Hosea 6:10
I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.
Original Language Analysis
בְּבֵית֙
in the house
H1004
בְּבֵית֙
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
1 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁ֚ם
H8033
זְנ֣וּת
there is the whoredom
H2184
זְנ֣וּת
there is the whoredom
Strong's:
H2184
Word #:
6 of 9
adultery, i.e., (figuratively) infidelity, idolatry
לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
H669
לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
7 of 9
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Cross References
Hosea 5:3I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, and Israel is defiled.Jeremiah 23:14I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms widespread Baal worship, cult prostitution, and child sacrifice in northern Israel. These 'horrible things' occurred in God's covenant people - shocking betrayal. Prophets repeatedly denounced these practices (Jeremiah 7:30-31, 19:5, Ezekiel 16, 23). That horror occurred 'in house of Israel' magnifies the tragedy - not pagans but God's people committed these atrocities. Modern parallel: abuse and corruption within churches shock because they occur in God's house. Such sin demands radical reformation and repentance, returning to scriptural purity.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'horrible things' might exist in modern church - either my own congregation or broader Christianity - requiring prophetic denunciation?
- How does recognition that nothing is hidden from God's sight drive both holiness and desperate dependence on Christ's cleansing?
Analysis & Commentary
I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.' God sees 'horrible thing' (sha'arurah) - something shocking, appalling. 'In house of Israel' means in God's own household - His covenant people committing these atrocities. 'Whoredom of Ephraim' continues spiritual adultery theme. 'Israel is defiled' (nitma) means ceremonially and morally polluted, unfit for God's presence. That God 'sees' means nothing escapes divine notice - secret sins remain visible to omniscient Judge. Hebrews 4:13 declares: 'Nothing is hidden from his sight.' This both warns (accountability) and drives us to Christ (whose blood cleanses all defilement, 1 John 1:7).