Hosea 2:20

Authorized King James Version

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I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ I will even betroth H781
וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ I will even betroth
Strong's: H781
Word #: 1 of 6
to promise to marry
לִ֖י H0
לִ֖י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 2 of 6
בֶּאֱמוּנָ֑ה thee unto me in faithfulness H530
בֶּאֱמוּנָ֑ה thee unto me in faithfulness
Strong's: H530
Word #: 3 of 6
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
וְיָדַ֖עַתְּ and thou shalt know H3045
וְיָדַ֖עַתְּ and thou shalt know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 4 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָֽה׃ the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Cross References

1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.1 John 4:6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.Jeremiah 24:7And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Hosea 2:19And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.Jeremiah 9:24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.John 8:55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.Ezekiel 38:23Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Analysis & Commentary

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness (וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בֶּאֱמוּנָה)—The fourth betrothal promise adds אֱמוּנָה (emunah), steadfastness and reliability, completing the dowry of God's character. This divine faithfulness contrasts Israel's chronic unfaithfulness throughout Hosea. And thou shalt know the LORD (וְיָדַעַתְּ אֶת־יְהוָה)—the verb ידע (yada) means intimate, experiential knowledge, the same word used for sexual union (Genesis 4:1). Israel's adultery was failure to 'know' Yahweh; the restored marriage brings true covenant intimacy. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 5:32, calling Christ and the church a 'great mystery.'

Historical Context

Hosea's ministry occurred during a generation that had lost true knowledge of YHWH, substituting ritualistic observance and syncretistic Baal worship for genuine covenant relationship. The promise 'I will betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD' addressed this fundamental crisis—Israel maintained elaborate religious ceremonies at Bethel and Dan while lacking experiential knowledge (Hebrew: yada) of God's character. Written before the 722 BC exile, this prophecy anticipated the New Covenant promise of Jeremiah 31:34, where intimate knowledge of God would define His restored people, fulfilled ultimately through the Spirit's indwelling presence in believers.

Questions for Reflection