Hosea 12:3
He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:
He took his brother {H251} by the heel {H6117} in the womb {H990}, and by his strength {H202} he had power {H8280} with God {H430}:
In the womb he took his brother by the heel; in the strength of his manhood he fought with God.
In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.
In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he had power with God:
Cross-References
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Genesis 25:26 (6 votes)
And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them. -
James 5:16 (2 votes)
Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. -
James 5:18 (2 votes)
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. -
Genesis 32:24 (2 votes)
¶ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. -
Genesis 32:28 (2 votes)
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. -
Romans 9:11 (2 votes)
(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Commentary
Context
Hosea 12:3 is part of a larger prophetic message from God to the northern kingdom of Israel (also called Ephraim), delivered through the prophet Hosea. In this chapter, God recounts Israel's history, specifically drawing parallels to the life of their patriarch, Jacob, to highlight both His faithfulness and Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The prophet reminds them of their roots and God's transformative dealings with their ancestor, implicitly calling them to repentance and a return to God's covenant, rather than relying on foreign alliances or idolatry.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Hosea's reference to Jacob serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:
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