Hosea 6:7

KJV

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they like men {H120} have transgressed {H5674} the covenant {H1285}: there have they dealt treacherously {H898} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But they, just like men, have broken the covenant, they have been faithless in dealing with me.

Berean Standard Bible

But they, like Adam, have transgressed the covenant; there they were unfaithful to Me.

American Standard Version

But they like Adam have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:7 serves as a stark indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, highlighting their profound and deliberate breach of the covenant with Yahweh. The prophet declares that Israel has transgressed God's sacred pact, not merely through ignorance or weakness, but with a calculated treachery reminiscent of humanity's foundational rebellion against divine command. This verse underscores the deep personal offense against God inherent in Israel's unfaithfulness, revealing a pattern of spiritual betrayal that mirrors the original sin of Adam and echoes throughout their history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 6:7 is situated within a broader prophetic lament and rebuke directed at Israel (often referred to as Ephraim) for their spiritual apostasy. The preceding verses (Hosea 6:1-6) depict Israel's superficial and fleeting repentance, which God rejects because it lacks genuine knowledge of Him and steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*). God explicitly states, "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice"). Against this backdrop of half-hearted devotion and religious ritual devoid of true heart-change, verse 7 delivers a crushing accusation, revealing the deep-seated nature of their rebellion. It transitions from God's desire for genuine relationship to the harsh reality of Israel's persistent betrayal, setting the stage for further pronouncements of judgment and the ultimate call for return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Hosea prophesies during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (8th century BCE), a period marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and shifting alliances with foreign powers like Assyria and Egypt. Culturally, Israel had deeply assimilated Canaanite religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal, which involved fertility rites and idolatry. This syncretism was a direct violation of the Mosaic Covenant, which demanded exclusive allegiance to Yahweh. The concept of a "covenant" (`bᵉrîyth`) was well-understood in the Ancient Near East, often involving a suzerain-vassal treaty where a powerful king (suzerain) established terms with a lesser king or people (vassal), promising protection in exchange for loyalty and obedience. God's covenant with Israel at Sinai was of this nature, establishing a unique and binding relationship. Israel's "treachery" was not merely a breaking of rules but a profound betrayal of this sacred, relational, and political pact with their divine King.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 6:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea. The most prominent is **Covenant Transgression**, emphasizing Israel's repeated and deliberate violation of the Mosaic Covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). This transgression is portrayed not as an isolated incident but as a persistent pattern of unfaithfulness, akin to an adulterous spouse, a central metaphor throughout the book, particularly vivid in [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1-3 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage as a Parable of Israel's Unfaithfulness"). Another key theme is **Human Treachery and Betrayal**, highlighting the personal nature of Israel's sin as a deep breach of trust against God, who had faithfully loved and provided for them. The phrase "dealt treacherously against me" underscores God's profound grief and sense of betrayal. Finally, the "like Adam" interpretation introduces the theme of **Original and Universal Rebellion**, suggesting that Israel's sin mirrors the foundational act of disobedience by [Adam in the Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-6 "Genesis 3:6 - Adam and Eve's Disobedience"), thereby connecting Israel's specific unfaithfulness to the broader narrative of humanity's fallen nature and propensity for rebellion against God's direct commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, this word refers to a human being, an individual, or mankind. While often translated "men" in a general sense, the Hebrew *ke'adam* (כְּאָדָם) literally means "like Adam." This specific interpretation suggests a profound theological parallel, implying that Israel's transgression was not merely a common human failing but a foundational act of disobedience mirroring the original sin of Adam, who also broke a direct covenantal command from God. It points to a deep-seated, archetypal rebellion.
* **transgressed (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this primitive root means "to cross over," used widely for any transition, including to "pass over" or "violate." In the context of a covenant, it signifies a deliberate act of breaking a binding agreement, stepping across a boundary that should not be crossed. It implies a conscious and willful act of disobedience against the established terms of the relationship.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, this term refers to a compact or solemn agreement, often made by passing between pieces of flesh (a ritual signifying the consequences of breaking the pact). It denotes a binding agreement, confederacy, or league. In Hosea 6:7, it specifically refers to the Mosaic Covenant, the foundational agreement between Yahweh and Israel, which outlined their mutual obligations and the terms of their unique relationship.
* **dealt treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** From H898, this primitive root means "to cover (with a garment)," but figuratively, "to act covertly," and by implication, "to pillage." It signifies acting faithlessly, perfidiously, or betraying trust. This verb is frequently used in marital contexts to describe unfaithfulness, reinforcing Hosea's central metaphor of Israel as an unfaithful spouse to God. It highlights the deeply personal and offensive nature of Israel's sin, not just as a legal violation but as a profound breach of loyalty and affection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they like men have transgressed the covenant":** This clause introduces a sharp contrast ("But") to the superficial repentance described previously. The phrase "like men" (or "like Adam") immediately sets a profound theological tone, likening Israel's covenant breach to the foundational disobedience of Adam in Eden. Their transgression (`ʻâbar`) of the covenant (`bᵉrîyth`) was not accidental or ignorant, but a deliberate, willful act of stepping over the boundaries God had established for their relationship, demonstrating a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority and a failure to uphold their sacred obligations.
* **"there have they dealt treacherously against me.":** The adverb "there" (Hebrew: *sham*) likely refers to a specific place of idolatry or covenant breaking, possibly Gilgal (mentioned in [Hosea 4:15](/hosea/4-15 "Hosea 4:15 - Do Not Go to Gilgal") and [Hosea 9:15](/hosea/9-15 "Hosea 9:15 - The Wickedness of Gilgal")), a place historically significant for Israel's entry into the land and renewal of covenant, but which had become a center for idol worship. The verb "dealt treacherously" (`bâgad`) emphasizes the perfidious and deceitful nature of their actions, portraying their sin not merely as a legal infraction but as a profound personal betrayal of God's trust and love, akin to an act of infidelity in a marriage. This highlights the emotional depth of God's pain over their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of Israel's profound unfaithfulness. The most striking is the **Simile** "like men" (or "like Adam"). This comparison is deeply significant, linking Israel's specific covenant transgression to the archetypal human rebellion against God's command in the Garden of Eden. It elevates Israel's sin from a mere societal failing to a fundamental act of human depravity, echoing the original fall. The verse also implicitly uses **Personification** by describing the "covenant" as something that can be "transgressed" and by highlighting the "treachery" committed "against me" (God), treating the covenant as a living relationship that can be betrayed and God as a person deeply wounded by unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the entire book of Hosea, and this verse within it, functions as an extended **Metaphor** of marriage, where God is the faithful husband and Israel the unfaithful wife. The phrase "dealt treacherously" (often used for marital infidelity) reinforces this metaphor, underscoring the depth of Israel's betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:7 encapsulates the profound theological truth that sin is not merely the breaking of rules but a personal betrayal of God. It highlights the inherent human propensity to rebel against divine authority, tracing this inclination back to the very first act of disobedience by Adam. Israel, chosen by God and bound to Him by a solemn covenant, repeatedly demonstrated this same foundational unfaithfulness, proving that even a divinely established relationship and clear commands do not negate humanity's fallen nature. This verse underscores God's character as one who enters into covenantal relationship, expects faithfulness, and is deeply grieved by betrayal, yet His steadfast love (hesed) persists even in the face of such profound treachery, holding out the possibility of repentance and restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 29:25](/deuteronomy/29-25 "Deuteronomy 29:25 - Consequences of Breaking Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 3:20](/jeremiah/3-20 "Jeremiah 3:20 - Israel's Treachery Like a Faithless Wife")
* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:7 serves as a poignant mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the authenticity and depth of our relationship with God. It reminds us that God desires genuine faithfulness and a heart wholly devoted to Him, not just outward religious performance or superficial acts of obedience. Our sin, like Israel's, is not merely a violation of abstract rules but a personal betrayal of the One who loves us unconditionally and has entered into a covenant relationship with us through Christ. This verse prompts us to consider whether we, too, have "dealt treacherously" against God through our compromises, our divided loyalties, or our half-hearted devotion. It calls us to move beyond mere ritual to a true "knowledge of God" that transforms our hearts and leads to steadfast love and obedience. Recognizing the gravity of our unfaithfulness should lead us to sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to walk in integrity and loyalty with our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own "repentance" be superficial, lacking genuine knowledge of God and steadfast love, as Hosea describes?**
* **Do I view my sin primarily as breaking rules, or as a personal betrayal of God's love and trust in our relationship?**
* **How does the "like Adam" analogy challenge my understanding of the deep-seated nature of sin and my own propensity for rebellion against God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more authentic faithfulness and loyalty to God in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "like men" or "like Adam" in Hosea 6:7?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *ke'adam* (כְּאָדָם) can be translated as "like men" (referring to humanity in general) or "like Adam" (referring specifically to the first man). While both interpretations highlight human sinfulness, the "like Adam" rendering is often preferred by scholars due to its profound theological implications. It suggests that Israel's transgression of the covenant was not merely a common human failing but a foundational act of disobedience, mirroring Adam's original sin in the Garden of Eden. Just as Adam broke a direct command from God, Israel repeatedly violated the terms of their covenant, demonstrating a deep-seated inclination towards rebellion that connects their specific unfaithfulness to the universal narrative of humanity's fall (see [Romans 5:12-14](/romans/5-12-14 "Romans 5:12-14 - Adam's Sin and Its Consequences")). This interpretation underscores the gravity of Israel's sin as an archetypal act of rebellion against divine authority.

**How does Hosea 6:7 relate to the broader theme of covenant in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Hosea 6:7 is central to the Old Testament theme of covenant, particularly the Mosaic Covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - The Mosaic Covenant"). This covenant was a binding agreement between God and Israel, outlining their mutual obligations: God promised to be their God and bless them, and Israel promised to obey His laws and worship Him exclusively. Hosea 6:7 directly accuses Israel of "transgressing the covenant" and "dealing treacherously" against God, highlighting their failure to uphold their end of this sacred pact. This verse, therefore, underscores the seriousness of covenant breaking, which in the Old Testament was seen as a profound act of disloyalty and spiritual adultery against a faithful God. It sets the stage for the prophetic warnings of judgment and the ultimate hope for a new covenant, where God's law would be written on hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:7, with its stark portrayal of Israel's covenant transgression and treachery "like Adam," powerfully foreshadows the universal human condition that necessitates the coming of Christ. Just as Israel repeatedly broke their covenant with God, all humanity, in Adam, has fallen short of God's glory and dealt treacherously against Him, living in rebellion and spiritual death ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The law, given to Israel through Moses, exposed this inherent unfaithfulness, showing humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill God's righteous demands ([Romans 7:7-13](/romans/7-7-13 "Romans 7:7-13 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the covenant that Israel failed to keep. He is the faithful Adam, the true Israel, who lived a life of perfect obedience, never transgressing God's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Through His atoning death on the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for humanity's covenant breaking and treachery, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In Him, believers are brought into a new and better covenant, not based on human performance but on His shed blood, where God's law is written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to walk in faithfulness and true knowledge of God ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Thus, Hosea 6:7, in its lament over human failure, ultimately points to the glorious triumph of God's grace in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the covenant and redeems those who, like Adam, have fallen.

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 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Hosea 5:7

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

Job 31:33

¶ If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:

Jeremiah 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.

Genesis 3:11

¶ And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Genesis 3:6

¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Ezekiel 16:59

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.