Hosea 11:5 Meaning and Explanation
“He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because Israel refused to return to God, they will fall under Assyria's rule, a captivity of their own choosing.
What Does Hosea 11:5 Mean?
The warmth of memory gives way to the consequence of refusal. Israel had looked to Egypt for help and longed for its old securities, but deliverance will not come from there. Instead Assyria, the rising empire, will become their ruler. The reason is stated plainly: 'because they refused to return.'
There is a sober logic here. The people would not turn back to God, so they are handed over to a harder master. Sin has a gravity of its own, drawing the unrepentant into bondage they did not foresee. Yet the verse also clarifies what God wanted all along, not their ruin, but their return.
Hosea 11:5 in the Original Language
shuv (שׁוּב), 'return' -- to turn back or repent; the word threads through the chapter as the homecoming God longs for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hosea 11:5
What does Hosea 11:5 mean?
Because Israel refused to return to God, they will fall under Assyria's rule, a captivity of their own choosing.