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Hosea 10:3

Hosea 10:3 in Multiple Translations

Surely now they will say, “We have no king, for we do not revere the LORD. What can a king do for us?”

For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?

Surely now shall they say, We have no king; for we fear not Jehovah; and the king, what can he do for us?

Now, truly, they will say, We have no king, we have no fear of the Lord; and the king, what is he able to do for us?

Then they will say, “We have no king, for we do not fear the Lord, and yet what would a king do for us?”

For now they shall say, We haue no King because we feared not the Lord: and what should a King doe to vs?

For now they say: We have no king, Because we have not feared Jehovah, And the king — what doth he for us?

Surely now they will say, “We have no king; for we don’t fear the LORD; and the king, what can he do for us?”

For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?

For now they shall say: We have no king: because we fear not the Lord: and what shall a king do to us?

Then they will say, ‘It is because we did not revere Yahweh that we no longer have a king. But even if we had a king, he certainly could not [RHQ] do anything to help us.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 10:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hosea 10:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֤י עַתָּה֙ יֹֽאמְר֔וּ אֵ֥ין מֶ֖לֶךְ לָ֑/נוּ כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָרֵ֨אנוּ֙ אֶת יְהֹוָ֔ה וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ מַה יַּֽעֲשֶׂה לָּֽ/נוּ
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
עַתָּה֙ ʻattâh H6258 now Adv
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
לָ֑/נוּ Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יָרֵ֨אנוּ֙ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Perf-1cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יְהֹוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Conj | Art | N-ms
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
יַּֽעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָּֽ/נוּ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 10:3

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַתָּה֙ ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לָ֑/נוּ "" Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָרֵ֨אנוּ֙ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהֹוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Conj | Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יַּֽעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָּֽ/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Hosea 10:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hosea 10:15 Thus it will be done to you, O Bethel, because of your great wickedness. When the day dawns, the king of Israel will be utterly cut off.
2 Hosea 10:7 Samaria will be carried off with her king like a twig on the surface of the water.
3 Hosea 13:11 So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away.
4 Micah 4:9 Why do you now cry aloud? Is there no king among you? Has your counselor perished so that anguish grips you like a woman in labor?
5 Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
6 John 19:15 At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests.
7 Hosea 3:4 For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol.
8 Hosea 11:5 Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent?

Hosea 10:3 Summary

[This verse is saying that the Israelites have rejected God as their King and are now wondering what good a human king can do for them. They have forgotten that true leadership and authority come from God, as seen in Romans 13:1. The Israelites' lack of reverence for God has led them to idolatry and chaos, and this verse is a reminder that we need to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By putting God first, we can experience true freedom and joy, as seen in Psalm 37:4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when the Israelites say 'we have no king' in Hosea 10:3?

This statement reflects the Israelites' rejection of God as their true King, as seen in their failure to revere the LORD, and instead, they are questioning the usefulness of having a human king, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 8:7 where the Israelites asked for a king like other nations.

How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?

The Israelites' lack of reverence for the LORD led them to idolatry, as they had given their hearts to other gods, and this is a recurring theme in the book of Hosea, as seen in Hosea 11:2 where God says 'they did not know that I had given her grain, wine, and oil'.

What is the significance of the phrase 'what can a king do for us' in Hosea 10:3?

This phrase shows the Israelites' ignorance of God's sovereignty and their lack of trust in His provision, as seen in Psalm 118:8-9 where it is written 'it is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man'.

How does this verse apply to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that true leadership and authority come from God, and when we reject Him, we are left with a sense of chaos and disorder, as seen in Proverbs 29:2 where it is written 'when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan'.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be rejecting God's authority in my life, and how can I surrender to His leadership?
  2. In what ways do I prioritize earthly leaders or institutions over my reverence for the LORD, and how can I shift my focus to God?
  3. What are some idols in my life that I have given my heart to, and how can I tear them down and give my heart to God instead, as seen in Ezekiel 14:3?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for the LORD in my daily life, and what practices can I adopt to help me do so?

Gill's Exposition on Hosea 10:3

For now they shall say, we have no king,.... This they would say, either when they had one; but by their conduct and behaviour said they had none; because they had no regard unto him, no affection

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 10:3

For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us? For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the Lord; what then should a king do to us?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 10:3

For; surely. Now; ere long. They shall say; see, and feel, and be convinced too of this truth. We have no king; either no king at all, as in an interregnum, or no such king as we expected and hoped: our dependence was much upon the wise, valiant, and successful conduct of our king; but he is either less wise and valiant, or less successful in his enterprises. Because we feared not the Lord; worshipped not, kept not his law, depended not on God, therefore we have no king, or one next to none, not able to help us. What then should a king do to us? and now if we had our king, were he as powerful, wise, and successful as Jeroboam the Second, yet it would be too late, the Assyrian power hath so far prevailed, and God is so far departed from us: kings are not able to save without the God of kings.

Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 10:3

Hosea 10:3 For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?Ver. 3. For now they shall say, We have no king] sc. to do us good; he is no better to us now than a king of clouts: he cannot protect us, or deliver us out of the hand of our enemies. If we cry unto him, as she did, "Help, O king"; he must needs answer as there, "If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee?" 2 Kings 6:26-27. Vain is the help of man now that God sets against us. Feared him we have not, and now help us he will not. Est ergo interrogatio negantium et desperantium, saith Rivet. This is the question not of penitentiaries (as Lyra thinketh) but of such as despair, and deny that help can be had either from God, whom they have slighted, or from their king, who is over matched; as Asa was by the Ethiopians, when he came forth against them with an army of five hundred thousand, but was encountered by an army of a thousand thousand, the largest, I think, that we read of in the Book of God, 2 Chronicles 14:11, and was therefore fain to cry, "Help us, O Lord our God, for we rest in thee: and in thy name, not in our own strength, we go against this multitude." Because we feared not the Lord] We trembled not at his word, as Hosea 9:17, and now it hath taken hold of us, Zechariah 1:6; By our profaneness we have enraged God against us; by our creature confidence we have made him our enemy; and now, all too late, we acknowledge our impiety, we bewail our folly; for what should a king do to us? what can he do for us, more than weep over us, as Xerxes did over his army? cry Alas Alas that great city Babylon, &c., as those kings, her paramours, Revelation 18:9-10, wish they had never reigned; as Adrian, Felix si non imperitassesset. Once the cry of this people was, Nay, but we will have a king, and they had him; but no such great joy of him. After that again, they would have a king of their own choosing, Jeroboam, I mean; and he proved a singular mischief to them, as did likewise all his successors. They doted upon a king, and put their trust in princes; but they soon found that in them there was no help, Psalms 146:3, that they could not rescue them out of the punishing hands of the King of kings, the living God.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 10:3

(3) To us.—Better, as for a king, what will he do for us? The prophet having witnessed a succession of Israelite kings overthrown, and anarchy as its consequence, predicts yet another time of confusion and helplessness, a full vindication of the threatenings of the prophet Samuel. (Comp. 1 Samuel 8:19.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 10:3

Verse 3. We have no king] We have rejected the King of kings; and had we any king, he would be of no service to us in this state, as he would be a captive like ourselves; nor could we have the approbation of God, as we now justly lie under his displeasure.

Cambridge Bible on Hosea 10:3

3. For now they shall say …] Rather, Yea then, &c. They shall come to perceive that the kings set up on their own authority (Hosea 8:4) cannot help nor deliver them. We have no king, &c.] i.e., none worthy of the name, for a king should be judge, counseller, general; hence, they continue, and the king [whom we have], what can he do for us?

Barnes' Notes on Hosea 10:3

For now they shall say, we have no king - These are the words of despair, not of repentance; of people terrified by the consciousness of guilt, but not coming forth out of its darkness; describing

Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 10:3

1, 2. Empty vine — Or, emptying vine, that is, the vine that “pours forth its internal strength in abundance of growth and fruit”; therefore R.V., correctly, “luxuriant” (compare Hosea 9:10).

Sermons on Hosea 10:3

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill God's Covenant With Man by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the sounding of the trumpets. He describes the darkening of the sun,
Chuck Missler Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the
S. Lewis Johnson (Genesis) 65 - Jacob's Last Words - Ii by S. Lewis Johnson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last part of the 49th chapter of the Bible, where Jacob gives a prophecy about the future of his sons. He specifically highlights the bl
Robert Arthur The Nazarite by Robert Arthur In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of leadership and kingship. He uses the story of the vine, the olive tree, and the bramble from the book of Judges to illustrate
David Guzik From Genesis to Jesus by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker discusses the curse that Satan received from God after Adam and Eve's fall in the Garden of Eden. The curse includes enmity between Satan's seed and the
St. John Chrysostom Homily 6 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the wise men from the East seeking Jesus, emphasizing the divine intervention through the star to lead them to the newborn King of t
Aphraates Demonstration 5 (Of Wars) by Aphraates Aphraates preaches about the prophetic visions in the book of Daniel, highlighting the rise and fall of kingdoms, the humbling of the proud, and the ultimate victory of God's Kingd

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