Hosea 6:8

KJV

Gilead [is] a city of them that work iniquity, [and is] polluted with blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Gilead {H1568} is a city {H7151} of them that work {H6466} iniquity {H205}, and is polluted {H6121} with blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gil'ad is a city of criminals, covered with bloody footprints;

Berean Standard Bible

Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with footprints of blood.

American Standard Version

Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity; it is stained with blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:8 delivers a powerful and somber indictment against Gilead, a region east of the Jordan, portraying it not merely as a location but as a symbolic representation of the pervasive moral corruption and violent injustice rampant within the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The verse declares Gilead to be a "city of them that work iniquity" and "polluted with blood," highlighting a society deeply entrenched in deliberate wrongdoing and defiled by bloodshed, thereby underscoring God's righteous judgment against Israel's persistent rebellion and spiritual infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a section of Hosea (chapters 4-6) where the prophet meticulously details Israel's spiritual adultery and moral decay, contrasting it sharply with God's unwavering love and desire for genuine repentance. Following a call for Israel to return to the Lord in [Hosea 6:1-3](/hosea/6-1-3 "Hosea 6:1-3 - A Call to Return to the Lord"), God expresses His profound disappointment with their superficial piety, stating He desires "mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" in [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"). The subsequent verses, including [Hosea 6:7-10](/hosea/6-7-10 "Hosea 6:7-10 - Israel's Persistent Transgression"), expose the depth of Israel's covenant breaking, with specific cities and regions, like Gilead, becoming emblematic of the nation's widespread sin. Gilead's specific mention serves as a concrete example of the general spiritual malaise and moral depravity that permeated the entire land, illustrating the hypocrisy of their outward religious observances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gilead was a significant region east of the Jordan River, known for its strategic location, fertile lands, and as a place of refuge. Historically, it had a complex relationship with both Israel and surrounding nations, often serving as a frontier. In Hosea's time (8th century BCE), the Northern Kingdom of Israel was in a state of severe decline, marked by political instability, idolatry, and social injustice. Kings were frequently assassinated, alliances shifted, and the people often vacillated between worshipping Yahweh and Baal. The "working of iniquity" and being "polluted with blood" in Gilead likely refers to widespread violence, perhaps internal strife, political assassinations, or even ritualistic practices involving bloodshed, which were common among pagan neighbors and sometimes adopted by apostate Israelites. The prophet's condemnation reflects the breakdown of the covenantal relationship and the resulting societal chaos, where justice was perverted and human life held cheap.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 6:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Pervasive Corruption**, demonstrating that sin was not an isolated incident but deeply ingrained in the fabric of Israelite society, affecting even prominent regions like Gilead. This pervasive wickedness is further elaborated in [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1-2 "Hosea 4:1-2 - God's Indictment Against Israel"), where God lists a litany of transgressions including swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**. Israel's failure to uphold their covenant obligations to Yahweh led directly to moral decay and divine judgment, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic literature. Finally, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Judgment**. God, as the righteous judge, observes and condemns the iniquity and bloodshed, indicating that His patience has limits and that judgment is inevitable for a nation that persistently rejects His ways. This sets the stage for the warnings of impending exile and destruction that characterize much of Hosea's prophecy, as seen in passages like [Hosea 9](/hosea/9 "Hosea 9 - Punishment for Israel's Sins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gilʻâd'_):** This term refers to a specific geographical region east of the Jordan River. In this context, it functions not just as a geographical marker but as a metonymy for the people residing there, and by extension, a representative example of the moral state of the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. The indictment against Gilead is thus an indictment against Israel as a whole, highlighting its widespread spiritual and moral sickness.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to pant" or "to come to naught," _ʼâven_ signifies "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." It often carries the connotation of moral perversity, futility, and the emptiness or worthlessness of sinful actions. Here, "them that work iniquity" (from _pâʻal_ 'to do or make systematically') suggests a habitual, deliberate, and systemic engagement in actions that are ethically corrupt, futile in God's eyes, and lead to spiritual emptiness.
* **polluted (Hebrew, _ʻâqôb'_):** From the root _ʻâqab_, meaning "to swell up," "to be fraudulent," or "tracked," this word implies a deep-seated defilement or a pervasive stain. It's not merely a superficial blemish but a condition of being thoroughly marked or corrupted. The imagery suggests that the "blood" has left an indelible, tracking mark, indicating a profound and inescapable guilt that permeates the city and its inhabitants.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This term refers to the vital fluid, but in a theological and ethical context, it frequently signifies bloodshed, murder, or the guilt associated with taking life unjustly. The phrase "polluted with blood" points to a horrific reality of violence, potentially including murder, unjust executions, or even ritualistic bloodshed, which defiles the land and its people in God's sight, calling for divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Gilead [is] a city of them that work iniquity":** This clause establishes Gilead as a place where sin is not an anomaly but a defining characteristic. The phrase "them that work iniquity" (literally, "workers of iniquity") indicates a deliberate, habitual, and systematic practice of wickedness. It suggests that the inhabitants of Gilead are actively engaged in wrongdoing, making their city a hub of moral corruption rather than a place of righteousness. This is a direct accusation of pervasive and intentional sin.
* **"[and is] polluted with blood":** This second clause specifies the nature of Gilead's iniquity, highlighting its extreme manifestations. "Polluted with blood" signifies a profound defilement through violence, murder, or unjust bloodshed. It implies that the city's hands are stained with the lives of the innocent, or that its very ground is soaked in violence. This level of defilement makes the city an abomination in God's eyes, demanding divine intervention and judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "Gilead" to represent not just the geographical region but the people and their collective moral state, making the place synonymous with its inhabitants' actions. The phrase "city of them that work iniquity" uses **Personification** by attributing human agency and moral character to a city, making it a living embodiment of wickedness. Furthermore, the declaration that Gilead is "polluted with blood" is a vivid use of **Hyperbole** and **Symbolism**. While literal bloodshed was certainly present, the phrase likely exaggerates the extent of the defilement to emphasize the profound moral corruption and guilt that permeated the entire community, making the land itself unclean in God's sight. The "blood" here symbolizes not just physical violence but the deep spiritual stain of unrighteousness and disregard for human life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:8 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering moral standards and His intolerance for systemic injustice and spiritual infidelity. The indictment against Gilead underscores the principle that widespread moral decay and violence are not hidden from God's sight and will inevitably incur His righteous judgment. This verse highlights the deep connection between a nation's spiritual health and its societal well-being, demonstrating that a departure from God's covenant leads to moral chaos and bloodshed. It challenges the notion that outward religious observances can compensate for a lack of true righteousness and justice in daily life, echoing the prophetic call for internal transformation over external ritual.

* [Psalm 5:6](/psalm/5-6 "Psalm 5:6 - God's Hatred of Workers of Iniquity")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates")
* [Isaiah 1:15](/isaiah/1-15 "Isaiah 1:15 - God Rejects Hypocritical Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:8 challenges us to critically examine the moral landscape of our own communities and societies. Just as Gilead was called out for its pervasive iniquity and bloodshed, we must consider where injustice, violence, and systemic corruption might be present in our world today. This verse reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances and religious rituals, looking instead for genuine righteousness, mercy, and a true knowledge of Him that translates into ethical living. It compels us to move beyond superficial piety and to actively pursue justice, advocate for the vulnerable, and stand against all forms of iniquity and violence. Our faith is not merely a private belief system but a call to transform the world around us, reflecting God's character of holiness and justice in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own community or nation be "working iniquity" or be "polluted with blood" in a modern context?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of true worship and genuine faith, moving beyond mere ritual to righteous action?**
* **What practical steps can I take to be an agent of justice and righteousness in my sphere of influence, in light of God's condemnation of pervasive sin?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Gilead in ancient Israel, and why is it singled out in Hosea 6:8?**

Answer: Gilead was a significant region east of the Jordan River, known for its strategic location, fertile lands, and historical importance, including being a place of refuge. It was also a frontier region, often exposed to external influences and internal strife. Hosea singles out Gilead not just as a geographical location, but as a representative example of the pervasive moral and spiritual decay that afflicted the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. By naming a specific, well-known region, Hosea makes the indictment concrete and undeniable, illustrating that the nation's sin was not confined to isolated pockets but was widespread and deeply entrenched, making Gilead a symbol of the nation's collective guilt and corruption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:8, with its stark indictment of pervasive iniquity and bloodshed, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "iniquity" and "blood" that polluted Gilead represent the universal human condition of sin, a stain that no human effort or ritual could ever truly cleanse. The Old Testament consistently points to the need for a perfect sacrifice to atone for sin and purify the land (e.g., [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). Jesus, as the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the definitive and final sacrifice, shedding His own precious blood not to pollute, but to purify and redeem humanity from the pervasive guilt of sin and the curse of the law (as seen in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). Where Gilead was "polluted with blood" due to its wickedness, Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin, establishing a new covenant based on grace and forgiveness, offering true spiritual cleansing and a path to righteousness that the law could not provide ([Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "Romans 3:23-25 - Justification by Faith")).

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 12:11

[Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

1 Kings 2:5

Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, [and] what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that [was] about his loins, and in his shoes that [were] on his feet.

2 Samuel 20:8

When they [were] at the great stone which [is] in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle [with] a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

Psalms 59:2

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

2 Samuel 3:27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.