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Hosea 13:10

Hosea 13:10 in Multiple Translations

Where is your king now to save you in all your cities, and the rulers to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”?

I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Where now is thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges, of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Where is your king, that he may be your saviour? and all your rulers, that they may take up your cause? of whom you said, Give me a king and rulers.

Where then is your king? Let him save you in all your cities! Where are your leaders who demanded a king and princes from me?

I am: where is thy King, that shoulde help thee in al thy cities? and thy iudges, of whom thou saidest, Giue me a King, and princes?

Thou hast destroyed thyself, O Israel, But in Me [is] thy help, Where [is] thy king now — And he doth save thee in all thy cities? And thy judges of whom thou didst say, 'Give to me a king and heads?'

Where is your king now, that he may save you in all your cities? And your judges, of whom you said, ‘Give me a king and princes’?

I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Where is thy king? now especially let him save thee in all thy cities: and thy judges, of whom thou saidst: Give me kings and princes.

You have a king; ◄why is he unable to save you?/but he is unable to save you.► [RHQ] You have [RHQ] rulers in all your towns, but they are not helping you, either. Your ancestors said, ‘Appoint for us a king and other leaders to rule over us like the other nations have!’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 13:10

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hosea 13:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֱהִ֤י מַלְכְּ/ךָ֙ אֵפ֔וֹא וְ/יוֹשִֽׁיעֲ/ךָ֖ בְּ/כָל עָרֶ֑י/ךָ וְ/שֹׁ֣פְטֶ֔י/ךָ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֔רְתָּ תְּנָ/ה לִּ֖/י מֶ֥לֶךְ וְ/שָׂרִֽים
אֱהִ֤י ʼĕhîy H165 where? Part
מַלְכְּ/ךָ֙ melek H4428 King's N-ms | Suff
אֵפ֔וֹא ʼêphôw H645 then Adv
וְ/יוֹשִֽׁיעֲ/ךָ֖ yâshaʻ H3467 to save Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
עָרֶ֑י/ךָ ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp | Suff
וְ/שֹׁ֣פְטֶ֔י/ךָ shâphaṭ H8199 to judge Conj | V-Qal | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אָמַ֔רְתָּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-2ms
תְּנָ/ה nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִּ֖/י Prep | Suff
מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
וְ/שָׂרִֽים sar H8269 ruler Conj | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 13:10

אֱהִ֤י ʼĕhîy H165 "where?" Part
This Hebrew word means 'where' and is used to ask for a location. It's also used in Hosea 13:10 and 14, where it's translated as 'I will be'.
Definition: where
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: I will be (Hosea 13:10,14) (which is often the rendering of the same Hebrew form from H1961 (הָיָה)). See also: Hosea 13:10; Hosea 13:14.
מַלְכְּ/ךָ֙ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֵפ֔וֹא ʼêphôw H645 "then" Adv
This Hebrew word is used to point to a specific time or place, often translated as then or now. In Genesis 26:22, Isaac uses this word to mark the time when he finally finds success and prosperity.
Definition: 1) then, now, so 1a) (who) then, (what) then (with interrog) 1b) then (with imperative-i.e. know then) 1c) if...then (with adv)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: here, now, where? See also: Genesis 27:33; Job 17:15; Proverbs 6:3.
וְ/יוֹשִֽׁיעֲ/ךָ֖ yâshaʻ H3467 "to save" Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עָרֶ֑י/ךָ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/שֹׁ֣פְטֶ֔י/ךָ shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" Conj | V-Qal | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֔רְתָּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תְּנָ/ה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִּ֖/י "" Prep | Suff
מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/שָׂרִֽים sar H8269 "ruler" Conj | N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

Study Notes — Hosea 13:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hosea 8:4 They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction.
2 1 Samuel 8:5–6 “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.
3 Hosea 10:3 Surely now they will say, “We have no king, for we do not revere the LORD. What can a king do for us?”
4 2 Kings 17:4 But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison.
5 Jeremiah 8:19 Listen to the cry of the daughter of my people from a land far away: “Is the LORD no longer in Zion? Is her King no longer there?” “Why have they provoked Me to anger with their carved images, with their worthless foreign idols?”
6 John 1:49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
7 Psalms 10:16 The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations perish from His land.
8 Psalms 47:6–7 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is King of all the earth; sing profound praises to Him.
9 Hosea 13:4 Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.
10 Isaiah 43:15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, and your King.”

Hosea 13:10 Summary

This verse is a question from God to the nation of Israel, asking where their king is to save them from the troubles they are facing. It's a reminder that God is the true King and Savior, and that human leaders and earthly kingdoms are not enough to save us (as seen in Psalm 118:8-9). We can apply this to our own lives by recognizing that our ultimate hope and salvation come from God, not from the things of this world (as stated in Jeremiah 17:5-8). By putting our trust in God, we can find true security and salvation, just as it is promised in Proverbs 29:25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Hosea 13:10?

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Hosea where God is speaking to the nation of Israel, warning them of impending judgment for their rebellion against Him, as seen in Hosea 13:8-9 and also referenced in Deuteronomy 17:14-15.

Why does God ask where Israel's king is to save them?

God is pointing out the futility of Israel's trust in human leaders and earthly kingdoms, as He is the true King and Savior, as stated in Isaiah 43:11 and Psalm 146:3-5.

What does this verse reveal about God's relationship with Israel?

This verse highlights God's disappointment and frustration with Israel's rejection of His leadership and their desire for human kings, which is also seen in 1 Samuel 8:7 and Psalm 81:11-12.

How does this verse apply to our lives today?

It reminds us that our ultimate hope and salvation come from God, not from human leaders or earthly institutions, as emphasized in Jeremiah 17:5-8 and Psalm 20:7-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I trust in for security and salvation, and are they truly reliable?
  2. How have I, like Israel, rejected God's leadership in my life, and what are the consequences of this rejection?
  3. What does it mean for me to put my trust in God as my King and Savior, and how can I practically live this out in my daily life?
  4. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be tempted to look to human leaders or earthly kingdoms for salvation, and how can I guard against this temptation?

Gill's Exposition on Hosea 13:10

I will be thy King, where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities?.... Governor, Protector, and Defender; and so confirming what is before said, that their help was in him: or, as the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 13:10

I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 13:10

I will be thy King; I would have been thy King to govern and save thee, but thou refusedst me in both; yet I will he thy King to punish thee. I will not lose my right and honour by thy rebellious carriages against me, I will be a King and subdue such: or else it is a taunting question, Where is thy king, on whose counsel, wisdom, power, and conduct thou hast relied? let him now save thee if he can: so it runs smooth with the next words. Where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? or, who is there, what wise, valiant, and successful commander, in any of thy cities, that can deliver thee first out of my hand, and next out of the Assyrians’ hand? Thy judges, where are they? thy magistrates have sinned with thee, and shall be destroyed with thee. Thy rulers or inferior governors, of whom thou saidst, Give me a king; whom thou didst importune and solicit, in a manner forcedst to meet, consult, and resolve in seditious times who should be king next, when treasons had taken away him that was? Some refer this to their first asking a king, but it is better referred to the times either after Jeroboam the First, or to the times after Jeroboam the Second, between whose death and Hoshea’ s time, some say, there was an interregnum of twenty or near twenty years, during which a turbulent people, as the Israelites were, would be frequent and earnest in all likelihood in moving for a king. And princes, necessary to assist the king.

Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 13:10

Hosea 13:10 I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?Ver. 10. I will be thy king] Thine eternal King, so Pagnine. As I have been thy prophet, Hosea 13:4-5, so I will be thy king; I will also be thy priest and thy Redeemer, Hosea 13:14, that so thou mayest hear my voice, submit to my sceptre, and apply my death for thy deliverance from death’ s dominion. Or, I will be thy king, and not be borne down by thy boisterousness, who calleth for another king, and repinest against my righteous regiment. Thou wouldst cast off mine authority, but I will maintain it. The Lord is king, be the people never so unquiet, Psalms 99:1, he will reign over rebels in spite of their hearts; and those that will not be his subjects, his willing people, shall be his slaves, his footstool, Psalms 110:1; Psalms 110:3. The Geneva Bible reads it thus, "I am: Where is the king that should help thee in all thy cities?" R. Aben Ezra, Calvin, Oecolampadius, and others go the same way; only they render it, Ere, I will be one and the same (according to that name of mine, "I am that I am," Exodus 3:14, and "Before Abraham was, I am," John 8:58); though you be off and on with me, though you change often, yet I am Jehovah, I change not, I will be. What will he be? The same that I said I would be, thy Saviour, thine helper: or, I will be a bystander, to see what will become of thee, and how thy king (in whom thou trustest) will help thee. This last is R. Solomon Jarchi’ s interpretation. Pareus will have it run thus: I will be, what? a lion, a leopard, a bear, &c., and nothing shall alter my resolution. Where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities] Thou sayest (but they are but vain words) I have counsel, and strength for war; I have a king, and princes, and strong cities. But alas, where are they? Let them increase their army, and come forth, as he once said, Judges 9:29. Ubi est Rex tuus? ubinam? nunc servet te, &c. Where is the king? where is he? let him now save thee in all thy cities: so Polanus rendereth it. Can they save thee, who cannot save themselves? It is a sarcastic concession. See the like Deuteronomy 32:37-38 Judges 10:14 Amos 4:4. And observe that it is of God to deride and insult over men in their carnal confidence; and his people are licensed to do so too, so it be out of pure zeal, Psalms 52:6-7, and not out of private revenge. And thy judges] Or chief officers, princes, that are necessary to a king, and are called his comites, cousins, and counsellors.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 13:10

(10) The rendering should be, Where, pray, is thy king, that he may save thee? &c. The original demand for a king who should be a visible token to Israel of protection against their surrounding foes was adverse to the true spirit of the kingdom of God upon earth, and, though granted, proved to the united kingdom, and afterwards to the kingdom of Israel, an age-long curse. Probably the special reference here is to the latter—the erection of the Ten Tribes into a separate monarchy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 13:10

Verse 10. Give me a king and princes?] Referring to the time in which they cast off the Divine theocracy and chose Saul in the place of Jehovah.

Cambridge Bible on Hosea 13:10

9–15. An alternation of cries expressive of the contending thoughts and emotions of the tender-hearted but truthful prophet. The punishment is inevitable; yea, it is begun. Yet—if Israel would only repent! Indeed, his Father must interpose. And yet, on the other hand, rebellion must be punished.

Barnes' Notes on Hosea 13:10

I will be thy King - (literally, “I would be” thy King) Where is any other that, etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 13:10

Utter destruction the just punishment for Israel’s guilt, Hosea 13:9-16.This discourse closes with another description of the hopelessness of Israel’s condition.

Sermons on Hosea 13:10

SermonDescription
T. Austin-Sparks Los Angeles Conference #4 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the Israelites in the book of Samuel. The Israelites, dissatisfied with Samuel's leadership and the behavior of his sons, demand
St. John Chrysostom Homily 3 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, on an embassy to the Emperor Theodosius, emphasizing the sacrifice and dedication of a true shepherd who
Devern Fromke David - the Fulfiller of God's Will by Devern Fromke In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unification of the scattered tribes of Israel under the leadership of David. He emphasizes that the people had never been unified in a kin
T. Austin-Sparks The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis
George Warnock Give Us a King! by George Warnock George Warnock discusses the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy, emphasizing that their desire for a king stemmed from a longing to be like the surrounding nations
David Wilkerson The Samuel Company by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson calls for a revival of the 'Samuel Company,' a group of believers who hear God's voice and grieve over the backslidden state of the Church. He emphasizes the need f
Major Ian Thomas Jesus, the Ladder to Heaven by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's encounter with God at a seemingly desolate place. Jacob, feeling homesick and lonely, finds himself in a situation where

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