The phrase "calves of the lips" is a metaphorical expression found in the Bible, signifying the offering of praise and thanksgiving to God. This concept is rooted in the understanding that verbal expressions of worship can be likened to the sacrificial offerings of animals, which were central to the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "calves of the lips" is derived from Hosea 14:2, where the prophet Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance and encourages them to return to the Lord with words of confession and praise. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "Take words of repentance with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him: 'Forgive all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'" The original Hebrew text uses the term "calves" (parim) in a metaphorical sense, indicating that the words of praise and repentance are akin to sacrificial offerings.

Theological Significance

In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were a primary means of worship and atonement. These sacrifices symbolized the worshiper's devotion, gratitude, and need for reconciliation with God. However, the prophets often emphasized that God desired sincere devotion and obedience over mere ritualistic offerings. Hosea's use of "calves of the lips" underscores the importance of heartfelt worship expressed through words, aligning with the prophetic call for genuine repentance and a contrite heart.

The New Testament further develops this theme, highlighting the transition from physical sacrifices to spiritual offerings. Hebrews 13:15 states, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This verse echoes the sentiment found in Hosea, emphasizing that praise and confession are the new form of sacrifice in the life of a believer.

Practical Application

For Christians, the concept of offering the "calves of the lips" serves as a reminder of the power and significance of spoken worship. It encourages believers to engage in regular expressions of praise, thanksgiving, and confession as integral components of their spiritual lives. This form of sacrifice is accessible to all, regardless of material wealth or status, and reflects a heart aligned with God's will.

In corporate worship settings, singing hymns, reciting prayers, and sharing testimonies are ways in which the community of faith can collectively offer the "calves of the lips." Individually, believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and praise, recognizing that their words can be a pleasing offering to God.

Conclusion

The metaphor of "calves of the lips" beautifully illustrates the transition from the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament emphasis on spiritual worship. It highlights the value God places on sincere, verbal expressions of faith and devotion. As believers offer their praise and thanksgiving, they participate in a timeless tradition of worship that honors God and strengthens their relationship with Him.Hosea 14:2
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say to him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Nave's Topical Index

Spiritual Sacrifices
... And if you and I, moved by the mercies of God, yield ourselves living sacrifices,
using our lips for His praise and our possessions for man's help, then we may ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/spiritual sacrifices.htm

But Though Prayer is Properly Confined to Vows and Supplications.. ...
... all iniquity, and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips"
(Hos.14:2 ... love thee, O Lord, my strength" (Ps.18:1). No praise will ever ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 28 but though prayer.htm

Israel Returning
... a new song in our mouths, and instead of animal sacrifices, we shall ... the Septuagint
rendering of that difficult phrase 'the calves of our lips,' which is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/israel returning.htm

The Joyous Return
... follows these two of petition: "So will we render the calves of our lips." What
are the "calves of our lips"? They are sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the joyous return.htm

Of the Use of Speech.
... given me a tongue, and I will praise him therewith. This is the sacrifice which
God calls for so often by the Prophets, the Calves of our Lips, which answers ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section i of the use.htm

Various Experiences in Gospel Work
... when we first met each other, our salutations were, "Praise the Lord ... referring to
the scripture, "We should offer the calves of our lips, even praises to our ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xiv various experiences in.htm

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... Ps.141:2). And Hosea gives the name of "calves of the lips" (Hos.14:3) to thanksgivings,
which David elsewhere calls "sacrifices of praise;" the apostle ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... has said: "O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise,"
and he ... then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... latter acquiescence in it, and on the former when sacrifices were presented for ... and
receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips."[166]. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

In his Temple
... The worshipers offered their sacrifices without understanding that they ... The dumb
opened their lips in praise; the ... twain from top to bottom, signifying that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

How was Jesus' sacrifice better than the Levitical sacrifices? | GotQuestions.org

If the Jewish people do not offer animal sacrifices, how do they believe they can receive forgiveness from God? | GotQuestions.org

How do we bring blemished offerings to God (Malachi 1:8)? | GotQuestions.org

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