Hosea 7:13

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

Original Language Analysis

א֤וֹי Woe H188
א֤וֹי Woe
Strong's: H188
Word #: 1 of 16
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
לָהֶם֙ H1992
לָהֶם֙
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 2 of 16
they (only used when emphatic)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָדְד֣וּ unto them! for they have fled H5074
נָדְד֣וּ unto them! for they have fled
Strong's: H5074
Word #: 4 of 16
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
מִמֶּ֔נִּי H4480
מִמֶּ֔נִּי
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
שֹׁ֥ד from me destruction H7701
שֹׁ֥ד from me destruction
Strong's: H7701
Word #: 6 of 16
violence, ravage
לָהֶ֖ם H1992
לָהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 7 of 16
they (only used when emphatic)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָ֣שְׁעוּ unto them! because they have transgressed H6586
פָ֣שְׁעוּ unto them! because they have transgressed
Strong's: H6586
Word #: 9 of 16
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
בִ֑י H0
בִ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 10 of 16
וְאָנֹכִ֣י H595
וְאָנֹכִ֣י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 11 of 16
i
אֶפְדֵּ֔ם against me though I have redeemed H6299
אֶפְדֵּ֔ם against me though I have redeemed
Strong's: H6299
Word #: 12 of 16
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
וְהֵ֕מָּה H1992
וְהֵ֕מָּה
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 13 of 16
they (only used when emphatic)
דִּבְּר֥וּ them yet they have spoken H1696
דִּבְּר֥וּ them yet they have spoken
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 14 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עָלַ֖י H5921
עָלַ֖י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 15 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כְּזָבִֽים׃ lies H3577
כְּזָבִֽים׃ lies
Strong's: H3577
Word #: 16 of 16
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

Analysis & Commentary

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.' Double pronouncement: 'woe' and 'destruction' for those who fled from and transgressed against God. The painful irony: 'though I redeemed them' (from Egypt), 'they spoke lies against me' (false teaching about God's character/requirements). Ingratitude after redemption merits severe judgment. This demonstrates covenant unfaithfulness: experiencing redemption, then denying Redeemer. Only those who acknowledge Christ's redemption and remain faithful avoid this woe.

Historical Context

God redeemed Israel from Egypt (Exodus), established covenant, provided for them - yet they claimed Baal redeemed them and gave provision (2:5, 8). This lying about God's character and works constituted ultimate ingratitude. Modern parallel: professing Christians who deny biblical truth about God or claim other sources for what God provides. Speaking lies against God includes false teaching about His character, denying His works, or attributing His gifts to other sources. Such ingratitude despite experienced redemption invites judgment.

Questions for Reflection