Hosea 13:14

KJV

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will ransom {H6299} them from the power {H3027} of the grave {H7585}; I will redeem {H1350} them from death {H4194}: O death {H4194}, I will {H165} be thy plagues {H1698}; O grave {H7585}, I will {H165} be thy destruction {H6987}: repentance {H5164} shall be hid {H5641} from mine eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Should I ransom them from the power of Sh'ol? Should I redeem them from death?

Berean Standard Bible

I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from Death. Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting? Compassion is hidden from My eyes.

American Standard Version

I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from death: O death, where are thy plagues? O Sheol, where is thy destruction? repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:14 stands as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and redemptive power, appearing amidst a chapter primarily focused on God's severe judgment against unfaithful Israel. This verse unveils God's unwavering promise to ransom and redeem His people from the ultimate enemies: death and the grave. It climaxes with a triumphant challenge to these forces, proclaiming their utter destruction, and concludes with an emphatic statement of God's irrevocable commitment to this ultimate act of salvation, underscoring His steadfast faithfulness despite humanity's rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 13 is part of the final section of the book (chapters 11-14), which transitions from lament over Israel's unfaithfulness to a final call for repentance and promises of restoration. Chapter 13 specifically details Ephraim's (the northern kingdom of Israel) escalating sin, particularly their idolatry, pride, and rejection of God. The preceding verses paint a grim picture of God's wrath and impending judgment, likening Him to a destructive lion or a devouring beast, signaling imminent desolation and exile. Verse 14, however, introduces a dramatic and sudden shift, offering a startling glimpse of future hope and ultimate victory over death, an unexpected interlude of grace within a pronouncement of severe judgment. This juxtaposition highlights the depth of God's redemptive purpose that extends beyond immediate punishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, just before the fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) to Assyria in 722 BC. The people had consistently broken their covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry (especially Baal worship) and political alliances that denied God's sovereignty. The concepts of "grave" (Sheol) and "death" were deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern thought as powerful, inescapable realms. "Ransom" and "redeem" (Hebrew: *padah* and *ga'al*) carried significant cultural weight, referring to the act of buying back a slave, reclaiming lost property, or fulfilling the duty of a kinsman-redeemer (*goel*) to protect family interests, including avenging blood or securing freedom. God's declaration here reappropriates these human concepts to describe His divine, ultimate intervention to liberate His people from the dominion of death, a power far greater than any earthly oppressor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's absolute sovereignty** over all creation, including the seemingly unconquerable realms of death and the grave, providing a profound counterpoint to Israel's reliance on idols and foreign powers. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine redemption and restoration**, demonstrating that even in the midst of severe judgment, God's ultimate plan for His people is one of salvation and life. This foreshadows the ultimate triumph over sin and death. Thirdly, the concluding phrase, "repentance shall be hid from mine eyes," emphasizes **God's unchanging faithfulness** to His ultimate redemptive purposes. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and the impending judgment described throughout [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea"), God's ultimate promise of victory over death remains firm and irrevocable, reflecting His covenant commitment that extends beyond immediate consequences, as seen in His promises to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [David](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **redeem (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e.; to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.)." It implies a costly and active intervention by a responsible party to reclaim or liberate something or someone from bondage or loss. In Hosea 13:14, God assumes the role of the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, stepping in to buy back His people from the ultimate captivity of death.
* **grave (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** This term refers to "Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates." It is the common abode of departed spirits, a place of no return in ancient Israelite understanding. God's promise to ransom from *Sheol* is a direct challenge to the perceived finality and power of this realm, indicating His intention to invade and conquer its dominion.
* **repentance (Hebrew, _nôcham'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sigh, breathe strongly," this word here means "ruefulness, i.e. desistance; repentance." In the context of God, it refers to a change of mind or purpose, often implying regret or relenting. The phrase "repentance shall be hid from mine eyes" emphatically means that God will not change His mind about this promise of ultimate deliverance. His commitment to bringing about this victory over death is absolute and unalterable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will ransom them from the power of the grave;"**: God declares His active intention to liberate His people from the dominion and grip of Sheol, the realm of the dead. The "power" (Hebrew: *yad*, literally "hand") signifies the control or authority that the grave holds over humanity. God promises to break this hold through a decisive act of liberation, akin to paying a price for freedom.
* **"I will redeem them from death:"**: This clause parallels and reinforces the first, emphasizing God's determination to reclaim His people from the ultimate enemy, death itself. The use of "redeem" (Hebrew: *gâʼal*) highlights God's role as the kinsman-redeemer, undertaking a costly act to restore what was lost to death's grasp. It speaks to a comprehensive act of salvation.
* **"O death, I will be thy plagues;"**: In a dramatic personification, God directly addresses Death, declaring His intention to bring about its utter destruction. "Plagues" (Hebrew: *deber*) refers to pestilence or destructive forces. This is not merely a rescue *from* death, but an aggressive, decisive offensive *against* death, promising its complete undoing and defeat.
* **"O grave, I will be thy destruction:"**: Similarly, God addresses the Grave (Sheol), promising its "destruction" (Hebrew: *qôṭeb*, meaning extermination). This reinforces the previous declaration, indicating that the realm of the dead will be utterly abolished and rendered powerless. The imagery is one of absolute conquest, where death and the grave are not just overcome, but annihilated.
* **"repentance shall be hid from mine eyes."**: This concluding statement underscores the absolute certainty and irrevocability of God's promise. It means God will not change His mind, relent, or turn back from His declared purpose of ransoming and redeeming His people from death and the grave. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's ultimate redemptive plan remains fixed and unalterable.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:14 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its powerful message. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where "Death" and the "Grave" (Sheol) are addressed as if they are sentient beings ("O death," "O grave"). This gives them a tangible, adversarial quality, making God's declaration of victory over them all the more dramatic and impactful. The direct address to these entities is also an example of **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device used to create a sense of direct confrontation and emphasize the speaker's authority. The terms "plagues" and "destruction" used against Death and the Grave employ **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of their defeat to convey the absolute and decisive nature of God's triumph. This is not a partial victory but a complete annihilation of their power. Furthermore, the verse presents a profound **Paradox**: amidst a context of severe judgment and impending destruction for Israel, God suddenly declares a promise of ultimate life and victory over death. This unexpected shift highlights the depth of God's mercy and His sovereign ability to bring life out of death, and hope out of despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:14 is a pivotal Old Testament prophecy that beautifully encapsulates God's ultimate victory over the powers of sin and death. It reveals a God who is not merely a judge but also a relentless Redeemer, whose love and covenant faithfulness extend beyond immediate human failure. This verse speaks to the very heart of biblical theology: the promise of resurrection and eternal life, demonstrating that death is not the final word for God's people. It lays a foundational stone for the New Testament's understanding of Christ's triumph, showing that God's plan for overcoming mortality was established long before its ultimate fulfillment. It assures us that God's redemptive purpose is unwavering, a truth that provides profound comfort and hope.

* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death in Victory")
* [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Paul's Triumphant Proclamation of Victory Over Death")
* [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - Death and Hades Thrown into the Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 13:14 offers immense comfort and profound assurance to believers across all generations. In a world where death remains the ultimate human fear and the final enemy, this verse declares God's absolute sovereignty over it. It reminds us that our hope is not in the fleeting promises of this life, but in the unchanging character and redemptive power of God. For those who trust in Him, death is not an end but a conquered foe, its sting removed by divine intervention. This truth empowers us to live without fear of mortality, knowing that our future is secured by a God who does not change His mind about His promises. It calls us to place our ultimate trust in the One who has already declared victory over the grave, transforming our perspective on suffering, loss, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's victory over death and the grave impact your perspective on current struggles and fears?**
* **In what ways does knowing God's "repentance shall be hid from mine eyes" strengthen your faith in His promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them?**
* **How might understanding God as the ultimate "Kinsman-Redeemer" (as implied by "redeem" and "ransom") deepen your appreciation for His relationship with you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the hope of resurrection that this verse proclaims?**

### FAQ
**How does Hosea 13:14 relate to the New Testament, especially Paul's writings?**

Answer: Hosea 13:14 is one of the most direct Old Testament prophecies regarding the defeat of death and the grave, and it finds its ultimate fulfillment and explicit quotation in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul famously quotes parts of this verse in his triumphant discourse on the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Paul's Challenge to Death"), proclaiming, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Paul uses Hosea's prophecy to underscore the reality and certainty of Christ's resurrection and the future resurrection of believers, demonstrating that Christ's victory over death is the fulfillment of God's ancient promise. This connection shows a seamless continuity in God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament's revelation in Jesus Christ.

**What is the significance of the phrase "repentance shall be hid from mine eyes"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment and the irrevocable nature of His promise. It means that God will not change His mind, relent, or turn back from His declared purpose of ransoming and redeeming His people from death and the grave. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and the severe judgments pronounced throughout [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea"), God's ultimate redemptive plan for His people remains fixed and unalterable. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ultimate design for salvation, providing a profound assurance that His promises of victory over death are absolutely certain and will be accomplished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 13:14 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophetic declaration, "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction," is precisely what Jesus accomplished through His crucifixion and resurrection. He is the divine Kinsman-Redeemer who paid the ultimate price, His own life, to ransom humanity from the bondage of sin and the dominion of death. His resurrection from the dead was God's decisive act of invading the grave and stripping death of its power, fulfilling the ancient promise. As [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") proclaims, Jesus is "the resurrection and the life," embodying the very victory over death that Hosea foretold. His triumph ensures that those who believe in Him will also experience resurrection, as He has conquered the last enemy ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death, Will Be Destroyed")). Jesus now holds "the keys of death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), demonstrating His absolute authority over these realms. Thus, Hosea's ancient prophecy is not merely a promise of future deliverance, but a testament to the finished work of Christ, who, by His death, "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")).

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

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalms 49:15

¶ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.