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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 5:14 For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/5-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/28_Hos_05_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 5:14 - God's Judgment on Israel and Judah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. 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I will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them. <a href="/nlt/hosea/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> I will be like a lion to Israel, like a strong young lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces! I will carry them off, and no one will be left to rescue them. <a href="/esv/hosea/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue. <a href="/bsb/hosea/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. <a href="/kjv/hosea/5.htm">King James Bible</a> For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. <a href="/nkjv/hosea/5.htm">New King James Version</a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue. <a href="/nasb_/hosea/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, yes I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be no one to rescue. <a href="/nasb/hosea/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver. <a href="/nasb77/hosea/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver. <a href="/lsb/hosea/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away; I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver. <a href="/amp/hosea/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear to pieces and go on [tearing]; I will carry off [the prey] and there will be no one to rescue them. <a href="/csb/hosea/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. Yes, I will tear them to pieces and depart. I will carry them off, and no one can rescue them. <a href="/hcsb/hosea/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. Yes, I will tear them to pieces and depart. I will carry them off, and no one can rescue them. <a href="/asv/hosea/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and there shall be none to deliver. <a href="/cev/hosea/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So I'll become a fierce lion attacking Israel and Judah. I'll snatch and carry off what I want, and no one can stop me. <a href="/erv/hosea/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and there shall be none to deliver. <a href="/gwt/hosea/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I will be like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the nation of Judah. I will carry [them] off, and no one will rescue [them]. <a href="/gnt/hosea/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> I will attack the people of Israel and Judah like a lion. I myself will tear them to pieces and then leave them. When I drag them off, no one will be able to save them. <a href="/isv/hosea/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I—even I—will tear them to pieces, and then I will leave. I will take them away, and there will be no rescue. <a href="/msb/hosea/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. <a href="/net/hosea/5.htm">NET Bible</a> I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear them to pieces, then I will carry them off, and no one will be able to rescue them! <a href="/nheb/hosea/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I will be to Ephraim like a lion, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear in pieces and go away. I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver. <a href="/wbt/hosea/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. <a href="/web/hosea/5.htm">World English Bible</a> For I will be to Ephraim like a lion, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear in pieces and go away. I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hosea/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For I [am] as a lion to Ephraim, "" And as a young lion to the house of Judah, I tear and go, "" I carry away, and there is no deliverer. <a href="/ylt/hosea/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For I am as a lion to Ephraim, And as a young lion to the house of Judah, I -- I tear and go, I bear away, and there is no deliverer. <a href="/slt/hosea/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For I as the lion to Ephraim, and as the young lion to the house of Judah I, I will rend and go away; I will take away and none delivering.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hosea/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I will be like a lioness to Ephraim, and like a lion's whelp to the house of Juda: I, I will catch, and go: I will take away, and there is none that can rescue. <a href="/cpdv/hosea/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I will be like a lioness to Ephraim, and like a lion’s offspring to the house of Judah. I myself will seize and go forth. I will take away, and there is no one who can rescue. <a href="/nabre/hosea/5.htm">New American Bible</a> For I am like a lion to Ephraim, like a young lion to the house of Judah; It is I who tear the prey and depart, I carry it away and no one can save it. <a href="/nrsvce/hosea/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hosea/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah; I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue. <a href="/hpbt/hosea/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because I am like a lion to Aphreim and like a whelp of a lion to the house of Yehuda; I shall tear apart and I shall go on and I shall take and there is none to deliver<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/hosea/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, And as a young lion to the house of Judah; I, even I, will tear and go away, I will take away, and there shall be none to deliver. <a href="/sep/hosea/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Wherefore I am as a panther to Ephraim, and as a lion to the house of Juda: and I will tear, and go away; and I will take, and there shall be none to deliver. <a href="/parallel/hosea/5-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpPG1oLnpGk?start=808" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hosea/5.htm">God's Judgment on Israel and Judah</a> …13When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. 14<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7826.htm" title="7826: ḵaš·ša·ḥal (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A lion. From an unused root probably meaning to roar; a lion.">am like a lion</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: lə·’ep̄·ra·yim (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">to Ephraim</a> <a href="/hebrew/3715.htm" title="3715: wə·ḵak·kə·p̄îr (Conj-w, Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Young lion. From kaphar; a village; also a young lion.">and like a young lion</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">to the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">even I,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2963.htm" title="2963: ’eṭ·rōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To tear, rend, pluck. A primitive root; to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food.">will tear them to pieces</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wə·’ê·lêḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and then go away.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ’eś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">I will carry them off</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">where no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/5337.htm" title="5337: maṣ·ṣîl (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. ">can rescue them.</a> 15Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a> For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights. <a href="/amos/3-8.htm">Amos 3:8</a> The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy? <a href="/jeremiah/25-38.htm">Jeremiah 25:38</a> He has left His den like a lion, for their land has been made a desolation by the sword of the oppressor, and because of the fierce anger of the LORD. <a href="/lamentations/3-10.htm">Lamentations 3:10</a> He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush. <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Job 10:16</a> Should I hold my head high, You would hunt me like a lion, and again display Your power against me. <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Isaiah 5:29</a> Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it. <a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Jeremiah 49:19</a> Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” <a href="/ezekiel/22-25.htm">Ezekiel 22:25</a> The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. <a href="/amos/1-2.htm">Amos 1:2</a> He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.” <a href="/micah/5-8.htm">Micah 5:8</a> Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them. <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a> Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” <a href="/revelation/10-3.htm">Revelation 10:3</a> Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices. <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. <a href="/luke/13-32.htm">Luke 13:32</a> But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.as a lion.<a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Hosea 13:7,8</a> Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: … <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Job 10:16</a> For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.<a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Psalm 7:2</a> Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.will tear.<a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Psalm 7:2</a> Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.<a href="/psalms/50-22.htm">Psalm 50:22</a> Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.<a href="/micah/5-8.htm">Micah 5:8</a> And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.none.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-31.htm">Deuteronomy 28:31</a> Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.<a href="/job/10-7.htm">Job 10:7</a> Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.<a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Isaiah 5:29</a> Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/9-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/daniel/11-10.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/hosea/5-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/hosea/2-10.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/daniel/6-27.htm">Deliverer</a> <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hosea/5-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/daniel/7-4.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/hosea/3-2.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-7.htm">Rend</a> <a href="/hosea/2-10.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-34.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-9.htm">Wounds</a> <a href="/hosea/2-15.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/9-16.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/hosea/11-9.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/hosea/9-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/luke/1-69.htm">Deliverer</a> <a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/hosea/8-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hosea/6-10.htm">House</a> <a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/hosea/11-10.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Rend</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-6.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Wounds</a> <a href="/hosea/8-5.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 5</div>1. <a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">The judgments of God are denounced against the priests, people, and princes, </a> 9. <a href="/hosea/5-9.htm">both of Israel and Judah, for their manifold sins.</a> 15. <a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">An intimation is given of mercy on their repentance.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/5.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/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For I am like a lion to Ephraim In this phrase, God compares Himself to a lion, a symbol of strength and ferocity. Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is warned of impending judgment. The lion imagery signifies God's power and the inevitability of His judgment. In biblical context, lions are often used to depict God's might and authority (<a href="/amos/3-8.htm">Amos 3:8</a>). The northern kingdom's idolatry and alliances with foreign nations led to their downfall, as prophesied by Hosea.and like a young lion to the house of Judah. Here, the focus shifts to Judah, the southern kingdom. The "young lion" suggests a more immediate and vigorous threat. While Judah had periods of faithfulness, they too fell into sin. This warning serves as a reminder of God's impartiality in judgment. The lion imagery is consistent with other prophetic warnings (<a href="/jeremiah/25-38.htm">Jeremiah 25:38</a>), emphasizing the seriousness of their spiritual state.I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. This phrase underscores the certainty and severity of God's judgment. The repetition of "I, even I" highlights God's personal involvement and authority in executing judgment. The tearing imagery reflects the destructive consequences of sin, reminiscent of a lion's attack. After the judgment, God "goes away," indicating a withdrawal of His presence, which is a dire consequence for a nation reliant on divine protection (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-17.htm">Deuteronomy 31:17</a>).I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. The final phrase speaks to the exile and dispersion of the people, a fulfillment of prophetic warnings. The notion of being carried off suggests captivity, as experienced by both Israel and Judah. The inability of anyone to rescue them highlights the totality of God's judgment and the futility of relying on human alliances or false gods. This echoes the theme of divine sovereignty and the need for repentance (<a href="/isaiah/43-13.htm">Isaiah 43:13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> Represents the northern kingdom of Israel, often used as a synonym for Israel in the prophetic books. Ephraim was the largest tribe and often led the northern kingdom. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, which included Jerusalem. Judah was the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus descended. 3. <a href="/topical/l/lion_imagery.htm">Lion Imagery</a> The lion is a symbol of strength and power. In this context, it represents God's judgment and His ability to execute justice. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prophet_hosea.htm">Prophet Hosea</a> A prophet in the 8th century BC, Hosea's ministry was primarily to the northern kingdom of Israel. His messages often included themes of judgment and redemption. 5. <a href="/topical/d/divine_judgment.htm">Divine Judgment</a> The event of God executing His judgment on Israel and Judah due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God is depicted as a lion, emphasizing His power and authority to judge nations. This serves as a reminder of His sovereignty over all creation. <a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_divine_justice.htm">The Certainty of Divine Justice</a> The imagery of tearing and carrying away signifies the certainty and severity of God's judgment against sin. It calls believers to live in reverence and obedience. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> Understanding the context of Hosea, this verse serves as a call to repentance. God's judgment is not arbitrary but a response to persistent unfaithfulness. <a href="/topical/t/the_hope_of_restoration.htm">The Hope of Restoration</a> While the verse speaks of judgment, the broader account of Hosea includes themes of restoration and hope, pointing to God's desire for reconciliation. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophetic_warnings.htm">The Role of Prophetic Warnings</a> Prophets like Hosea were sent to warn God's people. This highlights the importance of heeding God's warnings in Scripture today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 5</a> <a href="/q/jacob's_prophecies_in_the_bible.htm">What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_'tear'_then_heal_in_hosea_6_1.htm">In Hosea 6:1, how does a benevolent God justify first “tearing” His people only to heal them, and isn’t this contradictory? </a> <a href="/q/what_do_lions_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What is the significance of lions in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'lion_of_the_tribe_of_judah'.htm">What does "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) As a lion.--First the trans-Jordanic tribes, then additional provinces, and lastly the whole population, were carried away as in the teeth of a beast of prey. (Comp. <a href="/amos/3-6.htm" title="Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD has not done it?">Amos 3:6</a>.) Assyria is here referred to as represented by Tiglath-pileser. We might also quote from the inscription of Sargon in fulfilment of this prediction: "Samaria I besieged; I captured 27,290 people dwelling in the midst of it; I carried captive" (George Smith, Assyrian Eponym Canon, p. 125). A similar fate overtook Jerusalem in 587 B.C., at the hands of Babylonia, in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar (<a href="/context/2_chronicles/36-4.htm" title="And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.">2Chronicles 36:4-10</a>; <a href="/context/2_kings/24-10.htm" title="At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.">2Kings 24:10-16</a>; <a href="/context/2_kings/25-1.htm" title="And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.">2Kings 25:1-11</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 14, 15. - These verses assign a reason for the powerlessness even of the mighty Assyrian monarch to help; and that reason is the Divine interposition. The irresistible Jehovah himself (the addition of the pronoun intensifies, yet more its repetition) now interferes for the destruction of the apostate and rebellious people. For I am unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah. As we are taught in these words, Jehovah's mode of procedure is now changed. Before it had been slow and silent, though sure destruction, as signified by the moth and woodworm; but now it will be public and patent to the eyes of all, as wall as decisive and powerful, as intimated by the comparison of a lion and young lion. Nor is that all: lion-like, lie will rend before removing the prey - a tearing in pieces and then a carrying away. This well-known habit of the lion finds its counterpart in the subsequent facts of Hebrew history. The northern kingdom was first rent or broken up by Shalmaneser; subsequently the population were carried away into captivity; in like manner the southern kingdom suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. I will go and return to my place. The figurative comparison with a lion is continued in the first clause of ver. 15 also. The lion tears his victim and carries it away, then he retires into his cave or den; so Jehovah, after bringing calamity upon Israel, withdraws from the scene and retires to his own place in heaven, though the heaven of heavens cannot contain him. There, in that unapproachable ether, he is inaccessible to and beyond the reach of the guilty nation that knew not nor valued the former times of merciful visitation. One remedy, and only one, is left and that is found in penitence and prayer. Once they find out their guiltiness and humble themselves in repentance, they may hopefully seek his face and favor. Turning away from human help, and supplicating the gracious help of the Divine presence, they are encouraged by the prospect of relict' and revival; while the means to that end are, no doubt, painful, yet profitable. In the school of affliction they learnt penitence and were brought to their knees in prayer. <a href="/commentaries/hosea/5-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אָנֹכִ֤י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I am like a lion כַשַּׁ֙חַל֙ (ḵaš·ša·ḥal) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7826.htm">Strong's 7826: </a> A lion to Ephraim לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם (lə·’ep̄·ra·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory and like a young lion וְכַכְּפִ֖יר (wə·ḵak·kə·p̄îr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3715.htm">Strong's 3715: </a> A village, a young lion to the house לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Judah. יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites I, אֲנִ֨י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I [even] I, אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will tear them to pieces אֶטְרֹף֙ (’eṭ·rōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2963.htm">Strong's 2963: </a> To pluck off, pull to pieces, to supply with food and go away. וְאֵלֵ֔ךְ (wə·’ê·lêḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk I will carry them off אֶשָּׂ֖א (’eś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take [where] no one וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle can rescue them. מַצִּֽיל׃ (maṣ·ṣîl) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hosea/5-14.htm">Hosea 5:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hosea/5-14.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 5:14 For I will be to Ephraim like (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/5-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 5:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 5:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/5-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 5:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 5:15" /></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>