Hosea 12:3

Authorized King James Version

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He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

Original Language Analysis

בַּבֶּ֖טֶן in the womb H990
בַּבֶּ֖טֶן in the womb
Strong's: H990
Word #: 1 of 8
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
עָקַ֣ב by the heel H6117
עָקַ֣ב by the heel
Strong's: H6117
Word #: 2 of 8
to seize by the heel; figuratively, to circumvent (as if tripping up the heels); also to restrain (as if holding by the heel)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָחִ֑יו He took his brother H251
אָחִ֑יו He took his brother
Strong's: H251
Word #: 4 of 8
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּבְאוֹנ֖וֹ and by his strength H202
וּבְאוֹנ֖וֹ and by his strength
Strong's: H202
Word #: 5 of 8
ability, power, (figuratively) wealth
שָׂרָ֥ה he had power H8280
שָׂרָ֥ה he had power
Strong's: H8280
Word #: 6 of 8
to prevail
אֶת H854
אֶת
Strong's: H854
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֱלֹהִֽים׃ with God H430
אֱלֹהִֽים׃ with God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis & Commentary

Jacob's struggle: 'He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God.' References Genesis 25:26 (Jacob grasping Esau's עָקֵב, aqev, heel) and Genesis 32:24-28 (wrestling with God). In womb: scheming beginning early; as adult: gaining שָׂרָה (sarah, power/prevailing) with God. This demonstrates Jacob's character: striving from birth, ultimately transformed through divine encounter. Natural strength fails; supernatural wrestling succeeds. Only yielding to God brings true victory. Christ embodies true Israel, succeeding where Jacob's descendants failed.

Historical Context

Hosea uses Jacob narrative to address Israel (Jacob's name): their forefather's struggle with God models both their character (striving, scheming) and potential (prevailing through encounter with God). Jacob's story emphasizes that blessing comes through struggle and transformation (name changed to Israel, Genesis 32:28). The prophet challenges descendants: will they continue Jacob's early scheming or embrace his later transformation? Church history shows similar pattern: God's people often characterized by striving until transformative divine encounter produces yielding. This demonstrates that spiritual victory requires moving from self-effort to God-dependence.

Questions for Reflection