Hosea 9:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ephraim {H669} is smitten {H5221}, their root {H8328} is dried up {H3001}, they shall bear {H6213} no fruit {H6529}: yea, though they bring forth {H3205}, yet will I slay {H4191} even the beloved {H4261} fruit of their womb {H990}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Efrayim has been struck down, their root has been dried up, they will bear no fruit. Even if they do give birth, I will kill their cherished offspring."

Berean Standard Bible

Ephraim is struck down; their root is withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay the darlings of their wombs.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 9:16 delivers a severe prophetic indictment against Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, declaring a comprehensive divine judgment for their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The verse employs vivid agricultural metaphors to portray a complete and irreversible desolation, signifying not only a loss of physical prosperity and lineage but also a profound spiritual barrenness, culminating in the tragic destruction of their most cherished offspring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 9 is a continuation of the prophet's pronouncements of judgment against Israel, specifically Ephraim, for their spiritual adultery. Following chapters that detail Israel's unfaithfulness through idolatry (e.g., the worship of Baal, the golden calves at Bethel and Dan) and their reliance on foreign alliances rather than Yahweh, Chapter 9 shifts from past warnings to imminent consequences. It describes the cessation of religious festivals, the impending famine, and the forced exile, all as direct results of their sin. Verse 16, with its imagery of a smitten, barren plant and the slaying of children, serves as a climactic statement of the utter devastation awaiting a nation that has completely abandoned its covenant God, echoing the curses of the Mosaic Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Hosea is set against the turbulent backdrop of the declining Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BCE, leading up to its fall to Assyria in 722 BCE. Ephraim, as the most prominent tribe, often serves as a synecdoche for the entire kingdom. This period was marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and a pronounced spiritual apostasy where syncretism with Canaanite fertility cults was rampant. The agricultural metaphors used throughout Hosea, including the "root dried up" and "bear no fruit" in this verse, would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society whose very survival depended on the land's fertility and the continuation of family lines. The "beloved fruit of their womb" speaks to the high value placed on children and lineage in ancient Israelite culture, making the threat of infanticide or child mortality a particularly horrifying and potent symbol of divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 9:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against Israel's persistent sin, particularly their idolatry and unfaithfulness to the covenant. This judgment is depicted as comprehensive and inescapable, affecting every aspect of their national life, from their land's productivity to their very lineage. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Spiritual Barrenness and Fruitlessness**, contrasting sharply with the expectation of fruitfulness for a people in covenant with God, as seen in passages like [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man's Fruitfulness"). Ephraim's inability to bear fruit, both literally and figuratively, signifies their failure to produce righteousness, justice, or faithfulness. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Consequences**, illustrating that the blessings and curses outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) are indeed enacted when Israel breaks its covenant with Yahweh, leading to a loss of divine favor and severe punishment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, kill, slay, wound." In Hosea 9:16, it indicates a decisive, forceful blow, emphasizing that Ephraim's demise is not accidental but a direct, intentional act of divine judgment. It conveys the idea of a fatal, destructive strike.
* **Dried up (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** From H3001, this root means "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)." Here, it vividly describes the complete cessation of life and vitality, particularly in relation to the "root." Like a plant whose life source is cut off, Ephraim's ability to flourish, grow, or sustain itself is utterly extinguished. The connotation of "shame" also subtly links to the disgrace of their spiritual barrenness.
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _machmâd'_):** From H4261, this word signifies "delightful; hence, a delight, i.e. object of affection or desire; beloved, goodly, lovely, pleasant (thing)." Its use here for "fruit of their womb" underscores the profound tragedy of the judgment. What is most cherished, desired, and lovely – their children, their hope for the future – is precisely what God declares He will "slay." This intensifies the horror and severity of the divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ephraim is smitten":** This opening declaration immediately establishes the subject and the grim reality of God's direct, forceful judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, personified by its leading tribe. The passive voice implies a divine agent.
* **"their root is dried up":** This powerful agricultural metaphor signifies the complete cessation of life, vitality, and the source of future growth. It suggests an irreversible state of barrenness and an end to their national existence and lineage.
* **"they shall bear no fruit":** A direct consequence of the dried-up root, this phrase reinforces the theme of utter desolation and unproductivity. It refers not only to agricultural output but also to spiritual fruitfulness, righteousness, and the continuation of their population.
* **"yea, though they bring forth":** This clause introduces a hypothetical scenario, acknowledging the possibility of birth, perhaps implying a temporary reprieve or a natural human desire for offspring despite the curse.
* **"yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb":** This chilling pronouncement reveals the ultimate depth of God's judgment. Even if children are born, God Himself will intervene to destroy them, targeting what is most precious and desired. This signifies the complete eradication of their future generations and the extinguishing of their hope, a direct and devastating consequence of their profound unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 9:16 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily employing the imagery of a plant to describe Ephraim's state. The nation is likened to a plant whose **root is dried up**, leading to an inability to **bear fruit**. This agricultural metaphor powerfully conveys the idea of complete desolation, infertility, and the cessation of life and prosperity. The phrase "beloved fruit of their womb" is a poignant **Euphemism** for children, highlighting their cherished status and making the ensuing threat of their destruction even more horrifying. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality of the judgment; the idea that even if children are born, God will slay them, underscores the extreme and comprehensive nature of the divine wrath. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Personification** as Ephraim, the nation, is treated as a living entity that can be "smitten" and whose "root" can dry up, making the judgment feel more immediate and personal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 9:16 powerfully illustrates the severe consequences of covenant infidelity and persistent idolatry. It underscores the biblical principle that sin, particularly the rejection of God's exclusive claim to worship, inevitably leads to barrenness and judgment. The imagery of a dried-up root and an inability to bear fruit is a profound theological statement on the spiritual deadness that results from turning away from the living God, the true source of life and blessing. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to Israel's repeated and unrepentant rebellion, demonstrating God's holiness and His commitment to His covenant, even in its punitive aspects. The slaying of the "beloved fruit of their womb" highlights the devastating ripple effect of national sin, impacting even the most innocent and signifying the utter removal of future hope as a sign of God's complete rejection of their sinful ways.

* [Deuteronomy 28:18](/deuteronomy/28-18 "Deuteronomy 28:18 - Curse on the Fruit of the Body")
* [Jeremiah 12:13](/jeremiah/12-13 "Jeremiah 12:13 - Sowing Wheat, Reaping Thorns")
* [Matthew 3:10](/matthew/3-10 "Matthew 3:10 - Axe at the Root of the Trees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 9:16 serves as a profound warning that transcends its ancient context, reminding us that persistent rebellion against God and spiritual unfaithfulness have severe, life-altering consequences. Just as Ephraim faced barrenness and judgment for their idolatry, individuals and communities today can experience a form of spiritual "drying up" when they abandon God's ways. This verse challenges us to examine the "root" of our own faith: Is it deeply connected to the living God, drawing sustenance from His Word and Spirit, or is it withered by neglect, compromise, or idolatry? The absence of "fruit" in our lives – whether it be righteousness, love, joy, or impact for God's kingdom – is a critical indicator of our spiritual health. This passage calls us to urgent repentance, to turn back to God before our spiritual root becomes completely withered, leading to a loss of blessings and a future devoid of His favor. It underscores the vital importance of cultivating a vibrant, fruitful relationship with Christ, recognizing that true life and lasting fruitfulness come only from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "root" be drying up due to neglect or distraction from God?**
* **What "fruit" (spiritual or otherwise) is God calling me to bear, and what might be hindering that fruitfulness?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this verse inform my understanding of His holiness and the seriousness of sin?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ephraim singled out for such a harsh judgment?**

Answer: Ephraim, as the most populous and influential tribe, often served as a representative name for the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. Its prominence, especially with its capital Samaria located within Ephraimite territory and the significant religious center of Bethel there, meant that its spiritual decline and leadership in idolatry set the tone for the entire nation. Therefore, the judgment on Ephraim signifies the judgment on all of Israel for their widespread apostasy, particularly their worship of golden calves and Baal, and their reliance on foreign alliances instead of God. This judgment is a direct consequence of their persistent covenant breaking, despite repeated prophetic warnings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 9:16, with its stark imagery of barrenness and the slaying of the "beloved fruit of their womb," foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin, but also points to Christ as the one who fulfills and reverses this curse. Israel's barrenness and death were a consequence of their unfaithfulness, demonstrating humanity's inability to bear true spiritual fruit apart from God. In contrast, Jesus declares Himself to be [the true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), and His followers, by abiding in Him, are enabled to [bear much fruit](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Bearing Much Fruit"). The "beloved fruit of their womb" that was to be slain tragically points to the ultimate "beloved Son" of God, Jesus Christ, who was indeed "smitten" and "slain" (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")) not for His own sin, but as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through His death and resurrection, He became the source of new life, overcoming the spiritual barrenness caused by sin and offering a new covenant where believers can be spiritually fruitful, receiving the Holy Spirit, the life-giving "root" that enables them to [walk in newness of life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life") and bear the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit").

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 9:11

¶ [As for] Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.

Hosea 9:13

Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, [is] planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer.

Isaiah 5:24

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Ezekiel 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

Isaiah 40:24

Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

Job 18:16

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.