For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6 KJV
About the Book of Hosea
Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel in its last decades before Assyria conquered it. God tells him to marry Gomer, a woman who proves unfaithful, and to name their children with symbolic names, making his household a picture of Israel's disloyalty. The book alternates between charges of idolatry, empty ritual and political scheming, and tender pleas for return. God is shown as a husband and a parent who cannot give up. The book ends with a call to repent and a promise of healing.
- Testament: Old Testament
- Genre: Prophecy
- Chapters: 14
- Verses: 197
Who Wrote Hosea, and When?
Author: Hosea son of Beeri.
When it was written: Ministry in the northern kingdom, roughly 755-715 BC.
Main Themes in Hosea
- Unfaithfulness and covenant love
- Mercy over ritual
- Return and healing
A Key Verse: Hosea 6:6
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
God says he wants steadfast love, not sacrifice, a theme Jesus later cited when criticized for eating with sinners.
Reading Tip
Hosea's marriage is meant as a living parable, and the book's emotion comes from a hurt but faithful love. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in Hosea, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in Hosea?
Hosea has 14 chapters and 197 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote Hosea?
Author: Hosea son of Beeri. When it was written: Ministry in the northern kingdom, roughly 755-715 BC.
What is Hosea about?
Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel in its last decades before Assyria conquered it. God tells him to marry Gomer, a woman who proves unfaithful, and to name their children with symbolic names, making his household a picture of Israel's disloyalty. The book alternates between charges of idolatry, empty ritual and political scheming, and tender pleas for return. God is shown as a husband and a parent who cannot give up. The book ends with a call to repent and a promise of healing.
Can I get a random verse from only Hosea?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from Hosea only. Every one of its 197 verses has an equal chance.