They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.

HOSEA 14:7KJV
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Hosea 14:7 (KJV)

What does Hosea 14:7 mean?

Hosea 14:7 describes people returning to God and finding protection, new life, and flourishing under His care, using images of shade, revived grain, growing vines, and the pleasant scent of Lebanon’s wine. The verse paints a picture of restoration and blessing for those who come back to live under God’s favor.

In this verse, the prophet Hosea is speaking to the people of Israel, promising them hope after a time of judgment and exile. The language draws on familiar agricultural images: “shadow” suggests safety and relief, “revive as the corn” points to renewed life, and “grow as the vine” hints at fruitfulness. The mention of Lebanon’s wine, known for its fragrance, adds a sense of richness and delight to the restoration God offers.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 14:7

  • "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle down or remain, not just to visit. It emphasizes a lasting relationship under God’s protection, not a temporary shelter.
  • "shadow" (צֵל, tsel): In Hebrew, “shadow” often means protection or refuge, like shade from the hot sun. Here, it highlights the safety found in God’s presence.
  • "revive" (חָיָה, chayah): This word means to come back to life or be restored. It suggests that those who return to God are not just surviving but are brought back to full vitality.
  • "scent" (זֵכֶר, zekher): While often translated as “remembrance” or “fragrance,” here it points to the pleasant, memorable aroma of Lebanon’s wine, symbolizing the attractive and lasting effect of God’s blessing.

Why Hosea 14:7 matters

  • Hosea 14:7 clears up the idea that returning to God is only about forgiveness; it shows that God also promises ongoing care, growth, and delight for those who come back.
  • The verse ties the promise of restoration to everyday experiences—shade, crops, vines, and wine—making God’s blessings concrete and relatable to Hosea’s audience.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Hosea, where God’s love and willingness to restore His people stand out even after their unfaithfulness, highlighting hope and renewal.

Where else these words appear

“scent” Hebrew H2143 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 3:15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
  • Psalms 9:6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
  • Psalms 112:6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

“grow” Hebrew H6524 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 17:5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.
  • Isaiah 17:11 In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

“corn” Hebrew H1715 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“shadow” Hebrew H6738 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Psalms 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
  • Isaiah 30:2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!