Hosea 3:3

KJV

And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559} unto her, Thou shalt abide {H3427} for me many {H7227} days {H3117}; thou shalt not play the harlot {H2181}, and thou shalt not be {H1961} for another man {H376}: so will I also be for thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I told her, "You are to remain in seclusion for a long time and be mine. You are not to be a prostitute, and you are not to be with any other man; and I won't come in to have sex with you either."

Berean Standard Bible

Then I said to her, “You must live with me for many days; you must not be promiscuous or belong to another, and I will do the same for you.”

American Standard Version

and I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be any man’s wife: so will I also be toward thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 3:3 captures the divine command to the prophet Hosea regarding his unfaithful wife, Gomer, after he has redeemed her from a state of degradation. This verse lays out the terms of her restoration: a period of isolation and fidelity, during which she is to abstain from prostitution and association with other men. This deeply symbolic act serves as a profound parable for God's enduring covenant love for Israel, His wayward bride, who had repeatedly turned to spiritual idolatry. It illustrates God's patient discipline and His ultimate desire for Israel's exclusive devotion and restoration, promising His reciprocal faithfulness upon their genuine return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Hosea is structured around the prophet's tumultuous marriage to Gomer, which serves as a living parable for God's covenant relationship with Israel. Chapters 1 and 2 establish Gomer's initial unfaithfulness and God's pronouncements of judgment and eventual restoration for Israel, often using marital imagery. Chapter 3 specifically opens with God's command to 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" ([Hosea 3:1](/hosea/3-1 "Hosea 3:1 - God's Command to Hosea")). Following this divine instruction, Hosea redeems Gomer, likely from slavery or prostitution, by paying a significant price ([Hosea 3:2](/hosea/3-2 "Hosea 3:2 - Hosea Redeems Gomer")). Hosea 3:3 then details the specific conditions for Gomer's return to the household, emphasizing a period of exclusive devotion. This immediate context sets the stage for the prophetic application in [Hosea 3:4-5](/hosea/3-4-5 "Hosea 3:4-5 - Israel's Future Restoration"), where the "many days" of Gomer's isolation directly symbolize Israel's future period without king, prince, sacrifice, or idols, signifying a necessary time of purification and spiritual barrenness before their ultimate return to the Lord.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied in the Northern Kingdom (Israel) during the 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period marked by political instability, assassinations, and rapid succession of kings. Spiritually, it was an era of widespread apostasy and syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was heavily mixed with the worship of Baal and other Canaanite fertility deities. This often involved cultic prostitution, making the metaphor of Gomer's harlotry particularly potent and culturally relevant to Hosea's audience. The covenant between God and Israel was frequently depicted as a marriage, with Israel as the bride and Yahweh as the faithful husband. Therefore, Israel's idolatry was not merely a breach of law but a profound act of spiritual adultery, a betrayal of their sacred marital vows. The concept of a husband redeeming his wife, even one who had been unfaithful, would have been understood within the patriarchal social structures of the time, highlighting the husband's authority and the wife's dependence, while also underscoring the extraordinary nature of Hosea's (and God's) persistent love.

* **Key Themes:** Hosea 3:3 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Restoration**, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel despite their repeated spiritual adultery. Hosea's command to Gomer for exclusive devotion mirrors God's demand for Israel to cease their idolatry and return to Him alone, promising His reciprocal faithfulness upon their genuine repentance. Secondly, the phrase "many days" highlights **Divine Patience and Discipline**. This period of separation and purification is not punitive abandonment but a loving discipline intended to lead to true repentance, much like the [wilderness wanderings for ancient Israel](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Leading in the Wilderness"). It underscores God's long-suffering nature, giving His people ample time to turn back to Him. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Repentance and Reconciliation**. The instruction implies a call to genuine repentance—a complete turning away from spiritual promiscuity and embracing exclusive devotion to the Lord. God’s promise to "also be for thee" hinges on this transformation, demonstrating that true reconciliation requires a sincere change of heart and behavior, leading to a restored relationship, as seen in the call to "return to the Lord your God" in [Hosea 14:1](/hosea/14-1 "Hosea 14:1 - Call to Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abide (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning "properly, to sit down... by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry." In this context, "thou shalt abide for me" signifies more than mere physical presence; it demands a settled, committed dwelling, implying exclusive residence and fidelity within the marital bond. It suggests a period of quiet, steadfast waiting and a cessation of the wandering, unfaithful lifestyle, emphasizing a singular focus on Hosea.
* **play the harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** From H2181, meaning "to commit adultery (usually of the female...); figuratively, to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah)." This term is central to Hosea's prophetic message, directly linking Gomer's literal sexual infidelity to Israel's spiritual infidelity through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. It describes a wanton, unfaithful turning away from the rightful spouse, Yahweh, who is depicted as Israel's divine husband.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** From H376, meaning "a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term... also, another." When Hosea commands Gomer, "thou shalt not be for [another] man," the word `ʼîysh` here emphasizes exclusivity. Gomer is to belong solely to Hosea, mirroring Israel's requirement to belong exclusively to Yahweh, avoiding any other gods or foreign entanglements that would compromise their covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said unto her":** This introductory phrase, using the Hebrew verb `ʼâmar` (H559), signifies a direct, authoritative declaration from Hosea to Gomer. It underscores the prophet's role as God's messenger, delivering terms that reflect divine decree. Just as God speaks His terms to Israel, Hosea articulates the conditions for Gomer's restoration, emphasizing the binding nature of these commands.
* **"Thou shalt abide for me many days":** This command, employing `yâshab` (H3427) for "abide" and `yôwm` (H3117) for "days" (often used figuratively for a prolonged space of time), mandates a period of quiet, exclusive dwelling with Hosea. It implies a time of separation from her former lifestyle, a period of waiting and purification, during which she is to be solely devoted to him. For Israel, this signifies a period of divine discipline and spiritual barrenness (cf. [Hosea 3:4](/hosea/3-4 "Hosea 3:4 - Israel's Future State")), designed to wean them off idolatry and foreign alliances and cultivate a singular dependence on God.
* **"thou shalt not play the harlot":** This direct prohibition, utilizing `zânâh` (H2181), explicitly forbids Gomer's continued sexual infidelity. In the broader prophetic allegory, this is a clear and urgent command for Israel to cease their spiritual harlotry – their worship of Baal and other gods, and their reliance on foreign powers instead of Yahweh. It demands an absolute cessation of all forms of unfaithfulness to the covenant.
* **"and thou shalt not be for [another] man":** This clause, using `hâyâh` (H1961, "to be" or "become") and `ʼîysh` (H376, "man"), reinforces the demand for exclusive fidelity. Gomer is not merely to stop harlotry but also to refrain from forming any new relationships or attachments with other men. This mirrors God's demand for Israel's singular devotion, prohibiting any spiritual or political allegiance that would usurp Yahweh's place as their exclusive God and Protector.
* **"so [will] I also [be] for thee":** This concluding promise, again employing `hâyâh` (H1961), establishes the reciprocal nature of the relationship. Hosea's commitment to Gomer is contingent upon her fidelity and adherence to the terms. This reflects God's promise to restore His covenant relationship with Israel, to be their God and protector once more, but only after they have genuinely repented and returned to exclusive devotion to Him. It highlights God's faithfulness, which is activated by His people's sincere repentance and return.

#### Literary Devices
The profound theological message of Hosea 3:3 is powerfully conveyed through several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where Hosea's personal marital experience serves as an extended narrative to illustrate God's relationship with Israel. Gomer's unfaithfulness, Hosea's redemptive act, and the subsequent terms for her restoration directly parallel Israel's spiritual idolatry, God's persistent pursuit of His people, and His conditions for their reconciliation. This makes the divine message tangible and emotionally resonant. Closely related is **Metaphor**, particularly the pervasive use of "harlotry" and "adultery" to describe Israel's idolatry. While literally referring to sexual infidelity, these terms powerfully convey the depth of Israel's betrayal of their covenant vows to Yahweh, who is depicted as their divine Husband. This metaphor emphasizes the personal offense and broken trust inherent in their turning to other gods. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the phrase "many days." This period symbolizes a necessary time of divine discipline, purification, and waiting for Israel. It represents a season where Israel would be stripped of their false securities and learn to rely solely on God, leading to genuine repentance and a renewed, exclusive relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 3:3 profoundly reveals God's nature as both a righteous judge and a loving, persistent covenant partner. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His people, even in their deepest rebellion. The "many days" of isolation and purification for Gomer symbolize God's patient yet firm discipline of Israel, designed not for destruction but for restoration. This divine discipline is a testament to His fatherly love, aiming to bring about genuine repentance and exclusive devotion. The conditional "so will I also be for thee" highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant: God's full blessings and presence are contingent upon Israel's faithfulness, yet His *pursuit* of them remains steadfast. This passage foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation God desires with humanity, a reconciliation made possible through a new covenant of the heart where God's law is written on their hearts, leading to true and lasting fidelity.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29-31](/deuteronomy/4-29-31 "Deuteronomy 4:29-31 - Return to the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 3:1](/jeremiah/3-1 "Jeremiah 3:1 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")
* [Ezekiel 16:60-63](/ezekiel/16-60-63 "Ezekiel 16:60-63 - God's Covenant Remembered")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 3:3 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's relentless love and His call to exclusive devotion. In a world filled with distractions and competing allegiances—whether material possessions, worldly ambitions, or even spiritual substitutes—this verse challenges us to examine where our true loyalties lie. Just as Gomer was commanded to abide solely for Hosea, we are called to abide solely for Christ, forsaking all forms of spiritual "harlotry" that compromise our relationship with God. The concept of "many days" also speaks to seasons of spiritual dryness or discipline in our lives. These periods, though challenging, are often God's gracious means of drawing us closer, stripping away idols, and cultivating deeper dependence on Him. Our response to such seasons should be one of patient endurance, repentance, and renewed commitment, trusting that God's ultimate desire is our restoration and intimate fellowship with Him. This passage powerfully calls us to a life of undivided devotion, recognizing that our God is a jealous God who desires our whole heart, not just a part of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be "playing the harlot" by giving your ultimate devotion, time, or energy to something other than God?**
* **How do you respond to seasons of spiritual "waiting" or discipline, and how can you cultivate patience and trust during these times, believing God is working for your good?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your devotion to God remains exclusive and unwavering in your daily life, guarding against subtle forms of spiritual compromise?**

### FAQ

**What does "many days" signify for Israel in the context of Hosea 3:3?**

Answer: The phrase "many days" in [Hosea 3:3](/hosea/3-3 "Hosea 3:3 - Terms of Restoration") signifies a prolonged period of divine discipline and purification for the nation of Israel. This was a time when they would be without their traditional structures—no king, no prince, no sacrifice, no pillar, no ephod, no household gods, as explicitly stated in [Hosea 3:4](/hosea/3-4 "Hosea 3:4 - Israel's Future State"). This period was intended to strip them of their false securities and idolatrous practices, forcing them to confront their spiritual emptiness and ultimately leading them back to a singular dependence on Yahweh. It was a necessary, painful, but ultimately redemptive process designed to bring about genuine repentance and a renewed, exclusive relationship with God, culminating in their return to the Lord and David their king in the latter days ([Hosea 3:5](/hosea/3-5 "Hosea 3:5 - Israel's Return to the Lord")).

**How does Gomer's unfaithfulness relate to Israel's spiritual condition?**

Answer: Gomer's repeated unfaithfulness and descent into prostitution serve as a vivid and painful [metaphor](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - God's Command to Hosea") for Israel's spiritual idolatry and covenant infidelity. Just as Gomer broke her marital vows to Hosea, Israel continually broke their covenant vows to Yahweh by worshipping other gods (like Baal) and forming unholy alliances with foreign nations, rather than trusting in God alone. This spiritual "harlotry" was seen as an act of profound betrayal against their divine Husband, Yahweh, who had chosen them and entered into a sacred covenant with them at Mount Sinai. The parallel emphasizes the deeply personal and relational nature of Israel's sin against God, portraying it not just as a transgression of law but as a breaking of a sacred, intimate bond, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - God's Love for Jerusalem and Her Harlotry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 3:3, with its portrayal of a faithful husband redeeming and setting terms for his unfaithful wife, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Hosea pursued Gomer, God, in Christ, pursued humanity, His unfaithful bride, who had prostituted herself through sin and rebellion. We, like Gomer, were "sold under sin" ([Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Sold Under Sin")) and spiritually alienated from God. Yet, Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, did not merely set terms from afar but "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Redeems Us")). He paid the ultimate price, His own life, to buy us back from the slavery of sin and death, demonstrating a love far greater than Hosea's. The "many days" of waiting and purification for Israel prefigure the New Covenant era, where believers are called to a period of spiritual transformation and sanctification, "abstaining from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from Lusts")). In Christ, the demand for exclusive devotion is fulfilled not through legalistic adherence but through a transformed heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are now "betrothed to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ" ([2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Betrothed to Christ")), and He promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Forsake Us")), echoing Hosea's "so will I also be for thee," but with an eternal, unwavering faithfulness made perfect in His atoning work.

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

Deuteronomy 21:13

And she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife.