Old Testament
Hosea 9:14
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Give them, LORD — what should you give them? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that have no milk.
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Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
What Hosea 9:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 9:14, the prophet is pleading with God to respond to the unfaithfulness of Israel. The request for 'wombs that miscarry and breasts that have no milk' symbolizes barrenness and loss, reflecting the consequences of Israel's sin. This imagery highlights the severe judgment that comes from turning away from God. The verse underscores the idea that when a nation forsakes its covenant with God, it faces dire repercussions, including the loss of future generations and the inability to nurture. The starkness of the request serves as a reminder of the seriousness of Israel's actions and the depth of their separation from God. It emphasizes the painful reality of spiritual unfaithfulness and its impact on the community as a whole, illustrating that sin leads to emptiness and despair.
How to apply Hosea 9:14 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God. It serves as a warning that turning away from God can lead to spiritual emptiness and loss. We should strive to maintain a close relationship with God, nurturing our faith and community to avoid such consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
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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 9:14 mean?
Hosea 9:14 expresses a plea for God's judgment on Israel's unfaithfulness. The imagery of miscarrying wombs and dry breasts symbolizes barrenness and loss, reflecting the severe consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of 'wombs that miscarry' in Hosea 9:14?
The phrase 'wombs that miscarry' in Hosea 9:14 symbolizes the loss of future generations and the inability to nurture, highlighting the dire repercussions of Israel's sin and separation from God.
What does the request for 'dry breasts' signify in this verse?
The request for 'dry breasts' signifies a lack of nourishment and care, illustrating the emptiness and despair that comes from spiritual unfaithfulness and the consequences of abandoning God's covenant.
What themes are present in Hosea 9:14?
Hosea 9:14 includes themes of divine judgment, consequences of sin, spiritual barrenness, unfaithfulness, and the loss that results from breaking the covenant relationship with God.
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