Hosea 6:10

KJV

I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there [is] the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have seen {H7200} an horrible thing {H8186} in the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}: there is the whoredom {H2184} of Ephraim {H669}, Israel {H3478} is defiled {H2930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the house of Isra'el I have seen a horrible thing; whoring is found there in Efrayim, Isra'el is defiled.

Berean Standard Bible

In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: Ephraim practices prostitution there, and Israel is defiled.

American Standard Version

In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: there whoredom is found in Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:10 delivers a stark divine indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically targeting Ephraim, its most prominent tribe. The verse reveals God's profound grief and abhorrence at the nation's pervasive spiritual infidelity, depicted as "whoredom," which has led to a widespread moral and ceremonial defilement of the entire land and its people. It underscores God's omniscient awareness of their deep-seated rebellion and His righteous judgment against their covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 6:10 is embedded within a section of the book (chapters 4-11) that elaborates on Israel's spiritual decline and the impending judgment from God. Immediately preceding this verse, Hosea 6:1-3 presents a superficial and short-lived "return" to the Lord, characterized by a lack of true repentance and a misunderstanding of God's desire for steadfast love rather than mere sacrifice ([Hosea 6:4-6](/hosea/6-4-6 "Hosea 6:4-6 - God's Desire for Steadfast Love")). The prophet highlights Israel's fleeting devotion, comparing it to a morning cloud or early dew. Following this, Hosea 6:7-9 details specific acts of transgression, including covenant breaking, bloodshed, and robbery, particularly focusing on the corruption within the priestly class and among the leaders. Verse 6:10 then serves as a culminating declaration of God's direct observation and condemnation of the deep-seated spiritual depravity that permeates the entire nation, linking the specific actions to a broader, systemic "whoredom."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Hosea occurred in the 8th century BC, primarily during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, and Jeroboam II through Hoshea in Israel. This period for the Northern Kingdom (Israel, often referred to as Ephraim due to its dominant tribe) was marked by political instability, economic prosperity under Jeroboam II, and rampant religious syncretism. While outwardly maintaining some forms of Yahweh worship, the people had deeply integrated Canaanite Baal worship and other idolatrous practices into their lives, often at high places and sacred groves. This spiritual apostasy was compounded by a reliance on foreign political alliances (e.g., with Assyria or Egypt) rather than trusting in God for national security, a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh. The "house of Israel" refers to the entire Northern Kingdom, while "Ephraim" specifically denotes its leading tribe, often used as a metonymy for the whole nation, emphasizing its central role in the national apostasy.

* **Key Themes:** Hosea 6:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hosea. The most prominent is **Spiritual Adultery and Covenant Unfaithfulness**, where Israel's idolatry and pursuit of foreign alliances are consistently depicted as "whoredom" or "harlotry," mirroring Hosea's own marriage to Gomer ([Hosea 1:2-3](/hosea/1-2-3 "Hosea 1:2-3 - Hosea's Symbolic Marriage")). This verse explicitly names "the whoredom of Ephraim," underscoring the depth of their betrayal of the exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, a direct violation of the first commandment given at Sinai ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Another key theme is **Divine Grief and Judgment**, as God declares, "I have seen an horrible thing," conveying His profound sorrow, abhorrence, and righteous anger over their actions. This highlights God's omniscience and His active engagement with His people's moral state ([Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Knowledge")). Finally, the verse speaks to **National Defilement and Corruption**, as the "whoredom" leads to "Israel is defiled." This indicates that the spiritual unfaithfulness has permeated every aspect of national life, polluting their land, their worship, and their society, demonstrating how sin, especially idolatry, has broad societal consequences ([Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Defilement of the Land by Bloodshed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **horrible thing (Hebrew, _shaʻărûwrâh'_):** From H8186, this term denotes something fearful, appalling, shocking, or shudder-inducing. It signifies that Israel's actions were not merely displeasing but utterly repulsive, scandalous, and an abomination in the eyes of a holy God. It expresses God's visceral reaction to their spiritual state.
* **whoredom (Hebrew, _zᵉnûwth'_):** From H2184, this word literally means "adultery" or "infidelity." In prophetic literature, as used here, it is a powerful metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly the act of abandoning the covenant God to worship idols or rely on foreign powers. It conveys the profound betrayal inherent in Israel's actions, likening their relationship with God to a marriage covenant that they have violated.
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From H2930, a primitive root meaning "to be foul," especially in a ceremonial or moral sense, to be contaminated, polluted, or unclean. This word signifies that Israel's spiritual whoredom has not only offended God but has also rendered the entire nation ceremonially and morally impure, unfit for sacred relationship or worship. It implies a deep-seated corruption that has spread throughout the land and its people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel:"** This opening clause emphasizes God's direct observation and profound judgment. The phrase "horrible thing" (shaʻărûwrâh) conveys God's utter revulsion and shock at the spiritual state of His people. The "house of Israel" refers to the entire Northern Kingdom, indicating that this spiritual corruption is not isolated but pervasive throughout the nation, from its leadership to its common people. God's declaration highlights His omnipresence and His intimate knowledge of their hidden sins and open rebellion.
* **"there [is] the whoredom of Ephraim,"** This clause specifies the nature of the "horrible thing" – "whoredom" (zᵉnûwth). As a metaphor, it points to Israel's spiritual infidelity, their abandonment of the exclusive covenant with Yahweh for the worship of false gods (Baal, Asherah, etc.) and reliance on foreign alliances instead of divine protection. "Ephraim," as the dominant tribe, often represents the entire Northern Kingdom, signifying that this spiritual adultery is particularly pronounced and deeply rooted within its most influential segment.
* **"Israel is defiled."** This final clause states the consequence and pervasive impact of their "whoredom." The nation of "Israel" is declared "defiled" (ṭâmêʼ), meaning they are ceremonially and morally impure. This defilement is not merely external but has permeated their very being, their land, their worship, and their society, rendering them unclean in the sight of a holy God. It signifies a state of deep corruption that requires divine intervention and cleansing.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly with the use of "whoredom" (zᵉnûwth) to describe Israel's spiritual infidelity. This powerful imagery, consistent throughout Hosea, likens God's covenant relationship with Israel to a marriage, making their idolatry and unfaithfulness a profound act of adultery and betrayal. The term "horrible thing" (shaʻărûwrâh) functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **intensification**, conveying God's extreme disgust and the shocking nature of Israel's sin, far beyond mere disapproval. It evokes a sense of shuddering horror. Furthermore, the declaration that "Israel is defiled" uses **personification**, attributing a state of impurity to the entire nation as if it were a single entity, emphasizing the widespread and systemic nature of the corruption. This collective defilement underscores the profound impact of individual and corporate sin on the entire community and its standing before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:10 vividly portrays the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness and its defiling consequences. The "whoredom of Ephraim" is a theological statement on the exclusive nature of God's covenant with His people; He demands singular devotion and abhors any form of idolatry or syncretism. This verse highlights God's holiness and His righteous indignation against sin, emphasizing that He sees and deeply reacts to the moral and spiritual state of His people. The defilement of Israel signifies that persistent sin, particularly covenant breaking, corrupts not only individuals but also the entire community, rendering them unfit for true worship and relationship with a holy God. It underscores the Old Testament principle that sin pollutes the land and the people, necessitating divine judgment or cleansing.

* [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8-9 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")
* [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Defilement of the Land")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - God's Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:10 serves as a timeless mirror for contemporary believers, urging us to examine the true objects of our devotion. While physical idolatry may be less common today, the "whoredom of Ephraim" finds its modern parallel in anything that usurps God's rightful place in our hearts and lives. This could be an insatiable pursuit of wealth, power, status, comfort, or even good causes that subtly become ultimate concerns, displacing our primary allegiance to Christ. God's declaration, "I have seen an horrible thing," reminds us that nothing is hidden from His all-seeing eye, and He is deeply grieved by any form of spiritual unfaithfulness. Our persistent pursuit of worldly affections or self-reliance, rather than exclusive trust in God, can lead to a defilement of our spiritual lives, hindering our intimacy with Him and diminishing our capacity for true worship and obedience. This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment, prompting us to repent of any functional idols, to purify our hearts, and to renew our covenant commitment to God, ensuring that our love and loyalty are undivided and pure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "whoredom" manifest in my life today, even subtly, by placing trust or affection in something other than God?**
* **How does the idea of God seeing an "horrible thing" impact my understanding of His holiness and His awareness of my inner life?**
* **What areas of my life might be "defiled" by unfaithfulness or misplaced priorities, and what steps can I take to seek cleansing and restoration?**
* **How can I cultivate a more exclusive and devoted relationship with God, ensuring He remains the ultimate object of my worship and trust?**

### FAQ
**What does "whoredom of Ephraim" mean in Hosea 6:10?**
Answer: In Hosea 6:10, the "whoredom of Ephraim" is a powerful **metaphor** for the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim due to its dominant tribe. It does not refer to literal prostitution, but rather to Israel's abandonment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, their God, in favor of worshipping false gods (like Baal) and forming political alliances with pagan nations instead of trusting in divine protection. This spiritual adultery was a direct violation of the **first commandment** given at Sinai, which commanded exclusive worship of God ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). The imagery emphasizes the betrayal and broken covenant between God and His chosen people.

**How did Israel become "defiled" according to this verse?**
Answer: Israel became "defiled" (Hebrew: *ṭâmêʼ*) because their spiritual "whoredom"—their widespread idolatry, syncretistic religious practices, and reliance on foreign powers—polluted the entire nation. In the Old Testament, sin, particularly idolatry and covenant breaking, was understood to have a defiling effect, rendering people and even the land ceremonially and morally unclean in the sight of a holy God. This defilement meant they were unfit for sacred relationship or worship with Yahweh. The prophet Hosea continually highlights how Israel's unfaithfulness had permeated every aspect of their society, leading to a comprehensive state of impurity that necessitated divine judgment or cleansing ([Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1-3 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Indictment Against Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:10, with its lament over Israel's spiritual whoredom and defilement, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, like a marriage, was broken by Israel's infidelity, leading to their defilement and judgment. However, Christ comes as the faithful Bridegroom, establishing a new covenant not based on human obedience, but on His perfect sacrifice and grace. He is the one who perfectly embodies the steadfast love God desired from Israel ([Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Matthew 9:15 - Jesus the Bridegroom")). Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the ultimate cleansing for the "horrible thing" of sin and spiritual unfaithfulness that defiles humanity. His blood purifies us from all unrighteousness, making us clean before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The church, as the bride of Christ, is called to an exclusive and pure devotion to Him, reflecting the faithfulness Israel failed to maintain ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). In Christ, the promise of a new heart and a new spirit, where God's law is written on the heart, ensures a genuine and lasting faithfulness that overcomes the "whoredom" of the past, allowing God's people to walk in His statutes without defilement ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

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 5:3

I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, [and] Israel is defiled.

Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 5:30

A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Hosea 4:11

Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

1 Kings 12:8

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, [and] which stood before him:

Ezekiel 23:5

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours,