Hosea 9:12
Hosea 9:12 in Multiple Translations
Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!
Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, so that not a man shall be left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Even though their children have come to growth I will take them away, so that not a man will be there; for their evil-doing will be complete and they will be put to shame because of it.
Even if they bring up children, I will make sure they do not survive. What a disaster for you when I turn away from you!
Though they bring vp their children, yet I will depriue them from being men: yea, woe to them, when I depart from them.
For though they nourish their sons, I have made them childless — without man, Surely also, woe to them, when I turn aside from them.
Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, so that not a man shall be left. Indeed, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left : yes, woe also to them when I depart from them!
And though they should bring up their children, I will make them without children among men: yea, and woe to them, when I shall depart from them.
Even if their children are born and start to grow up, I will cause all of them to die while they are still young. Terrible things will happen to them when I abandon them!
Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 9:12
BAB
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 9:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אִם
יְגַדְּלוּ֙
אֶת
בְּנֵי/הֶ֔ם
וְ/שִׁכַּלְתִּ֖י/ם
מֵֽ/אָדָ֑ם
כִּֽי
גַם
א֥וֹי
לָ/הֶ֖ם
בְּ/שׂוּרִ֥/י
מֵ/הֶֽם
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יְגַדְּלוּ֙
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵי/הֶ֔ם
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
וְ/שִׁכַּלְתִּ֖י/ם
shâkôl
H7921
be bereaved
Conj | V-Piel-1cs | Suff
מֵֽ/אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גַם
gam
H1571
also
Adv
א֥וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
woe!
Part
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
בְּ/שׂוּרִ֥/י
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מֵ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 9:12
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יְגַדְּלוּ֙
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנֵי/הֶ֔ם
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/שִׁכַּלְתִּ֖י/ם
shâkôl
H7921
"be bereaved"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs | Suff
Barrenness refers to the inability to have children. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who has lost a child or is unable to conceive, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:5-6.
Definition: 1) to be bereaved, make childless, miscarry 1a) (Qal) to be bereaved 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make childless 1b2) to cause barrenness, show barrenness or abortion 1b3) to miscarry 1c) (Hiphil) miscarrying (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: bereave (of children), barren, cast calf (fruit, young), be (make) childless, deprive, destroy, [idiom] expect, lose children, miscarry, rob of children, spoil. See also: Genesis 27:45; Isaiah 49:21; Jeremiah 15:7.
מֵֽ/אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
א֥וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
"woe!"
Part
This word is an expression of sorrow or grief, like a cry of 'Oh no!' or 'Alas!' It's used in Isaiah and Jeremiah to lament the fate of God's people. The prophets use it to express deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) woe! alas! oh! 1a) passionate cry of grief or despair
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: alas, woe. See also: Numbers 21:29; Jeremiah 6:4; Proverbs 23:29.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/שׂוּרִ֥/י
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֵ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Hosea 9:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Hosea 9:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hosea 9:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 9:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
- Cambridge Bible on Hosea 9:12
- Barnes' Notes on Hosea 9:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
- Sermons on Hosea 9:12
Context — Israel’s Punishment
10I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved.
11Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird, with no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception.
12Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!
13I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a meadow. But Ephraim will bring out his children for slaughter. 14Give them, O LORD— what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 7:13 | Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against Me! Though I would redeem them, they speak lies against Me. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:25 | Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 31:17 | On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ |
| 4 | Hosea 9:16 | Ephraim is struck down; their root is withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay the darlings of their wombs. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 16:3–4 | For this is what the LORD says concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and the mothers who bore them, and the fathers who fathered them in this land: “They will die from deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried, but will lie like dung on the ground. They will be finished off by sword and famine, and their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and beasts of the earth.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 15:7 | I will scatter them with a winnowing fork at the gates of the land. I will bereave and destroy My people who have not turned from their ways. |
| 7 | Lamentations 2:20 | Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord? |
| 8 | Job 27:14 | Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 28:32 | Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation, while your eyes grow weary looking for them day after day, with no power in your hand. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 28:15–16 | Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” “Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? |
Hosea 9:12 Summary
[Hosea 9:12 is a warning from God that even if we seem to be successful in our lives, He can still take away the things that are most precious to us if we are disobedient to Him (see also Psalm 127:1 and Jeremiah 12:7). This verse reminds us that our success and protection come from God, and when He turns away from us, we are left with nothing (as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:19-20 and Psalm 104:29). To avoid this kind of judgment, we must stay faithful and obedient to God, seeking to please Him in all we do, just like it says in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'bereave them of each one' in Hosea 9:12?
This means that even if the Israelites are successful in raising their children, God will still take them away, perhaps due to their disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:32 and Isaiah 1:7-9.
Why does God say 'woe be to them when I turn away from them'?
This is a warning that when God withdraws His presence and blessing from the Israelites, they will be left vulnerable and helpless, much like the consequences described in 2 Chronicles 15:2 and Psalm 80:16.
Is this verse only talking about the Israelites or can it apply to others?
While the immediate context is the nation of Israel, the principle of God's judgment on disobedience can be applied to any individual or nation, as seen in Romans 11:21 and 1 Peter 4:17-18.
How can we avoid God turning away from us like in Hosea 9:12?
To avoid God's judgment, we must remain faithful and obedient to Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9, and seek to please Him in all aspects of our lives, as mentioned in Colossians 1:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'raising children' in my life, only to have them taken away due to disobedience?
- In what ways can I ensure that I am staying under God's blessing and protection, rather than experiencing His judgment?
- How can I apply the warning in Hosea 9:12 to my own life, avoiding the consequences of God turning away from me?
- What does it mean for me to 'turn away' from God, and how can I prevent this from happening in my own walk with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Hosea 9:12
Though they bring up their children,.... Though this be the case of some, as to be conceived, carried in the womb to the full time, and be born, and brought up to a more adult age, and appear very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 9:12
Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
Or suppose neither of these, but that their children live, grow up and come to some maturity, yet God, provoked by their sins, will deprive them of their children by famine; or by civil wars, which were long and bloody on each other; or by pestilence; or by captivity, and dispersing them among enemies, to whom they shall be slaves, and, as slaves, beget children not to themselves, but to their masters. There shall not be a man left; there shall be a total extirpation of them and their memory; or else, I will cut them off from among men, as the phrase will bear. Woe also to them when I depart from them! to complete their misery, I will leave them, I will depart from them. It is sad to lose children, it is sadder to lose their God.
Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
Hosea 9:12 Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!Ver. 12. Though they bring up children, yet will I bereave them] "If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword; and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread," Job 27:14. This was fulfilled in Ahab’ s seventy sons, beheaded together, 2 Kings 10:6-7, in whom be had vainly promised himself the establishment of his house, which God had threatened to root out: in Jehu and his posterity after the fourth generation: those Romans that went out against the enemy at the Porta scelerata wicked gate, (as it was thereupon called) and never returned again; and that Eckius Raschachius, a German captain, at the siege of Buda, A.D. 1541, whose son, a valiant young gentleman, being got out of the army without his father’ s knowledge, bare himself so gallantly in fight against the enemy, in the sight of his father and the army, that he was highly commended of all men, and especially of his father, that knew him not at all. Yet before he could clear himself he was compassed in by the enemy, and valiantly fighting, slain. Raschachius, exceedingly moved with the death of so brave a man, ignorant how near he touched himself, turning about to the other captains said, This worthy gentleman, whatsoever he be, is worthy of eternal commendation, and to be most honourably buried by the whole army. As the rest of the captains were with like compassion approving his speech, the dead body of the unfortunate son rescued, was presented to the most miserable father; which caused all them that were there present to shed tears. But such a sudden and inward grief surprised the aged father, and struck so to his heart, that after he had stood a while speechless, with his eyes set in his head, he suddenly fell down dead. Yea, woe also to them when I depart from them] This is indeed worse than all the rest; this is that only evil spoken of by Ezekiel: hell itself is nothing else but a separation from God’ s presence, with the ill consequents thereof; and the tears of hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of that beautiful vision. How miserable was Cain when cast off by God! Saul, when forsaken of him!
David, when deserted, though but for a few months! Job, for a few years, Suidas saith seven! While God was graciously with him, and prospered him, he was Jobab (that same mentioned Genesis 36:34, as some think), but when under sense of God’ s absence, contracted into Job. See the like, Genesis 17:5 Rth 1:20. His desertion was far more comfortable than David’ s; it was probational only, but David’ s penal, for chastisement of some way of wickedness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
Verse 12. Though they bring up their children] And were they even to have children, I would bereave them of them; for, when I depart from them, they shall have all manner of wretchedness and wo.
Cambridge Bible on Hosea 9:12
12. But what shall be the fate of the children already born? A lurid light is next thrown upon this. Though] Rather, Yea, though. bereave them] Or, ‘make them childless’; comp. 1 Samuel 15:33. when I depart from them] Better, (reading with a Shin instead of a Sin), when I look away from them. The sense of the passage is, even to turn away my face would sink them in an abyss of ruin. The ordinary reading does not allow us easily to account for the ‘also’, or rather, ‘even’, which precedes.
Barnes' Notes on Hosea 9:12
Though they bring up children - God had threatened to deprive them of children, in every stage before or at their birth.
Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 9:12
12. The children already born will not escape. Though — More accurately, Yea, though. Bereave — Or, make childless (1 Samuel 15:33). Not be a man left [“not a man shall be left”] — Children will not reach the age of manhood.
Sermons on Hosea 9:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Esther 1:1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing trepidation about attending a conference due to the abundance of food and treats. He then shares a personal experience that motivat |
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The Implosion of America by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three principles that lead to a nation's downfall and destruction. The first principle is the absence of spiritual leadership in the church, w |
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Idols of Pride and Jealousy by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the destructive nature of pride and jealousy as idols that can harden the heart and blind individuals to their own sin. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit |
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The Awful Void by George Kulp | George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of spiritual suicide, using the story of King Saul as a cautionary tale. Saul, once anointed by God and filled with the S |