Hosea 4:1
King James Version
9 Jun 2026
“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.”
דָּבָר
In Hebrew, dabar is not just a word spoken — it is a word that accomplishes something. God's dabar does not return empty. The psalmist says this word is a lamp to his feet — not a floodlight revealing everything ahead, but enough light for the next step. That is faith.
חֵסֵד
is covenant loyalty
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חֵסֵד
Love, loving kindness, covenant love. Hesed. The most beautiful word in the Hebrew Bible. Loyal steadfast unfailing love that goes far beyond what is required. God's hesed endures forever.
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דַּעַת
is knowledge of
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דַּעַת
Knowledge, intimacy. Da'ath. Deep personal knowing, not just information. God wants to know you and be known by you. Not a transaction but a living relationship.
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שָׁמַע
hear
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שָׁמַע
To hear, to listen, to obey. Shema. Hear O Israel. In Hebrew to truly hear means to obey. God is looking for those who hear with the intention to do.
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יָשַׁב
the inhabitants of
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יָשַׁב
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
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בֵּן
O people of
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בֵּן
Son. Ben. A son with full rights. You are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Full rights. Full access. Full inheritance.
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יִשְׂרָאֵל
Israel
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יִשְׂרָאֵל
Israel. To struggle with God and prevail. The name given to Jacob. God's chosen people. Those who wrestle honestly with God.
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יְהֹוָה
Yahweh
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יְהֹוָה
LORD. Yahweh. The covenant name of God. I AM WHO I AM. The self-existent eternal One who was is and always will be.
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רִיב
a case at law
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רִיב
a contest (personal or legal)
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