Hosea 9:17

Authorized King James Version

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My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

Original Language Analysis

יִמְאָסֵ֣ם will cast them away H3988
יִמְאָסֵ֣ם will cast them away
Strong's: H3988
Word #: 1 of 9
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
אֱלֹהַ֔י My God H430
אֱלֹהַ֔י My God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 2 of 9
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
כִּ֛י H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמְע֖וּ because they did not hearken H8085
שָׁמְע֖וּ because they did not hearken
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 5 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
ל֑וֹ H0
ל֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 9
וְיִהְי֥וּ H1961
וְיִהְי֥וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 7 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נֹדְדִ֖ים unto him and they shall be wanderers H5074
נֹדְדִ֖ים unto him and they shall be wanderers
Strong's: H5074
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃ among the nations H1471
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃ among the nations
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 9 of 9
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis & Commentary

Wanderers among nations: 'My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.' The consequence of not hearkening (לֹא שָׁמְעוּ, lo shame'u) to God: מָאַס (ma'as, rejected/cast away), becoming נֹדְדִים (nodedim, wanderers) among nations. This curse echoes Cain (Genesis 4:12,14: נָע וָנָד, na vanad, fugitive and vagabond). Covenant blessing is settled rest in promised land; curse is endless wandering. Only Christ gives rest (Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-11).

Historical Context

The prophecy fulfilled literally: northern tribes deported to Media, Assyria, and beyond (2 Kings 17:6), disappearing from history as 'ten lost tribes.' Unlike Judah's Babylonian exile (which ended with return under Ezra/Nehemiah), northern Israel never returned—permanently scattered, assimilated among nations. The 'wanderers' became historical reality: Jewish diaspora scattering worldwide, beginning with northern kingdom's exile. Archaeological silence regarding northern tribes post-exile confirms this. This demonstrated that covenant violation results in losing covenant land—from secure possession to endless wandering. New Testament applies 'wanderers' spiritually (Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11), but emphasizes Christ secures eternal homeland.

Questions for Reflection