Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.

HOSEA 3:1KJV
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Hosea 3:1 (KJV)

What does Hosea 3:1 mean?

Hosea 3:1 describes God telling Hosea to show love to a woman who has been unfaithful, as a picture of how God continues to love the people of Israel even though they turn to other gods and pleasures. The verse uses Hosea’s personal life as a living example of God’s faithful love toward those who have wandered away.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Hosea, instructing him to love a woman described as an "adulteress," who is loved by another but is still to be loved by Hosea. This act is meant to mirror the relationship between God and Israel: Israel has been unfaithful by seeking other gods and indulging in worldly pleasures, yet God’s love remains steadfast. The situation highlights both the pain of betrayal and the persistence of love in the face of it.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 3:1

  • "love" (אָהַב, 'ahav): This word is used both for Hosea’s love for the woman and for God’s love for Israel, emphasizing that the kind of love God asks Hosea to show is the same deep, committed love God has for His people.
  • "adulteress" (נָאַף, na'af): The term points to unfaithfulness in marriage, but here it also symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness by turning to other gods.
  • "look" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn toward or pay attention to, showing that Israel is actively seeking out other gods, not just passively drifting away.
  • "flagons" (אֲשִׁישָׁה, 'ashishah): This refers to cakes or raisin-cakes often used in idol worship, not just ordinary wine or drink, suggesting Israel’s love for the pleasures tied to idol rituals.

Why Hosea 3:1 matters

  • Hosea 3:1 clears up the idea that God’s love is only for the faithful; it shows that God’s love continues even when people are unfaithful.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Israel’s actions—seeking other gods and pleasures is described as spiritual adultery, not just a minor mistake.
  • This verse connects Hosea’s personal story with the larger message of the book, making the prophet’s life a living lesson about God’s enduring love and the pain caused by betrayal.

Where else these words appear

“flagons” Hebrew H809 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Song of Solomon 2:5 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.

“wine” Hebrew H6025 · used in 17 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 13:20 And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
  • Nehemiah 13:15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

“adulteress” Hebrew H5003 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
  • Jeremiah 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
  • Ezekiel 16:32 But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!

“love” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
  • Song of Solomon 7:6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!