Hosea 4:16 bbe — For Israel is uncontrolled, like a cow which may not be controlled; now will the Lord give them food like a lamb in a w…

Bible in Basic English

"For Israel is uncontrolled, like a cow which may not be controlled; now will the Lord give them food like a lamb in a wide place."

— Hosea 4:16, Bible in Basic English

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Hosea 4:16 in Other Translations

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Hosea 4 — Context

13

They make offerings on the tops of mountains, burning perfumes in high places, under trees of every sort, because their shade is good: and so your daughters are given up to loose ways and your brides are false to their husbands.

14

I will not give punishment to your daughters or your brides for their evil behaviour; for they make themselves separate with loose women, and make offerings with those who are used for sex purposes in the worship of the gods: the people who have no wisdom will be sent away.

15

Do not you, O Israel, come into error; do not you, O Judah, come to Gilgal, or go up to Beth-aven, or take an oath, By the living Lord.

16

For Israel is uncontrolled, like a cow which may not be controlled; now will the Lord give them food like a lamb in a wide place.

17

Ephraim is joined to false gods; let him be.

18

Their drink has become bitter; they are completely false; her rulers take pleasure in shame.

19

They are folded in the skirts of the wind; they will be shamed because of their offerings.

Hosea 4:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hosea 4:16 say?
Hosea 4:16 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “For Israel is uncontrolled, like a cow which may not be controlled; now will the Lord give them food like a lamb in a wide place.”
Where is Hosea 4:16 in the Bible?
Hosea 4:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Hosea, chapter 4, verse 16.
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 4:16.
What translation should I read Hosea 4:16 in?
Hosea 4:16 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 4:16?
Hosea 4:16 reads (BBE): “For Israel is uncontrolled, like a cow which may not be controlled; now will the Lord give them food like a lamb in a wide place.” 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.
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