Hosea 8:6

Authorized King James Version

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For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֙ For from Israel H3478
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֙ For from Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 2 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְה֔וּא H1931
וְה֔וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 3 of 13
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
חָרָ֣שׁ was it also the workman H2796
חָרָ֣שׁ was it also the workman
Strong's: H2796
Word #: 4 of 13
a fabricator or any material
עָשָׂ֔הוּ made H6213
עָשָׂ֔הוּ made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 5 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֱלֹהִ֖ים it therefore it is not God H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים it therefore it is not God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
ה֑וּא H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 8 of 13
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
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 9 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שְׁבָבִ֣ים shall be broken in pieces H7616
שְׁבָבִ֣ים shall be broken in pieces
Strong's: H7616
Word #: 10 of 13
a fragment, i.e., ruin
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 11 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֵ֖גֶל but the calf H5695
עֵ֖גֶל but the calf
Strong's: H5695
Word #: 12 of 13
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן׃ of Samaria H8111
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן׃ of Samaria
Strong's: H8111
Word #: 13 of 13
shomeron, a place in palestine

Analysis & Commentary

The devastating indictment of idolatry: 'For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.' The logic is irrefutable: Israel's golden calf (likely at Bethel, representing Samaria/Northern Kingdom) was crafted by human hands, therefore cannot be deity. The Hebrew emphasizes the absurdity: a 'workman' (harash) made it, so it's not 'Elohim' (God). Isaiah 44:9-20 elaborates this mockery: using the same wood for fire and idol-carving demonstrates the irrationality of idolatry. The promise 'shall be broken in pieces' (shevavim yihyeh) uses intensive plural: it will be utterly shattered. When Assyria conquered Israel (722 BC), they destroyed these shrines. Idols cannot save because they're not God—a principle Paul applies to all false objects of ultimate devotion (1 Corinthians 8:4-6).

Historical Context

Jeroboam I established golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30) to prevent northern tribes from worshiping in Jerusalem, explicitly saying 'Behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt'—blasphemously attributing the Exodus to idols. This sin led Israel into persistent idolatry for the kingdom's entire existence (2 Kings 17:21-23). Though possibly intended as pedestals for YHWH (similar to ark's cherubim), they functioned as idols and violated the second commandment's prohibition of images. The calves echoed Aaron's golden calf (Exodus 32), repeating that sin at the national level. Assyria's conquest fulfilled Hosea's prophecy, scattering Israel and ending the northern kingdom permanently.

Questions for Reflection