Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

HOSEA 3:5KJV
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Hosea 3:5 (KJV)

What does Hosea 3:5 mean?

Hosea 3:5 describes a future time when the people of Israel will return to seek the LORD their God and “David their king,” showing reverence for the LORD and His goodness in the last days. This verse points to a restoration after a period of wandering or separation.

In the context of Hosea, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, who have turned away from God. Hosea uses the image of returning and seeking both God and a king from David’s line to show hope for reconciliation and renewed relationship. The mention of fearing the LORD and His goodness highlights a deep respect and awe for God’s kindness in the future.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 3:5

  • “Return” (שׁוּב, shuv): This word often means to turn back or come home, suggesting not just a physical return but a change of heart and direction toward God.
  • “Seek” (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This verb means to look for earnestly or desire, showing that Israel’s search for God and “David their king” will be intentional and sincere.
  • “Fear” (פָּחַד, pachad): Here, “fear” carries the sense of awe or reverence, not just being afraid, but deeply respecting the LORD and His goodness.
  • “Goodness” (טוּב, tuv): This word points to God’s kindness, generosity, and blessing, emphasizing that what draws Israel back is not just God’s power but His goodness.

Why Hosea 3:5 matters

  • Hosea 3:5 clarifies that the restoration of Israel involves both a return to God and to a rightful king, linking spiritual renewal with leadership from David’s line.
  • The verse shows that true reverence for God includes recognizing His goodness, not just His authority or judgment.
  • Hosea 3:5 connects to the wider message of Hosea, where God’s faithfulness and mercy are offered even after Israel’s unfaithfulness, pointing to hope beyond judgment.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H6342 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
  • Psalms 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
  • Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

“goodness” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
  • Psalms 145:7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

“latter” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
  • Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.