Hosea 4:2

KJV

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

By swearing {H422}, and lying {H3584}, and killing {H7523}, and stealing {H1589}, and committing adultery {H5003}, they break out {H6555}, and blood {H1818} toucheth {H5060} blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

only swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery! They break all bounds, with one blood crime following another.

Berean Standard Bible

Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.

American Standard Version

There is nought but swearing and breaking faith, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery; they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 4:2 presents a stark indictment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the rampant moral decay that had permeated their society. It lists a litany of egregious sins—swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and committing adultery—which collectively demonstrate a profound breach of their covenant with God and a complete disregard for the Mosaic Law. The verse vividly portrays how these transgressions had burst forth uncontrollably, leading to an overwhelming tide of violence and defilement, where one act of bloodshed seemed to immediately follow another, leaving the land saturated with guilt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 4:2 is part of a powerful prophetic oracle that begins in [Hosea 4:1](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1 - God's Controversy with Israel"), where the Lord declares His "controversy" with the inhabitants of the land. This opening verse establishes the fundamental problem: a complete absence of "truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God." Following this general accusation, [Hosea 4:2](/hosea/4-2 "Hosea 4:2 - Israel's Sins Enumerated") provides a concrete, shocking enumeration of the specific sins that manifest this spiritual void. The subsequent verses, such as [Hosea 4:3](/hosea/4-3 "Hosea 4:3 - Consequences of Sin"), describe the devastating ecological and social consequences of this widespread sin, including the desolation of the land and its inhabitants, directly linking the moral corruption to divine judgment. This section of Hosea serves as a legal indictment, presenting the charges against Israel before pronouncing the sentence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant political instability, social injustice, and widespread religious apostasy. Following the death of Jeroboam II, a series of weak and short-lived kings led to internal strife and external pressures from Assyria. Culturally, Israel had increasingly adopted the idolatrous practices of their Canaanite neighbors, particularly the worship of Baal, which often involved fertility rites and sexual immorality. This syncretism led to a breakdown of the covenant relationship with Yahweh and a corresponding erosion of moral and ethical standards. The sins listed in [Hosea 4:2](/hosea/4-2 "Hosea 4:2 - Israel's Sins Enumerated") are direct violations of the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments") and the broader Mosaic Law, indicating a society that had abandoned its foundational covenant obligations and embraced lawlessness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Infidelity**, showing how Israel's actions directly violated the terms of their covenant with Yahweh, demonstrating their spiritual "harlotry." Secondly, it highlights **Moral Depravity** as a direct consequence of abandoning the knowledge of God; the enumerated sins are not isolated incidents but represent a pervasive societal sickness. Thirdly, the phrase "they break out" emphasizes the theme of **Societal Breakdown** and chaos that results when divine law is disregarded, leading to an uncontrolled proliferation of wickedness. Finally, the imagery of "blood toucheth blood" vividly portrays the theme of **Divine Judgment** and the defilement of the land, foreshadowing the inevitable consequences of Israel's unrepentant sin, as seen in the broader prophetic warnings throughout [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **swearing (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** From H422, a primitive root meaning properly to adjure, but usually in a bad sense, to imprecate or curse. In this context, it refers to false oaths, invoking God's name in vain, or making deceitful vows, thereby profaning the sacred and undermining truth.
* **break out (Hebrew, _pârats'_):** From H6555, a primitive root meaning to break out, burst forth, or spread abroad. This vividly portrays the uncontrolled and pervasive nature of the sins, suggesting they are not contained but have burst through all moral and social boundaries, like a flood or a breach in a wall, becoming an uncontrollable epidemic.
* **toucheth (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** From H5060, a primitive root meaning to touch, reach, or strike. In this phrase, it implies a close proximity or succession, suggesting that one act of bloodshed immediately follows or is connected to another, creating a chain reaction or an overwhelming accumulation of violence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery":** This opening clause presents a rapid-fire list of five major transgressions, each a direct violation of the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). "Swearing" (false oaths, perjury, or cursing) violates the third commandment. "Lying" (deceit, falsehood) undermines truth and trust. "Killing" (murder) violates the sixth commandment, showing a profound disrespect for human life. "Stealing" violates the eighth, demonstrating a disregard for property rights and justice. "Committing adultery" violates the seventh, signifying sexual immorality and a breakdown of marital and social fidelity. The absence of conjunctions (asyndeton) intensifies the impact, creating a sense of overwhelming and interconnected depravity.
* **"they break out":** This phrase, using the Hebrew _pârats_, emphasizes the uncontrolled and rampant nature of these sins. It's not just that these sins exist, but they have burst through all societal and moral restraints. They are not contained; rather, they are aggressively spreading, overwhelming the land and its inhabitants, indicating a complete collapse of order and ethical boundaries.
* **"and blood toucheth blood":** This chilling and powerful idiom depicts the pervasive and continuous nature of violence and bloodshed. It can mean that one act of murder or violence immediately leads to another, creating an unbroken chain of retribution or escalating conflict. Alternatively, it suggests that the land itself is so saturated with bloodshed and violence that the blood from one victim literally touches the blood of another, symbolizing profound defilement, guilt, and the complete disregard for human life. It signifies a land utterly polluted by incessant violence.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 4:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of widespread moral decay. The most prominent is **Asyndeton**, the omission of conjunctions between the listed sins ("swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery"). This creates a rapid, breathless rhythm, emphasizing the sheer volume and relentless nature of the transgressions, making the list feel overwhelming and unending. The phrase "they break out" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, likening the proliferation of sin to a dam bursting or a floodgate opening, illustrating the uncontrolled and destructive force of lawlessness. Finally, "blood toucheth blood" is a vivid **Idiom** or **Symbolism** for pervasive, continuous, and escalating violence, where the land is literally stained and defiled by ceaseless bloodshed. It evokes a sense of deep pollution and the cumulative weight of guilt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 4:2 serves as a profound theological statement on the interconnectedness of sin, the consequences of covenant infidelity, and the nature of divine justice. The enumerated sins are not merely social infractions but direct affronts to God's holy character and His revealed will. The breakdown of moral order is a direct result of the lack of "knowledge of God" mentioned in [Hosea 4:1](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1 - God's Controversy with Israel"). When a people abandon their relationship with the living God, the moral fabric of society inevitably unravels, leading to chaos, injustice, and violence. This passage underscores the biblical truth that true societal health and peace are inextricably linked to adherence to God's righteous standards. The pervasive bloodshed signifies not only human depravity but also the defilement of the land, which, in the Old Testament, was seen as a sacred space that could be polluted by sin, especially by the shedding of innocent blood.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") – Details the curses that will befall Israel for disobedience to God's covenant, many of which reflect the societal breakdown seen in Hosea.
* [Jeremiah 7:9](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9 - Abominations in Judah") – Lists similar abominations (stealing, murder, adultery, false swearing) committed by Judah, demonstrating a recurring pattern of sin and judgment among God's people.
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") – A New Testament affirmation of the universal reality of sin, showing that the human condition described in Hosea is not unique to ancient Israel but applies to all humanity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 4:2 stands as a timeless warning to any society or individual that drifts away from the knowledge and truth of God. The prophet's indictment against ancient Israel reveals a fundamental principle: when spiritual foundations erode, moral decay inevitably follows, leading to societal breakdown and pervasive suffering. The interconnectedness of the listed sins—how one transgression can easily lead to another, creating a destructive cycle—is a powerful reminder that sin is rarely isolated but has ripple effects that corrupt individuals, families, and communities. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine the moral health of our own societies and, more importantly, our own hearts. Are we upholding truth, justice, and purity? Do our actions reflect a genuine "knowledge of God" and a commitment to His ways? The call is not merely to avoid outward sins but to cultivate an inner reverence for God that transforms our character and influences our conduct, preventing the "breaking out" of sin in our lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do the sins listed in Hosea 4:2 manifest in our society today, and what are their consequences?**
* **How does a lack of "knowledge of God" (Hosea 4:1) contribute to the "breaking out" of sin in individuals or communities?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and the church take to promote truth, mercy, and the knowledge of God in a world prone to moral decay?**
* **How does the phrase "blood toucheth blood" challenge our understanding of justice, reconciliation, and the value of human life?**

### FAQ

**What does "blood toucheth blood" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "blood toucheth blood" is a powerful Hebrew idiom that conveys a sense of continuous, escalating, or pervasive violence and bloodshed. It can be interpreted in several ways, all pointing to the extreme moral degradation of Israel. Firstly, it suggests an unbroken chain of murders or violent acts, where one act of bloodshed immediately follows another, perhaps implying a cycle of vengeance or lawlessness where life is cheap. Secondly, it can describe the land itself being saturated with blood, so much so that the blood from one victim literally touches the blood of another, symbolizing profound defilement and guilt that pollutes the entire nation before God. It underscores the utter disregard for human life and the overwhelming presence of violence. This imagery highlights the severity of Israel's sin and the depth of their moral corruption, making the land unclean and ripe for divine judgment, as seen in [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Defiling the Land with Blood").

**How do the sins listed in Hosea 4:2 relate to the Ten Commandments?**

Answer: The sins enumerated in [Hosea 4:2](/hosea/4-2 "Hosea 4:2 - Israel's Sins Enumerated") are direct and blatant violations of multiple commandments from the [Decalogue](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), demonstrating Israel's complete abandonment of their covenant obligations.
* **"Swearing"** (false oaths/perjury) violates the Third Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse God's Name")).
* **"Lying"** (deceit) undermines the Ninth Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - Do Not Bear False Witness")).
* **"Killing"** (murder) violates the Sixth Commandment: "You shall not murder" ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - Do Not Murder")).
* **"Stealing"** violates the Eighth Commandment: "You shall not steal" ([Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - Do Not Steal")).
* **"Committing adultery"** violates the Seventh Commandment: "You shall not commit adultery" ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - Do Not Commit Adultery")).
This comprehensive list reveals that Israel had not merely stumbled in one area but had fundamentally rejected the very moral framework given to them by God, leading to a complete societal breakdown.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 4:2 vividly portrays the depth of human sin and the pervasive brokenness that results when humanity turns away from God's truth and righteousness. This ancient indictment finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The long list of transgressions—swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and committing adultery—represents the very sinfulness that separates humanity from a holy God, demonstrating that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Christ, however, came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly embodying the righteousness that Israel so utterly failed to achieve. More profoundly, He bore the full weight of the "breaking out" of sin and the consequences of "blood toucheth blood" on the cross. His innocent blood, shed once for all, is the ultimate answer to the pervasive bloodshed and defilement caused by human sin ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness, breaking the cycle of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). He offers not merely a cessation of outward sins but a new heart and a new spirit, enabling believers to live righteously by the power of the Holy Spirit, transforming the very nature that leads to such moral decay ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). In Christ, the hope for a society free from the "blood toucheth blood" reality is realized through the transformation of individual lives, leading to a Kingdom where righteousness, peace, and joy prevail ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

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

Hosea 6:9

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, [so] the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

Hosea 7:1

¶ When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, [and] the troop of robbers spoileth without.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

Jeremiah 5:26

For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Jeremiah 5:27

As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

Jeremiah 7:6

[If] ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:

Jeremiah 7:10

And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?