Hosea 5:4 net — Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God; for a spirit of idolatry is in them, and they do not ackno…

NET Bible

"Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God; for a spirit of idolatry is in them, and they do not acknowledge the LORD."

— Hosea 5:4, NET Bible

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Hosea 5:4 in Other Translations

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Hosea 5 — Context

1

Announcement of Sin and Judgment Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen closely, O king! For judgment is about to overtake you! For you were like a trap to Mizpah, like a net spread out to catch Tabor.

2

Those who revolt are knee-deep in slaughter, but I will discipline them all.

3

I know Ephraim all too well; the evil of Israel is not hidden from me. For you have engaged in prostitution, O Ephraim; Israel has defiled itself.

4

Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God; for a spirit of idolatry is in them, and they do not acknowledge the LORD.

5

The arrogance of Israel testifies against it; Israel and Ephraim will be overthrown because of their iniquity. Even Judah will be brought down with them.

6

The Futility of Sacrificial Ritual without Moral Obedience Although they bring their flocks and herds to seek the favor of the LORD, They will not find him– he has withdrawn himself from them!

7

They have committed treason against the LORD, because they bore illegitimate children. Soon the new moon festival will devour them and their fields.

Hosea 5:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hosea 5:4 say?
Hosea 5:4 in the NET Bible reads: “Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God; for a spirit of idolatry is in them, and they do not acknowledge the LORD.”
Where is Hosea 5:4 in the Bible?
Hosea 5:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Hosea, chapter 5, verse 4.
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 5:4.
What translation should I read Hosea 5:4 in?
Hosea 5:4 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 5:4?
Hosea 5:4 reads (NET): “Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God; for a spirit of idolatry is in them, and they do not acknowledge the LORD.” 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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