Hosea 4:12 net — They consult their wooden idols, and their diviner’s staff answers with an oracle. The wind of prostitution blows them…

NET Bible

"They consult their wooden idols, and their diviner’s staff answers with an oracle. The wind of prostitution blows them astray; they commit spiritual adultery against their God."

— Hosea 4:12, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Hosea 4:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Hosea 4 — Context

9

I will deal with the people and priests together: I will punish them both for their ways, and I will repay them for their deeds.

10

They will eat, but not be satisfied; they will engage in prostitution, but not increase in numbers; because they have abandoned the LORD by pursuing other gods.

11

Judgment of Pagan Idolatry and Cultic Prostitution Old and new wine take away the understanding of my people.

12

They consult their wooden idols, and their diviner’s staff answers with an oracle. The wind of prostitution blows them astray; they commit spiritual adultery against their God.

13

They sacrifice on the mountaintops, and burn offerings on the hills; they sacrifice under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is so pleasant. As a result, your daughters have become cult prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law commit adultery!

14

I will not punish your daughters when they commit prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men consort with harlots, they sacrifice with temple prostitutes. It is true:“A people that lacks understanding will come to ruin!”

15

Warning to Judah: Do Not Join in Israel’s Apostasy! Although you, O Israel, commit adultery, do not let Judah become guilty! Do not journey to Gilgal! Do not go up to Beth Aven! Do not swear,“As surely as the LORD lives!”

Hosea 4:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hosea 4:12 say?
Hosea 4:12 in the NET Bible reads: “They consult their wooden idols, and their diviner’s staff answers with an oracle. The wind of prostitution blows them astray; they commit spiritual adultery against their God.”
Where is Hosea 4:12 in the Bible?
Hosea 4:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Hosea, chapter 4, verse 12.
Who wrote Hosea?
Hosea is traditionally attributed to Hosea son of Beeri. It was written c. 755–710 BC.
What is the book of Hosea about?
Hosea is commanded to marry an unfaithful woman as a living picture of God's steadfast love for an unfaithful Israel. Through heartbreak and pursuit, he proclaims that the LORD will not give up on his people even when they have given up on him.
What are the major themes of Hosea?
Hosea explores themes including Steadfast Love, Idolatry as Adultery, Pursuit, Repentance, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Hosea 4:12.
What translation should I read Hosea 4:12 in?
Hosea 4:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Hosea 4:12?
Hosea 4:12 reads (NET): “They consult their wooden idols, and their diviner’s staff answers with an oracle. The wind of prostitution blows them astray; they commit spiritual adultery against their God.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2