not just for individuals but for families and future generations. This warning is a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for a faithful relationship with God to avoid such dire consequences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hosea 9:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with God and the impact of our actions on future generations. It serves as a reminder to remain faithful and to guide our families in a way that honors God, ensuring a legacy of faith rather than one of loss.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 9:12 mean?
Hosea 9:12 means that God warns Israel that despite their efforts to raise children, He will take them away due to their unfaithfulness. This signifies the severe consequences of their sins and the loss of hope for future generations.
What is the significance of 'woe to them' in Hosea 9:12?
The phrase 'woe to them' in Hosea 9:12 indicates deep sorrow and impending judgment. It highlights the seriousness of God's withdrawal from the people, emphasizing the dire consequences of their actions.
How does Hosea 9:12 relate to the theme of repentance?
Hosea 9:12 relates to the theme of repentance by serving as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It emphasizes the need for faithfulness to avoid dire outcomes and to seek a restored relationship with God.
What can we learn from Hosea 9:12 about family and faith?
Hosea 9:12 teaches that our actions and relationship with God can significantly impact our families. It encourages us to guide our loved ones in faith to ensure a legacy of hope rather than one of loss.

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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