What does Hosea 11:4 mean?

Hosea 11:4 highlights themes such as love, deliverance, compassion when read in context.

How should I apply Hosea 11:4 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

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.

2As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

4I 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.

5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

6And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

lovedeliverancecompassion

Isaiah 40:11
Both verses depict God as a shepherd caring for His people.
Romans 5:8
Both highlight God's love in reaching out to His people despite their failings.
1 John 4:19
Both emphasize the theme of love as a response to God's actions.