oseas

Oseas is the Portuguese title for the biblical book known in English as Hosea, the first book of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. The book is traditionally attributed to the prophet Hosea, son of Beeri, who prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BCE. Its central message portrays Israel’s covenant relationship with God through the metaphor of an unfaithful marriage, highlighting issues of idolatry and social injustice while also underscoring divine mercy and eventual restoration.

The text consists of fourteen chapters that move through cycles of judgement and mercy. A notable literary frame is Hosea’s personal life, including his marriage to Gomer and the naming of their children—Jehu, Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—used symbolically to reflect Israel’s fortunes and Yahweh’s response to faithfulness and infidelity. Later chapters emphasize repentance, social justice, and the hope of renewal, uphold the fidelity of worship to the covenant, and articulate a vision of restoration for Israel.

Linguistic and linguistic notes: the prophet’s name means “salvation” in Hebrew, and the book’s title in Portuguese is Oséias (often rendered Oseas in some texts). The original language is Hebrew; translations and editions in Latin, Greek, and vernacular languages have shaped its reception in Jewish and Christian traditions.

Oseas has been influential in biblical theology, contributing enduring themes about covenant faithfulness, divine discipline, and compassionate restoration, and it remains a central text within prophetic literature.