As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water.

HOSEA 10:7KJV
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Hosea 10:7 (KJV)

What does Hosea 10:7 mean?

Hosea 10:7 says that the king of Samaria will be destroyed and disappear as quickly and easily as foam floating on water. The verse uses the image of foam to show how powerless and temporary the king’s rule has become.

The prophet Hosea is speaking God’s message to the people of Israel, specifically the northern kingdom whose capital is Samaria. At this point in history, Israel’s leaders have turned away from God, and Hosea warns that their king will soon be swept away, just like foam that vanishes on a stream. The verse highlights the instability of Israel’s leadership and the certainty of coming judgment.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 10:7

  • "Foam" (קֶצֶף, qetsef) refers to the froth or scum that appears briefly on the surface of water, emphasizing something insubstantial and fleeting. This word choice underlines how the king’s power is not only weak but also short-lived.
  • "Cut off" (דָּמָה, damah) often means to be destroyed or brought to an end. Here, it stresses the finality of the king’s fate—he will not just lose power, but be completely removed.

Why Hosea 10:7 matters

  • Hosea 10:7 clears up any idea that Israel’s king could save the nation; the verse shows that the king is as helpless as foam on water.
  • The verse connects to Hosea’s larger message that trusting in human rulers or alliances, instead of God, leads to downfall.
  • The image of foam helps the reader feel the suddenness and totality of the king’s end, reinforcing the seriousness of Hosea’s warning.

Where else these words appear

“off” Hebrew H1820 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 49:12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
  • Jeremiah 6:2 I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.
  • Hosea 4:5 Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.

“foam” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
  • Isaiah 34:2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 10:36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.