Hosea 12:10

KJV

I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have also spoken {H1696} by the prophets {H5030}, and I have multiplied {H7235} visions {H2377}, and used similitudes {H1819}, by the ministry {H3027} of the prophets {H5030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have spoken to the prophets; it was I who gave vision after vision; through the prophets I gave examples to show what it would all be like.

Berean Standard Bible

I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets.

American Standard Version

I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 12:10 powerfully asserts God's consistent and multifaceted communication with His people, Israel, throughout their history. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and spiritual rebellion, the Lord never ceased to reveal His will, issue warnings, and extend promises through His chosen messengers. This verse underscores the divine initiative in revelation, emphasizing the abundance and variety of methods God employed—direct speech, supernatural visions, and symbolic actions—all delivered through the dedicated ministry of the prophets, thereby leaving Israel without excuse for their disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 12 is part of a larger prophetic indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, for their covenant unfaithfulness. The chapter immediately preceding this verse (Hosea 12:1-9) recounts Israel's historical treachery, drawing a stark parallel between their current apostasy and the deceitful nature of their patriarch, Jacob. The prophet reminds Israel that even Jacob, who "struggled with God and prevailed" [Hosea 12:3-4](/hosea/12-3-4 "Hosea 12:3-4 - Jacob's Struggle and Blessing"), was a fugitive and a servant, emphasizing that Israel's current pride and self-reliance are misplaced. Verse 10 serves as a divine defense, demonstrating that God had always provided abundant guidance and warnings, making Israel's continued rebellion inexcusable. It sets the stage for further declarations of judgment and God's enduring call to repentance in the subsequent verses of the chapter and book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant political instability, moral decay, and rampant idolatry. Successive kings were assassinated, and Israel vacillated between alliances with Egypt and Assyria, rather than trusting in the Lord. Culturally, the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities had deeply infiltrated Israelite society, leading to spiritual adultery and a departure from the Mosaic covenant. The people had forgotten their identity as God's chosen nation, redeemed from slavery in Egypt. In this tumultuous environment, God raised up prophets like Hosea to deliver His messages of warning, judgment, and calls to return, often using the very cultural practices and historical events of Israel to illustrate their sin and God's steadfast love. The "ministry of the prophets" was God's primary means of engaging with His covenant people in real-time, addressing their specific historical and cultural sins.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 12:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Hosea and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is **Divine Communication**, highlighting God's active, persistent, and varied engagement with humanity. He is not a distant deity but one who continually seeks to reveal Himself and His will, demonstrating His desire for relationship and obedience. This verse also underscores the crucial **Ministry of Prophets** as God's chosen spokesmen, entrusted with delivering divine messages, warnings, and calls to repentance. The specific methods mentioned—"spoken by the prophets," "multiplied visions," and "used similitudes"—emphasize the **Varied Methods of Revelation** God employed, adapting His communication to ensure His truth was understood. For instance, Hosea's own marriage to Gomer served as a profound "similitude" illustrating Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and God's enduring love, as seen in [Hosea 1:2-3](/hosea/1-2-3 "Hosea 1:2-3 - Hosea's Marriage to Gomer"). Finally, by detailing the extensive and clear ways God communicated, the verse implicitly stresses **Human Accountability**. Israel could not claim ignorance; they had received abundant light and instruction, making their disobedience a deliberate act of rebellion against a speaking God. This theme is echoed throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to Prophets"), where God declares He does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** (H1696) This primitive root signifies not merely uttering words, but often implies arranging or ordering, suggesting authoritative and deliberate communication. When God "speaks" by the prophets, it refers to direct, verbal pronouncements, commands, declarations, and teachings, carrying the weight of divine authority and purpose. It highlights the intentionality and clarity of God's message.
* **multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** (H7235) This root means "to increase" or "to make great," indicating an abundance or frequency. Here, it emphasizes the sheer volume and continuous nature of God's revelation. God did not speak once or twice, but repeatedly and extensively, providing ample opportunity for Israel to hear and respond. This multiplication underscores His patience and persistent pursuit of His people.
* **visions (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** (H2377) Derived from a word meaning "to see," this term refers to a "sight (mentally)," encompassing dreams, revelations, or oracles. Visions are a supernatural mode of communication where God directly imparts insight, often symbolically, into His plans, judgments, or future events. They provided a distinct, often vivid, form of divine revelation, as seen in the ministries of prophets like Isaiah [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah") and Ezekiel [Ezekiel 1:1](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1 - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory").
* **similitudes (Hebrew, _dâmâh'_):** (H1819) This root means "to compare," "to resemble," or "to liken." In this context, it refers to parables, allegories, symbolic actions, or likenesses used to convey spiritual truth. These "similitudes" made abstract divine messages tangible and memorable, often requiring the prophet to embody the message through their own life or actions, as Hosea's marriage to Gomer exemplified.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have also spoken by the prophets,"**: This clause establishes God as the primary speaker and the prophets as His chosen conduits. It highlights the direct, verbal nature of divine communication, where God's messages were articulated through human intermediaries. The prophets were not merely offering their own insights but were delivering the very words of the Lord.
* **"and I have multiplied visions,"**: This phrase emphasizes the abundance and variety of God's revelation. Beyond direct verbal pronouncements, God also communicated through supernatural "visions"—mental sights, dreams, or trances—which provided profound, often symbolic, insights into His will and future actions. The term "multiplied" underscores the frequent and extensive nature of these divine disclosures.
* **"and used similitudes,"**: This part of the verse points to another distinct method of divine communication: the use of comparisons, parables, allegories, and symbolic actions. God employed tangible, relatable examples or enacted object lessons to make spiritual truths clearer and more impactful, allowing His people to grasp complex theological concepts through vivid imagery and real-life parallels.
* **"by the ministry of the prophets."**: This concluding phrase acts as a powerful summation, reiterating that all these diverse forms of divine communication—spoken words, visions, and similitudes—were consistently delivered through the dedicated service and instrumentality of the prophets. It underscores their indispensable role as God's messengers and the consistent channel of His revelation to Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 12:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the successive clauses, where God's various methods of communication are listed in a complementary fashion: "spoken by the prophets," "multiplied visions," and "used similitudes." This creates a rhythmic flow and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's revelation. The repetition of "by the prophets" at the beginning and end of the verse forms an **inclusio**, framing the diverse methods of communication within the consistent **Ministry of the Prophets**. This structural device highlights their central and indispensable role as God's agents. Furthermore, the use of "similitudes" itself points to the broader literary and rhetorical strategy of **Figurative Language** and **Symbolism** prevalent throughout prophetic literature. By employing parables, allegories, and symbolic actions, God made abstract spiritual truths concrete and memorable, ensuring His message resonated deeply with His audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 12:10 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character as a communicating God. It reveals a God who is not silent or distant, but one who actively engages with His creation, desiring to be known and understood. His persistent and varied revelation, even in the face of Israel's persistent rebellion, testifies to His enduring love, patience, and unwavering commitment to His covenant. The verse underscores the divine initiative in salvation history, where God consistently reaches out to humanity, providing ample light and guidance, thereby establishing a basis for human accountability. It also highlights the crucial role of divine revelation as the foundation for true knowledge of God and obedience to His will.

* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Prophets and Son")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Not of Human Will")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants the Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 12:10 serves as a powerful reminder that God is a speaking God, and His desire to communicate with humanity is foundational to His character. While the era of direct prophetic visions and similitudes in the same manner as the Old Testament prophets has concluded with the completion of the biblical canon, God continues to speak authoritatively through His inspired Word, the Bible. This verse challenges us to consider our posture towards divine revelation. Do we actively listen for God's voice? Are we diligent in studying His Word, recognizing it as the primary means by which He reveals His will, His character, and His purposes for our lives? Just as ancient Israel was held accountable for the abundant revelation they received, so too are we responsible for responding in faith and obedience to the truth God has given us. Our spiritual growth and walk with God are directly tied to our engagement with His revealed truth, which guides, corrects, and nourishes our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Hosea 12:10 challenge my perception of God's communication with humanity?**
* **How does understanding God's varied methods of revelation (spoken word, visions, similitudes) impact my appreciation for the Bible today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more diligently listen to and apply God's Word in my daily life?**
* **How does the concept of "accountability" for received revelation apply to believers in the modern era?**

### FAQ

**What does "used similitudes" mean in Hosea 12:10?**

Answer: The phrase "used similitudes" (Hebrew: *dâmâh*) refers to God's method of communicating through comparisons, parables, allegories, and symbolic actions. It means God used tangible, relatable examples or enacted object lessons to convey spiritual truths. For instance, the prophet Hosea's own marriage to Gomer, a harlot, was a powerful "similitude" that illustrated Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God and God's enduring, redemptive love for them, as detailed in [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Marriage and Children"). Other prophets also performed symbolic acts, like Jeremiah burying a linen belt [Jeremiah 13:1-11](/jeremiah/13-1-11 "Jeremiah 13:1-11 - The Linen Belt"), or Ezekiel lying on his side for days [Ezekiel 4:1-8](/ezekiel/4-1-8 "Ezekiel 4:1-8 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege"), to make God's messages vivid and impactful. This method made abstract divine messages concrete and memorable for the people.

**Why did God use so many different methods of communication with Israel?**

Answer: God's use of "multiplied visions" and "similitudes" in addition to direct verbal pronouncements demonstrates His profound desire to ensure His message was received and understood by His people. Different people learn and comprehend in different ways. By employing a variety of methods—auditory (spoken word), visual (visions), and experiential/symbolic (similitudes)—God maximized the clarity and impact of His revelation. This multifaceted approach underscores His patience, His comprehensive nature, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, leaving them without excuse for their unfaithfulness. It also highlights the richness and depth of divine communication, adapting to the human capacity for understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 12:10, with its emphasis on God's multifaceted revelation through the prophets, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While God "spoke by the prophets" in various ways in the Old Testament, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Prophets and Son") declares that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is not merely a prophet among prophets; He is the Word made flesh [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the perfect embodiment and culmination of all divine revelation. The "visions" and "similitudes" of the Old Testament pointed forward to Him, the one who perfectly reveals the Father [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father"). His parables were the ultimate "similitudes," making profound spiritual truths accessible, and His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate prophetic acts, fulfilling all that the Law and the Prophets foretold [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures"). In Christ, God's communication is no longer fragmented or partial but complete and final, offering humanity the full and perfect knowledge of God and the way of salvation.

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

2 Kings 17:13

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

Ezekiel 20:49

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

Isaiah 20:2

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Isaiah 20:5

And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

Jeremiah 7:25

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]:

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Jeremiah 19:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and [take] of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;