Add parallel Print Page Options

13 They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains.
    They burn offerings on the hills,
under oaks, poplars and other trees.
    They think the shade under those trees is nice.
So your daughters become prostitutes.
    And your daughters-in-law are guilty of adultery.

14 “But I will not punish your daughters
    when they become prostitutes.
I will not punish your daughters-in-law
    for their sins of adultery.
I will not punish them
    because you yourselves have sinned sexually with prostitutes.
You offer sacrifices with the temple prostitutes.
    You foolish people are destroying yourselves.

15 “Israel, you act like a prostitute.
    But don’t let Judah be guilty.
Don’t go to sacrifice at Gilgal.
    Don’t go up to give offerings at Beth Aven.[a]
Don’t use the Lord’s name to make promises.
    Don’t say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives . . .’

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 4:15 Gilgal . . . Beth Aven Cities in Israel where people worshiped false gods.

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.

“Do not go to Gilgal;(I)
    do not go up to Beth Aven.[a](J)
    And do not swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives!’(K)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Hosea 4:15 Beth Aven means house of wickedness (a derogatory name for Bethel, which means house of God).