I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

HOSEA 5:15KJV
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Hosea 5:15 (KJV)

What does Hosea 5:15 mean?

Hosea 5:15 describes God saying He will withdraw from His people and wait in His own place until they admit their wrongdoing and sincerely seek Him, especially when they are in trouble. The verse shows that God’s response to His people depends on their willingness to recognize their faults and turn back to Him.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Hosea to the people of Israel, who have been unfaithful and rebellious. The situation is one where God’s people have ignored His guidance, so He announces that He will step back and allow them to experience the consequences of their actions. The verse suggests that hardship or “affliction” will lead the people to earnestly seek God again.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 5:15

  • "offence" (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn): This word often refers to guilt or iniquity, not just a simple mistake. Here, it highlights that the people’s problem is deep and serious.
  • "seek" (בָּקַשׁ, bāqash): This word means to search for something with intent and effort. In this verse, it suggests that the people will actively and urgently try to reconnect with God.
  • "early" (שָׁחַר, shāchar): This word can mean to seek early in the morning or to seek earnestly. The sense here is of eagerness or desperation, not just a casual search.

Why Hosea 5:15 matters

  • Hosea 5:15 clears up the idea that God’s distance is not permanent; it is meant to prompt self-reflection and a return to Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that genuine change comes when people honestly face their faults, not just when they suffer consequences.
  • This verse connects to the larger message of Hosea, where God’s love and justice are both shown: God steps back, but He is ready to respond when His people truly seek Him.

Where else these words appear

“early” Hebrew H7836 · used in 12 verses

  • Job 7:21 And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.
  • Psalms 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
  • Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

“offence” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Jeremiah 50:7 All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

“affliction” Hebrew H6862 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Psalms 136:24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.