Hosea 7:8

Authorized King James Version

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Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

Original Language Analysis

אֶפְרַ֛יִם Ephraim H669
אֶפְרַ֛יִם Ephraim
Strong's: H669
Word #: 1 of 9
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
בָּעַמִּ֖ים himself among the people H5971
בָּעַמִּ֖ים himself among the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 2 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
ה֣וּא H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 3 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִתְבּוֹלָ֑ל he hath mixed H1101
יִתְבּוֹלָ֑ל he hath mixed
Strong's: H1101
Word #: 4 of 9
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
אֶפְרַ֛יִם Ephraim H669
אֶפְרַ֛יִם Ephraim
Strong's: H669
Word #: 5 of 9
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
הָיָ֥ה H1961
הָיָ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֻגָ֖ה is a cake H5692
עֻגָ֖ה is a cake
Strong's: H5692
Word #: 7 of 9
an ashcake (as round)
בְּלִ֥י H1097
בְּלִ֥י
Strong's: H1097
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
הֲפוּכָֽה׃ not turned H2015
הֲפוּכָֽה׃ not turned
Strong's: H2015
Word #: 9 of 9
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

Cross References

Psalms 106:35But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.Ezra 9:12Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.Malachi 2:11Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.Ezra 9:1Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.Matthew 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.Hosea 9:3They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.Hosea 5:13When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.Hosea 5:7They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.Zephaniah 1:5And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;

Analysis & Commentary

Mixed identity: 'Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.' Two metaphors describe compromised identity. First, בָּלַל (balal, mixed/mingled) among peoples—losing distinctiveness through assimilation. Second, עֻגָה בְלִי הֲפוּכָה (ugah beli hafukhah, cake not turned)—bread cooked one side, raw the other; useless, half-baked. Israel sought to be like nations (political alliances, pagan worship) while maintaining covenant identity—impossible hybrid. This half-hearted commitment satisfies neither God nor world. Jesus condemns lukewarm commitment (Revelation 3:15-16). Only wholehearted devotion to Christ suffices (Matthew 6:24)—no mixing, no half-measures.

Historical Context

Northern Israel's compromise manifested in syncretistic worship (mixing YHWH and Baal), foreign alliances (courting Egypt and Assyria alternately), cultural assimilation (adopting pagan practices). They wanted covenant benefits without covenant obligations, divine blessing without exclusive loyalty. The 'cake not turned' perfectly illustrates: appearing religious on visible side while corrupt underneath, or attempting to serve both God and nations. This failed strategy hastened destruction—pleasing neither God (who demands exclusive worship) nor nations (who saw them as unreliable). Church history shows similar patterns: attempting to be both worldly and godly produces neither cultural influence nor spiritual vitality.

Questions for Reflection