King James Version
Hosea 4:16 in the King James Version says “For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.”
Hosea 4:16 · KJV
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
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.
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.
Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye. sour: Heb. gone rulers: Heb. shields
KJV Study — Public Domain
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“For Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
“will feed”
H7462to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
“now the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“in a large place”
H4800enlargement, either literally (an open space, usually in a good sense), or figuratively (liberty)
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.
Hosea 4:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Hosea 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge