King James Version

What Does Hosea 4:14 Mean?

Hosea 4:14 in the King James Version says “I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves a...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall. I will not: or, Shall I not fall: or, be punished”

Hosea 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

13

They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.

14

I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall. I will not: or, Shall I not fall: or, be punished

15

Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

16

For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's shocking statement 'I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery' isn't approval but devastating irony: judgment on the men makes their women's punishment irrelevant. The indictment continues: 'for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots' (ki-hem im-ha-zonot yepharedu we-im-ha-qedeshov yezabbehu). The religious leaders engage in ritual prostitution with qedeshov (cult prostitutes, literally 'holy ones'—perverse sanctification of sexual sin in worship). When spiritual leaders model immorality, societal moral collapse follows. 'Therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall' (we-am lo-yavin yilabbet): without discernment grounded in God's Word, people stumble into destruction. This underscores leaders' accountability—their sin corrupts the entire community (James 3:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Canaanite Baal worship incorporated sacred prostitution, believing sexual activity with cult prostitutes (male and female) magically stimulated Baal's fertility blessings on crops and livestock. Israel's syncretism integrated these practices into YHWH worship, grossly violating the first and seventh commandments simultaneously. Deuteronomy 23:17-18 explicitly forbade cult prostitution. That priests and leaders led in this abomination (v. 9) magnified the sin. Archaeological evidence from Canaanite sites confirms these practices. Hosea's contemporary ministry showed God's patience ending: the moral corruption was too deep, judgment inevitable. Paul later warned that sexual immorality is uniquely destructive (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when religious leaders embrace or tolerate blatant sin, even in 'worship'?
  2. What responsibility do I bear for discernment and holiness when surrounded by moral confusion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
לֹֽא1 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶפְק֨וֹד2 of 22

“I will not punish”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עַל3 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנוֹתֵיכֶ֜ם4 of 22

“your daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֣י5 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הַזֹּנ֣וֹת6 of 22

“when they commit whoredom”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וְעַל7 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כַּלּֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙8 of 22

“nor your spouses”

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

כִּ֣י9 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תְנָאַ֔פְנָה10 of 22

“when they commit adultery”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

כִּי11 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֵם֙12 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עִם13 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַזֹּנ֣וֹת14 of 22

“when they commit whoredom”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

יְפָרֵ֔דוּ15 of 22

“for themselves are separated”

H6504

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

וְעִם16 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַקְּדֵשׁ֖וֹת17 of 22

“with harlots”

H6948

a female devotee (i.e., prostitute)

יְזַבֵּ֑חוּ18 of 22

“and they sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

וְעָ֥ם19 of 22

“therefore the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֹֽא20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָבִ֖ין21 of 22

“that doth not understand”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

יִלָּבֵֽט׃22 of 22

“shall fall”

H3832

to overthrow; intransposed, to fall

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hosea. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hosea 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hosea 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 4:11 Corinthians 6:16Ephesians 4:18Hosea 14:92 Kings 23:7Proverbs 28:5

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