Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

HOSEA 13:15KJV
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Hosea 13:15 (KJV)

What does Hosea 13:15 mean?

Hosea 13:15 says that even if Israel seems prosperous and secure among its neighbors, God will send a devastating force—described as a scorching east wind—that will dry up their sources of life and take away their treasures. This verse warns that Israel’s apparent fruitfulness will not protect it from coming judgment.

The prophet Hosea is speaking God’s message to the northern kingdom of Israel, warning them of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The “east wind” refers to a hot, dry wind from the desert, often used as a symbol of destruction in the region. The verse uses vivid images—drying springs and plundered treasures—to show how Israel’s blessings and security will vanish because of their actions.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 13:15

  • fruitful (פָּרָה, parah): This word means to be fruitful or to flourish. The verse points out that Israel’s fruitfulness is only temporary and will not save them from disaster.
  • wind (קָדִים, qadim): This is the “east wind,” a harsh, drying wind from the desert. In the ancient Near East, it was known for destroying crops and bringing hardship, making it a fitting image for judgment.
  • wind (רוּחַ, ruach): This word can mean wind, spirit, or breath. Here, it is called the “wind of the LORD,” emphasizing that the coming destruction is not random but sent by God.
  • spring (מַעְיָן, ma‘yan) and fountain (מָקוֹר, maqor): Both words refer to sources of water, which were essential for life. Their drying up symbolizes the complete removal of blessing and sustenance.

Why Hosea 13:15 matters

  • Hosea 13:15 clarifies that outward prosperity does not guarantee lasting security if a nation turns away from God; judgment can come even when things seem stable.
  • The verse’s imagery connects to the wider theme in Hosea of God’s people losing their blessings because of their choices, reinforcing the prophet’s warning.
  • Understanding the specific references to the “east wind” and dried springs helps modern readers grasp how devastating and total the coming judgment would feel to those hearing Hosea’s words.

Where else these words appear

“spoil” Hebrew H8154 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 2:14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
  • 1 Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
  • Isaiah 17:14 And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

“spring” Hebrew H4726 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
  • Proverbs 25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

“fountain” Hebrew H4599 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Kings 3:25 And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.
  • Proverbs 5:16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

“pleasant” Hebrew H2532 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
  • Isaiah 2:16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
  • Daniel 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.