Hosea 2:22

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel.

Original Language Analysis

וְהָאָ֣רֶץ And the earth H776
וְהָאָ֣רֶץ And the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 1 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
יַעֲנ֥וּ and they shall hear H6030
יַעֲנ֥וּ and they shall hear
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּגָ֖ן the corn H1715
הַדָּגָ֖ן the corn
Strong's: H1715
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, increase, i.e., grain
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ and the wine H8492
הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ and the wine
Strong's: H8492
Word #: 6 of 12
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיִּצְהָ֑ר and the oil H3323
הַיִּצְהָ֑ר and the oil
Strong's: H3323
Word #: 8 of 12
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
וְהֵ֖ם H1992
וְהֵ֖ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 9 of 12
they (only used when emphatic)
יַעֲנ֥וּ and they shall hear H6030
יַעֲנ֥וּ and they shall hear
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃ Jezreel H3157
יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃ Jezreel
Strong's: H3157
Word #: 12 of 12
jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

Analysis & Commentary

The continuation: 'And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel.' The chain of divine response continues: earth responds to heaven's rain by producing grain (דָּגָן, dagan), wine (תִּירוֹשׁ, tirosh), and oil (יִצְהָר, yitshar)—the three staples representing complete provision (Deuteronomy 7:13). These in turn 'answer' Jezreel, whose name transformed from judgment ('God scatters') to blessing ('God sows'). The agricultural imagery reflects covenant blessings: obedience brings fruitfulness, disobedience brings barrenness. This reversal demonstrates grace—Israel deserves scattering, receives sowing. Theologically, this prefigures gospel abundance: Christ's death (the grain of wheat falling, John 12:24) produces eternal fruit, and the Spirit pours out wine of joy and oil of anointing.

Historical Context

In agrarian ancient Israel, grain, wine, and oil represented complete economic sustenance and prosperity. These three also constituted tithes and offerings (Nehemiah 10:37, 13:5,12). Their presence signaled God's blessing; their absence indicated curse. Hosea's audience, facing exile, would lose access to the land's produce. This promise of restored agricultural blessing carried both literal meaning (return from exile, land fruitfulness) and spiritual significance (God's favor restored). New Testament interprets these materially through spiritual lens: Christ as bread of life, wine of communion, anointing oil of the Spirit.

Questions for Reflection