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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hosea 11:4 I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/11-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/28_Hos_11_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 11:4 - Out of Egypt I Called my Son" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hosea/11-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hosea/11-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hosea/">Hosea</a> > <a href="/hosea/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hosea/11-3.htm" title="Hosea 11:3">◄</a> Hosea 11:4 <a href="/hosea/11-5.htm" title="Hosea 11:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hosea/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hosea/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hosea/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hosea/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hosea/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hosea/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hosea/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped <i>and</i> fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hosea/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I pulled them along with cords of a man, with ropes of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down <i>and</i> fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hosea/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hosea/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down <i>and</i> fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hosea/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down <i>and</i> fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hosea/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I led them <i>gently</i> with cords of a man, with bonds of love [guiding them], And I was to them as one who lifts up <i>and</i> eases the yoke [of the law] over their jaws; And I bent down to them and fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hosea/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I led them with human cords, with ropes of love. To them I was like one who eases the yoke from their jaws; I bent down to give them food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hosea/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I led them with human cords, with ropes of love. To them I was like one who eases the yoke from their jaws; I bent down to give them food. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hosea/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hosea/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hosea/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hosea/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love. I removed the yokes from their necks. I bent down and fed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hosea/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hosea/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I guided them with human kindness, with loving reins. I acted toward them like one who removes a yoke from their neck; I bent down and fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hosea/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hosea/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I led them with leather cords, with leather ropes; I lifted the yoke from their neck, and gently fed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hosea/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hosea/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid food for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hosea/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hosea/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I draw them with cords of man, "" With thick cords of love, "" And I am to them as a raiser up of a yoke on their jaws, "" And I incline to him—I feed [him].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hosea/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> With cords of man I do draw them, With thick cords of love, And I am to them as a raiser up of a yoke on their jaws, And I incline unto him -- I feed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hosea/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I will draw them with the cords of man, with the bands of love: and I will be to them as those lifting up the yoke upon their jaw-bones, and I will gently give them to eat.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hosea/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will draw them with the cords of Adam, with the bands of love : and I will be to them as one that taketh off the yoke on their jaws: and I put his meat to him that he might eat. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hosea/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I will draw them with the cords of Adam, with the bands of love. And I will be to them like one who raises the yoke over their jaws. And I will reach down to him so that he may eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hosea/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hosea/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hosea/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, with the bands of love; and I was to them as one who takes off the yoke from their neck, and I bent over them and fed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/hosea/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />With the cords of the children of men I pulled them and with the chains of love, and I have been to them as he who takes a yoke from their neck and I stooped to them and they ate<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/hosea/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I drew them with cords of a man, With bands of love; And I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, And I fed them gently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/hosea/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When men were destroyed, I drew them with the bands of my love: and I will be to them as a man smiting <i>another</i> on his cheek: and I will have respect to him, I will prevail with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hosea/11-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpPG1oLnpGk?start=1699" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hosea/11.htm">Out of Egypt I Called my Son</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them in My arms, but they never realized that it was I who healed them. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4900.htm" title="4900: ’em·šə·ḵêm (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To draw, drag. A primitive root; to draw, used in a great variety of applications.">I led them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2256.htm" title="2256: bə·ḥaḇ·lê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin.">with cords</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of kindness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5688.htm" title="5688: ba·‘ă·ḇō·ṯō·wṯ (Prep-b:: N-cpc) -- Cord, rope, cordage. Or rabowth; or tabothah; the same as aboth; something intwined, i.e. A string, wreath or foliage.">with ropes</a> <a href="/hebrew/160.htm" title="160: ’a·hă·ḇāh (N-fs) -- Love (noun). Feminine of 'ahab and meaning the same.">of love;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wā·’eh·yeh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: kim·rî·mê (Prep-k:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">I lifted</a> <a href="/hebrew/5923.htm" title="5923: ‘ōl (N-ms) -- A yoke. Or mowl; from alal; a yoke, literally or figuratively.">the yoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3895.htm" title="3895: lə·ḥê·hem (N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Jaw, cheek. From an unused root meaning to be soft; the cheek; hence, the jaw-bone.">their necks</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: wə·’aṭ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-1cs) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">and bent down</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ō·w·ḵîl (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to feed them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-3.htm">Jeremiah 31:3</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a></span><br />In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10-12</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye. / As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions. / The LORD alone led him, and no foreign god was with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-35.htm">Psalm 18:35</a></span><br />You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-44.htm">John 6:44</a></span><br />“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-32.htm">John 12:32</a></span><br />And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">1 John 4:19</a></span><br />We love because He first loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Exodus 19:4</a></span><br />‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-23.htm">Psalm 78:23-25</a></span><br />Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens. / He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. / Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15-16</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! / Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-15.htm">Ezekiel 34:15-16</a></span><br />I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. / I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat to them.</p><p class="hdg">drew.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Song of Solomon 1:4</a></b></br> Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a></b></br> In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-44.htm">John 6:44</a></b></br> No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.</p><p class="hdg">of a.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a></b></br> I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:</p><p class="hdg">I was.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Leviticus 26:13</a></b></br> I <i>am</i> the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.</p><p class="hdg">take off.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/2-8.htm">Hosea 2:8</a></b></br> For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, <i>which</i> they prepared for Baal.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-23.htm">Psalm 78:23-25</a></b></br> Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/105-40.htm">Psalm 105:40</a></b></br> <i>The people</i> asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/6-9.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/daniel/11-27.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/hosea/10-10.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/hosea/11-3.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/hosea/2-23.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/daniel/3-23.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-20.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/daniel/5-21.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/hosea/9-2.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/hosea/10-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/daniel/10-18.htm">Human</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-4.htm">Jaws</a> <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Led</a> <a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Love</a> <a href="/hosea/8-13.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/hosea/10-11.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-29.htm">Necks</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/hosea/10-11.htm">Yoke</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nahum/1-13.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/hosea/11-7.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/nahum/1-13.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/hosea/11-11.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-2.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/hosea/13-6.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/jonah/3-7.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Food</a> <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/hosea/13-2.htm">Human</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">Jaws</a> <a href="/amos/2-10.htm">Led</a> <a href="/hosea/12-6.htm">Love</a> <a href="/joel/1-9.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/hosea/12-10.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/jonah/2-5.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/micah/2-3.htm">Necks</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/hosea/11-7.htm">Yoke</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">The ingratitude of Israel unto God for his benefits.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/11-5.htm">His judgment.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">God's mercy toward them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/11-12.htm">Israel's falsehood and Judah's fidelity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hosea/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hosea/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hosea/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I led them with cords of kindness</b><br>This phrase reflects God's gentle guidance and care for Israel, akin to a shepherd leading sheep. The "cords of kindness" symbolize God's loving and patient approach, contrasting with the harshness often experienced under human leadership. In biblical context, this imagery recalls God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where He led them with compassion and provided for their needs (<a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Exodus 15:13</a>). The cords signify not bondage but a tender connection, emphasizing God's desire for a relationship based on love rather than coercion.<p><b>with ropes of love</b><br>The "ropes of love" further illustrate the depth of God's affection and commitment to His people. Unlike physical ropes that bind, these ropes are metaphorical, representing the bonds of love that draw Israel closer to God. This imagery can be connected to the covenant relationship God established with Israel, where love and faithfulness were central themes (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-7.htm">Deuteronomy 7:7-8</a>). The ropes of love also prefigure the New Testament revelation of God's love through Jesus Christ, who draws humanity to Himself through sacrificial love (<a href="/john/12-32.htm">John 12:32</a>).<p><b>I lifted the yoke from their necks</b><br>This phrase signifies liberation and relief from oppression. Historically, the yoke is a symbol of servitude and burden, often used to describe Israel's slavery in Egypt (<a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Leviticus 26:13</a>). God's action of lifting the yoke indicates His role as a redeemer who frees His people from bondage. This act of deliverance is a type of Christ's work, who offers rest and freedom from the yoke of sin (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>). The lifting of the yoke also points to God's ongoing care and provision, ensuring that His people are not overwhelmed by life's burdens.<p><b>and bent down to feed them</b><br>Here, God's humility and provision are highlighted. The image of God bending down to feed His people conveys intimacy and personal care, much like a parent nurturing a child. This reflects God's sustenance provided during the wilderness journey, where He supplied manna and quail (Exodus 16). The act of feeding is not only physical but also spiritual, as God nourishes His people with His word and presence. This anticipates the ultimate provision through Jesus, the Bread of Life, who offers spiritual nourishment and eternal life (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, expressing His tender care and love for Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation being addressed, often depicted as a wayward child or unfaithful spouse in the book of Hosea.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/hosea.htm">Hosea</a></b><br>The prophet through whom God delivers His message, known for his symbolic marriage to Gomer, representing God's relationship with Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>Implicitly referenced as the place of bondage from which God delivered Israel, symbolizing past oppression.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_exodus.htm">The Exodus</a></b><br>The historical event of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing God's redemptive power and love.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_tender_guidance.htm">God's Tender Guidance</a></b><br>God leads us with kindness and love, not with harshness or force. Reflect on how God has gently guided you in your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/freedom_from_burdens.htm">Freedom from Burdens</a></b><br>Just as God lifted the yoke from Israel, He offers to lift our burdens. Consider what burdens you need to surrender to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_provision.htm">Divine Provision</a></b><br>God bends down to meet our needs, demonstrating His humility and care. Trust in His provision for your daily needs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenantal_love.htm">Covenantal Love</a></b><br>God's relationship with Israel is based on His covenantal love, not their faithfulness. Rejoice in the steadfast love God has for you.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_love.htm">Responding to God's Love</a></b><br>Our response to God's love should be one of gratitude and obedience. How can you show your love for God in your daily actions?<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_a_concept_of_god_as_a_mother.htm">Is there a concept of God as a Mother?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_god_is_our_father.htm">What does it mean for God to be our Father?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_hosea_9_15_show_god's_love.htm">In Hosea 9:15, how do we reconcile an 'all-loving' God with the statement that God hates His people in Gilgal?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_israelites_precisely_survey_land.htm">Joshua 18:4 - How likely is it that ancient Israelites had the means and literacy to survey and record the land so precisely?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Cords of a man.--</span>In contrast with the cords with which unmanageable beasts are held in check. Israel is led with "bands of love," not of compulsion. Render the last clause, <span class= "ital">And gently towards them gave I food to eat,</span> expressing the tenderness, delicacy, and condescension of his personal regard.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.</span> This verse contains a further representation of Jehovah's fatherly guidance of Israel. The <span class="accented">cords of a man</span> are such as parents use in leading weak or young children. <span class="accented">Bands of lore</span> qualify more closely the preceding expression, "cords of a man," and are the opposite of those which men employ in taming or breaking wild and unmanageable animals. The explanation of Rashi is similar: "I have always led them with tender cords such as these with which a man leads his child, as if he said with loving guidance." Aben Ezra and Kimchi, in their explanations, carry out more fully the same idea. The former says, "The bands of love are not like the bands which are fastened on the neck of a plowing heifer;" the latter, "Because he compared Ephraim to a heifer, and people lead a heifer with cords, he says, 'I have led Israel by the cords of a man, and not the cords of a heifer which one drags along with resistance, but as a man draws his fellow-man without compelling him to go with resistance: even so I have led them after a gentle method;' and therefore he afterward calls them (cords of a man) bands of love." The LXX., taking <span class="hebrew">חֶבֶל</span> from <span class="hebrew">חָבַל</span>, in the sense of" injure," "destroy," have the mistaken rendering <span class="greek">ἐν διαφθορᾶ ἀνθρώτων</span>... <span class="greek">ἐξέτεινα αὐτοὺς</span>, "When men were destroyed I drew them." The other Greek versions have the correct rendering. <span class="cmt_word">And I was to them as they that take off the yoke.</span> The word <span class="accented">herim</span> does not mean "to lift up on" and so "impose a yoke," as some think, nor "to take away the yoke," but "to lift it up." The figure is that of a humane and compassionate husbandman raising upwards or pushing backwards the yoke over the cheeks or dewlaps of the ox, that it may not press too heavily upon him or hinder him while eating. The reference is, according to Kimchi, to "taking the yoke off the neck, and letting it hang on the jaw, that it may not pull but rest from labor one or more hours of the day." The fact thus figuratively expressed is, not the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt, but the loving-kindness of Jehovah in lightening the fulfillment of the Law to Israel. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> The LXX. omit the word <span class="hebrew">עֹל</span>, yoke, and strangely translates the clause, "I will be to them as a man smiting (another) on the cheeks." <span class="cmt_word">And I laid meat unto them.</span> The older and many modern interpreters, <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> taking <span class="hebrew">וְאַט</span> as the first person future apoc., Hiph., from <span class="hebrew">נטח</span>, translate, "And I reached them food to eat," namely, the manna in the wilderness. This would require <span class="hebrew">וָאַט</span>, which some substitute for the present reading. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> Ewald, Keil, and others take <span class="hebrew">אט</span> as an adverb in the sense of" gradually," "gently," translating, "And gently towards him did I give him feral," or "I gently fed him." Some, again, as Kimchi, take . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hosea/11-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I led</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶמְשְׁכֵם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’em·šə·ḵêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4900.htm">Strong's 4900: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw, drag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with cords</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחַבְלֵ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥaḇ·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2256.htm">Strong's 2256: </a> </span><span class="str2">A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of kindness,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with ropes</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲבֹת֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·ḇō·ṯō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5688.htm">Strong's 5688: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something intwined, a string, wreath, foliage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of love;</span><br /><span class="heb">אַהֲבָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(’a·hă·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_160.htm">Strong's 160: </a> </span><span class="str2">Love (noun)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I lifted</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּמְרִ֥ימֵי</span> <span class="translit">(kim·rî·mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be high actively, to rise, raise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the yoke</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5923.htm">Strong's 5923: </a> </span><span class="str2">A yoke</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their neck</span><br /><span class="heb">לְחֵיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3895.htm">Strong's 3895: </a> </span><span class="str2">The cheek, the jaw-bone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bent down</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַ֥ט</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’aṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_328.htm">Strong's 328: </a> </span><span class="str2">A necromancer, gently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to feed them.</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹכִֽיל׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·ḵîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hosea/11-4.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 11:4 I drew them with cords (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/11-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 11:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 11:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/11-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 11:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 11:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>