Hosea 6:7
But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.
Original Language Analysis
כְּאָדָ֖ם
But they like men
H120
כְּאָדָ֖ם
But they like men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
עָבְר֣וּ
have transgressed
H5674
עָבְר֣וּ
have transgressed
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בְרִ֑ית
the covenant
H1285
בְרִ֑ית
the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 7
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Hosea 8:1Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.Hosea 5:7They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.Job 31:33If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:Jeremiah 9:6Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.Genesis 3:11And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?Genesis 3:6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Historical Context
If 'Adam' refers to person (Genesis 2-3), this connects Israel's sin with original sin - same pattern of covenant rebellion. If Adam is place name (Joshua 3:16), it references specific location of Israel's covenant breaking. Either reading emphasizes deliberate treachery against God's covenant. Israel repeated Adam's sin: given divine law, they chose disobedience; given covenant relationship, they betrayed it. This universal pattern (all sinned, Romans 3:23) requires universal solution - Christ's atonement. His perfect obedience fulfills covenant requirements we violated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does my covenant breaking repeat Adam's pattern of choosing disobedience despite divine blessing?
- In what ways does Christ's covenant faithfulness contrast with both Adam's and my covenant breaking, providing hope?
Analysis & Commentary
But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.' 'Like men' (ke-adam) might reference Adam's covenant breaking in Eden (Romans 5:12-19) or mean 'like mere humans' (expecting higher standard from covenant people). 'Transgressed covenant' (avaru brit) describes deliberate violation. 'Dealt treacherously' (bagdu) means betrayed trust - covenant infidelity. This connects Israel's sin with humanity's pattern: covenant breaking from Adam forward. Romans 5:19 contrasts: 'by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, by one man's obedience many will be made righteous.' Only Christ's perfect covenant keeping saves covenant breakers.