Hosea 2:5
For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.
Hosea 2:5 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink" from the book of Hosea in the Bible is a metaphorical description of how the Israelites have turned away from God and pursued other gods and idols for their needs. In this verse, God uses the analogy of a mother who has abandoned her children to seek fulfillment from other sources. The mother symbolizes Israel, while the lovers represent the false gods and idols that the Israelites have turned to for sustenance and provision. Instead of relying on God, who has provided for them and taken care of their needs, they have sought after material things and worldly pleasures. This verse serves as a warning against idolatry and the dangers of putting our trust in anything other than God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Hosea uses the imagery of a harlot to symbolize Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the idea that God views idolatry as a form of spiritual adultery. The word 'harlot' here carries strong connotations of betrayal and infidelity, highlighting Israel's abandonment of their covenant relationship with God in favor of pursuing earthly desires and relationships. The use of 'bread and water, wool and flax, oil and drink' as the things Israel's 'lovers' provide emphasizes the material benefits Israel believed they would receive by turning away from God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pursuing worldly pleasures over a faithful relationship with God.
Hosea 2:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
for their mother hath played the harlot; she that conceived them hath done shamefully; for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.
World English Bible
For their mother has played the prostitute. She who conceived them has done shamefully; for she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.’
Douay-Rheims
For their mother hath committed fornication, she that conceived them is covered with shame: for she said: I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread, and my water, my wool, and my flax, my oil, and my drink.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For their mother hath plaied the harlot: she that conceiued them, hath done shamefully: for shee said, I will goe after my louers that giue me my bread and my water, my wooll and my flaxe, mine oyle and my drinke.