Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.

HOSEA 8:10KJV
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Hosea 8:10 (KJV)

What does Hosea 8:10 mean?

Hosea 8:10 says that even though Israel has tried to make deals with other nations for help, God will soon bring them back together, and they will experience some sorrow because of the heavy demands placed on them by foreign rulers. The verse points to a time of regret and hardship as a result of relying on other nations instead of trusting God.

In this verse, the prophet Hosea is speaking God’s message to the people of Israel, who have tried to protect themselves by paying or making alliances with surrounding nations. The verse uses the image of “hiring among the nations” to show Israel’s attempts to buy security. God responds by saying He will “gather them,” meaning He will bring them back from these failed alliances, but they will feel sorrow because of the “burden of the king of princes”—likely a reference to the tribute or control imposed by foreign kings as a consequence of their choices.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 8:10

  • “hired” (תָּנוּ, tānū): This word means to pay for services or to hire, highlighting Israel’s efforts to secure help from other nations by making payments or alliances.
  • “gather” (קָבַץ, qāvaṣ): This word often means to collect or bring together, and here it suggests God will regather Israel, possibly from exile or from their scattered state after failed alliances.
  • “sorrow” (חָלַל, ḥālal): This word can mean to be defiled or to experience pain or grief, indicating that Israel’s actions will lead to emotional or spiritual suffering.
  • “burden” (מַשָּׂא, massa’): This word refers to a load or heavy obligation, pointing to the oppressive demands or tribute that foreign rulers will place on Israel as a result of their alliances.

Why Hosea 8:10 matters

  • Hosea 8:10 clarifies that seeking security through political deals with other nations leads to disappointment and hardship, not the safety Israel hoped for.
  • The verse emphasizes that God is still in control, even when Israel acts independently, and that their choices have real consequences.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Hosea, where trusting in God rather than foreign powers is a central theme, and it shows how misplaced trust brings sorrow rather than relief.

Where else these words appear

“hired” Hebrew H8566 · used in 2 verses

  • Hosea 8:9 For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

“little” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
  • Proverbs 6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

“gather” Hebrew H6908 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
  • Jeremiah 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.