For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.

HOSEA 2:5KJV
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Hosea 2:5 (KJV)

What does Hosea 2:5 mean?

Hosea 2:5 describes how Israel, pictured as an unfaithful mother, has acted shamefully by seeking after other "lovers"—meaning other gods or nations—believing they provide her with necessities like food, clothing, and drink. The verse uses the image of adultery to show Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and misplaced trust in sources other than God.

In this verse, the prophet Hosea is speaking God's message to the people of Israel, comparing the nation to a mother who has been unfaithful. The "lovers" are not literal people but represent the idols and alliances Israel pursued, thinking these would supply her needs. The verse highlights the deep betrayal God feels and sets the stage for the warnings and calls to return that follow in the book.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 2:5

  • "Harlot" (זָנָה, zanah): This word means to commit adultery or be sexually unfaithful, and here it is used to describe Israel's spiritual betrayal of God by turning to other gods.
  • "Lovers" (אֹהֵב, ohev): This word refers to those whom Israel seeks after instead of God. The use of "lovers" makes the betrayal more personal and emotional, showing the depth of the relationship God desires.
  • "Give" (נָתַן, natan): The verse emphasizes that Israel believes her "lovers" are the ones providing her daily needs, which shows a misunderstanding of who truly sustains her.
  • "Shamefully" (הֵבִישׁ, hevish): This word means to act disgracefully or bring shame, underlining the seriousness of Israel's actions in God's eyes.

Why Hosea 2:5 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Israel's blessings come from other sources, stressing that God alone is the true provider.
  • Hosea 2:5 highlights the emotional and relational aspect of Israel's unfaithfulness, not just a breaking of rules but a personal betrayal.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Hosea, where God uses the image of marriage and unfaithfulness to show both judgment and the hope of restoration.

Where else these words appear

“drink” Hebrew H8250 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

“flax” Hebrew H6593 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 13:47 The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
  • Deuteronomy 22:11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.
  • Jeremiah 13:1 Thus saith the LORD unto me, Go and get thee a linen girdle, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water.

“wool” Hebrew H6785 · used in 16 verses

  • Leviticus 13:47 The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
  • Judges 6:37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
  • Isaiah 51:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

“conceived” Hebrew H2029 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Genesis 30:17 And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:17 And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.