Hosea 13:12
The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid.
Original Language Analysis
צָרוּר֙
is bound up
H6887
צָרוּר֙
is bound up
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
1 of 5
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
אֶפְרָ֔יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָ֔יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 5
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
Ephraim's accumulated sins across generations awaited comprehensive accounting. Assyrian judgment demonstrated God's complete awareness and certain retribution. What seemed forgotten or hidden proved carefully recorded. Modern application: time doesn't erase guilt; it accumulates until judgment. Every secret sin remains in divine record unless removed through Christ's blood. The cross demonstrates both realities: God forgets nothing (comprehensive awareness driving thorough atonement) yet remembers believers' sins no more (Hebrews 8:12) through Christ's complete payment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin being bound up and hidden for future judgment drive urgent repentance and faith now?
- What does Christ's removal of stored-up sin from believers' accounts teach about atonement's completeness?
Analysis & Commentary
The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid. Iniquity bound up and sin hidden doesn't mean forgotten but stored for future accounting. The imagery suggests sealed records awaiting judgment day. Deuteronomy 32:34 similarly describes: Is not this laid up in store with me, sealed up among my treasures? No sin escapes accounting; all awaits judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:14 declares: God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing. Only Christ's atonement removes stored-up sin from believers' account (Isaiah 43:25, I will not remember your sins).