Book of Hosea - Chapter 9 - Verse 16

The verse 'Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb.' from the book of Hosea in the Bible is a prophetic warning to the nation of Israel. In this verse, Ephraim represents the northern kingdom of Israel, which had strayed far from God's ways and had turned to idolatry. The metaphor of a withered root symbolizes how their spiritual foundation has been destroyed, leading to a lack of spiritual fruitfulness. Despite any attempts to bear fruit, they will not be successful, as even the offspring they do produce will be destroyed. This verse serves as a dire warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. It emphasizes the severity of the judgment that will come upon those who persist in disobedience and reject the ways of the Lord.

The verse from Hosea 9:16 depicts the downfall of Ephraim due to their sin and disobedience. The theological interpretation reveals a message of judgment and consequences for turning away from God. The imagery of Ephraim being smitten and their root dried up symbolizes their spiritual decay and lack of spiritual growth. The mention of bearing no fruit signifies their inability to produce righteous actions or works pleasing to God. Even if they were to bear fruit, God promises to destroy it, showing the severity of His judgment. The beloved fruit of their womb represents their children, highlighting the generational impact of their sin. This verse serves as a warning to all believers about the serious consequences of straying from God's path and the importance of repentance and obedience to avoid His judgment.