Hosea 6:1

KJV

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212}, and let us return {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068}: for he hath torn {H2963}, and he will heal {H7495} us; he hath smitten {H5221}, and he will bind us up {H2280}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come, let us return to ADONAI; for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck, and he will bind our wounds.

Berean Standard Bible

Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.

American Standard Version

Come, and let us return unto Jehovah; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:1 issues an urgent and hopeful call to the northern kingdom of Israel, urging them to abandon their spiritual apostasy and return to the LORD. This plea acknowledges that their present suffering—metaphorically described as being "torn" and "smitten" by God—is divine discipline for their unfaithfulness. Yet, it simultaneously expresses profound confidence in God's character, asserting that the very One who has inflicted their wounds is also the One who possesses the power and compassion to heal and restore them, demonstrating that divine judgment is ultimately redemptive and aimed at reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 6:1 stands at a pivotal point in the book of Hosea, following a series of pronouncements of judgment against Israel for their persistent idolatry, political instability, and moral decay. Chapters 4 and 5 detail the nation's spiritual prostitution and the inevitable consequences, including divine withdrawal and discipline. Chapter 6 opens with what appears to be either a genuine, if perhaps superficial, cry for repentance from the people, or a prophetic ideal of what their response *should* be. It immediately precedes a deeper indictment of their insincere piety, as seen in the following verses (Hosea 6:4-6), where God laments their fleeting love and lack of true knowledge of Him. Thus, this verse serves as a hopeful, yet fragile, bridge between God's judgment and His enduring desire for His people's restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period marked by political assassinations, shifting alliances with foreign powers (Assyria and Egypt), and rampant syncretism, where the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities flourished alongside, or even replaced, the worship of Yahweh. The "tearing" and "smitting" likely refer to the various national calamities, military defeats, and internal strife that Israel experienced as a consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness. The call to "return to the LORD" (Hebrew: *shûwb*) would have resonated deeply within a covenantal framework, reminding Israel of their foundational relationship with Yahweh established at Sinai, which they had repeatedly violated by seeking security and prosperity through foreign gods and human strength rather than divine faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to Hosea's prophecy. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Repentance and Return** (*Teshuvah*), emphasizing that the path to healing begins with turning back to God from whom they have strayed, a concept echoed throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Return to the Lord")). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Discipline as Redemptive**, portraying God's judgment not merely as punitive but as a corrective measure designed to bring His people to a place of humility and dependence, ultimately leading to restoration. The very hand that wounds is the hand that heals. Finally, it powerfully reveals **God's Enduring Mercy and Faithfulness** even in the face of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. Despite their rebellion, God's character remains steadfast, always willing to heal and bind up those who genuinely seek Him, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people (cf. [Jeremiah 30:17](/jeremiah/30-17 "Jeremiah 30:17 - God's Promise to Heal and Restore")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies a turning back, either literally or figuratively. In Hosea 6:1, it carries the profound theological meaning of repentance, a decisive turning away from sin and back to God. It implies a change of direction, a reorientation of one's life and allegiance towards Yahweh, the covenant God. It is not merely a superficial act but a fundamental shift in heart and action.
* **Torn (Hebrew, _ṭâraph'_):** This root conveys a violent action, specifically to pluck off or pull to pieces, often used in the context of a wild beast tearing its prey. In this verse, it vividly describes the severity and destructive nature of God's judgment upon Israel, indicating a deep, painful wound inflicted by divine hand due to their covenant breaking. It emphasizes the profound distress and fragmentation experienced by the nation.
* **Heal (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** This primitive root means to mend, to cure, or to make whole. It speaks of comprehensive restoration and recovery from injury or illness. Juxtaposed with "torn" and "smitten," "heal" highlights God's power and compassionate intent to bring complete restoration and well-being to His people, not just physically but spiritually and nationally, after His disciplinary actions have achieved their purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come, and let us return unto the LORD":** This opening imperative and hortatory subjunctive expresses an urgent invitation and a collective resolve. "Come" (yâlak) is a call to action, while "let us return" (shûwb) is the essence of repentance—a turning back to Yahweh, the covenant God (Yᵉhôvâh), from whom they have strayed through idolatry and unfaithfulness. It implies acknowledging their sin and seeking reconciliation.
* **"for he hath torn, and he will heal us":** This clause provides the theological rationale for returning to the LORD. It acknowledges that God Himself is the agent of their suffering ("he hath torn," using the strong verb ṭâraph, implying violent rending), but immediately follows with the promise that He will also be their healer (râphâʼ, signifying complete restoration). This expresses a profound paradox: the one who wounds is the one who heals, indicating that God's discipline is redemptive, not merely punitive.
* **"he hath smitten, and he will bind us up":** This second parallel clause reinforces the paradox. "He hath smitten" (nâkâh, meaning to strike down or wound) reiterates the divine authorship of their affliction. The subsequent promise, "he will bind us up" (châbash, meaning to bandage or bind a wound), conveys tender care, mending, and restoration. It paints a picture of God as a compassionate physician who carefully tends to the wounds He has inflicted, leading to complete recovery and wholeness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:1 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, where contrasting ideas are placed side-by-side to highlight their tension and ultimate resolution. The pairing of "torn" with "heal" and "smitten" with "bind us up" powerfully illustrates God's dual role as both disciplinarian and restorer. This creates a striking **Paradox**, where the same divine hand that inflicts wounds is also the one that brings healing. Furthermore, the language employs vivid **Metaphor**, describing Israel's suffering as being "torn" and "smitten," evoking images of a wild animal's attack or a severe blow, emphasizing the painful reality of God's judgment. Conversely, "heal" and "bind us up" are medical metaphors, portraying God as a compassionate physician who tends to His wounded people, offering tender care and complete restoration. The collective "us" in the call "let us return" also functions as **Hortatory Language**, inviting and urging the entire community towards a unified act of repentance and faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:1 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God's discipline, though painful, is always purposeful and redemptive. It challenges the common human tendency to view suffering solely as punishment, instead revealing it as a means by which a loving God calls His wayward children back to Himself. This verse underscores the divine attribute of covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that even when His people break their covenant, God remains committed to their ultimate good and restoration. It is a powerful testament to God's enduring mercy, His desire for reconciliation, and His sovereign ability to bring healing and wholeness out of brokenness, provided there is a genuine turning of the heart towards Him.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Wounds and Heals")
* [Job 5:18](/job/5-18 "Job 5:18 - God Wounds and Binds Up")
* [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31-33 "Lamentations 3:31-33 - The Lord's Compassion Endures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:1 offers a timeless and deeply relevant message for individuals and communities grappling with the consequences of sin, whether personal or corporate. It calls us to a radical honesty about our spiritual condition, urging us to acknowledge when we have strayed from God's path. The verse provides immense comfort by reminding us that the pain we experience, whether from our own choices or external circumstances, can be a divine invitation to return. It assures us that God is not merely a judge, but also a compassionate healer, eager to restore what has been broken. Our response to suffering should not be despair or further rebellion, but a humble and hopeful turning back to the LORD, trusting that His discipline is ultimately aimed at our wholeness and a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. This passage encourages us to embrace repentance not as a burden, but as the pathway to true healing and renewed life in God's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you sense God's "tearing" or "smitting," and how might these be an invitation to return to Him?**
* **How does understanding God as both the disciplinarian and the healer change your perspective on suffering and hardship?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "return unto the LORD" with sincerity and trust in His restorative power?**

### FAQ

**Does Hosea 6:1 suggest that all suffering is a direct punishment from God?**

Answer: While Hosea 6:1 clearly presents God as the agent of Israel's "tearing" and "smitting" due to their covenant unfaithfulness, it's important to understand this within the specific context of the Old Testament covenant and prophetic literature. In this context, God's actions were direct disciplinary measures against His people for specific acts of rebellion and idolatry. However, the Bible presents a broader view of suffering. Not all suffering is direct punishment for sin; some suffering is part of living in a fallen world (e.g., natural disasters, illness), some is for testing and refining faith (e.g., [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - Satan Tests Job")), and some is for the glory of God (e.g., [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Blindness for God's Glory")). Hosea 6:1 specifically addresses the redemptive nature of God's discipline for His covenant people who have strayed, emphasizing that even in judgment, His ultimate desire is restoration and healing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The call to "return unto the LORD" is answered definitively in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's gracious invitation to repentance and reconciliation. Humanity, "torn" and "smitten" by the consequences of sin and separation from God, finds its complete healing and binding up in the atoning work of Jesus. Just as God disciplined Israel to bring them back, so too in Christ, God takes the initiative to heal our deepest wounds. Jesus, the Great Physician (cf. [Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Jesus, the Physician")), willingly allowed Himself to be "torn" and "smitten" on the cross, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and its consequences, so that through His wounds, we might be healed (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed") and [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")). He is the ultimate "binding up," restoring our broken relationship with God and bringing wholeness to our shattered lives, demonstrating God's unwavering love and commitment to redeem His people through the ultimate act of self-sacrifice (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Job 5:18

For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

1 Samuel 2:6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

Lamentations 3:40

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Lamentations 3:41

Let us lift up our heart with [our] hands unto God in the heavens.

Hosea 14:4

¶ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.