Hosea 2:4

Authorized King James Version

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And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְנֵ֥י for they be the children H1121
בְנֵ֥י for they be the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֲרַחֵ֑ם And I will not have mercy H7355
אֲרַחֵ֑ם And I will not have mercy
Strong's: H7355
Word #: 4 of 8
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְנֵ֥י for they be the children H1121
בְנֵ֥י for they be the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 6 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
זְנוּנִ֖ים of whoredoms H2183
זְנוּנִ֖ים of whoredoms
Strong's: H2183
Word #: 7 of 8
adultery; figuratively, idolatry
הֵֽמָּה׃ H1992
הֵֽמָּה׃
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 8 of 8
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis & Commentary

Judgment on the children: 'And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.' While verse 2 addressed the mother (nation), now individual Israelites ('her children') face judgment. 'Children of whoredoms' (benei zenunim) means conceived through/in spiritual adultery—their identity shaped by idolatry. Yet this isn't genetic determinism but spiritual reality: raised in syncretistic worship, they participated in national sin. The refusal of mercy parallels Lo-ruhamah (1:6). Yet amazingly, verse 23 promises reversal: those declared 'children of whoredoms' will become 'children of the living God' (1:10). This transformation requires new birth—regeneration by the Spirit (John 3:3-8). We're all 'by nature children of wrath' (Ephesians 2:3), yet God makes us His children through adoption in Christ (Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:5-7).

Historical Context

Hosea's contemporaries inherited generations of idolatry—170 years since Jeroboam I established golden calf worship (931 BC). Entire generations knew only syncretistic religion, never experiencing pure YHWH worship. Social systems (economics, politics, religion) were structured around idolatry. This total cultural immersion in sin made repentance humanly impossible—only divine intervention could save. Assyrian deportation scattered these 'children of whoredoms' among nations, effectively ending their distinct identity. Yet God's promise remained: a remnant would be restored, and the gospel would gather both Jews and Gentiles into God's family. Individual Israelites could repent despite cultural apostasy—God saves persons, not merely nations.

Questions for Reflection