NET Bible
"Israel has rebelled like a stubborn heifer! Soon the LORD will put them out to pasture like a lamb in a broad field!"
— Hosea 4:16, NET Bible
“For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place.”
“For Israel hath behaved himself stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer: now will Jehovah feed them as a lamb in a large place. ”
“For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer. Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow.”
“For Israel hath gone astray like a wanton heifer now will the Lord feed them, as a lamb in a spacious place.”
“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.”
“For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place.”
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!
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!”
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!”
Israel has rebelled like a stubborn heifer! Soon the LORD will put them out to pasture like a lamb in a broad field!
Ephraim has attached himself to idols; Do not go near him!
The Shameful Sinners Will Be Brought to Shame They consume their alcohol, then engage in cult prostitution; they dearly love their shameful behavior.
A whirlwind has wrapped them in its wings; they will be brought to shame because of their idolatrous worship.