Hosea 10:4

KJV

They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have spoken {H1696} words {H1697}, swearing {H422} falsely {H7723} in making {H3772} a covenant {H1285}: thus judgment {H4941} springeth up {H6524} as hemlock {H7219} in the furrows {H8525} of the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They mouth words, swearing falsely, making treaties. Thus judgment spreads like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field.

Berean Standard Bible

They speak mere words; with false oaths they make covenants. So judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field.

American Standard Version

They speakvainwords, swearing falsely in making covenants: therefore judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 10:4 delivers a scathing indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their pervasive deceit and covenant infidelity. The verse exposes their practice of making false oaths and entering into deceptive agreements, both with God and with other nations, which inevitably leads to a bitter and destructive harvest of divine judgment. This judgment, likened to poisonous hemlock sprouting in cultivated fields, is portrayed not as arbitrary punishment but as the natural, inevitable consequence of their persistent unrighteousness and spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 10 is a powerful continuation of the prophet's lament and condemnation of Israel's deep-seated idolatry and political apostasy. Immediately preceding this verse, Hosea has described Israel's misplaced trust in their own strength and idols, likening them to a "luxuriant vine" that produces fruit for itself rather than for God ([Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel's Misplaced Trust")). The prophet highlights their divided heart and the impending destruction of their altars and sacred pillars ([Hosea 10:2](/hosea/10-2 "Hosea 10:2 - Divided Hearts and Destroyed Altars")). Verse 3 anticipates the people's realization that they have no king, because they have not feared the Lord, setting the stage for the specific charge of covenant breaking in verse 4, which underscores the moral decay that has permeated their leadership and society. The subsequent verses continue to detail the consequences of their sin, including the desolation of their high places and the call for them to "sow righteousness" ([Hosea 10:12](/hosea/10-12 "Hosea 10:12 - Sow Righteousness, Reap Steadfast Love")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the turbulent final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a period marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and a desperate oscillation between alliances with Assyria and Egypt. Rather than relying on their covenant God, Israel repeatedly sought security through treaties with foreign powers, often sealing these agreements with oaths sworn in the name of their gods or even Yahweh, but without genuine commitment or intention to uphold them. Culturally, oaths and covenants were foundational to ancient Near Eastern society, establishing trust and legal bonds. Breaking such oaths, especially those involving God's name, was considered a grave offense, undermining both social order and divine authority. The "furrows of the field" imagery reflects an agrarian society, where the careful preparation of soil was essential for a good harvest, making the emergence of poisonous "hemlock" a stark and culturally resonant symbol of a harvest gone terribly wrong due to neglect and corruption.

* **Key Themes:** Hosea 10:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Israel's covenant infidelity**. The nation's repeated "swearing falsely in making a covenant" directly violates the foundational Mosaic covenant and the very essence of their relationship with Yahweh, whom they were to love and obey exclusively ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Great Commandment")). This unfaithfulness is not merely religious but permeates their social and political dealings. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **divine judgment as an inevitable consequence of sin**. The imagery of judgment "springing up as hemlock" emphasizes that the bitter harvest is a natural outgrowth of their sown seeds of unrighteousness, rather than an arbitrary act of God. This aligns with the broader prophetic message that Israel's apostasy will lead to desolation and exile ([Hosea 9:3-6](/hosea/9-3-6 "Hosea 9:3-6 - Consequences of Idolatry")). Lastly, the verse underscores the theme of **corruption and moral decay** within Israelite society, where even legal and political agreements are tainted by deceit, reflecting a complete breakdown of justice and truth ([Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1-2 "Hosea 4:1-2 - Israel's Moral Decay")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_ - H1696/H1697):** This root word carries the primary meaning "to speak," but in the context of H1697 (dâbâr, "word"), it can imply a matter, thing, or affair. Here, "they have spoken words" (H1696, verb; H1697, noun) signifies not just uttering sounds, but engaging in deliberate discourse, specifically in the context of making agreements. The emphasis is on the content and intent of their speech, which is revealed to be deceitful.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_ - H1285):** Derived from a root suggesting "cutting," this word refers to a compact or agreement, often established by passing between pieces of flesh (a ritual signifying the consequences of breaking the covenant). It denotes a solemn, binding agreement, whether between God and humanity (e.g., the Mosaic covenant) or between people (e.g., political treaties). In Hosea 10:4, Israel's "making a covenant" refers to their entering into such solemn agreements, but doing so "falsely."
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_ - H4941):** This comprehensive term refers to a verdict, a sentence, or a formal decree, encompassing both human and divine law. It can mean justice, a right, a privilege, or even the act of judging. Here, "judgment springeth up" indicates the divine verdict or consequence that arises from Israel's unrighteous actions, a just recompense for their broken oaths and moral decay. It is the inevitable outcome of their departure from God's righteous standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant:"** This clause identifies Israel's primary sin: a profound lack of integrity in their verbal commitments and solemn agreements. "Swearing falsely" (Hebrew: *shav'*, H7723, meaning "falsehood, vanity, ruin") indicates that their oaths were not merely untrue but were made with deceptive intent, rendering their covenants worthless and destructive. This applies both to their political alliances with foreign powers, which demonstrated a lack of trust in God, and to their spiritual covenant with Yahweh, which they continually violated through idolatry and disobedience.
* **"thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field."** This powerful simile describes the inevitable consequence of their deceit. The "judgment" (Hebrew: *mishpat*) is not arbitrary but a natural outgrowth of their actions, just as weeds sprout from neglected ground. "Springeth up" (Hebrew: *parach*, H6524, meaning "to bloom, to spread, to flourish") emphasizes the organic, pervasive, and unavoidable nature of this consequence. The "hemlock" (Hebrew: *ro'sh*, H7219, a bitter, poisonous plant) symbolizes the destructive, painful, and deadly nature of this judgment, which will consume the nation. The "furrows of the field" highlight that this bitter harvest will emerge from the very place where they ought to have sown righteousness and cultivated a fruitful relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 10:4 employs striking **Imagery** and a potent **Simile** to convey its message. The central image of "hemlock in the furrows of the field" is a vivid and culturally resonant comparison. It likens the bitter, poisonous consequences of Israel's false dealings to a noxious weed that sprouts uncontrollably in cultivated land. This **Metaphor** of a corrupted harvest powerfully illustrates the principle of reaping what one sows. The "furrows" suggest a place prepared for good seed, making the emergence of poison all the more tragic and ironic, highlighting the perversion of what should have been fruitful. The verse also contains an element of **Personification**, as "judgment" is depicted as actively "springing up," almost as if it has a life of its own, an unstoppable force arising from their actions. This reinforces the idea of an inevitable, organic consequence rather than an external, arbitrary punishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 10:4 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of covenant, justice, and the inescapable consequences of sin. It underscores that God's covenant with Israel was not merely a set of rules but a relational bond built on truth and faithfulness. When Israel broke this covenant through false oaths and deceitful dealings, they not only violated divine law but also corrupted the very fabric of their society, leading to a breakdown of justice. The "hemlock" imagery serves as a powerful reminder that sin, like a poisonous seed, inevitably yields a bitter harvest, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His just response to unfaithfulness. This principle of sowing and reaping is a consistent theological truth woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that actions have consequences, both individually and corporately.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse God's Name")
* [Deuteronomy 29:25](/deuteronomy/29-25 "Deuteronomy 29:25 - Breaking the Covenant")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 10:4 stands as a timeless warning about the profound importance of integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of life. It challenges us to examine the sincerity of our words and the reliability of our commitments, whether in personal relationships, professional dealings, or, most importantly, in our covenant relationship with God. The "hemlock" imagery serves as a stark reminder that deceit, broken promises, and unfaithfulness are not benign; they are poisonous seeds that will inevitably yield a bitter harvest of consequences, both for individuals and for communities. This verse calls us to cultivate a life marked by truthfulness, recognizing that our character reflects our devotion to a God who is Himself truth and righteousness. It compels us to take our vows seriously, to live consistently with our beliefs, and to understand that genuine repentance and obedience are the only paths to avoiding the destructive fruit of unrighteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "swearing falsely" or making commitments without full integrity, either to others or to God?**
* **How does the imagery of "hemlock in the furrows" challenge my understanding of the consequences of sin, both personally and societally?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater truthfulness and faithfulness in my words and actions, thereby sowing seeds of righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What does "hemlock in the furrows of the field" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "hemlock in the furrows of the field" is a powerful simile illustrating the bitter and destructive consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. "Hemlock" (Hebrew: *ro'sh*) refers to a poisonous, bitter plant. "Furrows of the field" are the prepared rows in agricultural land where good crops are meant to grow. The imagery signifies that just as a poisonous weed naturally sprouts and flourishes in neglected or corrupted soil, so too will divine judgment, sorrow, and ruin inevitably arise from Israel's deceitful words, broken covenants, and spiritual apostasy. It emphasizes that the judgment is a natural, organic outcome of their actions, not an arbitrary punishment, and that it will spread pervasively throughout their society, bringing a harvest of bitterness where fruitfulness should have been.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 10:4, with its stark portrayal of Israel's broken covenant and the bitter harvest of judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel repeatedly failed to uphold their covenant with God, swearing falsely and producing the "hemlock" of unrighteousness. In contrast, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and the covenant, living a life of absolute truthfulness and integrity, never "swearing falsely" but always speaking and embodying truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the true Israel, the faithful Son who perfectly obeyed the Father. Furthermore, the judgment that "springeth up" for Israel due to their sin was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. He became sin for us, experiencing the bitter cup of divine wrath and judgment so that we might be reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated a New Covenant, not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers, a covenant secured by His own blood, ensuring forgiveness and true righteousness for all who believe ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"); [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Thus, where Israel produced the poisonous fruit of sin, Christ offers the life-giving fruit of salvation and true communion with God, transforming the "furrows" of our lives into fields of righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 5:7

Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

Amos 6:12

Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Ezekiel 17:13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

Ezekiel 17:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

2 Kings 17:3

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.

2 Kings 17:4

And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as [he had done] year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.