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בׇּשְׁנָה (bosh.nah)

bosh.nah

shame

H1317 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun bosh-nah in Hosea 10:6 translates simply as "shame," yet it carries the heavy weight of public humiliation and disgrace. It does not describe a private feeling of guilt, but rather the social reality of being stripped of honor or reputation before others.

This single occurrence appears in a prophecy against the northern kingdom of Israel, where the people’s trust in their idols will lead to their downfall. The "shameful thing" here is the collapse of their political and religious security, leaving them exposed to ridicule.

The word highlights how idolatry ultimately fails to protect dignity. Instead of bringing glory to God or safety to the nation, it results in a loss of face that cannot be recovered. The text uses this term to mark the end of false confidence.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word bosh-nah points to a deep social disgrace rather than private guilt. In Hosea 10:6, it describes the moment Israel’s trust in idols collapses, leaving them exposed to ridicule. This is not about feeling bad inside; it is about losing honor before others.

When we place our security in things that cannot save us, we risk this same public humiliation. The text shows how false confidence ends in shame. Yet this warning invites us to seek true dignity in God alone, who restores what idols destroy.

Your faith does not depend on human approval or political safety. By anchoring your hope in the Lord, you avoid the emptiness that leads to disgrace. May you find peace in trusting Him fully.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • shame1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בָּשְׁנָה֙1×

Key Verses

  • Hosea 10:6
    It also will be carried to Assyria for a present to a great king. Ephraim will receive shame, and Israel will be ashamed of his own counsel.

    This verse uses bosh-nah to describe the public humiliation Israel will suffer when their idols fail to protect them from Assyria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does bosh-nah mean in Hosea 10:6?

It means public shame or disgrace. The verse uses it to show how Israel’s trust in idols leads to a loss of honor before other nations.

Is this shame about personal guilt?

No, it is about social reputation. The word describes being stripped of dignity and exposed to ridicule by others, not just an internal feeling of remorse.

Why does idolatry lead to shame here?

Because idols cannot provide real protection or security. When Israel relies on them, they face political collapse and public mockery, revealing the emptiness of their trust.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)