Hosea 9:12

KJV

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!

KJV (with Strong's)

Though they bring up {H1431} their children {H1121}, yet will I bereave {H7921} them, that there shall not be a man {H120} left: yea, woe {H188} also to them when I depart {H5493} from them!

Complete Jewish Bible

Even if they raise their children, I will destroy them till none is left - and woe to them when I leave them, too!"

Berean Standard Bible

Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!

American Standard Version

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, so that not a man shall be left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 9:12 pronounces a severe divine judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. Despite their efforts to raise and multiply their offspring, God declares He will strip them of their children, leaving no one, thereby ending their lineage and national future. The verse culminates in a dire pronouncement of "woe" upon them, signifying the ultimate catastrophe: the withdrawal of God's protective and life-sustaining presence from their midst.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 9:12 is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle of judgment against Israel (Ephraim) that spans chapters 9 and 10. Following earlier chapters that detail Israel's spiritual adultery, unfaithfulness, and reliance on foreign alliances instead of Yahweh, this section vividly describes the impending national catastrophe. Chapter 9 begins with a condemnation of their idolatrous festivals and a prophecy of exile, famine, and barrenness. Verse 12 specifically intensifies this judgment by focusing on the loss of children, a direct consequence of their sin, and the ultimate horror of God's withdrawal, which underscores the severity of their covenant breach. It serves as a climactic declaration of the utter desolation awaiting a people who have forsaken their God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Hosea is set during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, prior to its fall to Assyria in 722 BCE. This period was marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and a pronounced spiritual decline. Israel had embraced the idolatrous practices of Baal worship and engaged in syncretism, blending Yahweh worship with pagan rites. Culturally, children and numerous offspring were considered the greatest blessing and a sign of divine favor, ensuring the continuation of the family line and national identity. Conversely, childlessness or the loss of children was a profound curse and a source of immense shame and sorrow. The threat of God's departure was particularly terrifying for a nation whose very existence and prosperity were predicated on His covenant presence and protection, as experienced in the exodus and the giving of the Law.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 9:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a direct consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, particularly their spiritual harlotry and idolatry, which are central to the prophetic message of Hosea. The phrase "yet will I bereave them" emphasizes God's active role in bringing about this calamity, not as arbitrary punishment but as righteous retribution for their covenant violations (cf. [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1-3 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Charges Against Israel")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Loss of Posterity and National Ruin**, as the destruction of their lineage through the loss of children was the ultimate undoing of their future and a reversal of the Abrahamic blessing of multiplication (cf. [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Abrahamic Covenant Promise")). Finally, the verse climaxes with the theme of **The Absence of God's Presence** as the ultimate "woe." This withdrawal of divine favor and protection signifies utter desolation and vulnerability, reminding Israel that true security and blessing reside only in their relationship with Yahweh (cf. [Exodus 33:15](/exodus/33-15 "Exodus 33:15 - Moses' Plea for God's Presence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring up (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This word, from H1431, means "to be (causatively make) large," "to grow up," "to nourish," or "to promote." In this context, it refers to the human effort and hope involved in raising children, nurturing them to maturity, and ensuring the continuation of the family and nation. The irony is poignant: despite their diligent efforts to "bring up" their children, God's judgment will render these efforts futile.
* **bereave (Hebrew, _shâkôl'_):** From H7921, this primitive root means "to miscarry," "to suffer abortion," or "to bereave (literally or figuratively)." It conveys the profound sorrow and loss associated with the death of children or being made childless. This is not merely a natural disaster but a direct, active, and devastating act of divine judgment, stripping away the very future and hope of the nation.
* **depart (Hebrew, _çûyr'_):** From H5493, this word means "to turn off," "to remove," "to withdraw," or "to turn aside." In Hosea 9:12, it signifies God's deliberate and complete withdrawal of His protective presence, favor, and blessing from Israel. This "departure" is presented as the ultimate "woe," far more catastrophic than any physical loss, as God's presence was the source of their life, identity, and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Though they bring up their children,"**: This opening clause acknowledges the natural human desire and effort to raise families and ensure posterity. It highlights the investment of time, love, and resources that parents pour into their offspring, emphasizing the profound tragedy of what is to follow. It sets up the stark contrast between human endeavor and divine decree.
* **"yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]:"**: This is the core of God's judgment. The "I" is emphatic, underscoring divine agency. God Himself will actively cause them to lose their children, to be made childless. The phrase "not be a man left" signifies total desolation, implying not just the loss of young children but the complete eradication of their male lineage, leading to the utter demise of the nation's future and identity.
* **"yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!"**: This final clause intensifies the judgment, identifying the ultimate calamity. "Woe" (Hebrew, _'ôwy'_) is an exclamation of deep lament and impending doom. The greatest "woe" is not merely the loss of children, but the withdrawal of God's presence. For Israel, whose covenant identity and prosperity were tied to God dwelling among them, His departure meant the removal of His protection, blessing, and life-giving power, leaving them utterly vulnerable to their enemies and spiritual decay.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 9:12 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of God's judgment. **Irony** is prominent, as Israel's efforts to "bring up their children" – a natural and hopeful act of continuity – are met with God's promise to "bereave them." This stark contrast highlights the futility of human endeavors when they are in opposition to divine will. **Hyperbole** is used in the phrase "not be a man left," emphasizing the totality and severity of the judgment, suggesting a complete eradication of their lineage, far beyond typical warfare casualties. The exclamation "woe" functions as an **interjection** of lament and a pronouncement of doom, drawing the reader into the emotional weight of the impending disaster. Finally, the concept of God "departing" from them embodies **anthropomorphism**, attributing human action (leaving) to God, thereby making His withdrawal feel intensely personal and devastating, signifying the ultimate breach in the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 9:12 profoundly illustrates the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty in judgment, demonstrating that He is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in the history of His people, holding them accountable for their actions. The loss of children, a reversal of the foundational Abrahamic blessing of multiplication, signifies the undoing of Israel's national identity and future, directly linking their spiritual rebellion to existential ruin. Ultimately, the verse reveals that the greatest catastrophe for a people is the withdrawal of God's life-giving presence, emphasizing that true security, blessing, and identity are found only in an obedient relationship with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:18](/deuteronomy/28-18 "Deuteronomy 28:18 - Curses on Offspring")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel Forsakes God")
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 9:12 serves as a sobering reminder that God's holiness demands a response of faithfulness from His people. For believers today, it underscores the profound seriousness of spiritual idolatry—anything that replaces God as the ultimate object of our worship, trust, and affection. Just as Israel sought security in foreign alliances and pagan gods, we too can be tempted to place our hope in wealth, career, relationships, or even our children, rather than in the Lord. This verse challenges us to examine our loyalties, urging us to recognize that our ultimate security and blessing derive solely from God's presence and favor. The "woe" of God's departure is a stark warning against a casual or nominal faith; it calls us to cultivate a vibrant, authentic, and obedient relationship with Him, understanding that His presence is our greatest treasure and His absence, the ultimate calamity. It also reminds us of the generational impact of our spiritual choices, calling us to live faithfully for the sake of those who will come after us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "children" or future hopes are we building that might be vulnerable if God were to "depart" from our lives or nation?**
* **In what ways might we be subtly or overtly replacing God with other sources of security or identity in our lives?**
* **How seriously do I take the concept of God's presence in my daily life, and what steps can I take to cultivate a deeper awareness and appreciation of it?**
* **What are the potential "woes" or consequences that could arise in my life or community if God's active presence and favor were to be withdrawn due to unfaithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does "not be a man left" truly imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "not be a man left" (Hebrew, _'âdâm'_) signifies a complete and utter desolation, extending beyond mere military defeat or typical casualties. In ancient Israelite culture, the continuation of the family line, particularly through male offspring, was paramount for identity, inheritance, and national survival. Therefore, this phrase implies the total cessation of their lineage, the eradication of their future as a distinct people, and the undoing of the Abrahamic promise of countless descendants. It suggests a judgment so severe that it would leave no one to carry on the name or the nation, leading to national extinction.

**How does God "depart" from His people, and what does that mean for us today?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, God's "departure" (Hebrew, _çûyr'_) from His people signified the withdrawal of His protective presence, His favor, His blessings, and His active intervention on their behalf. It did not mean God ceased to exist or to be sovereign, but rather that He removed His special covenantal presence that secured their well-being and prosperity. For Israel, this meant vulnerability to enemies, famine, exile, and spiritual barrenness. For believers today, while God's Spirit indwells us in the New Covenant, the principle remains: persistent unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rebellion can lead to a sense of God's withdrawal in terms of His active blessing, guidance, and the manifest experience of His presence, leaving us vulnerable to spiritual and practical consequences. It underscores the vital importance of maintaining a close, obedient relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 9:12, with its stark pronouncement of judgment, finds its ultimate reversal and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "woe" of God's departure, the ultimate calamity for Israel, is precisely what Christ came to abolish. Through His incarnation, God did not "depart" but rather [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), making His presence eternally accessible. The threat of "no man left" and the "bereavement" of children, signifying the end of a lineage and a future, is overcome by Christ, who is the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Church") and the head of a new spiritual family. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the [true Israel](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God"), and in Him, believers are adopted as [children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God"), not subject to the curse of barrenness or loss, but promised an [eternal inheritance](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Inheritance"). The ultimate "woe" was borne by Christ on the cross, as He experienced the profound [separation from the Father](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction") so that we might never have to, ensuring that God's presence, rather than His departure, is our eternal portion.

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 7:13

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

Hosea 9:16

Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb.

Deuteronomy 31:17

Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God [is] not among us?

Deuteronomy 32:25

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs.

2 Kings 17:23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.

1 Samuel 16:14

¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

Judges 4:16

But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; [and] there was not a man left.