Hosea 7:14

Authorized King James Version

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And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.

Original Language Analysis

וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
זָעֲק֤וּ And they have not cried H2199
זָעֲק֤וּ And they have not cried
Strong's: H2199
Word #: 2 of 14
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
אֵלַי֙ H413
אֵלַי֙
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 14
near, with or among; often in general, to
בְּלִבָּ֔ם unto me with their heart H3820
בְּלִבָּ֔ם unto me with their heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 4 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְיֵלִ֖ילוּ when they howled H3213
יְיֵלִ֖ילוּ when they howled
Strong's: H3213
Word #: 6 of 14
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִשְׁכְּבוֹתָ֑ם upon their beds H4904
מִשְׁכְּבוֹתָ֑ם upon their beds
Strong's: H4904
Word #: 8 of 14
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דָּגָ֧ן themselves for corn H1715
דָּגָ֧ן themselves for corn
Strong's: H1715
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, increase, i.e., grain
וְתִיר֛וֹשׁ and wine H8492
וְתִיר֛וֹשׁ and wine
Strong's: H8492
Word #: 11 of 14
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
יִתְגּוֹרָ֖רוּ they assemble H1481
יִתְגּוֹרָ֖רוּ they assemble
Strong's: H1481
Word #: 12 of 14
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
יָס֥וּרוּ and they rebel H5493
יָס֥וּרוּ and they rebel
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 13 of 14
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
בִֽי׃ H0
בִֽי׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 14 of 14

Analysis & Commentary

Crying to God without heart: 'And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and for wine, and they rebel against me.' The contrast: not crying (זָעַק, za'aq) from heart (לֵב, lev) but howling (יְיֵלִילוּ, yeyelilu) on beds. They assemble (יִתְגֹּדָדוּ, yitgodadu—literally 'cut/gash themselves,' possible Baal worship practice) for material provision (corn, wine) while rebelling (סָרַר, sarar) against YHWH. This describes false prayer—noise without heart, seeking gifts without Giver, religious ritual concurrent with rebellion. Jesus condemns vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7). True prayer flows from hearts transformed by Spirit (Romans 8:26-27). Only Christ's mediation makes prayer acceptable (John 14:13-14).

Historical Context

The reference to 'howling upon their beds' may describe private anguish or pagan mourning rituals. 'Assembling for corn and wine' likely references fertility cult worship at harvest festivals—seeking Baal's agricultural blessing while nominally serving YHWH. The phrase 'cut/gash themselves' echoes Baal prophets' practice (1 Kings 18:28, forbidden in Deuteronomy 14:1). This demonstrates syncretism: crying out in distress while maintaining pagan practices, seeking God's help while rebelling against His lordship. The heart/mouth disconnect appears throughout Scripture (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8). Church history shows similar patterns: maintaining religious forms while hearts pursue other loves.

Questions for Reflection