Hosea 14:2

KJV

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} with you words {H1697}, and turn {H7725} to the LORD {H3068}: say {H559} unto him, Take away {H5375} all iniquity {H5771}, and receive {H3947} us graciously {H2896}: so will we render {H7999} the calves {H6499} of our lips {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Take words with you, and return to ADONAI; say to him, "Forgive all guilt, and accept what is good; we will pay instead of bulls [the offerings of] our lips.

Berean Standard Bible

Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips.

American Standard Version

Take with you words, and return unto Jehovah: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good: so will we render as bullocks the offering of our lips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 14:2 presents a profound call for Israel to return to the LORD through sincere repentance and heartfelt confession, offering not animal sacrifices, but the "calves of their lips" as a spiritual offering. This verse encapsulates God's gracious invitation for His unfaithful people to abandon their iniquity, seek His forgiveness, and experience restoration through a renewed covenant relationship marked by genuine worship and praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of Hosea, chapter 14, which serves as the climactic and hopeful conclusion to the prophet's message. Throughout the preceding chapters, Hosea has vividly depicted Israel's spiritual adultery, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness, consistently warning of impending judgment and exile (e.g., [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1-3 "Hosea 4:1-3 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Judgment"), [Hosea 8:1-4](/hosea/8-1-4 "Hosea 8:1-4 - Israel's Rejection of God")). Chapter 14, however, marks a dramatic shift from pronouncements of judgment to a tender, urgent plea for repentance, followed by glorious promises of healing and restoration. The call to "Take with you words, and turn to the LORD" directly follows the divine lament over Israel's stubbornness in [Hosea 11:7](/hosea/11-7 "Hosea 11:7 - Israel's Backsliding"), setting the stage for a final, gracious opportunity for reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during a tumultuous period in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), spanning the reigns of several kings, from Jeroboam II to Hoshea. This era was characterized by political instability, moral decay, and rampant idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and the golden calves at Dan and Bethel. The people had forsaken the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in syncretistic practices and seeking alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in God. In this cultural milieu, animal sacrifice was the established means of atonement and worship. The prophet's message, therefore, challenges the superficiality of ritual without genuine heart change, pointing towards a deeper, more spiritual form of worship that would become central to the New Covenant. The threat of Assyrian invasion loomed large, serving as a backdrop to God's warnings and His ultimate desire for Israel's repentance to avert complete destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 14:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hosea and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Repentance and Return (Shuv)**, emphasizing that true turning to God involves both a verbal confession of sin and a decisive turning away from iniquity. Secondly, it highlights God's **Unwavering Love and Grace**, demonstrating His persistent desire to restore His wayward people, even after severe judgment, as seen in the tender imagery of [Hosea 11:8-9](/hosea/11-8-9 "Hosea 11:8-9 - God's Compassion for Ephraim"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the profound concept of **Spiritual Worship and Sacrifice**, suggesting that sincere praise and confession from the heart are more pleasing to God than mere external rituals, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - The Sacrifice God Desires")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Restoration**, portraying a future where Israel, having repented, will once again enjoy God's favor and healing, as promised in [Hosea 14:4-7](/hosea/14-4-7 "Hosea 14:4-7 - God's Promise of Healing and Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term is remarkably broad, encompassing not only spoken utterances but also matters, affairs, things, decrees, and even the very act of speaking or declaring. In this context, "words" are not empty rhetoric but represent the sincere expression of repentance, confession, and vows of faithfulness. It implies a deliberate, conscious articulation of their turning back to God, signifying a commitment that extends beyond mere verbalization to the very "matter" of their hearts.
* **graciously (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Derived from H2896, this word signifies "good" in its widest sense, often denoting beauty, favor, kindness, prosperity, or well-being. When Israel asks God to "receive [us] graciously," they are appealing to His inherent goodness and benevolent character. It is a plea for God to act according to His nature of kindness and favor, not according to their deserving, highlighting the unmerited favor that is central to God's covenant relationship with His people.
* **lips (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_):** From H8193, "lips" refers to the physical organ of speech, but by implication, it signifies language, speech, or the act of speaking. In the phrase "calves of our lips," the lips become the instrument through which the spiritual sacrifice of praise and confession is offered. This emphasizes that genuine worship originates from within and is expressed outwardly through the words that issue from the mouth, reflecting the heart's true posture before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take with you words":** This is an imperative command, urging the people to bring specific, intentional verbal expressions. It signifies that repentance is not a silent, internal process alone, but requires active, vocal confession and a declaration of intent to change. These "words" are the vehicle for their return to God, representing their confession of sin, their plea for forgiveness, and their renewed commitment.
* **"and turn to the LORD":** This phrase, also an imperative, is the core of the call to repentance. "Turn" (Hebrew, _shûwb'_) implies a decisive turning away from their idolatry and unfaithfulness, and a turning back towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_). It is a call for a radical reorientation of their lives and allegiance, shifting from false gods and self-reliance to exclusive devotion to the one true God.
* **"say unto him, Take away all iniquity":** This is the specific content of the "words" they are to bring. "Take away" (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_) is a verb often associated with bearing or lifting, here implying the removal or forgiveness of sin. "Iniquity" (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_) refers to perversity, moral evil, and the guilt or punishment associated with it. This is a humble, direct confession of their sinfulness and a plea for divine pardon, acknowledging that only God can remove the burden and consequence of their rebellion.
* **"and receive [us] graciously":** Following the confession of sin, this is a plea for God's acceptance and favor. The request to be "received graciously" (Hebrew, _lâqach ṭôwb'_) appeals to God's character of goodness and mercy. It is an acknowledgment that their acceptance is not based on their merit but solely on God's unmerited kindness and willingness to restore them despite their past failures.
* **"so will we render the calves of our lips":** This is the profound promise of a new form of sacrifice. Instead of literal "calves" (Hebrew, _par_ - young bulls, typically offered as sacrifices), they pledge to offer the "calves of our lips" (Hebrew, _parim sâphâh'_). This is a powerful metaphor for spiritual sacrifice—sincere praise, thanksgiving, confession, and vows of faithfulness that emanate from a repentant heart. It signifies that genuine worship, expressed through words of adoration and commitment, is more pleasing to God than ritualistic animal offerings performed without true devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Hosea 14:2 is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "the calves of our lips." This vivid image replaces the traditional animal sacrifices (calves) with the "fruit" of the lips, representing sincere words of praise, confession, and thanksgiving. This metaphor powerfully conveys the shift from external, ritualistic worship to internal, heartfelt devotion, emphasizing that God desires genuine spiritual offerings over mere physical sacrifices. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("Take," "turn," "say"), creating a direct and urgent appeal from God to His people, underscoring the necessity of their active participation in repentance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Parallelism** in the structure of the prayer, where the request to "Take away all iniquity" is balanced by the plea to "receive [us] graciously," demonstrating the dual aspects of divine forgiveness and acceptance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 14:2 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true worship and God's desire for genuine relationship over mere ritual. It anticipates a shift from the Old Covenant emphasis on animal sacrifice for atonement to a New Covenant understanding where the sacrifice of praise and a contrite heart are paramount. This verse reveals that God values the sincere, verbal expression of repentance and faith, demonstrating that words spoken from a transformed heart are a pleasing offering. It underscores His boundless grace, showing that despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, His invitation to return is always open, promising full restoration to those who genuinely seek Him. This concept of spiritual sacrifice, born out of a renewed heart, bridges the gap between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, pointing towards a worship that is "in spirit and truth."

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 14:2 serves as a timeless blueprint for personal and corporate repentance, offering immense hope and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that true turning to God is not a passive act but requires intentional "words"—sincere confession of sin, heartfelt prayer, and a verbal commitment to reorient our lives towards Him. In a world often focused on outward appearances or ritualistic adherence, this verse calls us to examine the authenticity of our worship, urging us to offer the "calves of our lips"—our praise, thanksgiving, and vows of faithfulness—as a spiritual sacrifice that genuinely pleases God. It assures us that no matter how far we may have strayed, God's arms are always open, ready to "receive us graciously," demonstrating His unending mercy and desire for our restoration. This powerful message encourages us to approach God with humility and honesty, knowing that His grace is sufficient to forgive all iniquity and restore us to full fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "words" do I need to take with me to the LORD today, specifically regarding areas of unfaithfulness or unconfessed sin?**
* **In what ways might my worship or spiritual practices be more about external ritual than a sincere offering from "the calves of my lips"?**
* **How does the assurance that God will "receive [us] graciously" impact my willingness to turn to Him in repentance, even after repeated failures?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that offers genuine spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving daily?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Take with you words" in this verse?**
Answer: "Take with you words" emphasizes that repentance is not merely an internal feeling but requires active, verbal expression. It's a call for sincere confession, a direct acknowledgment of sin, and a declaration of turning back to God. These "words" are the vehicle through which Israel expresses its sorrow for sin, its plea for forgiveness, and its renewed commitment to the covenant. It highlights the importance of intentional and articulate communication in our relationship with God, underscoring that He desires to hear from us directly and honestly.

**What does "the calves of our lips" mean, and why is it used here?**
Answer: "The calves of our lips" is a powerful metaphor that signifies a shift from physical animal sacrifices to spiritual offerings. In ancient Israel, calves were common sacrificial animals used for atonement and worship. By using this phrase, Hosea indicates that God now desires sincere praise, thanksgiving, and vows of faithfulness spoken from the heart, rather than the literal sacrifice of animals. This foreshadows a more profound, internal worship that transcends external ritual, emphasizing that genuine devotion expressed through words is more pleasing to God than mere outward acts. This concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's teaching on spiritual worship, such as in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise").

**How does Hosea 14:2 relate to God's character?**
Answer: This verse beautifully reveals God's character as merciful, gracious, and eager to forgive. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, God extends a tender invitation for them to return. The phrase "receive [us] graciously" underscores His desire to show unmerited favor and kindness to His people, not because of their merit, but because of His enduring love and covenant faithfulness. It portrays God as one who is always ready to restore those who genuinely repent and turn to Him, highlighting His compassion and commitment to reconciliation, as also seen in [Psalm 103:8-12](/psalms/103-8-12 "Psalm 103:8-12 - The LORD's Compassion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 14:2, with its profound call for spiritual sacrifice and heartfelt repentance, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system of animal sacrifices, including the offering of calves, was a temporary shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ's atoning death on the cross, the need for animal sacrifices was forever abolished, as [He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") for the forgiveness of sins. Consequently, the "calves of our lips" takes on new meaning for believers in Christ. No longer are we called to offer literal animals, but through His finished work, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). This spiritual worship, offered by a heart made new in Christ, is the true and acceptable worship that God seeks ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Our repentance, confession, and praise are now offered in light of Christ's perfect righteousness, enabling us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, presenting our very lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Job 34:31

¶ Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]:

Job 34:32

[That which] I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

Psalms 51:2

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalms 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Job 7:21

And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I [shall] not [be].

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.