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Hosea 4:13-15
Easy-to-Read Version
Hosea 4:13-15
Easy-to-Read Version
13 They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains and burn incense on the hills under oak trees, poplar trees, and elm trees.[a] The shade under those trees looks nice. So your daughters lie under those trees like prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law commit sexual sins.
14 “I cannot blame your daughters or your daughters-in-law for doing this, because your men go and have sex with the temple prostitutes[b] and offer sacrifices with them. This is how foolish people destroy themselves.
The Shameful Sins of Israel
15 “Israel, just because you act like a prostitute doesn’t mean that Judah should feel guilty too. People, don’t go to Gilgal or Beth Aven.[c] Don’t use the Lord’s name to make promises. Don’t say, ‘As the Lord lives …!’
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Hosea 4:13 under … trees Trees and groves were an important part of worshiping false gods.
- Hosea 4:14 temple prostitutes Women who were prostitutes at the temples of the false gods. Their sexual sins were part of worshiping those false gods.
- Hosea 4:15 Beth Aven A name meaning “House of Evil.” It is a wordplay on the name “Bethel,” a name meaning “House of God.” There was a temple in this town. Also in 5:8.
Hosea 4:13-15
New International Version
Hosea 4:13-15
New International Version
13 They sacrifice on the mountaintops
and burn offerings on the hills,
under oak,(A) poplar and terebinth,
where the shade is pleasant.(B)
Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution(C)
and your daughters-in-law to adultery.(D)
14 “I will not punish your daughters
when they turn to prostitution,
nor your daughters-in-law
when they commit adultery,
because the men themselves consort with harlots(E)
and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes(F)—
a people without understanding(G) will come to ruin!(H)
15 “Though you, Israel, commit adultery,
do not let Judah become guilty.
Footnotes
- Hosea 4:15 Beth Aven means house of wickedness (a derogatory name for Bethel, which means house of God).
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International
New International Version (NIV) 
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