Hosea 11:12
Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Original Language Analysis
סְבָבֻ֤נִי
compasseth
H5437
סְבָבֻ֤נִי
compasseth
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
1 of 14
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
בְכַ֙חַשׁ֙
me about with lies
H3585
בְכַ֙חַשׁ֙
me about with lies
Strong's:
H3585
Word #:
2 of 14
literally a failure of flesh, i.e., emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 14
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
בֵּ֣ית
and the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
and the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וִֽיהוּדָ֗ה
but Judah
H3063
וִֽיהוּדָ֗ה
but Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
7 of 14
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עֹ֥ד
H5750
עֹ֥ד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
10 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֵ֔ל
with God
H410
אֵ֔ל
with God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
11 of 14
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְעִם
H5973
וְעִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Isaiah 44:20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?Hosea 12:7He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.
Historical Context
At Hosea's time, Judah hadn't fallen as deeply into apostasy as Israel - they maintained Davidic kingship, Jerusalem temple, and periodic reforms (under Hezekiah). Thus relative faithfulness compared to northern apostasy. Yet later prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah) showed Judah's corruption requiring judgment. The comparison teaches: degrees of unfaithfulness exist, but none meet God's standard. Only Christ's perfect righteousness satisfies divine justice. Relative morality or religious heritage doesn't save; absolute righteousness through Christ alone justifies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does comparing Israel's lies with Judah's partial faithfulness warn against measuring righteousness relatively rather than absolutely?
- What does even Judah's failure (despite relative advantage) teach about universal need for Christ's imputed righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. Israel surrounds God with lies and deceit - comprehensive falsehood in relationship. Judah contrasted as still ruling (rad, possibly wanders or still) with God and faithful (or faithful to, or against) saints. The Hebrew is difficult, but contrasts Israel's total falsehood with Judah's partial faithfulness. Yet later context shows Judah also fails. This teaches even relative faithfulness doesn't save; only absolute righteousness (found in Christ alone) suffices. All have sinned (Romans 3:23); Christ's righteousness alone justifies.