Hosea 8:7
For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ר֥וּחַ
the wind
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 16
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יִזְרָ֖עוּ
For they have sown
H2232
יִזְרָ֖עוּ
For they have sown
Strong's:
H2232
Word #:
3 of 16
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
יִקְצֹ֑רוּ
and they shall reap
H7114
יִקְצֹ֑רוּ
and they shall reap
Strong's:
H7114
Word #:
5 of 16
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
קָמָ֣ה
it hath no stalk
H7054
קָמָ֣ה
it hath no stalk
Strong's:
H7054
Word #:
6 of 16
something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain
בְּלִ֣י
H1097
בְּלִ֣י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
shall yield
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
shall yield
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
shall yield
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
shall yield
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Proverbs 22:8He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.Job 4:8Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.Nahum 1:3The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.Hosea 7:9Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.
Historical Context
Israel's political and religious policies ('sowing') produced disaster ('whirlwind'). Foreign alliances, idolatry, and injustice yielded no benefit, only greater problems. Whatever productivity remained, Assyria consumed through tribute then conquest. The economic futility described here preceded and accompanied military defeat. Modern parallel: policies and practices contrary to God's wisdom ultimately fail catastrophically. Jeremiah 12:13 similarly warns: 'They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing.'
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wind' am I sowing (worthless efforts apart from God) that will reap whirlwind (devastating consequences)?
- How does the principle of sowing and reaping demonstrate inevitable accountability for choices and actions?
Analysis & Commentary
For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.' Proverbial wisdom: sowing wind (worthless effort) reaps whirlwind (devastating consequences). Agricultural imagery continues: no stalk, no meal - complete crop failure. Even if some yield exists, 'strangers swallow it' - foreign nations consume any productivity. This describes futility: investing in what produces nothing, losing even that little to enemies. Galatians 6:7 warns: 'Do not be deceived, God is not mocked: whatever one sows, that will he also reap.' Sowing sin reaps judgment.