Hosea 14:2

Authorized King James Version

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Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

Original Language Analysis

וְקַח Take H3947
וְקַח Take
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 1 of 16
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
עִמָּכֶם֙ H5973
עִמָּכֶם֙
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 2 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
דְּבָרִ֔ים with you words H1697
דְּבָרִ֔ים with you words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 3 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְשׁ֖וּבוּ and turn H7725
וְשׁ֖וּבוּ and turn
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 4 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
יְהוָ֑ה to the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה to the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִמְר֣וּ say H559
אִמְר֣וּ say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 7 of 16
to say (used with great latitude)
אֵלָ֗יו H413
אֵלָ֗יו
Strong's: H413
Word #: 8 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תִּשָּׂ֤א unto him Take away H5375
תִּשָּׂ֤א unto him Take away
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 10 of 16
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עָוֹן֙ all iniquity H5771
עָוֹן֙ all iniquity
Strong's: H5771
Word #: 11 of 16
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
וְקַח Take H3947
וְקַח Take
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 12 of 16
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
ט֔וֹב us graciously H2896
ט֔וֹב us graciously
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 13 of 16
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וּֽנְשַׁלְּמָ֥ה so will we render H7999
וּֽנְשַׁלְּמָ֥ה so will we render
Strong's: H7999
Word #: 14 of 16
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
פָרִ֖ים the calves H6499
פָרִ֖ים the calves
Strong's: H6499
Word #: 15 of 16
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
שְׂפָתֵֽינוּ׃ of our lips H8193
שְׂפָתֵֽינוּ׃ of our lips
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 16 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

Cross References

Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Job 7:21And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.1 John 3:5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.Luke 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.Joel 2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.2 Samuel 12:13And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.2 Samuel 24:10And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.Hebrews 10:4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Isaiah 6:7And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Analysis & Commentary

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Instructions for repentance: take words (prayer/confession), ask God to remove iniquity and receive graciously, offer praise (calves of lips) instead of animal sacrifices. Hebrews 13:15 applies this: sacrifice of praise, fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. True worship requires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). Christ fulfilled sacrificial system; we offer thankful worship through Him.

Historical Context

The phrase calves of lips contrasts with golden calves Israel worshiped - words of praise replace idolatrous sacrifices. This anticipates new covenant worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24), not dependent on location or ritual. When temple was destroyed (70 AD), this prophecy prepared for worship continuing without sacrifices. Christianity fulfills this: Christ's once-for-all sacrifice ended animal offerings; we offer spiritual worship through Him.

Questions for Reflection