Hosea 3:2

KJV

So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver, and [for] an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:

KJV (with Strong's)

So I bought {H3739} her to me for fifteen {H6240}{H2568} pieces of silver {H3701}, and for an homer {H2563} of barley {H8184}, and an half homer {H3963} of barley {H8184}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So I bought her back for myself with fifteen pieces of silver and eight bushels of barley .

Berean Standard Bible

So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley.

American Standard Version

So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and a homer of barley, and a half-homer of barley;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 3:2 details the prophet Hosea's act of buying back his unfaithful wife, Gomer, for a specific price of fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley. This transaction is a powerful, divinely ordained allegory, vividly portraying Yahweh's steadfast love, relentless pursuit, and costly redemption of unfaithful Israel, who, despite their spiritual idolatry and covenant breaking, remained the object of His enduring grace and desire for restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 3:2 is a pivotal moment in the book of Hosea, serving as a direct continuation and intensification of the prophetic allegory established in [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - God's Command to Marry Gomer"). The preceding verse, [Hosea 3:1](/hosea/3-1 "Hosea 3:1 - God's Enduring Love for Israel"), explicitly commands Hosea to "go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods." This command sets the stage for Hosea's redemptive act, which mirrors God's own unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their spiritual harlotry. The narrative shifts from the initial marriage and birth of children (chapters 1-2) to a direct act of re-acquiring Gomer, symbolizing a renewed, albeit disciplined, phase in God's relationship with Israel after a period of separation and judgment. The specific price paid in [Hosea 3:2](/hosea/3-2 "Hosea 3:2 - Hosea Buys Back Gomer") underscores the degraded state of Gomer (and by extension, Israel) and the humbling nature of the redemption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea ministered in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, social injustice, and rampant religious syncretism, particularly the worship of Baal. The people of Israel had repeatedly broken their covenant with Yahweh, adopting the fertility cults of their Canaanite neighbors. In this cultural milieu, the concept of "buying back" or redemption was well-understood, often relating to slaves, forfeited property, or individuals sold into debt. The price for a slave was typically thirty shekels of silver ([Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price for a Slave")). Gomer's situation, where she is bought back for a combination of silver and barley, suggests a degraded status, possibly as a slave or concubine, highlighting the depths to which Israel had fallen through their spiritual adultery. The use of barley, a common grain often used for animal feed or by the poor, further emphasizes her low standing and the humbling nature of the transaction.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by [Hosea 3:2](/hosea/3-2 "Hosea 3:2 - Hosea Buys Back Gomer") is **Redemption and Restoration**. Hosea's act of purchasing Gomer back from her degraded state powerfully symbolizes God's initiative to redeem and restore Israel from their spiritual bondage and idolatry, bringing them back into a right relationship with Him. This highlights the divine agency in reconciliation, not based on Israel's merit but on God's sovereign will and covenant faithfulness. Closely related is the theme of **God's Unconditional Love and Forgiveness**. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness—analogous to Gomer's adultery—God's steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*) endures. Hosea's willingness to re-acquire Gomer, despite her betrayal, illustrates the boundless nature of divine forgiveness and a love that transcends human merit or performance. Finally, the specific price paid underscores **The Cost of Redemption**. While the price in Hosea is earthly and symbolic, it foreshadows the ultimate, infinite cost of redemption paid by God Himself for humanity's sin, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bought (Hebrew, _kârâh'_):** This verb, though often translated simply as "bought" or "purchased," carries the nuance of planning or arranging a bargain. In the context of Hosea, it signifies a deliberate, intentional act of acquisition, not merely a casual transaction. It implies a conscious decision to reclaim something that was lost or forfeited, highlighting the purposeful nature of God's redemptive plan for Israel.
* **silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this word refers to silver, often used as currency or a medium of exchange. In ancient Israel, silver was a primary form of wealth and was used in various transactions, including the purchase of slaves or payment for damages. Its presence in the price indicates a monetary value placed on Gomer, reflecting her status as something that needed to be acquired or redeemed, albeit at a specific, symbolic cost.
* **homer (Hebrew, _chômer'_):** This term denotes a dry measure, equivalent to about 5-6 bushels or roughly 10 ephahs. It was a significant quantity, often used for grains. The inclusion of "a homer of barley, and an half homer of barley" (1.5 homers total) alongside the silver emphasizes the material aspect of the transaction and, given barley's lower value compared to wheat, subtly reinforces the humbling circumstances of Gomer's (and Israel's) redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver":** This clause describes the monetary portion of the price Hosea paid for Gomer. Fifteen pieces of silver constituted half the standard price of a slave (30 shekels, as per [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Slave")). This partial payment is highly symbolic, suggesting Gomer's degraded state—perhaps she was only partially owned, or her value was diminished due to her lifestyle. It powerfully illustrates Israel's spiritual degradation and low standing before God due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness.
* **"and [for] an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley":** This specifies the additional, non-monetary portion of the price. A "homer and a half" of barley (approximately 1.5 homers) was a substantial quantity of grain. Barley was a staple food but was generally considered less valuable than wheat, often used for animal feed or consumed by the very poor. The inclusion of barley further emphasizes Gomer's reduced circumstances and the humbling, yet merciful, nature of her redemption. For Israel, it signifies that their restoration would come not through their own merit or valuable offerings, but through God's gracious intervention, meeting them in their impoverished spiritual state.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 3:2 is rich in **Symbolism** and functions as a key component of the book's overarching **Allegory**. The entire narrative of Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as an allegory for God's covenant relationship with Israel. In this verse, the act of "buying back" Gomer symbolizes God's redemptive work for His people, who had prostituted themselves to other gods. The specific price paid—fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley—is highly symbolic. The silver, being half the price of a slave, symbolizes Israel's diminished spiritual value and degraded status due to their sin. The barley, a less valuable grain, further emphasizes the humbling nature of their redemption and God's willingness to meet them in their low estate. This combination creates a powerful **Metaphor** for the cost of redemption and the depth of God's love, which is willing to pay a price for the unworthy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 3:2 profoundly illustrates the core biblical theme of redemption, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their profound unfaithfulness. The act of "buying back" Gomer, who had fallen into a state of degradation, mirrors God's persistent pursuit and costly redemption of Israel from their spiritual prostitution and idolatry. This passage underscores that God's love is not contingent upon human merit or faithfulness but flows from His own steadfast character and covenant promises. It highlights the divine initiative in reconciliation, demonstrating that restoration from sin and brokenness always originates with God, who is willing to pay a price to reclaim what is His. This foreshadows the ultimate redemptive act in salvation history, where God Himself provides the means for humanity's restoration.

* [Leviticus 27:4](/leviticus/27-4 "Leviticus 27:4 - Redemption Price for a Female"): This verse outlines the redemption price for a female in a vow, showing a legal framework for valuing individuals in ancient Israel, which helps contextualize the "price" paid for Gomer.
* [Psalm 103:2-4](/psalms/103-2-4 "Psalm 103:2-4 - God Redeems from Destruction"): This psalm celebrates God's goodness, specifically mentioning how He "redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion," echoing the redemptive theme in Hosea.
* [Isaiah 55:1-3](/isaiah/55-1-3 "Isaiah 55:1-3 - Invitation to God's Grace"): This passage invites those who are thirsty and hungry to "come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost," illustrating God's gracious provision of salvation that, while costly to Him, is freely offered to humanity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 3:2 offers profound hope and a powerful challenge for believers today. It serves as a vivid reminder of God's limitless grace and His unwavering commitment to forgive and restore those who have strayed, regardless of the depths of their unfaithfulness. For individuals, this passage speaks volumes about the possibility of returning to God, even after repeated failures or significant spiritual wandering. It assures us that God is eager to redeem, to reclaim us from whatever degraded state our sin has led us to, not based on our worthiness, but on His boundless love and the price He has already paid. For the church, it challenges us to embody this same redemptive love and forgiveness in our communities and relationships. Just as God pursued and bought back Gomer, we are called to extend grace, compassion, and opportunities for restoration to those who are broken, marginalized, or have fallen short, reflecting the very heart of God in our interactions. Ultimately, it compels us to contemplate the immense value of our own redemption, freely given by God through Christ, yet purchased at an infinite cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a need for God's redemptive work, and how does Hosea 3:2 encourage you in that?**
* **How does the "cost" of Gomer's redemption in this verse deepen your appreciation for the "cost" of your own salvation?**
* **How can you, as an individual or as part of a faith community, better reflect God's relentless pursuit and redemptive love towards others who are lost or hurting?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the price Hosea paid for Gomer?**

Answer: The price Hosea paid—fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley—is highly symbolic. Fifteen pieces of silver is exactly half the standard price for a slave (which was 30 shekels of silver, as seen in [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Slave")). This suggests Gomer's degraded status, possibly indicating she was partially owned, or her value was diminished due to her prostitution. The addition of barley, a less valuable grain often used for animal feed or by the poor, further emphasizes her low standing. The combined price underscores the humbling circumstances of Gomer's redemption, symbolizing Israel's spiritual degradation and the gracious, yet costly, act of divine rescue by God, who meets His people in their lowest state.

**How does Hosea's act of buying Gomer back relate to God's love for Israel?**

Answer: Hosea's act of buying back Gomer is a direct, divinely commanded allegory for God's steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*) for unfaithful Israel. Just as Gomer repeatedly betrayed Hosea through adultery, Israel continually turned away from Yahweh to worship other gods. Despite this profound unfaithfulness, God's love remained constant. Hosea's willingness to reclaim his wife, paying a price for her, powerfully illustrates God's relentless pursuit of His covenant people, His boundless forgiveness, and His desire to restore them to a right relationship with Him, even when they are undeserving. It highlights that God's love is not based on Israel's merit but on His own faithful character and covenant promises, as seen throughout the book of [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea").

**Does this passage condone buying and selling people?**

Answer: No, this passage does not condone the practice of buying and selling people. The primary purpose of [Hosea 3:2](/hosea/3-2 "Hosea 3:2 - Hosea Buys Back Gomer") is not to establish or endorse ancient Near Eastern customs of slavery or human commerce. Instead, it uses a culturally understood practice of the time—the redemption or purchase of a person—as a powerful symbolic act to convey a profound theological truth. Hosea's action is an allegorical demonstration commanded by God to illustrate His redemptive love for Israel. The focus is on the *symbolism* of the transaction as a picture of God's costly grace and His initiative to reclaim His people from their spiritual bondage, not on the ethical approval of the practice itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 3:2, with its vivid portrayal of Hosea buying back his unfaithful wife, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hosea's act, costly and humbling, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow of the infinitely greater redemption accomplished by God Himself. Just as Gomer was in a degraded state, sold or enslaved due to her unfaithfulness, humanity was enslaved to sin and separated from God ([Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Slaves of Sin")). The "price" Hosea paid, though symbolic, foreshadows the immeasurable cost of our redemption. Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not pay with "perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood" ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). He "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), purchasing us out of the slave market of sin and death. Through His sacrifice, we have "redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Thus, Hosea 3:2 beautifully prefigures the divine initiative and the ultimate, perfect price paid by Christ to reclaim His people, bringing them into an eternal covenant of grace and love ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed for God by His Blood")).

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

Leviticus 27:16

And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD [some part] of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed [shall be valued] at fifty shekels of silver.

Ezekiel 45:11

The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of an homer, and the ephah the tenth part of an homer: the measure thereof shall be after the homer.

Genesis 34:12

Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.

1 Samuel 18:25

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Exodus 22:17

If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

Isaiah 5:10

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.