Hosea 6:2

Authorized King James Version

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After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Original Language Analysis

וְנִחְיֶ֥ה and we shall live H2421
וְנִחְיֶ֥ה and we shall live
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 1 of 7
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
בַּיּוֹם֙ After two days H3117
בַּיּוֹם֙ After two days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 2 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בַּיּוֹם֙ After two days H3117
בַּיּוֹם֙ After two days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 3 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י us in the third H7992
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י us in the third
Strong's: H7992
Word #: 4 of 7
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
יְקִמֵ֖נוּ he will raise us up H6965
יְקִמֵ֖נוּ he will raise us up
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 5 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְנִחְיֶ֥ה and we shall live H2421
וְנִחְיֶ֥ה and we shall live
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 6 of 7
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
לְפָנָֽיו׃ in his sight H6440
לְפָנָֽיו׃ in his sight
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 7 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis & Commentary

Resurrection promise: 'After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.' This profound prophecy uses resurrection imagery: יְחַיֵּנוּ (yechayenu, 'revive us'), יְקִמֵנוּ (yeqimenu, 'raise us up'), נִחְיֶה (nichyeh, 'we shall live'). The 'third day' language anticipates Christ's resurrection (Luke 24:46, 1 Corinthians 15:4). While immediate context references Israel's hoped-for quick restoration (a superficial repentance, as v.4 reveals), the ultimate fulfillment is Christ rising the third day, bringing life to all who believe. The phrase 'live in his sight' (לְפָנָיו, lefanav—before His face) describes covenant presence restored. This demonstrates that all Old Testament hope finds fulfillment in Christ's resurrection, which guarantees our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

Historical Context

In context, this verse forms part of Israel's shallow repentance (6:1-3)—words without heart transformation. They expected quick restoration ('two days...third day') without genuine repentance, treating God's mercy as automatic. Yet the 'third day' language became prophetically significant: Jesus rose the third day, validating His identity and work. Early church recognized this connection, citing it as prophecy fulfilled (Acts 10:40, 1 Corinthians 15:4). Jewish interpretation sees 'third day' as deliverance day (Genesis 22:4, 42:18, Exodus 19:16, Joshua 2:16). Archaeological evidence shows Israel's historical restorations were never easy or quick, exposing their presumptuous expectation. True restoration came only through Christ's resurrection.

Questions for Reflection