Hosea 13:4

KJV

Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet I am the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and thou shalt know {H3045} no god {H430} but me {H2108}: for there is no saviour {H3467} beside me {H1115}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still, I am ADONAI your God, from the land of Egypt; and you don't know any God but me or, other than me, any Savior.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.

American Standard Version

Yet I am Jehovah thy God from the land of Egypt; and thou shalt know no god but me, and besides me there is no saviour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:4 delivers a potent declaration of Yahweh's exclusive identity and enduring covenant with Israel, serving as a stark reminder of His unique claim as their only God and Deliverer. Amidst Israel's pervasive idolatry and reliance on foreign powers, this verse grounds God's authority in His historical act of salvation, demanding singular devotion and affirming that true rescue comes from Him alone. It underscores His unwavering faithfulness despite their rebellion, emphasizing that there is no other source of salvation or divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 13 is a chapter of intense judgment, immediately preceding the book's final call to repentance and promise of restoration in chapter 14. Following chapters that detail Israel's spiritual adultery, reliance on Assyria and Egypt, and the worship of idols like Baal and the golden calves (e.g., [Hosea 8:4-6](/hosea/8-4-6 "Hosea 8:4-6 - Idolatry and False Kings") and [Hosea 10:5-6](/hosea/10-5-6 "Hosea 10:5-6 - The Calves of Beth-aven")), chapter 13 escalates the pronouncements of divine wrath. Verses 1-3 describe Ephraim's rise and fall due to their sin, particularly their continued descent into idolatry, which is depicted as a self-destructive act. Verse 4, therefore, stands as a foundational theological assertion, contrasting God's unchanging nature and exclusive claim with Israel's fickle and idolatrous behavior, setting the stage for the severe consequences outlined in the subsequent verses of the chapter, which speak of destruction and lack of a helper (e.g., [Hosea 13:9](/hosea/13-9 "Hosea 13:9 - Israel's Destruction")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and increasing pressure from the rising Assyrian Empire. Spiritually, Israel had deeply apostatized, blending the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite Baal worship and other foreign deities. They sought political alliances with powerful nations like Assyria and Egypt for security, rather than trusting in the LORD (e.g., [Hosea 7:11](/hosea/7-11 "Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim's Folly")). Their society was rife with moral corruption, injustice, and a disregard for God's covenant law. The reference to "the land of Egypt" in the verse serves as a powerful historical anchor, reminding Israel of their foundational deliverance from slavery, an event that established Yahweh as their unique God and covenant partner (e.g., [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The Lord's Introduction to the Ten Commandments")). This historical context highlights Israel's profound ingratitude and covenant unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in Hosea and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Unchanging Identity and Covenant Faithfulness**, reminding Israel that the God who delivered them from Egypt is the same God who demands their allegiance now. This underscores His steadfast *hesed* (loyal love) despite their betrayal. Secondly, the verse asserts **Exclusive Monotheism**, echoing the first commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")) by declaring "thou shalt know no god but me." This theme directly confronts Israel's pervasive idolatry and syncretism. Thirdly, it highlights **God as the Sole Saviour and Deliverer**, stating "there is no saviour beside me." This theme challenges Israel's misplaced trust in human alliances and false gods for security and prosperity, asserting that true deliverance, whether from enemies or from the consequences of sin, comes only from Yahweh. These themes collectively call Israel back to a singular, devoted relationship with their covenant God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yᵉhôvâh (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenant name of God, often rendered "LORD" in English Bibles. Derived from the verb "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and active presence in the lives of His people. In Hosea 13:4, its use emphasizes that it is the unchanging, covenant-keeping God who speaks, grounding His declaration of exclusivity in His very being and historical relationship with Israel.
* **yâdaʻ (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** Meaning "to know," this word encompasses more than mere intellectual understanding. It implies intimate, experiential knowledge, often signifying a deep, covenantal relationship or recognition. When God states, "thou shalt know no god but me," it demands not just an intellectual acknowledgment of His uniqueness, but a profound, exclusive devotion and allegiance that shapes one's entire life and worship.
* **yâshaʻ (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," hence "to save," "deliver," or "rescue." The declaration "there is no saviour beside me" asserts that Yahweh is the sole source of true deliverance—whether from physical enemies, oppression, or the spiritual bondage of sin. It directly refutes Israel's reliance on other nations or idols for security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt":** This opening clause immediately grounds God's identity and authority in Israel's foundational historical experience. It recalls the Exodus, the pivotal event where Yahweh demonstrated His power and faithfulness by delivering His people from slavery in Egypt. By referencing this, God reminds Israel of their covenant origins and His consistent, unchanging character as their redeemer and sovereign. It underscores that His claim on them is not arbitrary but rooted in His saving acts on their behalf.
* **"and thou shalt know no god but me":** This is a direct echo of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and a profound demand for exclusive monotheism. The word "know" here implies not just intellectual assent but a deep, intimate, and exclusive relationship of worship and allegiance. It is a severe indictment of Israel's pervasive idolatry and syncretism, where they had sought to serve other gods alongside Yahweh. God demands their undivided devotion, asserting that no other deity holds any legitimate claim or power.
* **"for there is no saviour beside me":** This final clause reinforces the previous declaration by asserting God's unique role as the sole source of salvation and deliverance. Israel had been seeking help and security from foreign alliances (like Assyria or Egypt) and false gods, but Yahweh declares that only He possesses the power and will to truly save them from their enemies, their sins, and the impending judgment. This statement highlights His supreme sovereignty and the futility of trusting in any other source for ultimate rescue.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:4 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Anaphora** is evident in the repeated emphasis on exclusivity ("no god but me," "no saviour beside me"), creating a forceful and unequivocal declaration of Yahweh's uniqueness. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language** and **Allusion** to the Exodus, referencing "the land of Egypt" to evoke Israel's foundational redemptive history and their covenant obligations. This serves as a powerful **Rhetorical Appeal** to their memory and identity. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** throughout the verse, implicitly juxtaposing God's unchanging faithfulness and sole power with Israel's fickle idolatry and misplaced trust. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Assertion**, a direct, authoritative statement from God Himself, leaving no room for doubt or compromise regarding His supreme authority and Israel's required allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:4 is a profound theological statement affirming the absolute sovereignty and exclusivity of Yahweh, echoing foundational truths from the Pentateuch and resonating throughout prophetic literature. It underscores that true knowledge of God involves exclusive devotion and that salvation is unilaterally from Him. This declaration challenges any form of syncretism or reliance on human efforts or false deities, positioning God as the singular source of life, deliverance, and ultimate authority. His identity as the God who delivered Israel from Egypt is the bedrock of their covenant, and His unchanging nature ensures that He remains the only true refuge and rescuer for all generations.

* [Exodus 20:2-3](/exodus/20-2-3 "Exodus 20:2-3 - The First Commandment")
* [Isaiah 43:10-11](/isaiah/43-10-11 "Isaiah 43:10-11 - God as the Only Savior")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 13:4 serves as a timeless mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the true objects of our devotion and trust. Just as Israel was prone to seek security and identity in false gods and human alliances, we too can subtly elevate careers, possessions, relationships, self-reliance, or even political ideologies to positions that rival God in our hearts. This verse calls us back to the radical simplicity and profound depth of a singular relationship with the LORD. It reminds us that the God who acted powerfully in history to save His people remains the only one capable of true, lasting salvation—whether from the anxieties of life, the bondage of sin, or the ultimate consequences of rebellion. Our security and hope must be anchored exclusively in Him, acknowledging that all other "saviors" are ultimately powerless and deceptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or sources of security might I be trusting in more than the LORD in my life today?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I "know no god but" the LORD?**
* **In what areas am I prone to seek "saviors" or solutions outside of God's provision and power?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness (like the Exodus for Israel) strengthen my trust in Him as my only Savior today?**

### FAQ

**What does "from the land of Egypt" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "from the land of Egypt" is a powerful historical and theological anchor. It refers to the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure from Egypt"), the foundational event in Israel's history where Yahweh miraculously delivered them from slavery in Egypt. By referencing this, God reminds Israel of His unique identity as their covenant God, who demonstrated His mighty power and faithfulness on their behalf. It underscores that His claim on them is rooted in His redemptive acts and that He is the same unchanging God who continues to demand their exclusive allegiance. It highlights His consistent character as their Deliverer and the basis of their relationship.

**Why is it so important that Israel "know no god but" the LORD?**

Answer: This command is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, echoing the first commandment given at Sinai ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). "To know" God in this context implies more than intellectual awareness; it signifies an intimate, exclusive, and devoted relationship. For Israel to "know no god but" Yahweh meant they were to worship Him alone, trust Him exclusively, and order their lives according to His commands, rejecting all forms of idolatry and syncretism. Their failure to adhere to this principle was the root cause of their spiritual decline and the impending judgment, as seen throughout the book of [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - The Prophet's Marriage and Children"). This exclusivity is essential because God's nature is singular and supreme; He shares His glory with no other.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 13:4, with its emphatic declaration of Yahweh as the sole God and Savior, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's assertion, "there is no saviour beside me," points forward to the New Testament revelation that Jesus is the unique and exclusive means of salvation. Just as Yahweh delivered Israel from physical bondage in Egypt, Jesus, the incarnate Yahweh, delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one in whom "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). The command "thou shalt know no god but me" is fulfilled in knowing Christ, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). In Jesus, the exclusive God of Israel is fully revealed, offering salvation that is found in no other name ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). He is the embodiment of God's saving power and the sole object of our worship and trust, perfectly fulfilling the ancient promise that there is indeed "no saviour beside" Him.

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 45:21

Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

Hosea 12:9

And I [that am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.

Isaiah 43:10

Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Isaiah 43:13

Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.